PBA Galleries

Collection of over 80 pieces of ephemera. All pieces housed in sleeves in ringed binder. 

A wonderful collection of ephemera offering a fascinating window into Chinese life in late 19th century San Francisco. Includes numerous legal documents, photographs, letters, documents from both pro and anti Chinese businesses, etc.  A large collection consisting mostly of unique pieces. 

Some highlights include:

• Signed affidavits dated 1896, concerning a Chinese merchant's leaving Oregon for business in China, and his eventual return  to Tacoma aboard the Olympia. Includes photo with official blindstamp.
• 1907 letter to the Oakland Chief of Police from a San Joaquin DA asking for protection for the husband of a murdered Chinese woman, with original addressed envelope.
• Numerous signed and itemized receipts, invoices, bills of goods, business cards, etc. from a large variety of Chinese operated San Francisco businesses.
• Steamboat receipts, shipping invoices, etc. 
• Photographs of 19th century San Francisco Chinatown. 
• Signed and detailed checks, bank notes and legal documents.
• Documents and receipts from "white labor" businesses.
• Photograph of Anti-Chinese Workingman's Party leader Dennis Kearney.