South Arroyo in Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Yuen Kee Laundry

Photographed By Tatiana Zavala, March 16, 2024

1. Yuen Kee Laundry Marker

Inscription. Dedicated to the memory of Yuen Kee Laundry and the early Chinese settlers of Pasadena, who helped build the railroads, labored on the citrus and grape farms, and established successful businesses. On November 6, 1885 a mob threw stones into the laundry, breaking a kerosene lamp that burned the building down. The next day, the city barred all Chinese immigrants from living in the central portion of the city. This tribute acknowledges the work and sacrifice of all Chinese settlers who helped to build our city and our nation, recognizes their fortitude, courage and resilience, and thanks them for their contributions. Pasadena's march toward justice is not complete and must continue in each generation.

Erected 2024.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is November 6, 1885.

Location. 34° 8.679′ N, 118° 9.075′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Arroyo. Marker is on Mills Place near Green Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 W Green Street, Pasadena CA 91105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McCormick Alley (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Edwin Alley (about 300 feet away);

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Original Site of Throop University (about 300 feet away); Martin Alley (about 400 feet away); Mercantile Place (about 400 feet away); Fraser Alley (about 400 feet away); Miller Alley (about 500 feet away); First Salvation Army Meeting (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. - The original plaque.

Also see . . .
1. Human Relations Commission to Consider Revised Language for Mills Place Plaques. Pasadena Now article of December 7, 2021 noting that the Mills Place plaques were being considered for replacement. This marker is the replacement for an earlier, now removed marker titled “Mills Place”. (Submitted on April 3, 2024.)

2. City Rewrites a Wrong: Reworded Mills Alley Plaques Dedicated at Scene of 1885 Yuen Kee Laundry Fire. Pasadena Now article, January 10, 2024

Excerpt: “The mistreatment of Chinese Americans that led people to burn down the Yuen Kee laundry and to run the Chinese out of Pasadena is a disgraceful truth,” said Pasadena City Councilmember Gene Masuda at the dedication Tuesday of two new re-worded
Photographed By Tatiana Zavala, March 16, 2024

2. Yuen Kee Laundry marker
plaques marking the location of a former Chinese laundry, attacked and burned to the ground by an angry white mob in 1885, according to recent historical research.

(Submitted on April 3, 2024.)

Additional keywords. Mills Place

Photographed By Tatiana Zavala, March 16, 2024

3. Yuen Kee Laundry Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. This page has been viewed 62 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on March 24, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2024, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.