The San Antonio Conservation Society awarded "Chinese Heart of Texas" a citation of publishing merit because the book maintains the theme and spirit of the Society's mission to instill and preserve the legacy and history of the state of Texas and the Alamo City in particular. Below is the certificate awarded for the book with its citation surrounded by many of the historic structures and sites that the San Antonio Conservation Society has helped to save in the past which might otherwise have been lost. The text reads; "Whereas, the purpose of the Society is to preserve and to encourage the preservations of historic buildings, objects and places relating to the history of Texas, its natural beauty and all that is admirably distinctive of our state, and to educate the public with knowledge of our inherited regional values and whereas, outstanding contribution toward the accomplishment of this aim has been made by Mel Brown for Chinese Heart of Texas:  The San Antonio Community, 1875-1975"