📌APIA Every Day (170) - Esther Hipol Simpson, born on November 27, 1945, in Pacdal, Baguio City, Philippines, earned her nursing degree from St. Paul College in Manila in 1967 and a Master's in Nursing from the University of the Philippines in Diliman before immigrating to the United States in 1973. She started her nursing career at Roosevelt Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, during a period when the U.S. faced a shortage of nurses in inner-city and rural hospitals. Filipino nurses, trained in Americanized medical programs, were specifically recruited starting in the late 1960s, and tens of thousands immigrated to the U.S. under the Immigration Act of 1965.

In 1975, after a couple of years in the U.S., Esther married Bill Simpson, and the following year they had their only son, Richie. The family relocated to Washington in 1982, where Esther worked at Harbor View Hospital for a year before spending the next 30 years at the VA Hospital in Seattle, Washington, until her retirement in 2014.

Beyond her nursing career, Esther was deeply involved in activist efforts, particularly in defending Filipino nurses against racial and gender discrimination. Notably, she supported Filipina nurses Filipina Narciso and Leonara Perez, who were wrongfully accused of poisoning patients at the V.A. Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Esther, alongside the KDP and the Chicago Support Group for the Defense of the Narciso-Perez Case, advocated for their defense through forums, fundraisers, and demonstrations, leading to the dismissal of the case in February 1978.

Throughout her career, Esther was a distinguished nurse and a prominent leader in her community. She served as President of the Filipino Nurses Association and actively participated in numerous associations, including the Filipino Community of Seattle and the KDP, Union of Democratic Filipinos. Even after retirement, Esther continued to make a significant impact, contributing to the KDP book "A Time to Rise." She passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of activism and dedication to the Filipino community.

📌APIA Every Day (169) - The Chinese Hospital, located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, is the city's only remaining independent community hospital. Established in 1899 as the Tung Wah Dispensary, it initially served Chinese immigrants excluded from mainstream healthcare services. The dispensary was staffed by both Western-trained physicians and Chinese herbalists.

After the 1906 earthquake, the Chinese Hospital Association was formed in 1923, leading to the opening of a new facility at 835 Jackson Street in 1925. This hospital was the first and only one of its kind in the country. In 1979, a new healthcare facility was built to meet growing demands and new hospital requirements.

In the 1980s, amidst the emergence of managed care, the Chinese Community Health Care Association (CCHCA) and the Chinese Community Health Plan (CCHP) were created to ensure continued care within the Chinese Hospital Health System. To address the community’s growing needs, several community clinics were opened. In 2012, the original building was torn down to construct a new acute care facility, which opened in 2016 as The New Chinese Hospital. This new facility included an integrative Chinese Medicine clinic, East West Health Services, and an outpatient center in Daly City. In 2018, a new East West Health Services clinic opened at 445 Grant Ave, San Francisco.

The hospital celebrated its 125th anniversary this past year on May 9 and was recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals in California. Recently, Assemblyman Phil Ting announced a $5 million state budget allocation for a new 23-bed subacute-care unit, addressing a critical need in the Bay Area, which is expected to open in a year. This follows a previous $5 million budget allocation in 2022 for infrastructure upgrades. The Chinese Hospital symbolizes the efforts made by the Chinese community to care for their own when refused by other healthcare services, emphasizing the hospital’s evolution from exclusion to inclusivity.

📌APIA Every Day (168) - Mai's Restaurant, Houston's first Vietnamese restaurant, was founded in 1978 by Phin and Phac Nguyen to support their family of eight children. The Nguyen family immigrated to South Dakota in 1975, securing sponsorship from a local family. About three years later, they moved to Houston, seeking a climate similar to Vietnam's. Upon settling in Houston, they opened a pool hall with a buffet but quickly realized that more people came for the food than the pool. This pool hall soon transformed into Mai’s Restaurant.

