Friday, July 27, 2007

Vallejo’s Chinese Community - Part Two: Into the 20th Century

By the turn of the 20th century Vallejo’s Chinese community was becoming more tightly interwoven into the overall fabric of the community. Economic prosperity, assimilation into the broader society, and a decline in anti-foreign sentiment brought new stability to the Chinese community. After 1900 the U.S. Navy began to open up jobs at the Mare Island Shipyard to Chinese workers. Although not yet permitted to engage in skilled trades, Chinese workers nevertheless played an important role in providing food and laundry services for the Mare Island Hospital and, later, at the Vallejo General Hospital.

More On This Story...

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Vallejo’s Chinese Community - Part One

From its earliest days as California’s state capital through its long association with the U.S. Navy at Mare Island, Vallejo has attracted a diverse population of immigrants from around the globe. The city’s varied economy centered on shipbuilding, flourmills, fishing, transportation, the lumber trade, and commercial activity in support of the U.S. Navy, created a variety of economic opportunities for those who settled here.

More On This Story...