Seattle’s First Chinese Theater Opens Its Doors
A new cultural space on Washington Street signals the growing presence and permanence of the Chinese community in the city.
The first Chinese theater in Seattle, and we believe the first in the Territory as well, is about to be opened. Yesler Hall has been leased for the purpose, and the first entertainment will be that of tomorrow night. The apparel of this company includes, we are told, some elegant dresses of richest silk, costing hundreds of dollars. An opera house, for Chinese alone, is now building on Washington Street, after the completion of which a Chinese company will be here all the time.
“The apparel of this company includes, we are told, some elegant dresses of richest silk, costing hundreds of dollars.”
This 1888 notice captures a brief moment of cultural flourishing for Seattle's Chinese community just years before the anti-Chinese riots and exclusionary pressures would force many residents out. Today, the International District stands as a testament to the resilience of the community that established these early institutions against great hostility.
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