Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence(Little White House)

Tamsui Customs Officer's Residence (Little White House)  After Tamsui harbour was opened to foreign traders, tariff duties were enforced on June 22, 1862. The General Service Magistrate of Fuchou, De Meriten, suggested appointing a foreigner as tax magistrate in Taiwan. De Meriten’s suggestion was later approved by Shanghai trade minister Lee Hung-chang. The first tax magistrate was Englishman Sir John W. Howell, who was later replaced by W.S. Schenck, an American. It may be puzzling why tax affairs were entrusted to the hands of foreigners. Yet for the Ching government at the time, with their lack of experience in “foreign affairs” and corrupted bureaucracy, this was an effective way.     　　 This building still belonged to tax officers during Japanese rule. Yet, due to the reduction of the tariff business, the building gradually went into disuse. At that time, the building was called a “haunted house” by the students from nearby Tamkang High-school. After WWII, the two same style western buildings on its east side were demolished for the construction of an employees’ dormitory. This led to the so-called “saving the Little White House” movement. The town government later listed the building for historic building evaluation in order to preserve this cultural heritage. Currently, this building is graded as a class 3 historic site, and the Taipei County government is responsible for its renovation and use. 　 How to Get There: On Foot: MRT Danshuei Station --> Jung Jeng Rd. (Old Street) --> San Min St. --> Jen Li St. (About 40 minutes) MRT Danshuei Station --> Jung Shan Rd. --> Wun Hua Rd. -->San Min St. --> Jen Li St. (About 40 minutes) By Bus: MRT Danshuei Station --> Line 26 (About 15 minutes) By Driving:  MRT Danshuei Station -->Jung Shan Rd --> Wun Hua Rd. --> Jen Li St. (About 20 minutes)