📌APIA Every Day (145) - Wat Thai, a Buddhist temple located in Silver Springs, Maryland, was founded in 1974 by the Thai Buddhist community known as "The Buddhist Association in Washington DC” and is the second Thai temple established in the U.S., following the temple established in Los Angeles. Initially established in a small house in Washington DC, the community wrote to Wat Mahathat in Bangkok, requesting monks to serve the newly formed temple. The monks arrived on July 4, 1974, a date that coincided with both American Independence Day and Asalaha Bucha Day, an important Thai Buddhist festival. This beginning symbolized the foundation of a new Thai Buddhist community in the United States. Over time, Wat Thai has relocated to its current, more spacious location in Silver Spring, reflecting its growth and the increasing number of congregants.

Under the leadership of its second and current abbot, Phra Maha Surasak, Wat Thai has expanded significantly. The Thai initially had two monks; now, the temple supports ten fully ordained monks and serves over 2,200 families and 37,000 individuals in the greater Washington DC area. The temple offers various services and activities rooted in Thai Theravada Buddhist traditions, including regular meditation sessions, Dhamma discussions, and bimonthly workshops in both Thai and English. Phra Maha Surasak, also known as Luang Ta Chi, is a prolific writer who educates others through short stories about the Dhamma, making Buddhist teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Wat Thai plays a crucial role in promoting Thai culture and Buddhist practices within both the Thai immigrant community and the broader public. The temple hosts significant cultural events such as the Kathina Ceremony and Songkran (Thai New Year), which attract not only Thai Buddhists but also people from diverse backgrounds interested in Thai traditions. Additionally, Wat Thai offers Thai language courses and traditional music and dance classes, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Thai culture.

📌APIA Every Day (144) -The Community United Methodist Church in Jackson Heights, Queens, established in the early 20th century, has become a significant community hub, especially under the leadership of Reverend Austin Armitstead (1974-1995), who defended gay congregants against anti-gay protestors. The church offers multi-language ministries and meeting spaces for diverse community groups, reflecting the neighborhood's ethnic diversity and LGBT presence. In 1990, the church hosted a groundbreaking candidates' night on LGBT issues and HIV/AIDS, which led to the formation of Queens Gays and Lesbians United (Q-GLU) in 1991 by Ed Sedarbaum and Susan Caust. Q-GLU, formed in response to local events like the gay-bias murder of Julio Rivera, advocated for LGBT issues specific to Queens, organized regular meetings at the church, and collaborated with the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project to improve police relations with the LGBT community.

The church also served as a venue for significant events such as the Interfaith AIDS Memorial Service on June 5, 1999. This event, co-sponsored by various organizations including the Asian/Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV & AIDS (APICHA), featured clergy from multiple faiths and displayed panels from the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. APICHA was founded in 1989 by a group of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans concerned about HIV/AIDS rates within their communities and is dedicated to combating discrimination, preventing HIV transmission, and providing care for those living with HIV/AIDS. APICHA offers a range of services including primary and specialty HIV care, bilingual case management, and HIV prevention education. Notably, APICHA convinced the CDC to separately list "Asians and Pacific Islanders" from "Alaskan Natives and American Indians."

The Community United Methodist Church has played a pivotal role in fostering community solidarity and advocating for LGBT rights in Jackson Heights, involving various ethnic and minority groups, including Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, through collaborations like those with APICHA.

📌APIA Every Day (143) - Lavender Town, located within the Selleck Historic District and west of the Northern Pacific tracks, was established to accommodate Japanese American mill workers and their families with segregated housing. The town was named after John Lavender, who operated several businesses in a location between Selleck and Kangley, which eventually became the housing area for Japanese mill workers. During its peak in the 1920s, Selleck flourished as a hub of timber production. The introduction of innovative logging methods, such as sky-line logging, increased efficiency and output for the Pacific States Lumber Company.