They named the restaurant after their daughter Mai for its simple pronunciation and significant meaning, "golden flower," symbolizing prosperity and luck. Over the years, Mai's gained popularity for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. In 1990, ownership of the restaurant was passed to Mai, and a year later, Mai's Restaurant officially introduced Vietnamese cuisine to Houston, receiving local media coverage thanks to its loyal patrons. In 2002. Anthony Bourdain praised its authentic and memorable Vietnamese cooking.

On February 15, 2010, an accidental fire destroyed Mai's Restaurant, prompting a rebuilding effort led by Mai's daughter, Anna Pham. The incident significantly impacted both the family and the Houston community, as Mai's was considered a city landmark. When Mai's finally reopened on April 26, 2011, the mayor declared it Mai’s Restaurant Day.

Today, Mai's remains under family management, blending traditional Vietnamese recipes with updated menu offerings and a refreshed dining environment. Anna Pham now oversees daily operations alongside her mother, Mai Nguyen, navigating the challenges of a dynamic restaurant scene while preserving Mai's legacy in Houston.

📌APIA Every Day (167) - Dong Il Jang, established in 1979 by Sung Kim, was one of the first Korean restaurants in Los Angeles' Koreatown, an ethnic neighborhood formed in the 1980s. Known for its unchanged menu, the restaurant featured Korean steak tartare and banquet-style grilled Korean barbecue. It also offered Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and teriyaki, honoring its namesake, a sukiyaki restaurant in Seoul founded by Kim's father in 1945. Dong Il Jang became a beloved spot with a nostalgic, 1950s LA atmosphere, featuring dim lighting, red vinyl booths, retro tables, and scripture-adorned wallpaper. Despite its popularity, the restaurant struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually closing its doors, marking the end of an era for a cultural and culinary landmark in Koreatown.

Roy Kim later assumed management of Dong Il Jang, which became a popular venue for celebrations within the Korean community, amplified by its feature on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” series in 2013. However, their success was disrupted when the pandemic hit, and their transition to takeout services proved challenging. Later that year, Dong Il Jang closed permanently on August 15, 2020. How can we best honor the legacy of Asian American restaurants following their closure and their cultural contributions to Los Angeles’ Koreatown? Additionally, how can we gain a clearer understanding of the impact on small Asian businesses during the pandemic, particularly considering the challenges caused by anti-Asian sentiment?

📌APIA Every Day (166) - The Pekin Noodle Parlor in Butte, Montana, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the United States. Established in 1909 by Tam Kwong Yee and Hum Yow, it originally served as a noodle parlor and general store catering primarily to Butte's mining community. Over the years, it transitioned into a popular gathering spot, offering a menu featuring staple Chinese American dishes such as chop suey, chow mein, and lo mein. The restaurant also housed a basement gambling parlor until the 1950s.

Chinese immigrants were drawn to Butte in the late 19th century due to opportunities in the mining industry, particularly the extraction of copper. Many Chinese laborers contributed to building essential infrastructure like railroads, including the transcontinental railroad. Alongside their labor roles, they established businesses such as laundries, restaurants, and shops, which played crucial roles in supporting and integrating into Butte's diverse community.

Despite facing challenges like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which restricted Chinese immigration, Butte's Chinese American community, exemplified by figures like Yee and Yow of the Pekin Noodle Parlor, left a lasting imprint on the Butte-Anaconda Historic District [See Day 116 Post]. Today, under Jerry Tam's management, the Pekin Noodle Parlor remains operational and has garnered recognition, including being designated as an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2023. It symbolized Butte's multicultural heritage and continues to serve as a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking traditional Chinese American cuisine.

📌APIA Every Day (165) - Thanh Long, situated in San Francisco, California, is one of the Bay Area's earliest Vietnamese restaurants. Established in 1971 by Diana An, a Vietnamese immigrant, the restaurant was originally purchased as an Italian deli in the Outer Sunset upon her arrival in the U.S. Following the fall of Saigon, the rest of the An family joined her and lived together in Diana’s one-bedroom apartment above the deli. Initially serving Italian cuisine, the menu gradually integrated Vietnamese-inspired dishes once Diana’s daughter-in-law, Helene An, took charge of the kitchen. Within a year, Helene learned English, became a CPA, and balanced accounting during the day while managing the deli at night. Around 1978, she created the restaurant's signature garlic noodles, blending French, European, and Vietnamese influences into a unique "Euro-Asian" fusion. This evolution led to the transformation of the Italian deli into the notable Thanh Long restaurant.

