Back in the old days customers never had to sign for things, it all relied on trust, people would be sent the bill at the end of the month and they would have to pay it. There were associations such as the old people organization where they would hang with each other whether it was discussing what has changed in Chinatown, where everything started or just having some fun. Some associations were like homes because if you ever needed a home or a job, they would tell you where to find one. These associations were huge and most of them were a nonprofit organization but they took in some donations from people. In 1943 everything changed because Congress repealed the Chinese exclusion act. The Chinese who were in Chinatown were able to become American citizens and wives came to Seattle to start a family with their husbands. Then people started to move out of Chinatown onto Beacon Hill to live in a bigger environment and work. Chinatown represented many people’s lives. Back then in Chinatown, everyone knew everyone because it was a very small community. But now that the community has grown, not everyone is familiar with one another. (Wing Luke museum video)

Sources:

Wing Luke museum, video:58 minutes, " Finding Home in Chinatown: The Kong Yick Buildings." 12 Jul 2005

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