Ethnic Groups
From birchyHistory
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==African Americans== | ==African Americans== | ||
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| + | [[15 Oct 1882]] "Tex" the colored roughrider, was followed by about fifty sporting men to the [[George Thomas]] stable at the rear of [[J. J. Graham's store]], where he intended to give a demonstration of his horsemanship. To his surprise, Mr. Thomas led out a seventeen hand high blind horse. Tex saw no blood in his eye, and did not care to exhibit on such a beast, but when accused of turning white, and being afraid of being bucked off, he boldly saddled the poor old nag and rode through town without use of bridle. He declares that the more life a "horse possesses, the more at home he is in the saddle." | ||
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| + | [[18 Oct 1882]] [[Jack Ford]] has a new force of [[barber]]s at his tonsorial shop. (Jack was African American). | ||
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| + | [[18 Oct 1882]] [[Annie Turner]] has opened a new restaurant ([[California Restaurant]]) on the corner of Sixth and Bridge streets, and is doing nicely. | ||
==Chinese== | ==Chinese== | ||
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:''Chinese immigrants came over in large numbers to work on the railroads, and when that work dried up, they spread around the northwest and in the larger cities, including New York City. They found that they could compete successfully in domestic services, women being traditionally paid less than men, and Chinese laundries popped up everywhere. Some began working for mines, others harvested crops. Because they would work so much cheaper, the fledgling Labor movement reacted violently. The threat of taking jobs, of driving down wages, the natural tendency to look down on people whose culture was different and the associated proliferation of opium dens, and the surge in crime caused whenever a group is downtrodden and forced to survive on next to nothing, combined to create a hostile attitude and movement wherever Chinese settled. Newspapers of the period are filled with articles that exposed Americans to the Chinese culture (in simplistic and often wrong terms), as WASPs cast their attention to their new neighbors. Many missionary programs were active in China, as well, and some of them suffered similar conditions in China as did the Chinese in America. The Chinese emperor was somewhat sympathetic and readily decapitated the guilty parties and reimbursed the Americans, but he expected the US to reciprocate. While our justice systems worked differently, the US government did make restitution payments in some cases.'' | :''Chinese immigrants came over in large numbers to work on the railroads, and when that work dried up, they spread around the northwest and in the larger cities, including New York City. They found that they could compete successfully in domestic services, women being traditionally paid less than men, and Chinese laundries popped up everywhere. Some began working for mines, others harvested crops. Because they would work so much cheaper, the fledgling Labor movement reacted violently. The threat of taking jobs, of driving down wages, the natural tendency to look down on people whose culture was different and the associated proliferation of opium dens, and the surge in crime caused whenever a group is downtrodden and forced to survive on next to nothing, combined to create a hostile attitude and movement wherever Chinese settled. Newspapers of the period are filled with articles that exposed Americans to the Chinese culture (in simplistic and often wrong terms), as WASPs cast their attention to their new neighbors. Many missionary programs were active in China, as well, and some of them suffered similar conditions in China as did the Chinese in America. The Chinese emperor was somewhat sympathetic and readily decapitated the guilty parties and reimbursed the Americans, but he expected the US to reciprocate. While our justice systems worked differently, the US government did make restitution payments in some cases.'' | ||
| + | ===1882=== | ||
| + | 18 Oct 1882: The "Last Chance" boasts of a Chinese bartender. | ||
| + | 18 Oct 1882: [[Sam H. Can]], the "Chinese King", has opened a bath house and wash shop at Billings. | ||
26 Oct 1882 At Miles City Chinaman has become thoroughly Americanized. He can be seen any evening, in his laundry, playing on a piano. | 26 Oct 1882 At Miles City Chinaman has become thoroughly Americanized. He can be seen any evening, in his laundry, playing on a piano. | ||
| + | ===1883=== | ||
| + | [[7 Feb 1883]] Chinese New Years, typically celebrated with townsfolk visiting certain Chinese households and being treated to whiskey, cigars, opium, tobacoo, cigarettes, confectionery and straight dinners. Households included those of [[Gee Lee]], [[Sam Lee]], [[Sa Wo]], [[Sam Can]] and [[Chong Wo]]. At Sa Wo's house, imported sea weed, birds nest pudding, rice and imported Chinese tea was set out. In several houses, an aromatic herb was burning to keep away bad spirits, devils, disease, etc. The going rate for a washed shirt was "two bits". | ||