The restaurant gained prominence in the 1980s for its seafood offerings, drawing a diverse clientele that included celebrities like Robin Williams and Danny Glover. Building on Thanh Long’s success, the An family expanded their culinary ventures with Crustacean, first in San Francisco and later in Beverly Hills. These ventures marked milestones in introducing high-end Vietnamese fusion cuisine to a global audience. Just before the pandemic, Chef Helene An, along with Elizabeth An and granddaughter Bosilika An, launched Da Lat Rose, aiming to showcase authentic Vietnamese flavors and provide a platform for young chefs to reimagine traditional dishes.

In May 2019, Chef Helene An received the Pioneer Award in Culinary Arts from the Smithsonian Institute. This prestigious honor was presented during the first-ever Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center celebration, recognizing her significant contributions to culinary arts, particularly in introducing and popularizing Vietnamese flavors in mainstream American cuisine.

📌APIA Every Day (164) - The Mukai Cold Process Fruit Barreling Plant's history begins with Denichiro "B.D." Mukai, who emigrated from Japan to the United States in the late 19th century. After various jobs in San Francisco, Mukai and his wife Sato moved to Seattle following the 1906 earthquake and later relocated to Vashon Island around 1910 to start a strawberry farming business. The Mukai’s became successful tenant farmers, hiring other Japanese laborers and introducing efficient practices like using a barge to transport berries to market.

In 1924, the Mukai’s established their first barreling plant to preserve strawberries, allowing them to bypass Seattle wholesalers and sell directly to larger distribution companies. This innovation significantly impacted the industry by enabling direct sales to makers of preserves and ice cream. Unable to own land due to restrictions on Japanese immigrants, the Mukai family purchased a 40-acre site in 1926 under their son's name, Masa. Masa Mukai later took over the business, contributing to advancements in frozen fruit techniques and managing the operation. The farm continued to prosper during the Depression, employing over 400 workers annually to help pack and ship 200 tons of strawberries.

During World War II, the Mukai family fled to Oregon due to Executive Order 9066 moving outside the exclusion zone, and thus were not imprisoned as were the other Japanese families on Vashon. From Oregon, they managed to maintain their business connections. After the war, they returned to Vashon Island, though the strawberry business had declined. Masa Mukai shifted focus to engineering and construction, eventually selling off the Vashon properties. The Mukai Cold Process Fruit Barreling Plant was designated a King County landmark in 1993 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Nearly a decade later, restoration efforts began in 2001 led by non-profit organizations, resulting in significant structural improvements and the preservation of the historic site. Due to concern over the future stewardship of the resource, a group of Vashon residents formed Friends of Mukai to work toward the long-term preservation.

📌APIA Every Day (163) - Bernie's Teriyaki, established in 1977, was a Filipino-style barbecue restaurant with influences from Hawaiian plate lunches. Located in Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, California, the restaurant was founded by August and Fely B. Cruz and was considered the oldest Filipino-owned establishment in the area.

The restaurant was known for its budget-friendly pricing, with most menu items priced around $5. Portions were generous, often sufficient for two meals or a substantial single serving. Bernie's Teriyaki became a local favorite for those seeking hearty, satisfying meals in a casual setting. Despite offers from developers to purchase the land, Bernie’s continued to operate, maintaining its commitment to affordable dining.

There is limited information on Bernie’s Teriyaki’s history, but it is said to have closed sometime in 2019. Although Bernie’s Teriyaki is no longer in operation, its presence highlighted the influence of the diverse Asian American population on the culinary landscape of Los Angeles.

