Credit for the decision is attributed largely to architect Chiang Yueh-ching, who posted a photo of the building’s “for lease” banner on her Facebook page and urged the public to help restore the central Taiwan cultural hub of the past.
Through efforts of such local figures as writer Liu Ke-hsiang and associate professor Su Jui-pi of Tunghai University’s Department of Architecture, the foundation leased the building Jan. 1 and announced an NT$20 million (US$634,521) renovation plan.
Established in 1927 by members of Taiwanese Cultural Association, the shop was originally a branch under the Central Club promoting democracy and self-rule during the Japanese colonial era (1895-1945). It functioned as a force for preserving Chinese culture through staging a variety of related activities.
With its first and second floors featuring imports from Japan and Western countries, as well as the largest selection of Chinese books in Taiwan, the store doubled as a venue for the public to learn more about writers like Lu Xun and Ba Jin after the May Fourth Movement of 1919. The third floor served as a salon for literary and political elites, including Lin Hsien-tang and Lai Ho.
On the political front, the shop placed advertisements in publications like pro-democracy Taiwan People News and literary magazine Nan Yin, and held speeches and organized film-screenings islandwide on the issue of Taiwan’s self-rule.
Quickly coming to the attention of the Japanese colonial administration, the store was placed under heavy surveillance and did not return to normal operation until the ROC government resumed control of Taiwan in 1945. In the same year, it moved to the current location, which was rebuilt after serving as the dormitory and inventory space for the original store situated on a corner across the street.
In the 1950s, Central Bookstore published Cultural Exchanges and New Knowledge monthlies, as well as works by Yang Kuei and Yeh Shih-tao, helping turn the city into a cultural hub. Writer Li Ao and poet Lu Han-hsiu also spent their formative years at the shop.
Financial difficulties forced the closure of the store and sale of the building in 1988. It was then run as a wedding gown shop, convenience store and safety helmet shop for 17 years. (VS-JSM)
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