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ETHN 1200N: Introduction to Asian American History

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Resource Guide: ETHN 1200N: Introduction to Asian American History

Professor Shelley Lee (Spring 2024)    

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Resource Spotlight: Exploring Providence's Historic Chinatown

Children in the Beneficent Congregational Church Choir. Courtesy of Robert Yang | The Brown Daily Herald

"The Beneficent Congregational Church — one of the oldest churches in Providence — was open to a variety of marginalized groups in the city, most notably early Chinese migrants."

Source: "Exploring Providence's Historic Chinatown," The Brown Daily Herald

On Leong Chinese Merchants' Association, 1947

The On Leong Merchants’ Association held its 32nd National Convention Banquet at the Biltmore Hotel in Providence. Delegates attended from all the large cities of the country, including Washington, Baltimore, New York, Boston, Chicago and cities on the Pacific Coast in April 1947.

(Source: "Exploring Providence's Historic Chinatown," The Brown Daily Herald)

Moy's high class laundry. Courtesy of Robert Yang | The Brown Daily Herald

"Moy’s family owned “probably one of the largest laundries” in Providence: Moy’s High Class Laundry. The business cleaned customers’ shirts for 18 cents at 34 Broad St. The laundry had resources to wash suits and ties as well as priest collars and habits from church members, who were frequent customers." 

(Source: Exploring Providence's Historic Chinatown, The Brown Daily Herald)

Luke’s Chinese-American Restaurant

"Luke’s was just one of many early Chinese eateries across Providence. According to Moy, it was typical for Chinese eateries to take turns hosting a party for Chinese New Year’s and invite everyone from the other restaurants." 

(Source: Exploring Providence's Historic Chinatown, The Brown Daily Herald) 

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