📌APIA Every Day (162) - The Bamboo Inn, situated on 39 Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Indiana, was established on July 13, 1918 as a Chinese American within the Circle Theatre Building. Initially managed by George Gong, the restaurant quickly changed hands to Tuen Hip Wey, a Chinese American group from Chicago. The Bamboo Inn featured a resident orchestra, bamboo décor, and a balcony, becoming a popular spot for its evening and late-night musical entertainment. Under head chef Henry Shinohara, the menu offered a mix of Americanized Chinese dishes, traditional fare, and French cuisine, setting it apart in the Indianapolis dining scene.

The 1920s were marked by both success and controversy for the Bamboo Inn. In 1920, it faced legal issues over allegations of serving impure meat, resulting in a court case that brought negative publicity. Despite these challenges, the restaurant continued to attract patrons and emphasized its cleanliness in advertisements. It also became a target for robberies due to its late hours and opulent interior. In 1932, the Bamboo Inn expanded its entertainment offerings with the opening of Club Orientale on the second floor, which featured midnight floorshows and dancing. However, the club's operation was short-lived, ceasing activities within a few years due to the Great Depression.

During World War II, the Bamboo Inn remained active in the community, with employees raising significant funds for the war bond drive. After its lease at the Circle Theatre expired in 1946, the restaurant relocated to the English Hotel and subsequently to other locations. In the 1950s, the Bamboo Inn continued to offer live music and entertainment. By 1961, the restaurant was sold and renamed Jong Mea, ending its long-standing presence in Indianapolis. The last known owner was Henry Guy Chung, who had managed the Bamboo Inn for decades as part of the Tuen Hip Wey group. Today, the site of the original Bamboo Inn is part of the Hilbert Circle Theatre and continues to be a reminder of the tenacity and success of Chinese American business owners who endured exclusionary laws during this period.

📌APIA Every Day (161) - Madison Square Park in Manhattan became a central location for the South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association’s (SALGA) protests after the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) banned them from the India Day Parade. Originally founded as the South Asian Gay Association (SAGA) in 1989, it was renamed in 1991 to include lesbian members. SALGA serves Desi LGBT people from countries like Afghanistan, India, and Sri Lanka, as well as those of South Asian descent from places like Guyana and Trinidad. When SALGA applied to march in the India Day Parade in 1993, they were rejected despite having marched in 1992 after intervention by the New York City Human Rights Commission. The FIA stipulated that SALGA could only participate if its members did not carry signs stating their homosexuality, which the group refused, highlighting issues of homophobia within the community.

In response to continued exclusion from the parade, SALGA formed the South Asian Progressive Task Force in 1997 to combat discrimination. Despite being allowed to march in 2000, they were denied again in 2009, leading to silent protests along the parade route that garnered media attention. In 2010, hours before the parade, SALGA was granted permission to march again. SALGA remains active in Pride marches across New York City, advocating for visibility and acceptance within the broader community, and often organizes protest marches along the India Day Parade route with support from groups like SAKHI for South Asian Women.

📌APIA Every Day (160) - The Rohwer War Relocation Center, located in Desha County, Arkansas, operated as one of the ten American concentration camps during World War II, situated north of the Jerome Relocation Center [See Day 83]. Established on September 18, 1942, it incarcerated primarily Japanese Americans from Los Angeles and San Joaquin, California. At its peak, the camp housed approximately 8,000 people within barracks, mess halls, and guarded perimeters surrounded by barbed wire, reflecting the horrible conditions the prisoners faced. Unlike many other relocation centers where populations dwindled over time, Rohwer experienced an increase in inmates in 1944 following the closure of the Jerome camp, further complicating its operational dynamics.

Following the war, as restrictions eased, Rohwer gradually ceased operations, officially closing on November 30, 1945. Imprisoned Japanese Americans either returned to the West Coast or resettled in cities across the United States, including Chicago. The center's barracks and buildings were auctioned off and removed, with the land converted back to agricultural use for crops like cotton, soybeans, corn, and rice. Many Japanese Americans left Arkansas immediately, some returning to the West Coast to rebuild their lives, while others resettled across the United States.

