The Garnier Building in 1942
See bigger image with detailed caption (83K JPEG)

The Garnier Building today in 1998

The Garnier building, erected in 1890 by Philippe Garnier, a French settler and prominent businessman, is the oldest and most important single structure relating to the Chinese community and to the original Chinatown of Los Angeles. It is also the oldest and most significant Chinese building in a major metropolitan area of the state, as the original buildings in San Francisco Chinatown were destroyed by the earthquake of 1906.

Just prior to the completion of the building, Mr. Garnier leased it to Chinese American merchants and the building remained in their care for several decades.

According to Chinese tradition, the upper floors of the building are closer to heaven and to the gods and thus more appropriate for locating temples, schools, or organizations that exert authority. While commercial customers were located on the ground floor and mezzanine levels, Chinatown's leading fraternal and social organizations, schools, and religious institutions occupied the second floor. These institutions helped to resolve the differences between Chinese organizations and individuals, care for the elderly and needy, and act as liaison with the dominant American society. They were greatly needed because of strong prejudicial attitudes expressed against the Chinese in Southern California as a result of the Chinese Massacre of 1871 and the Chinese Exclusion Acts of 1882-1943.

Amongst the most important groups located in the building were:

• The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (Chung Wah), which served as an umbrella organization for the community, fought anti-Chinese legislation and mediated disputes;
• The Sun Wing Wo Company (1891-1948), a popular general merchandise store which also served as a social center for Chinatown residents;
• The Chinese American Citizen's Alliance (1895-present), who were active in opposing discrimination and in registering Chinese American citizens to vote;
• The Wong Ha Christian Chinese Missions School (1897-1905);
• The Chinese Mission (1901);
• The Chinese Chamber of Commerce (1912-present);
• The China Empire Reform Association (1913);
• The Chinese English School (1913);
• The Chinese Laundrymen's Association.

Many of the Chinese business establishments and voluntary organizations formerly located in the Garnier building are still active today. The building was also used for dances and theatrical performances.

Chinatown residents crossing the street in front of the Garnier Building in 1903-04. See bigger image with detailed caption (93K JPEG)	Chinese Moon Festival in front of the Garnier Building in 1938. See bigger image with detailed caption (39K JPEG)