The Fritz Family collection consists of photographs, papers, and artifacts left behind by three generations of the Fritz Family in Los Angeles. It is arranged at a series level. This collection is importatnt to CHSSC because it gives a glimpse into the life of Angelenos who lived in the area of Chinatwon before it was known as such, revaling hidden connections between French American and Chinese American communities in Los Angeles. French immigration was at a high during the 1850s to 1860s, making the French the fastest-growing immigrant population in L.A. at the time. Many of these immigrant French Angelenos settled east and southeast of the Pueblo Plaza. Around the same period, the Chinese immigrant communtiy also grew in response to poor conditions in China, and America's demand for cheap labor. The construction of Union Station in the 1930s destoryed the city's original Chinatown and many French boarding houses and hotels around Alameda and Aliso streets. Many Chinese-Americans moved into the old French quarter, and the area soon transformed into today's Chinatown.

The Fritz Family is a French family who lived in the French Quarter of Los Angeles prior to it becoming New Chinatown. Philip Fritz was born in 1844 in Alsace, France, and immigrated to America in 1873. A few years later, he brought over his wife Louise Schnaffer and their sons. He was a carpenter and worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad, eventually reaching the position of Foreman in the S.P.'s Bridges and Buildings. Philip and Louise had three sons- Philip William, born in 1868, George C., born in 1870, and Fred Henry, born in 1872.

11.375 Linear Feet 4 Bankers boxes, 4 Flat boxes, 1 File box, 15 loose objects

This collection is open to researchers and to the public for access. Please contact the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California for more information.