Fieldnotes

In 1872, the first “Oriental” arrived in Detroit from China. Named “Ah-chee,” he opened a laundry on Gratiot in downtown Detroit. As more Chinese immigrants migrated to Detroit from both coastal cities in the West and other mid-western cities like Chicago, the residential and commercial district once referred to as Chinatown began to rapidly expand on Third Avenue in the 1920s and 30s. By recording oral histories and organizing hundreds of archived materials on the geographic and ethnic region in Detroit, a story of a people and place that has yet to be told has begun to unfold. Stories laden with themes of race, gender, gentrification, nationalism, patriotism, and cultural continuity and change emerge that describe the successes and struggles of one of Detroit’s Asian American populations during the pre and post World War II eras.

Though a distinguishing characteristic of Detroit is its diverse population, not much is known of its first Chinese settlers. By recording oral histories and analyzing archived materials on the geographic and ethnic region once known as Detroit Chinatown, a story of people and place begins to emerge-stories laden with themes of race, gender, gentrification, nationalism, patriotism, and the question of cultural continuity in a multi-cultural urban environment. Situated in the historical currents of southeastern Michigan and the U.S. are the successes and struggles of one of Detroit’s Asian American populations during the pre and post World War II eras. An exhibit on the same topic will open in 2009 at the Detroit Historical Museum.

The Untold Story of Detroit’s Chinatown at The Detroit Historical Museum

Friends of Detroit’s Chinatown will open its new exhibit Detroit’s Chinatown: Works in Progress, on Saturday, April 4, at the Detroit Historical Museum. This three-month exhibit, sponsored by Wayne State University, reveals the untold stories of Chinatown residents and the current presence of metro Detroit’s Chinese American population.

Detroit’s Chinatown exhibit uses stunning photography, artifacts, and personal interviews of former Chinatown residents to illustrate the contributions of this lost cultural area. Local artifacts, including grocery scales from the 1800s, a silk dress purchased from a Chinatown business, original paraphernalia from Chin Tiki, a Polynesian-style restaurant and club, and images from previous Chinese New Year celebrations, reflect the experiences of Chinatown residents and visitors.

“I’m really excited to provide the opportunity for visitors to come and view Detroit’s Chinatown exhibit because the Asian American presence in and contribution to the city of Detroit have not been highlighted in our public institutions until this point,” said Chelsea Zuzindlak, the exhibit’s curator.

Detroit’s Chinatown began when Chinese laundry workers first settled in the city at Third Ave. and Porter St. in 1872. A new wave of immigrants led by five Chinese families opened restaurants, groceries, and a Chinese school between 1910 and the late 1950s. In 1963, Chinatown relocated to Cass Ave. and Peterboro St., where it experienced some success before political and social changes led to its demise in 1987.

In-depth interviews of three Chinatown residents give visitors to the exhibit an intimate glimpse into the old neighborhood’s history and culture. Visitors will also discover the complex factors leading to the disappearance of Chinatown, future preservation plans for Chinatown artifacts, and the recent reappearance of Asian businesses in local suburbs.

Detroit’s Chinatown: Work in Progress, presented in English and standard Mandarin Chinese, is open through Sunday, July 5, in the Museum’s Community Gallery, presented by Comerica.

The Detroit Historical Museum, located at 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of Kirby) in Detroit’s Cultural Center area, is open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. On Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Detroit Historical Museum is not open to the public but is available for group tours by calling (313) 833-7979.

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