Comments on: OLD CHINATOWN, LA, 1964

By: Ellyn Williams

Ellyn Williams — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:35:55 +0000

Don’t forget the gardenia corsages–big treat from my great Dad in the 1950′s!

PS: I wore Tabbies too–very big with pre-teens in the 50′s

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:11:29 +0000

Speaking of “Chinatown” and environs, any word on the restaurant (on S. Main Street, if I recall) by the name of “Man Fook Low”? I went there many tiime, back in the ’70s, and its’ “claim to fame” was that it was (reputed to be) the favorite [Chinese] restaurant of Mae West …

It would be nice to see an update on the place, but, realistically, I’ll bet it’s gone.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:10:11 +0000

Love the color pix. Thanks!

One thing: always understood that the “old” Chinatown was demolished for Union Station and that the current, 1938 Chinatown is the “new” one. ???

By: Kathy

Kathy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:08:52 +0000

I love neon as well. KPCC just talked about a man who gives night time neon tours of Los Angeles–
I think perhaps you two are twins, separated at birth.

By: Carol R Clark

Carol R Clark — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:13:59 +0000

Oh my goodness…drove past this on Saturday while leaving Dodger Stadium after the game and saw all the “neon” and people there. My mother used to take me there as a child. The best part of going there was to buy a pair of “tabbies”…wore those until my toes were curled…then it was time to go to Chinatown once more. As I passed by I commented that I want to go there some night and walk around…let the memories flood my consciousness…my toes are feelin curled …long over due for a new pair of “tabbies” I have not been there in 40 years.

A Very Fond Memory

By: Pam

Pam — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:16:55 +0000

Chinatown celebrated its 70th anniversary last Saturday night. It looks again just like it does in your photo, with fresh paint on the buildings and red lanterns strung overhead. One of the highlights of the evening was when they flipped the switch that turned on the restored neon on three of the buildings. Fabulous.

By: Sinthia (Asianna)

Sinthia (Asianna) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:47:32 +0000

The only thing better than this neon roof top pagoda picture, would be a picture of ME standing in front of it in my Chinese Foo Dog Opera hat and Robe, with my Chinese Crested Dog “Dragon” in tow!!!
All “Opera Hats Off” to all Chinatowns around the world, with LA being one of the best.
Sinszato

By: Scotty

Scotty — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:00:02 +0000

When my grandparents would come out from Minnesota every couple of years, they always wanted to go to Chinatown for dinner in the 60′s. My favorite part was looking at the tacky tourists shops after dinner. I would always sneak off and find the nasty “R-rated” gifts or towels. I’ll never forget the “Happy Fishman” towel.

By: mia

mia — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:40:23 +0000

Was just in Chinatown last night and thinking of your tour, Charles! I love everything about Chinatown, but especially the treasures. I got a FABULOUS paper parasol that I can’t wait to use all summer long!

By: Gary Idama

Gary Idama — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:21:54 +0000

Dear Charles,

I believe that “old chinatown” in the year 1964 is a misnomer. It should be “new chinatown”. The real “old chinatown” was razed when Union Station was built sometime in the 1930′s on the site of “old chinatown”. Ask some of the old timer chinese in”new chinatown” to reconfirm.

Sincerely, Gary Idama