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| + | [[4 Nov 1883]] "Mrs. M. McCarthy has opened a laundry at Mrs. McCanna's house and proposes to compete with John Chinaman in both price and excellence of work. Give her a call." | ||
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| + | ===1884=== | ||
27 May 1884 Sam Can had his 29.5 inch queue cut off and he kept it in case he returns to China, for only convicts have short hair. He is not the only Chinese in Miles City to do this. | 27 May 1884 Sam Can had his 29.5 inch queue cut off and he kept it in case he returns to China, for only convicts have short hair. He is not the only Chinese in Miles City to do this. | ||
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13 Aug 1884 Bert Potter is now the manager of the Miles City Steam Laundry and is taking lessons in Chinese to enable him to talk "washee washee" to his patrons. | 13 Aug 1884 Bert Potter is now the manager of the Miles City Steam Laundry and is taking lessons in Chinese to enable him to talk "washee washee" to his patrons. | ||
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23 Nov 1884 A rice-eating match is to take place on Thanksgiving day between two Chinamen at a laundry on Main stree. Pekin chop-sticks and Canton rice are to prevail. $25 a side are staked. "Melican" (American) man hopes best Chinaman win. | 23 Nov 1884 A rice-eating match is to take place on Thanksgiving day between two Chinamen at a laundry on Main stree. Pekin chop-sticks and Canton rice are to prevail. $25 a side are staked. "Melican" (American) man hopes best Chinaman win. | ||
| + | [[25 Dec 1884]] Two [[Ethnic Groups#Chinese|Chinamen]] got into court over the theft of some chickens. | ||
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| + | ===1885=== | ||
2 Jan 1885 | 2 Jan 1885 | ||
[[Judge Brown]] in district court. 4 pm trial begins. [[Sam Lee]] is defendant. Dr. [[W. A. Burleigh]] represents the defense. Prosecuting Attorney is [[William H. Ross]]. County [[physician]] Dr [[J. J. Wood]] testifies that he can't tell whether residue is opium or not. Several Chinese testify that the most of the pipes taken as evidence are not suitable for smoking opium. Burleigh argues that even if they were, presence does not necessarily mean usage. Both attorneys fought vigorously for their cases. The judge postponed action until the next grand jury, where he hoped that the true nature of the compounds could be determined, bond set at $300. The other four will be tried the next day. | [[Judge Brown]] in district court. 4 pm trial begins. [[Sam Lee]] is defendant. Dr. [[W. A. Burleigh]] represents the defense. Prosecuting Attorney is [[William H. Ross]]. County [[physician]] Dr [[J. J. Wood]] testifies that he can't tell whether residue is opium or not. Several Chinese testify that the most of the pipes taken as evidence are not suitable for smoking opium. Burleigh argues that even if they were, presence does not necessarily mean usage. Both attorneys fought vigorously for their cases. The judge postponed action until the next grand jury, where he hoped that the true nature of the compounds could be determined, bond set at $300. The other four will be tried the next day. | ||
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1885 Great Falls thugs attacked Ah Wah (laundry operator), almost choking him to death, put him in a boat on the river and talk about shooting him. Ah Wah jumps overboard and makes it to the opposite bank. | 1885 Great Falls thugs attacked Ah Wah (laundry operator), almost choking him to death, put him in a boat on the river and talk about shooting him. Ah Wah jumps overboard and makes it to the opposite bank. | ||
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Large population of Chinese in Helena. A Flathead indian attacks one, who is rescued by white men. The Indians are chased out by a mob of Chinese. | Large population of Chinese in Helena. A Flathead indian attacks one, who is rescued by white men. The Indians are chased out by a mob of Chinese. | ||
| − | + | 29 Jun 1885 The monumental barber pole has switched around to Park street and a Chinese laundry has taken possession of Jakey's front garden on Main street. | |
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20 Jul 1885 | 20 Jul 1885 | ||
