Description
A collection of photographs primarily
of Los Angeles' Old Chinatown and portraits of its Chinese residents, dating from
approximately 1881 to 1910.
Background
Old Chinatown refers to the original Chinatown of Los Angeles, which thrived mainly from
1890 to 1910, before it was largely cleared in the 1930s for the building of Union Station
and other civic development. In 1938, New Chinatown opened several blocks away in downtown
Los Angeles.American author Lisa See was born in Paris in 1955 but grew up in Los Angeles. She lived
with her mother, author Carolyn See, but spent much of her time with her father's family in
Chinatown. Her first book, "On Gold Mountain: The One-Hundred-Year Odyssey of a
Chinese-American Family" (1995) tells the story of her great-grandfather, Fong See, who
eventually became the godfather of Los Angeles' Chinatown.
Extent
4.97 Linear Feet
(9 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information. RESTRICTED: Photograph album (Box 9): Fragile;
available with curatorial approval.