Following the 1923 earthquake that devastated Tokyo, the Pacific States Lumber Company, which oversaw Selleck and Lavender Town, received its largest order to restore the city. The order was so large that Japanese workers were brought to Selleck to help with production. As a result, Japanese American families who were not living in Lavender Town built makeshift shanties beyond the mill and railroad tracks.

The closure of the mill in 1939 marked the beginning of a decline in Selleck's population and economic activity. World War II brought about further changes as Japanese residents were forcibly moved into American concentration camps. Few of the mill complex structures remain in the area as the buildings, including the workers' housing, have been demolished or removed. The Selleck Historic District, which mentions Lavender Town in its nomination form, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

📌APIA Every Day (142) - Summit Camp, located near the east entrance to Summit Tunnel #6 and operational from 1865 to 1869 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, was the site for Chinese laborers working on the First Transcontinental Railroad. These workers made up about 90 percent of the Central Pacific Railroad workforce and faced severe working conditions, including dangerous terrain and extreme weather, while being paid less than their white counterparts. Because Chinese laborers were not treated equally, they went on strike in June 1867 to demand better pay and working conditions. Although the strike ended without immediate gains, they did receive a pay raise months later.

Artifacts found at the camp, such as coins, porcelain rice bowls, and opium pipe bowls, illustrate the workers' cultural heritage and daily challenges. The site also included substantial building structures designed to endure heavy snowfall which no longer exist, offering insights into the laborers' living conditions. Today, the site faces threats from vandalism, construction, and tourism, which damage its cultural and natural resources.

Chinese labor was instrumental in connecting the East and West Coasts of the U.S.; however, it came at the cost of many laborers enduring harsh conditions and minimal compensation. It is important to remember the Chinese experience during the transcontinental railroad’s construction, as well as the broader impact on the violent displacement and colonization of thousands of Indigenous tribes who previously inhabited the West Coast. Because of the diverse histories affected by the railroad construction, Summit Camp was proposed as a National Historic Landmark earlier this year.

📌APIA Every Day (141) - Philadelphia's Chinatown traces its origins to 1871 when Cantonese immigrants established businesses along Race Street, seeking refuge from anti-Chinese sentiment. Over the years, it evolved into a cultural and economic center despite facing challenges, such as mid-20th century urban renewal projects, which threatened its existence. The formation of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) in 1968 marked a crucial moment in the neighborhood's history, as it began advocating for Chinatown's interests in the face of development pressures.

In the late 1990s, Chinatown faced another significant threat when plans to build a new baseball stadium sparked concerns about its impact on the community. Led by the PCDC, residents and community leaders mobilized to oppose the stadium's construction, fearing displacement and cultural loss. Ultimately, their efforts led to the relocation of the stadium, highlighting the community's ability to organize and protect its interests.

In the 21st century, Chinatown saw further developments with the implementation of community projects like the Eastern Tower Community Center, later renamed "Crane Chinatown." These initiatives, along with ongoing advocacy by the PCDC, contributed to Chinatown's status as a cultural and economic hub within Philadelphia. Currently, Philadelphia’s Chinatown is facing issues with the Philadelphia 76ers' proposed arena being built a block from the community’s gateway arch, which could displace local residents. Despite ongoing challenges such as gentrification, Philadelphia's Chinatown remains an integral part of the city, representing Chinese American history and heritage.

📌APIA Every Day (140) - Tseng Kwong Chi, born in Hong Kong in 1950, moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family in 1966. After coming out as gay, he experienced a temporary rift with his father, prompting him to leave home and open a fashion boutique. He later attended art school in Paris, where he developed a passion for photography. In 1978, Tseng moved to New York City with his sister, Muna Tseng, who was pursuing a career in professional dance. Living in the East Village, Tseng became involved in the downtown arts scene and met artist Keith Haring, becoming Haring's official photographer and documenting his work extensively.

