Abstract: Scientific research is a social endeavor governed and confined or fostered by the general economic and political conditions at the time. Technical advancements are intricately intertwined with the contexts of the environment at large. This article revisits some relevant historical events relating to tea research activities that took place during the period between 1935 and 1938 in Fujian under the Republic of China administration. It was a time in the eve of the Japanese invasion and World War II. The industry, severely constrained by limited resources, started its humble and primitive beginning in scientific exploration and experimentation. Nevertheless, there were accomplishments made under the extreme hardships as well as progress reaped with inevitable regrets that ushered in the eventual development of the business. To recount the historical backdrop is to inspire the coming generations to take the baton and strive for excellence through R&D in the keenly competitive world of commerce.