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

Yuen Kee Laundry

Fair Oaks Avenue

Photographed by Liam Williams, May 31, 2026

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 • Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is November 6, 1885.

Location. 34° 8.702′ N, 118° 9.025′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Old Pasadena. It is on South Fair Oaks Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 33 S Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena CA 91105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mercantile Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of Throop University (within shouting distance of this marker); Edwin Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Yuen Kee Laundry (about 300 feet away); McCormick Alley (about 300 feet away); Braley Building (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Mercantile Place (about 300 feet away); 107 S. Fair Oaks Ave (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.

Another marker is no longer nearby.

Photographed by Liam Williams, May 31, 2026

2. Yuen Kee Laundry Marker

Marker is visible on the right side of the building

Mills Place (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Identical plaque in Mills Alley

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2026, by Liam Williams of Irvine, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.