Probate court, Judge Staehle. [[Frank Parker]] and [[William Brearly]] charged with impersonating an officer. Brearly was at the wash house of [[Charley Chung]] and purchased $1 worth of opium, then threatened to arrest him. Chung paid him $5 to release him. The story got out and [[Ed Creely]] "Frenchy" arrested both defendants. Parker was found not guilty but Brearly was fined $50 plus court costs. | Probate court, Judge Staehle. [[Frank Parker]] and [[William Brearly]] charged with impersonating an officer. Brearly was at the wash house of [[Charley Chung]] and purchased $1 worth of opium, then threatened to arrest him. Chung paid him $5 to release him. The story got out and [[Ed Creely]] "Frenchy" arrested both defendants. Parker was found not guilty but Brearly was fined $50 plus court costs. | ||
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23 Aug 1885 Sam Lee was making a big commotion in front of his wash house last night, claiming that the devil visited him while he was sleeping, changing form from a little dog, a cat and a little boy, tormenting him and pulling his hair and scratching his face, though no marks were visible. The devil made him get up cook rice and chicken which he devoured. He claims that he has received these visits several times the last time being this past Chinese New Years and he showed the bare spots on his scalp where the Devil pulled his hair out. | 23 Aug 1885 Sam Lee was making a big commotion in front of his wash house last night, claiming that the devil visited him while he was sleeping, changing form from a little dog, a cat and a little boy, tormenting him and pulling his hair and scratching his face, though no marks were visible. The devil made him get up cook rice and chicken which he devoured. He claims that he has received these visits several times the last time being this past Chinese New Years and he showed the bare spots on his scalp where the Devil pulled his hair out. | ||
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20 Sep 1885 | 20 Sep 1885 | ||
Butte: Knights of Labor publish fliers that say the "Chinamen must go". | Butte: Knights of Labor publish fliers that say the "Chinamen must go". | ||
| − | 654 Chinese in Butte, about half in laundries, many in domestic service, many have little stores, many are "gamblers, toughs, loafers, and hatchet masons", the remainder work at gardening and odd jobs. They feel that the Chinese will go quietly and make room for about 200 or 300 girls and women as house servants, laundresses, etc and "for a good many more men in various positions". Their reasons include unfair labor competition, as they work for almost nothing, their introduction of opium to the white community, corrupt the youth and are unsanitary. | + | 654 Chinese in Butte, about half in laundries, many in domestic service, many have little stores, many are "gamblers, toughs, loafers, and hatchet masons", the remainder work at gardening and odd jobs. They feel that the Chinese will go quietly and make room for about 200 or 300 girls and women as house servants, laundresses, etc and "for a good many more men in various positions". Their reasons include unfair labor competition, as they work for almost nothing, their introduction of opium to the white community, corrupt the youth and are unsanitary. (But in May 1887, in NYC two assemblies of the Knights of Labor are created entirely of Chinese, one for cigar makers and the other for laundrymen.) |
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2 Sep 1885 White miners in Rock Creek, WY massacre over 50 (28 actually) Chinese miners. In Seattle, WA local Indians, who lost jobs picking hops to Chinese workers, attack them, killing two and wounding four. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Springs_massacre] | 2 Sep 1885 White miners in Rock Creek, WY massacre over 50 (28 actually) Chinese miners. In Seattle, WA local Indians, who lost jobs picking hops to Chinese workers, attack them, killing two and wounding four. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Springs_massacre] | ||
| − | === | + | ===1886=== |
24 Feb 1886 District court, spring term, 5th day: Judge [[Charles R. Pollard]]. | 24 Feb 1886 District court, spring term, 5th day: Judge [[Charles R. Pollard]]. | ||
US vs. Ah Ki, grand larceny, accused of robbing another Chinese person at knife point at [[Fort Keogh]] of a few dollars. Jury heard the case and were discharged for the day. | US vs. Ah Ki, grand larceny, accused of robbing another Chinese person at knife point at [[Fort Keogh]] of a few dollars. Jury heard the case and were discharged for the day. | ||
24 Feb 1886 Two interpreters were sworn in to watch each other. Even so, a big row started when one of the witnesses called one of the interpreters a liar. After several hours, the jury deliberated and took only 5 minutes to return a guilty verdict. | 24 Feb 1886 Two interpreters were sworn in to watch each other. Even so, a big row started when one of the witnesses called one of the interpreters a liar. After several hours, the jury deliberated and took only 5 minutes to return a guilty verdict. | ||
| − | + | [[29 Apr 1886]] A fire started in the back of [[W. A. Burleigh, Jr.]]'s building about 9:30 pm. After about three buildings had been burned, the Chinese laundry was dynamited which stopped the spread of fire. | |