Of the 168 Japanese American prisoners who tragically passed away during their time at Rohwer, most were elderly and preferred burial over cremation, resting in the Rohwer Memorial Cemetery. In 1945, two large concrete monuments were erected in the cemetery. One, adorned with floral patterns symbolic of Japanese and American cultures, honors all who died at the center, including those cremated. The second commemorates the young men from Rohwer who served in Europe and lost their lives in the U.S. Army's 100th Battalion and 442nd Combat Team. The cemetery and monuments serve as tangible reminders of Rohwer's history, and the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

📌APIA Every Day (159) - The Asian District in Oklahoma City, previously known as "Little Saigon," emerged in the mid-1970s when thousands of Vietnamese refugees settled in the area following the Vietnam War. Located off Classen Blvd between NW 23rd St and NW 30th St, near Oklahoma City's Chinatown, the area was often referred to as “the Vietnamese heart” due to the memorial honoring veterans from Vietnam and their American allies in Military Park. The Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma City raised funds to provide a statue called “Brothers in Arms” that depicts American and Vietnamese soldiers standing in solidarity. The district officially adopted the name Asian District to reflect its diverse and evolving population. Over time, the area expanded to include a variety of businesses and restaurants, attracting not only Vietnamese patrons but also the broader OKC community.

The history of Asians in Oklahoma City began before the arrival of the Vietnamese population. In the mid-nineteenth century, Chinese laborers arrived around the time of the Land Run of 1889, working in railroads, laundries, and restaurants. Early Chinese settlers lived in a small, mostly hidden "Chinatown" in downtown Oklahoma City. Their numbers peaked in the early 20th century but declined during the Great Depression. Japanese immigration to Oklahoma followed around 1900, with many working as gardeners or household staff for wealthy families. During World War II, Japanese Americans faced discrimination but were not incarcerated in Oklahoma, and the community grew post-war with new immigration laws. From the 1970s onwards, the Asian population in Oklahoma City diversified significantly. Korean immigration increased, spurred by post-Korean War policies and family reunification programs, while Vietnamese refugees arrived in large numbers, forming a vibrant community in what became known as Little Saigon.

By 2000, Vietnamese made up the largest Asian group in Oklahoma City, with significant communities of Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, and Indians. The Asian District Cultural Association and the annual Asian Night Market Festival play a key role in maintaining cultural practices and fostering community among the diverse Asian populations. These efforts, along with the establishment of various businesses, have integrated the Asian community into Oklahoma City's broader economic and cultural landscape.

📌APIA Every Day (158) - The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, located on the south shore of Eagle Harbor in Bainbridge Island, Washington, commemorates the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. On March 30, 1942, 227 Japanese American residents were gathered at the Eagledale Ferry Dock and sent to incarceration camps, first to Manzanar in California and later to Minidoka in Idaho. This evacuation, prompted by concerns over their proximity to naval bases during wartime, was sudden, with residents given only a few days' notice to leave their properties and belongings behind. After World War II, more than half of the Japanese Americans from Bainbridge Island returned, facing significant challenges in rebuilding their lives.

The memorial is part of the Minidoka National Historic Site in Idaho and emphasizes the importance of remembering this period in American history. The central feature is a wall made of old-growth red cedar, granite, and basalt, listing the names of all 276 Japanese and Japanese Americans exiled from Bainbridge Island. The memorial project was led by the Bainbridge Japanese American Community, with significant fundraising efforts starting after its inclusion in the Minidoka National Historic Site in 2008. By 2009, $2.7 million had been raised. The first phase of the memorial, including the construction of the cedar "story wall" designed by architect Johnpaul Jones, was completed in 2011. The landscaping around the memorial features native plants, reflecting the natural environment of the area. The site was listed as a National Historic Site in 2008 with the dedication of the Departure Deck in 2021. Currently, the memorial is in its final planned phase of development with a campaign running through this year or until funding goals are met. APIAHiP will also be offering a tour on Bainbridge Island during our National Forum this upcoming September!