In 1980, Tseng and Muna moved to a loft at 162 West 21st Street in Chelsea, where he lived until 1989. The loft, which Tseng shared with curator Saul Ostrow and later his partner Kristoffer Haynes, served as both his residence and photography studio. This space became a gathering spot for various artists and friends, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Bill T. Jones. Tseng's studio was known for impromptu photo sessions, capturing the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the 1980s New York arts scene.

Tseng is best known for his "East Meets West" series, which features over 100 self-portraits taken over a decade starting in 1979. In these photographs, he wore a Mao suit and posed in front of iconic landmarks, exploring themes of cultural identity and Western perceptions of the East. His notable works include "New York, New York" (1979) and "Bill T. Jones Body Painting with Keith Haring" (1983). Tseng's photographs are part of several prestigious collections, including the Guggenheim and the New York Public Library. His work was also known in China through art magazines, influencing contemporary Chinese artists before the country opened to international trade.

📌APIA Every Day (139) - Dinay Village in Yap, Federated States of Micronesian, is nestled deep within the island's interior, near the mountains, and is believed to be one of the earliest settled sites dating back to the first millennium B.C. Oral histories reveal that Dinay was where pottery and fire were introduced to the Yapese people by spirits, marking a significant cultural shift. Despite its abandonment as populations grew and settlements expanded, Dinay remains crucial for understanding early Yapese civilization.

Distinct features of Dinay include its location, absence of stone money, and unique architectural elements such as rounded presentation platforms. The village layout comprises multiple daf complexes, sitting platforms, and a sophisticated network of paved drainages and stream crossings. Excavations have revealed laminated ware pottery on the surface, indicating a "late" tradition after A.D. 500. However, further excavation is needed to uncover a wider variety of pottery forms and styles.

Future research aims to obtain more dates for Dinay to better understand its chronology, settlement patterns, and cultural evolution. Its significance extends beyond Yap, offering insights into the broader context of Pacific prehistory and interactions between ancient island cultures. Dinay Village was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, highlighting its importance in the region's heritage.

📌APIA Every Day (138) - Situated on Warwick Boulevard in Newport News, Hampton Roads, is a concentration of Korean-owned businesses and services, often referred to as "Little Seoul." While not as well-known as other "Little Seouls" in the nation, this mile-long strip has become a vital hub for the Korean community in the region, offering a variety of amenities and cultural touchstones that cater specifically to Korean residents and visitors.

The Korean presence in Hampton Roads dates back to the mid-20th century, primarily driven by the aftermath of the Korean War and the subsequent U.S. military presence in Korea. Many Korean women married American servicemen stationed in Korea and relocated to the United States, often settling near military bases such as Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis.

The area now features a wide array of businesses, including beauty salons, dental clinics, acupuncture services, restaurants, senior citizen centers, tutorial academies, and churches. In addition to commercial enterprises, the Korean community in Hampton Roads is supported by various social and cultural organizations. Korean-language newspapers, such as The Korea Dureh Journal and The Korean Post, keep the community informed about local and international news relevant to Koreans. Organizations like the Peninsula Korean American Association and the Tidewater Korean American Association further foster community engagement and support.

While Warwick Boulevard’s "Little Seoul" might not have the same scale or visibility as larger ethnic neighborhoods in major cities, it serves a crucial role for the Korean community in Hampton Roads.

📌APIA Every Day (137) - The Far East Center situated in Denver's Westwood neighborhood, colloquially known as "Little Saigon," emerged after the influx of Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War. Founded by the Luong family, who had faced considerable challenges after fleeing Vietnam, the center serves as a cultural hub with various businesses, including restaurants, a supermarket, and a gift store. Despite initial hardships, including language barriers and discrimination, the Luongs managed to establish a successful enterprise that not only caters to the community's needs but also preserves Vietnamese heritage in the area.