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| + | 24 Jun 1886 With so many laundries in town, one of the Chinese has purchased a windmill from Whiteside Bros. and is starting a garden on Tongue River. | ||
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| + | [[7 Aug 1886]] Major fire destroys most of the southern block on south Main between 7th and 6th streetes, including [[Su Wah]]'s Chinese laundry. | ||
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| + | [[10 Aug 1886]] A. G. Schmalsle received a prompt adjustment of his fire losses in the amount of $400 by the San Francisco Insurance Company. The building was the one adjoining the Chinese laundry on 6th street. | ||
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Sep 1886 The Chinese government wants our government to pay indemnities for the deaths of two Chinese and the destruction of $3000 worth of property when a laundry was blown up in Anaconda. (The Chinese government often pays us when our people are mistreated in China.) | Sep 1886 The Chinese government wants our government to pay indemnities for the deaths of two Chinese and the destruction of $3000 worth of property when a laundry was blown up in Anaconda. (The Chinese government often pays us when our people are mistreated in China.) | ||
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Apr 1886 A hotel in Great Falls hires a Chinese man, is threatened, but stands firm. Help is hard to find and he will get it where he can. | Apr 1886 A hotel in Great Falls hires a Chinese man, is threatened, but stands firm. Help is hard to find and he will get it where he can. | ||
| − | + | [[30 Oct 1886]] Fred Schmalsle is building a brick Chinese laundry back of his new block. | |
| + | [[6 Dec 1886]] | ||
"It has long been known by the officers that a resort of opium smokers was being conducted in this city, but until Sunday night the locality of the opium den was only guessed. At about midnight officers [[Milton M. Russell]] and [[Frank Westervelt]] by chance dropped upon the exact location of one of these dens, and watching their opportunity the officers gained an entrance to an apartment of Ah Sam's laundry on Bridge street near Sixth and the curtain rose upon a crowded house. As the officers appeared upon the scene two of the Chinamen made a run and escaped, the others, utterly dumbfounded remained, apparently too much surprised to attempt escape. Four of the visitors to the den were lying upon the wooden bunks engaged in the pernicious occupation of "hitting the pipe a lick," and six others were bucking a Chinese game, the proprietor, [[Ah Sam]], attending to the frequenters of his house. No trouble was encountered in effecting the arrest of the entire delegation; they were herded by officers Russell and Westervelt and driven like sheep to the county jail, where they were taken care of for the remainder of the night. Yesterday afternoon the prisoners were arraigned, and the probate court room was crowded by the heathen and a few of their swarthy friends. [[Charlie Chung]], the "[[celestial]]" gambler, was secured by the court to act as an interpreter, and the names of the offenders were thus obtained. They are [[Ah Sam]], the keeper of the den, [[Ah Yoht]], [[Ah Song]], [[Ah Guong]], [[Ah Guing]], [[Ah Young]], [[Ah Chong]], [[Gee Bob]], [[Jim Shaw]], [[Jim Twoy]] and [[Hop Gee]]. The first seven named could not furnish the bail of $100 and were after arraignment returned to the care of the turnkey. Gee Bob, a boss laundryman of Bridge street, was released upon personal recognizance; Jim Shaw and Twoy, employed by [[Macqueen]] at the post were bailed by [[Louis King]] and Hop Gee, who is a big chief among the Chinamen and proprietor of an oriental store at Bozemen, was released upon collateral security which was deposited in the Sheriff's safe the night before. The Chinamen were provided with an [[attorney]], Judge [[J. W. Strevell]], and the case will be commenced this morning at ten o'clock, before [[Probate Judge]] [[Stable]]. There is one Chinaman yet at large who was in the den at the time of the raid, the other, Chong, being captured by Russell yesterday and arraigned, and [[Jim Chung]], a cook working at [[Annie Gurner]]'s place, for whom she went good but who will be tried along with the others today. A lot of opium, pipes and et cetera found in all well regulated opium dens was captured and also a small quantity of money for which the gamblers were playing. Hop Gee had upon his person when arrested about $200 in money and jewelry, he was running the bank at the den against which the games were bucking. The officers were somewhat disappointed in the countenances of the prisoners as it was thought when the raid was made that probably there would have been some devotees of the pipe who had claims to a whiter skin. Tomorrow Charlie Chung and [[Tommy Tong]] will act as interpreters and the trial will be quite interesting, especially