📌APIA Every Day (157) - The Hmong refugee mural and exhibit, part of the Hmongstory 40 project, launched in Fresno, California, in 2015, commemorating 40 years of Hmong history in America. The exhibit reflects on the turbulent experiences of the Hmong people displaced from Laos starting in 1975 who sought refuge in Thailand. It features four rooms filled with text, photos, videos, paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that narrate the Hmong experience, documenting different phases: life in Laos before the war, the Secret War in Laos, the refugee experience in Thailand, and resettlement in the United States.

At refugee camps, individuals received identity numbers for processing before being relocated to countries like the United States, France, or Australia. This history is often disconnected from the memories of second and third-generation Hmong Americans. Hmongstory 40 aimed to collect as many refugee identity photos as possible to create a large mural, measuring 10 feet by 30 feet, featuring these photos. The mural and the rest of the exhibit were displayed with the hope of inspiring and reconnecting new generations of Hmong Americans with their past. Now that we are nearing 50 years of Hmongs in America, how can we best preserve their history and culture on a local, state, and federal level?

At refugee camps, individuals received identity numbers for processing before being relocated to countries like the United States, France, or Australia. This history is often disconnected from the memories of second and third-generation Hmong Americans. Hmongstory 40 aimed to collect as many refugee identity photos as possible to create a large mural, measuring 10 feet by 30 feet, featuring these photos. The mural and the rest of the exhibit were displayed with the hope of inspiring and reconnecting new generations of Hmong Americans with their past.

📌APIA Every Day (156) - The Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in Biloxi, founded in 1979, serves as a significant religious and cultural center for Vietnamese Americans in Mississippi. Originally established to accommodate Vietnamese refugees following the 1975 fall of Saigon, the parish was initially named the Blessed Vietnamese Martyrs Church and was later renamed in 1989 to its current title. Since 2000, it has been under the ministry of the Vietnamese Dominican Order from Calgary, Canada. The parish is distinguished by its Our Lady of La Vang shrine, constructed in 2005, and a notable mural depicting the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam inside the church.

Beyond its religious functions, the parish is actively involved in community life. It hosts a variety of ministries and educational programs, including religious education with Vietnamese language instruction and sacramental preparation for children. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the parish's operations, with community members contributing to administrative tasks, maintenance, and outreach efforts.

In 2005, after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, the church played a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts, despite severe flooding that destroyed much of its interior. Victims of the catastrophe went to the church, which provided essential items, held outdoor masses, and engaged in extensive cleanup efforts. Alongside the nearby Chua Van Duc Buddhist temple, which also provided shelter and distributed donations, the church helped anchor the community. Although many families relocated due to the high costs of rebuilding in East Biloxi, the church continued to function as a central place for worship and community support, maintaining its role as a vital cultural and religious institution. The parish's involvement extended to long-term rebuilding initiatives and advocacy for the needs of the local Vietnamese American community in Biloxi, reflecting its integral role in both spiritual and practical community support.

📌APIA Every Day (155) - The International Hotel (I-Hotel), located in San Francisco's Manilatown, was a residence for elderly Filipino and Chinese immigrants. Originally covering over ten square blocks near San Francisco's Chinatown, Manilatown was home to many Filipino farmworkers, merchant marines, and service workers. In the 1960s, Financial District encroachment steadily pushed the residential Manilatown community towards "higher use" development, with the goal of demolishing the building to make way for a multi-level parking lot. On November 27, 1968, 150 elderly Filipino and Chinese tenants initiated a nine-year anti-eviction campaign in response to the plans. Represented by the United Filipino Association (UFA), tenants initially secured a lease agreement with Milton Meyer & Company on March 16, 1969. However, a suspicious arson occurred on that same day, killing three tenants and led the company to back out of the agreement, using the fire to justify demolishing the "unsafe" building. The conflict peaked on August 4, 1977, when over 400 riot police forcibly evicted the tenants during a pre-dawn raid, despite resistance from a 3,000-person human barricade. This eviction resulted in significant public outcry and the eventual demolition of the International Hotel in 1979.