The center recently gained historic recognition when it was added to Colorado's State Register of Historic Properties earlier in February. This acknowledgment was part of History Colorado's initiative to highlight landmarks in communities of color, with the Far East Center being one of the few Asian American and Pacific Islander locations on the registry. The inclusion of this site is part of the broader "Heritage for All" initiative, aimed at diversifying the state's historic registry by adding sites significant to LGBTQ+, women, and people of color.

📌APIA Every Day (136) -The Golden Spike National Historical Park, located in Promontory Summit, Utah, commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. This historic event marked the unification of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, creating a continuous railway line across the United States. The driving of the "golden spike" during the ceremony symbolized this significant technological achievement and recognized the critical contributions of immigrants, particularly the Chinese laborers, who played an essential role in the construction.

Chinese laborers were vital to the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad, forming the majority of its workforce. Initially hired as an experiment in 1865 due to labor shortages, their recruitment faced significant resistance from widespread anti-Chinese sentiment. Despite this opposition, the Central Pacific Railroad found Chinese workers to be highly effective, leading to the hiring of more laborers directly from China. By 1867, Chinese workers made up 80 to 90 percent of the Central Pacific workforce and were primarily tasked with the arduous and dangerous work of tunneling through the Sierra Nevada mountains and laying tracks.

Despite their critical contributions, Chinese laborers faced significant pay disparities and harsh working conditions compared to their white counterparts. Earning $31 to $35 per month, less than the $40 paid to white workers, they also had to cover their own living expenses. These injustices led to a major strike on June 25, 1867, involving around 5,000 Chinese workers demanding better pay and conditions. Although the strike was ultimately unsuccessful due to Central Pacific superintendent Charles Crocker cutting off their food supplies, it highlighted the crucial role of Chinese laborers in the construction process. Their efforts were indispensable to the successful completion of the transcontinental railroad, celebrated with the golden spike ceremony on May 10, 1869. The Golden Spike National Historical Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Park in 2019.

📌APIA Every Day (135) - The Nippon Hospital situated in Stockton, California, played a crucial role in the local Japanese community, which was one of the largest in the United States in the early 20th century. Constructed through the efforts of the local Japanese association and funded by Tokutaro Matsumoto, a wealthy farmer, the two-story building was established in 1919. Staffed by individuals like G. T. Nakagawa and Joseph F. Ogata, it served the medical needs of the Japanese population, marking an early instance of Japanese Americans entering professional healthcare fields.

In 1922, the hospital was reorganized and renamed the Stockton Hospital, with financing achieved through the sale of 400 shares of stock at $25 each. Another reorganization occurred in 1925, allowing the facility to continue operating for a few more years. However, by around 1930, financial difficulties forced the hospital to close, and the building was repurposed as the Bryant Hotel, which remains its function today. Its association with the ethnic history of Japanese Americans and its role in the community's development contribute to its historical significance, resulting in its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

📌APIA Every Day (134) - Likinlulem, an archaeological site on Kosrae in Micronesia, is historically significant for its continuous occupation from around AD 1000 to 1800, particularly during a formative period between AD 1200 and 1600. This era was marked by regional centers competing for dominance, and Likinlulem played a key role in the development of Kosrae’s political and social structures. Oral histories and genealogies indicate that the island's traditional title system and chiefly lines originated here, with Likinlulem serving as the residence of high chiefs. The site’s strategic location in the earliest settled region of Kosrae reinforced its status and influence during this critical period.