to those acquainted with the sing song ?inigo? of the orient." | "It has long been known by the officers that a resort of opium smokers was being conducted in this city, but until Sunday night the locality of the opium den was only guessed. At about midnight officers [[Milton M. Russell]] and [[Frank Westervelt]] by chance dropped upon the exact location of one of these dens, and watching their opportunity the officers gained an entrance to an apartment of Ah Sam's laundry on Bridge street near Sixth and the curtain rose upon a crowded house. As the officers appeared upon the scene two of the Chinamen made a run and escaped, the others, utterly dumbfounded remained, apparently too much surprised to attempt escape. Four of the visitors to the den were lying upon the wooden bunks engaged in the pernicious occupation of "hitting the pipe a lick," and six others were bucking a Chinese game, the proprietor, [[Ah Sam]], attending to the frequenters of his house. No trouble was encountered in effecting the arrest of the entire delegation; they were herded by officers Russell and Westervelt and driven like sheep to the county jail, where they were taken care of for the remainder of the night. Yesterday afternoon the prisoners were arraigned, and the probate court room was crowded by the heathen and a few of their swarthy friends. [[Charlie Chung]], the "[[celestial]]" gambler, was secured by the court to act as an interpreter, and the names of the offenders were thus obtained. They are [[Ah Sam]], the keeper of the den, [[Ah Yoht]], [[Ah Song]], [[Ah Guong]], [[Ah Guing]], [[Ah Young]], [[Ah Chong]], [[Gee Bob]], [[Jim Shaw]], [[Jim Twoy]] and [[Hop Gee]]. The first seven named could not furnish the bail of $100 and were after arraignment returned to the care of the turnkey. Gee Bob, a boss laundryman of Bridge street, was released upon personal recognizance; Jim Shaw and Twoy, employed by [[Macqueen]] at the post were bailed by [[Louis King]] and Hop Gee, who is a big chief among the Chinamen and proprietor of an oriental store at Bozemen, was released upon collateral security which was deposited in the Sheriff's safe the night before. The Chinamen were provided with an [[attorney]], Judge [[J. W. Strevell]], and the case will be commenced this morning at ten o'clock, before [[Probate Judge]] [[Stable]]. There is one Chinaman yet at large who was in the den at the time of the raid, the other, Chong, being captured by Russell yesterday and arraigned, and [[Jim Chung]], a cook working at [[Annie Gurner]]'s place, for whom she went good but who will be tried along with the others today. A lot of opium, pipes and et cetera found in all well regulated opium dens was captured and also a small quantity of money for which the gamblers were playing. Hop Gee had upon his person when arrested about $200 in money and jewelry, he was running the bank at the den against which the games were bucking. The officers were somewhat disappointed in the countenances of the prisoners as it was thought when the raid was made that probably there would have been some devotees of the pipe who had claims to a whiter skin. Tomorrow Charlie Chung and [[Tommy Tong]] will act as interpreters and the trial will be quite interesting, especially to those acquainted with the sing song ?inigo? of the orient." | ||
| − | + | [[7 Dec 1886]] Ah Sam was tried and convicted, but his health and wealth were considered in the choice of punishment, so he was fined $10 and charged $39.65 in court costs, reduced to $32.15 after all Chinese witnesses waived their reimbursements. He paid the $42.15 immediately. This was his first known conviction for any crime. His "opium plant" was returned to him and he was released. The reporter describes Ah Sam as "a most wretched, miserable looking fellow, an abject slave to the drug, and his hollow eyes lighted up for the first time since his capture when he was allowed to take his beloved pipes and drugs and leave the court room." | |
Hop Gee, the [[Bozeman]] merchant, was next and the charges were dropped because there was no evidence that he had used opium, being the bank for the gambling. He was immediately re-arrested and charged however, of selling goods without a license. He claimed that he thought his Gallatin county license covered him throughout Montana. Case was settled by him purchasing a Custer county license for $25 and said he was leaving town. He had originally wanted to go to Billings (prob meant Bozeman) and the judge offered to let him go if he pleaded guilty to the opium smoking for a $16 fine, but Hop Gee thought that was excessive so he stayed for his day in court, ending up paying $9 more than the plea deal offered. | Hop Gee, the [[Bozeman]] merchant, was next and the charges were dropped because there was no evidence that he had used opium, being the bank for the gambling. He was immediately re-arrested and charged however, of selling goods without a license. He claimed that he thought his Gallatin county license covered him throughout Montana. Case was settled by him purchasing a Custer county license for $25 and said he was leaving town. He had originally wanted to go to Billings (prob meant Bozeman) and the judge offered to let him go if he pleaded guilty to the opium smoking for a $16 fine, but Hop Gee thought that was excessive so he stayed for his day in court, ending up paying $9 more than the plea deal offered. | ||
