Fascinating Photos Capture Street Scenes of the Chinatown From Between the 1960s and ’80s

The Chinatown centered on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street in San Francisco, California is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese enclave outside Asia. It is also the oldest and largest of the four notable Chinese enclaves within San Francisco.

Chinatown, San Francisco from 1969 through the 1980s

Since its establishment in 1848, it has been highly important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America. Chinatown is an enclave that continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. There are two hospitals, several parks and squares, numerous churches, a post office, and other infrastructure.

Recent immigrants, many of whom are elderly, opt to live in Chinatown because of the availability of affordable housing and their familiarity with the culture. San Francisco’s Chinatown is also renowned as a major tourist attraction, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge.

These fascinating photos were taken by Dave Glass that show street scenes of the Chinatown from 1969 through the 1980s.

Chinese Times Publishing Co., 117 Waverly, San Francisco, 1969

Chinese Times Publishing Co., 117 Waverly, San Francisco, 1969

Dupont Market, Grant and Pacific, San Francisco, 1969

Dupont Market, Grant and Pacific, San Francisco, 1969

Hang Ah alley, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1969

Jackson between Grant and Stockton, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1969

Street sweeper's cart, Kearny and Jackson, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1969

Tai Yuen Co., 740 Jackson Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1969

DuPont Fish Mart, Grant and Pacific, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1970

DuPont Market, Grant and Pacific, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1970

DuPont Market, Grant and Pacific, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1970

Grant Street grocery, Chinatown/North Beach, San Francisco, 1970

Students of Central Chinese High School, founded 1888, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1970

Sidewalk scene, Jackson Street between Stockton and Grant, Chinatown, San Francisco, circa 1972

International Hotel, also known as the I-Hotel, Corner of Kearny and Jackson, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1978

Silverwing Cafe on Kearny Street, old International Hotel can be seen in the window reflection, 855 Kearny Street, San Francisco, 1978

New Lun Ting Cafe, Jackson Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1980

Chinatown community leaders, Waverly Street, San Francisco, 1982

Lion dancers on Waverly Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1982

San Francisco Marathon, Grant and Pacific, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1982

San Francisco Marathon, Grant and Pacific, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1982

Waverley between Washington and Clay, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1982

1952 Chrysler Imperial with door dent, Clay Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1987

Waverley Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1988

1952 Chrysler Crown Imperial at Columbus and Washington, San Francisco, 1988

Media and press corps covering Michael Dukakis presidential election bid during a visit to the Bay Area, Sacramento Street, Nob Hill / Chinatown, San Francisco, 1988

Sam Wo restaurant, 813 Washington Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1988

Washington Street between Kearny and Grant, San Francisco, 1988

Washington Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 1988