Culturally, Likinlulem is notable for its monumental architecture, which includes a complex of enclosures defined by basalt boulder walls, a paved canoe landing, a mooring facility, a grand staircase, and channelized streams. These features demonstrate advanced environmental control and architectural skill, indicating the site's role as an elite residence. Today, Likinlulem is largely hidden by dense jungle, but it remains well-preserved with intact subsurface deposits and buried architectural components. The site's good condition and limited excavation suggest it holds a wealth of information yet to be uncovered. This potential makes Likinlulem a crucial site for understanding Kosrae's prehistory and contributes valuable insights into the broader history of the Pacific region. As such, Likinlulem, representing Micronesian heritage and prehistory, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

📌APIA Every Day (133) - The Locke Historic District, located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in Sacramento County, California, is a key historical site representing rural, agricultural Chinese American communities. Established in 1915 by Chinese immigrants from Heungshan County (now Zhongshan), Guangdong Province, China, Locke was built following a fire that destroyed the Chinese section of Walnut Grove [see Day 73]. The town was established on land leased from George Locke because California's Alien Land Law of 1913 prohibited non-citizens from owning land. This lease allowed Chinese residents to construct buildings but not to own the land itself.

Chinese immigration to the U.S. increased significantly during the 19th century due to factors such as the California Gold Rush, the Taiping Rebellion, and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. After the railroad's completion in 1869, many Chinese laborers moved to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to work on levee projects, utilizing their expertise in farming river valleys. This labor transformed swampy lands into valuable agricultural areas, creating demand for manual labor and leading many Chinese workers to settle in towns like Locke, Walnut Grove, Isleton, and Rio Vista.

Locke grew as a vibrant community with homes, businesses, and recreational facilities catering to Chinese laborers and the local workforce. However, the town's population and economic activity declined during the Great Depression and with the mechanization of agriculture. The end of Prohibition and changes in the agricultural industry further reduced the town's vitality. In 1977, the town was sold to a Hong Kong development company, and in 1990, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency acquired Locke in 2002, and ongoing preservation efforts aim to maintain its historical buildings and legacy.

📌APIA Every Day (132) - “‘Are There Really Only Two Asian Lesbians in Chicago?’: Queer Asian Visibility and Community Formation in Chicago”, is an online exhibit curated by Laura Sachiko Fugikawa, Assistant Professor of American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Colby College. The collection focuses on the creation of queer Asian organizations in Chicago during the 1980s and 1990s. A series of articles in Chicago’s LGBTQ newspaper, Outlines: The Voice of the Gay and Lesbian Community, and self-published organizational newsletters were important tools to increase queer Asian visibility, address the issues queer Asians felt were most critical, and serve as outreach for newly formed organizations. Items in this collection provide insight into why queer Asian groups formed during this time period and how individuals came together to create multi-ethnic, queer Asian organizations.

During the 1980s and 1990s, queer Asians in Chicago were part of broader LGBTQ movements, participating in marches for rights and equality while facing the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and advocating against discriminatory policies. Despite being often overlooked in mainstream LGBTQ history, queer Asians played significant roles in organizing and activism, contributing to movements such as Asian American, socialist, and queer political actions. The emergence of diverse, pan-Asian ethnic LGBTQ groups marked a significant milestone in the national gay and lesbian Asian movement, fostering the formation of various groups across major cities like San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago.

The formation of queer Asian organizations in Chicago during this period was not only a response to social exclusion but also a political act aimed at resisting marginalization and building new networks of power. These groups provided crucial support networks for queer Asians, offering spaces for socializing, advocacy, and community building. Through their activism, social gatherings, and political actions, queer Asians in Chicago navigated the intersections of race, gender, immigration, and sexuality, contributing to the broader tapestry of LGBTQ histories while challenging societal norms and fostering greater visibility and recognition for their communities.

📌APIA Every Day (131) - Seattle's Chinatown-International District (CID), located in Seattle, Washington has a significant historical background, originating in the late 19th century as a settlement for Chinese immigrants seeking employment opportunities. Over time, it evolved into a diverse community, attracting immigrants from Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Chinatown and Japantown emerged as bustling centers for commerce and social life within the CID.

Despite facing challenges such as the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the construction of Interstate 5, the CID has shown resilience. In 1973, community activism led to the creation of the International Special Review District, aiming to protect the neighborhood's heritage. Today, the CID is recognized for its historic buildings, long-standing businesses, and cultural activities.

