San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the most significant outside of Asia, centered around Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. Additionally, it is the oldest and largest of San Francisco’s four notable Chinese neighborhoods.
It has played a significant role in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America since its establishment in 1848. Chinatown maintains its unique culture, language, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. The city has two hospitals, several parks and squares, numerous churches, a post office, and other infrastructure. Chinatown is often a choice for recent immigrants, especially the elderly, who can find affordable housing and are familiar with the culture. A significant tourist attraction in San Francisco, Chinatown attracts more visitors each year than the Golden Gate Bridge.
Dave Glass took these fascinating photos of the streets of Chinatown between 1969 and 1980.
