There’s no doubt that Boston's Chinatown has undergone significant changes over time. What are those changes? And what has stayed the same? We took a look at archival photos to learn a little more about how Chinatown looked in the past. Then we took to the streets of Boston Chinatown and captured photos of the same spot in Chinatown to compare! 

If you have any old photos of Boston Chinatown that you'd like to see recreated, please email them to us at chinatownprojectqs@gmail.com !

Chinatown Gate ⛩️

First, we looked into one of Chinatown’s most famous landmarks. The Chinatown Gate is an iconic landmark in Boston Chinatown, drawing tourists and community members alike to take photos or relax in the park. But what did it look like in the past? When first installed in 1988, the gate itself appeared very similar to how it does today. There are two decorative imperial guardian foo dogs on either side of the gate. There are also two inscriptions on the gate: 

“One is a Chinese proverb stating that a good person is loyal, honest and polite. The other inscription relays the sentiment that everything under the sun belongs to the people” (Boston Sightseeing tours). 

The main differences were the surrounding landscape. In the 1950’s I-93 was built “and split the city’s central core, from the Financial District and the waterfront to the North End. Roughly 20,000 residents and businesses were displaced” (Davari). This greatly affected surrounding neighborhoods, including Chinatown. In the 1990’s the Big Dig was built, moving these “previously elevated roadways underground, making way for a mile-and-a-half stretch of parks and green space that today winds through Chinatown, the Wharf District, and the North End” (BU Staff). 

With the highway underground, the area was transformed into green space as part of the Greenway, Chinatown Park, and Mary Soo Hoo Park. Mary Soo Hoo Park was opened in 2005. According to the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail: 

“Mary Soo Hoo (1937-2005) was a Chinatown activist. When she was still in her twenties, she opened Mai Mai Coiffeurs on Tyler Street, the first hair salon in Chinatown as well as the first woman-owned one. She soon realized the need for services and became active in the business community as a founding member of the Asian American Civic Association, a member and co-moderator of the Chinatown Neighborhood Council, a founding member of the Asian Community Development Corporation and an important part of the movement to eliminate the “combat zone” near Chinatown. She helped begin Sampan, the English-Chinese newspaper. Soo Hoo received many awards for her work, including the Red Cross Clara Barton Human Service Humanity Award. This park near the Chinatown Gate was dedicated in her honor in 2005.” 

The park and the other surrounding green spaces now serve as spaces for locals and tourists to meet, relax, or play cards. 

“Then” photo taken from: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20180786

Tyler Street 🛣️

Next, we visited another well-known area of Chinatown, Tyler Street. Tyler Street has been and is home to some of the most iconic Chinese restaurants in Boston. A few of our personal favorites include Shojo, Tora Ramen, and Jade Garden. China Pearl has been a long-time staple, open since 1960. According to The Passionate Foodie: 

“The Boston American, October 19, 1960, published an ad for the Grand Opening of China Pearl, at 9 Tyler Street, and noted to be “Boston’s only dine and dance Chinese Restaurant.” This restaurant occupied the former site of Hon Loy Doo, a Chinese restaurant, which had been in operation since at least 1935. The China Pearl is still in existence (although currently being renovated), and is currently the oldest, still-existing Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.”

In one of the past photos, you can see the iconic sign of Bob Lee’s Lantern House. According to The Passionate Foodie:

“Around 1951, Bob Lee, a native of Canton, China, opened Bob Lee's Lantern House on Tyler Street in Boston's Chinatown. At first, it only had seven tables, although it would grow over the years, with its first expansion starting around April 1952. At that time, the restaurant served only typical Cantonese cuisine.

It wouldn't be until 1961, that Bob Lee's Lantern would add Polynesian cuisine and cocktails. The Boston Daily Record, January 2, 1961 noted the opening of the new Aloha cocktail lounge at Bob Lee’s Lantern House. The Boston American, May 15, 1961, mentioned that at this new Aloha lounge, you could find "tasty Polynesian-Chinese food and cocktails."

Like the rest of Chinatown, many businesses have come and gone from Tyler Street. And while there are a decent number of chain restaurants on the street, there are also many staples like China Pearl holding strong, and newer local spots like Shojo.

“Then” photos taken from: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20192128 and http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20192148

9man Volleyball  🏐

9-man Volleyball has a special connection to Boston Chinatown. It was formed as a way around the racial discrimination and segregation that barred Chinese players from participating in local sports teams or using public facilities. The first-ever national tournament was held in Boston in 1944. In Boston, we have several longstanding 9-man teams, including the Boston Hurricanes, Boston Knights, and the Boston Freemasons. 9-man continues to grow in popularity across North America, carrying on the tradition of competition and community. 9-man has expanded to include women’s and youth teams as well!  

When the weather gets warmer, you can catch a 9-man tournament in Boston Chinatown during the August Moon Festival!

“Then” photo taken from: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20192625