However, the CID now confronts potential disruptions from proposed transit expansion plans by Sound Transit. These plans involve constructing a new tunnel as part of the Link light rail expansion project, raising concerns among residents and businesses. A coalition of community stakeholders is advocating for fair decision-making to minimize negative impacts. Development plans should consider the neighborhood's identity and minimize disruption to its residents and businesses.

As Seattle's last remaining Chinatown, the CID plays a crucial role in the city's diverse landscape and requires preservation efforts, accordingly, exacerbated by the community's collective dedication to protecting the CID from potential harm. The CID was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and was designated as one of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places in 2023.

📌APIA Every Day (130) - The Rull Men's Meeting House, or "faluw," is a significant cultural structure in Yap District, serving as a central location for various activities among men. Built with a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing design, the faluw in Rull features a large, hexagonal floor plan with a raised platform made of stones and a floor covered with treated betelnut tree trunks. Its roofing comprises pandanus, nipa, and coconut leaves, supported by bamboo reeds and tied with coconut fiber ropes, maintaining its original design. The selection of a faluw's site typically prioritizes free access to the sea for fishing and transportation. Constructing a faluw involves a collective effort from the village, led by heads of households who gather necessary materials and coordinate with community members, including those of lower castes.

Traditionally, men's houses were used for planning war strategies and conducting rites of passage as well as a secluded meeting place for men to discuss local politics, fishing, and village affairs. It also serves as storage for vital fishing equipment and a training ground for young men in various skills, such as fighting, fishing, and navigation. The faluw symbolizes village pride, making it a key place to host important ceremonies, and provides shelter for travelers and high-ranking visitors. Today, they continue to serve as venues for community and village planning, adhering to modern governance, including laws administered by the United States. The Rull Men’s Meeting House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

📌APIA Every Day (129) - The Gin Lin Hydraulic Mining Site in Oregon’s Applegate Valley is named after Gin Lin, a Chinese entrepreneur who introduced hydraulic mining to the area. Hydraulic mining, a technique using high-pressure water to erode gold-bearing sediments from hillsides, greatly increased gold recovery but also caused environmental damage through the production of waste rock and debris. Gin Lin's operations were notably successful, leading to significant gold deposits in a Jacksonville bank.

The Chinese arrived in southwest Oregon by 1855. Gin Lin, the owner of the Gin Lin Mining Company, purchased claims along the lower Little Applegate River in 1864. He initially worked with one hydraulic system but added a second in 1878 and continued to expand. He was highly successful, reportedly earning millions from his mining operations. His hydraulic mining efforts left visible marks along the trail, showcasing the scale of his work. Gin Lin and his laborers’ efforts paid off, resulting in over a million dollars’ worth of gold dust deposited in Jacksonville.

The success of Chinese miners, including Gin Lin, led to tensions with other miners, exacerbated by cultural differences and resulting in discriminatory laws that unfairly taxed Chinese and other ethnic minorities. These laws, along with violence and theft, forced many Chinese miners to leave the area, with some taking jobs in railroad construction and others returning to China. The exact fate of Gin Lin remains uncertain, with one account suggesting he was robbed and fatally beaten upon his return to China. The mining site was recommended as a potential National Historic Landmark by the NPS AAPI National Historic Landmark Theme Study.

📌APIA Every Day (128) - The Kyoto Gardens of Honolulu, located within the Honolulu Memorial Park, showcase Japanese traditional-style architecture and garden design. Established in 1958 as a community service cemetery, the park saw significant development in 1964 when the Buddhist Federation of Honolulu endorsed the creation of monuments to honor Buddhist followers. Led by President Herbert M. Richards, the construction of the Sanju Pagoda and the Kinkaku-ji memorial was completed in July 1966.

