In the late 1970s, two local families-Helen & Esther Cone of Lodi and Joseph C. Tope of Stockton-donated their Chinese textile collections to the San Joaquin Historical Society. Items from this collection dating back to late 1800s, will be on a rare display when author Toni di Franco talks to the Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton at the museum on May 6.

Among the collection are theatrical costumes, silk panels from clothing worn by members of the Chinese royal household, a Manchu woman's robe, "dragon robes", and "lotus bud" shoes for a woman with bound feet. This program is a rare opportunity to see them and learn about the symbolism and intricacies of the decorative textile designs Prior to the talk at 1 p.m., CCSS is hosting a picnic lunch beginning at 11 a.m. on the Museum grounds for CCSS members..

The usual museum admission is waived for CCSS members, and no cost is charged for the lunch. Non-members must pay for museum entrance ($5.00, discounted for seniors, teens and children) but will be CCSS' lunch guests. Reservations are a must, as seating in the lecture hall is limited. Entrance to Micke Grove itself is $5.00 per car but is free for historical society members. Come celebrate Asian American Heritage Month with this exceptional program on Chinese traditions. And while you're at Micke Grove, visit the Micke Grove Zoo which is having a festival celebrating Migratory Birds. While there, see the Zoo's rare Chinese albino alligator, a member of an endangered species that, according to some wildlife experts, could be extinct in its natural habitat within the next two decades.

The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make reservations, contact Francis Lau, 209-478-8754 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Tuesday, May 5.