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[[9 Dec 1886]] "Judge Strevell on behalf of the Chinese [[opium den]] offenders, has notified the court of an appeal to the District Court and the bonds for the release of Ah Song, Ah Yoht and Ah Tuong (Ah Guong?) have been given and the Chinamen are at large. | [[9 Dec 1886]] "Judge Strevell on behalf of the Chinese [[opium den]] offenders, has notified the court of an appeal to the District Court and the bonds for the release of Ah Song, Ah Yoht and Ah Tuong (Ah Guong?) have been given and the Chinamen are at large. | ||
| − | + | 1886 Portland, OR Article reports that the Chinese will badger anyone with a stack of cordwood, seeking a contract to saw the wood for the owner, and that they have a marking system using the placement of branches to indicate that someone has gotten the contract or that the owner is a bad employer. Indian squaws compete for these jobs. | |
| − | == | + | ===1887=== |
Jan 1887 Livingston vigilantes are ordering their Chinese to leave because of the opium dens. | Jan 1887 Livingston vigilantes are ordering their Chinese to leave because of the opium dens. | ||
In the same issue, three staff of the YJ and [[Johnny Carter]] of Leighton & Jordan's, on the [[Chinese New Year]], are treated to eating, drinking and making merry at the "washee man west of Leighton's store". They enjoyed imported candies, nuts, chewing gum, rice liquor and a "string of unnamable viands and luxuries". The Chinese took pride in explaining what each awful decoction and mixture was and enjoyed the impression made upon us by the taste of their" chewing gum, the taste remaining long after the names were forgotten. | In the same issue, three staff of the YJ and [[Johnny Carter]] of Leighton & Jordan's, on the [[Chinese New Year]], are treated to eating, drinking and making merry at the "washee man west of Leighton's store". They enjoyed imported candies, nuts, chewing gum, rice liquor and a "string of unnamable viands and luxuries". The Chinese took pride in explaining what each awful decoction and mixture was and enjoyed the impression made upon us by the taste of their" chewing gum, the taste remaining long after the names were forgotten. | ||
| − | + | [[22 May 1887]] A Chinaman "passed in his checks" (died) at Hop Sing's wash house. He was boxed up and shipped on the next train for Helena, where there is a Chinese burial ground. | |
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28 Jul 1887 While attempting to ford Tongue river yesterday at the government crossing, a 2 horse livery rig, in which were two Chanamen, was washed downstream by the current...They jumped out of the carriage when it neared the shore on the town side and standing in water up to their necks held the horses' heads above the water until help arrived. The tugs (part that attaches to the wagon) were unfastened and the horses towed along the cut bank until a lowering in the bank allowed of their climbing up out of the water. A dozen willing hands snaked the carriage out of the rushing current and the Chinamen took care of themselves. One of the "celestials", a Bozeman merchant (possibly Hop Gee?) claims to have lost his pocketbook containing over $200 in the struggle. They would have made the ford if they had aimed right, diagonally upstream, but they allowed the horses to drift down and into deeper water on the east side against the cut bank. | 28 Jul 1887 While attempting to ford Tongue river yesterday at the government crossing, a 2 horse livery rig, in which were two Chanamen, was washed downstream by the current...They jumped out of the carriage when it neared the shore on the town side and standing in water up to their necks held the horses' heads above the water until help arrived. The tugs (part that attaches to the wagon) were unfastened and the horses towed along the cut bank until a lowering in the bank allowed of their climbing up out of the water. A dozen willing hands snaked the carriage out of the rushing current and the Chinamen took care of themselves. One of the "celestials", a Bozeman merchant (possibly Hop Gee?) claims to have lost his pocketbook containing over $200 in the struggle. They would have made the ford if they had aimed right, diagonally upstream, but they allowed the horses to drift down and into deeper water on the east side against the cut bank. | ||
