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Photographic Postcards of Los Angeles New Chinatown and China
City
photCL 700
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Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Photographic postcards of Los Angeles New Chinatown and China City
Identifier/Call Number: photCL 700
Physical Description:
0.6 Linear Feet
(1 box)
Date (inclusive): 1938-1940
Abstract: Photographic postcards of Los Angeles
New Chinatown and China City, 1938 to 1940, shortly after they were built.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
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.
[Identification of item]. Photographic postcards of Los Angeles New Chinatown and China
City, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Daniel / Oliver Gallery, May 2023.
After the partial demolition of Los Angeles Old Chinatown in 1935, Peter SooHoo, Sr. led
the New Chinatown development project and Christine Sterling began work on China City, a
themed tourist attraction. Both commercial developments opened to the public in 1938.
A group of 16 photographic postcards of the commercial areas of Los Angeles New Chinatown
and China City, taken between approximately 1938 and 1940, shortly after they were built.
The postcards were made for commercial sale and most have white lettered titles across the
bottom of the photographs. The images focus on Chinese-style architecture featuring a large
pagoda, gateway structures, a statue, restaurants, and shops with neon lighting. Several are
credited to photographer Harry Quillen.
Processed by Suzanne Oatey in May 2023.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Chinatown (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Chinese Americans -- California -- Los Angeles
Los Angeles (Calif.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Photographic postcards
Photographs