The Sanju Pagoda, modeled after the Hokke-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, and the Kinkaku-ji, replicating Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, are standout features of the gardens. The pagoda stands 80 feet tall, constructed from concrete and steel, while the Kinkaku-ji, a three-story structure, features a steel frame and plaster finish. Surrounding the Kinkaku-ji is the Mirror Lake Garden, designed in the Muromachi style, reflecting traditional Japanese garden aesthetics.

In 1966, the gardens were renamed Kyoto Gardens following the donation of a bronze bell by Mayor Yoshizo Takayama of Kyoto. The bell, inscribed with messages of world peace and friendship between Honolulu and Kyoto, underscored the cultural significance of the site. The Kyoto Gardens were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

📌APIA Every Day (127) - The Panama Hotel, situated in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, was designed by Sabro Ozasa, the first Japanese American architect in Seattle, and completed in 1910. The building served as a workingman's hote featuring a sento (public bathhouse) in the basement, which was a central part of Japanese immigrant culture. The sento, Hashidate Yu, is one of only two intact sentos in the United States, reflecting the communal bathing practices that were essential in urban Japan.

During World War II, the Panama Hotel became a critical site for the Japanese American community in Seattle. Following Executive Order 9066 in 1942, many residents stored their belongings in the hotel's basement. The owner, Takashi Hori, provided a secure place for these possessions, which remained there throughout the war. After the war, many items were unclaimed, as numerous families did not return to Seattle. In 1985, Jan Johnson acquired the Panama Hotel and discovered the unclaimed belongings in the basement. Recognizing their historical value, she created a museum to display these items, offering a glimpse into the lives of Seattle's Japanese American community before and during the war. The collection includes photographs, clothes, and everyday items, providing valuable insights into the community's history.

It now operates as the Historic Panama Hotel Bed & Breakfast, maintaining its original early 20th-century charm. The Hashidate Yu is available for tours, and the hotel's Asian Tea and Coffee House remains a popular spot. The hotel continues to serve as a reminder of Seattle's Nihonmachi and the experiences of Japanese Americans during a turbulent period in U.S. history. The Panama Hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and is a possible lodging option for APIAHiP’s 2024 National Forum in September!

📌APIA Every Day (126) - The 1830 Sutter Street building in San Francisco, California, home to the Japanese YWCA, is historically significant due to its connections to the Japanese American community and its broader social impacts. The building's history begins in 1912 when Issei women, facing exclusion from mainstream YWCA facilities due to segregationist policies, founded an independent Japanese YWCA. This organization aimed to provide social services specifically for Japanese women and girls.

Due to the 1913 Alien Land Law, which prohibited Japanese immigrants from owning property, the Issei women were unable to purchase land themselves. They received assistance from the San Francisco YWCA, which agreed to hold the property in trust for the Japanese YWCA. The funds for this purchase were raised within the Japanese community, demonstrating a collective effort to establish a permanent home for their organization.

In 1932, after the original structure was destroyed, architect Julia Morgan was commissioned to design the new building. The 1830 Sutter Street Building includes a dormitory, meeting rooms, offices, a kitchen, and an auditorium. The auditorium features a unique Noh theater stage, the only one in the western United States, used for performing classical Japanese dramas. The building also includes a tokonoma, a special alcove for tea ceremonies, and decorative wooden panels known as ranma, designed by artist Chiura Obata.

During World War II, the Japanese YWCA's activities were disrupted under Executive Order 9066. Many of the original founders did not return to San Francisco after the war, and knowledge of the land trust was nearly lost. In 1996, when the San Francisco YWCA attempted to sell the property, academic researchers and community activists uncovered documents proving the original trust agreement. The Soko Bukai, an organization of Japanese Christian Churches, along with other activists, fought a legal battle to enforce the trust and secure the property for the Japanese American community. This effort culminated in a 2002 settlement that allowed Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) to purchase the property. Nihonmachi Little Friends, a nonprofit childcare organization, continues the legacy of community service established by the Issei women. The Japanese YWCA building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.