| − | + | [[14 Dec 1887]] [[Fires|Fire]] breaks out at 6 am in [[Charlie Can]]'s wash house opposite the office of the [[Yellowstone Journal]] on Main street. The Chinese residents were all asleep and the source was thought to be from a stove in the annex. The laundry was a complete loss, but its value was small, being quite old. Owned by [[Major Logan]], erected in 1879, it was the public [[school]] in 1882 and has been rented to variety of businesses. The workers saved as much laundry as they could. | |
| − | 14 Dec 1887 [[Fires|Fire]] breaks out at 6 am in [[Charlie Can]]'s wash house opposite the office of the [[Yellowstone Journal]] on Main street. The Chinese residents were all asleep and the source was thought to be from a stove in the annex | + | |
| − | ==1888== | + | ===1888=== |
[[11 Feb 1888]] Chinese New Year. During the day the 3 Chinese establishments in town were visited by the townspeople and were treated to delicacies and rice liquor (also American rye). The Chinese took a sleigh ride and set off lots of pure quill Chinese fire crackers. The next day will conclude with roast pork and a general display of fireworks. | [[11 Feb 1888]] Chinese New Year. During the day the 3 Chinese establishments in town were visited by the townspeople and were treated to delicacies and rice liquor (also American rye). The Chinese took a sleigh ride and set off lots of pure quill Chinese fire crackers. The next day will conclude with roast pork and a general display of fireworks. | ||
| − | ==== | + | ===1889=== |
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| + | ===1890=== | ||
21 Jan 1890 On Sunday night during [[Chinese New Year]], while the fireworks were exploding, the horse owned by [[W. S. D. Smith]] which was standing by the [[Wing Chung]] laundry, bolted and being blind in the right eye, hit the iron railing over [[James M. Sipes]]' barber shop, which gave way, and horse and vehicle tumbled into the basement. Bystanders pulled the horse out and he was found to be only a bit scratched up. | 21 Jan 1890 On Sunday night during [[Chinese New Year]], while the fireworks were exploding, the horse owned by [[W. S. D. Smith]] which was standing by the [[Wing Chung]] laundry, bolted and being blind in the right eye, hit the iron railing over [[James M. Sipes]]' barber shop, which gave way, and horse and vehicle tumbled into the basement. Bystanders pulled the horse out and he was found to be only a bit scratched up. | ||
| − | + | June 1890 Ad for S. H. Joe who does better and cheaper washing than anybody. | |
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22 Mar 1890 A mob threatens the Park Hotel, demanding that the 2 Chinese recently hired be fired. City Council adjourns its session and councilmen deputized, they confront mob and after some time they disperse. No Chinese had been around since one of the was put adrift on the river in a boat 2 yrs ago (5 yrs ago?). | 22 Mar 1890 A mob threatens the Park Hotel, demanding that the 2 Chinese recently hired be fired. City Council adjourns its session and councilmen deputized, they confront mob and after some time they disperse. No Chinese had been around since one of the was put adrift on the river in a boat 2 yrs ago (5 yrs ago?). | ||
| − | === | + | ===1891=== |
20 Oct 1891 The Chinaman who conducts the laundry on Bridge street is a nephew of Sam Lee, who was murdered at Fort Custer last week. It appeared that someone killed him with an ax after hours in the front of his shop, burglary the supposed motive. Deputy US Marshall Jones of Miles City is investigating, assisted by Deputy Foster. | 20 Oct 1891 The Chinaman who conducts the laundry on Bridge street is a nephew of Sam Lee, who was murdered at Fort Custer last week. It appeared that someone killed him with an ax after hours in the front of his shop, burglary the supposed motive. Deputy US Marshall Jones of Miles City is investigating, assisted by Deputy Foster. | ||
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| + | [[29 Jan 1892]] Chinese New Year celebrated in the usual manner of entertaining visitors with cigars and delicacies, and wishing them enough luck to be able to pay their standing wash bill. | ||
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| + | ===Misc=== | ||
Some batchelors were chewing the fat and the subject of troubles with Chinese laundries came up (again). Adding to the usual incidents of socks with holes, sleeveless shirts and button-holeless collars, "A. B." told of when a long time supplier named "John" lost his large weekly load in a fire, he still came around for his weekly pay of $3.75. He refused, but gave him a drink for his "immaculate gall". | Some batchelors were chewing the fat and the subject of troubles with Chinese laundries came up (again). Adding to the usual incidents of socks with holes, sleeveless shirts and button-holeless collars, "A. B." told of when a long time supplier named "John" lost his large weekly load in a fire, he still came around for his weekly pay of $3.75. He refused, but gave him a drink for his "immaculate gall". | ||