The effort to preserve the I-Hotel site continued post-eviction, led by the International Hotel Citizens Advisory Committee (IHCAC), formed by Mayor Dianne Feinstein. The committee worked to ensure that the site would be used for low-income housing. Although the I-Hotel's owner initially intended to demolish the building for commercial use, community opposition and volunteer efforts delayed the eviction and led to temporary lease agreements. Despite ownership changes and legal battles, the IHCAC secured a zoning ordinance in 1982 that mandated housing on the site, preventing commercial redevelopment.

Between 1983 and 2004, various development negotiations occurred, culminating in the sale of the I-Hotel site to the Catholic Church in 1998. This sale enabled the construction of new low-income housing and the establishment of St. Mary's Chinese Schools and Catholic Center. The new I-Hotel, which opened on August 26, 2005, provides 104 units of affordable housing for elderly residents, continuing the legacy of community support. The Manilatown Heritage Foundation and associated organizations have maintained cultural and social services for the residents, reflecting a commitment to preserving the history and purpose of the original I-Hotel. In 1977, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

📌APIA Every Day (154) - The Polly Bemis House, located in Riggins, Idaho, served as the home of Charles and Polly Bemis during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Polly Bemis, a Chinese woman brought to the United States as an indentured servant, became a significant figure due to her resilience and compassion. Sold by her parents because of drought and famine, Polly arrived in Warren, Idaho, in 1872. She left her Chinese owner and later met Charlie Bemis, whom she nursed back to health after a severe injury.

Chinese miners began arriving in Idaho almost as early as white miners, and by 1870, they constituted about half of the state's population. However, during the 1890s, white suppression forced most Chinese immigrants to relocate to Chinatowns on the West Coast. As a result, Polly was the only Chinese woman in Warren at the time and managed Charlie's boarding house. The couple married in 1893, securing Polly's U.S. citizenship, and they established a homestead known as "Polly’s Place," which became a sanctuary for locals and travelers. The Bemis’ initially established their residence on a mining claim rather than a homestead, highlighting the unique nature of their settlement.

In 1922, the original Bemis home was gutted by a fire, likely caused by an overheated woodstove. Shortly after this incident, Charles Bemis, who had been suffering from a lung ailment, passed away. Polly Bemis, with the assistance of neighbors Peter Klinkhammer and Charlie Shepp, reconstructed a new house on the same site in 1923. She continued to live there until 1933, except for a brief stay in Warren, Idaho. Polly's later years saw her relocating to Grangeville, Idaho, where she died soon after. Currently part of a 26-acre non-profit ranch, the Polly Bemis House is a preserved historical site, while the nearby Klinkhammer and Shepp residence has been converted into the Shepp Ranch guest facility. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988.

📌APIA Every Day (151) - Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, located on the west coast of the Island of Hawai‘i, was established in 1978 to preserve and interpret traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture. Covering approximately 1,200 acres, the park includes the Honokōhau Settlement, a National Historic Landmark. The creation of the park was guided by the Spirit Report, developed by the Honokohau Study Advisory Commission in 1972, which remains the primary document for the park's management. The park encompasses coastal portions of five ahupua‘a, traditional Hawaiian land divisions, preserving a historically significant Hawaiian community.

The park features numerous archaeological and cultural sites such as loko i‘a (fishponds and a fishtrap), kahua (house site platforms), ki‘i pōhaku (petroglyphs), heiau (temples), graves, and historic trails. These elements illustrate the advanced fishing and agricultural practices of the Native Hawaiians who adapted to the region's harsh environment. The Spirit Report emphasizes that these resources represent a comprehensive historical Hawaiian community, showcasing the importance of preserving and demonstrating traditional Hawaiian skills and knowledge.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park also supports diverse native wildlife, including endangered species such as the ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot) at the ‘Aimakapā Fishpond. The park's ecosystems provide habitats for migratory waterfowl, juvenile honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles), and occasionally the ‘īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal). The park’s offshore waters are rich in marine life, offering opportunities for visitors to observe vibrant coral and fish species. Serving both as a cultural heritage site and a natural habitat, the park provides insight into Native Hawaiian culture.