Chinatown in Pittsburgh, Some Deets and Eats and Big Time Discrimination too.

Chinese immigrants played a significant role in the development of industry in Pittsburgh. They were instrumental in the construction of the city's railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure. They also worked in the steel mills, coal mines, and other industries that made Pittsburgh a major industrial center.

In the early 1800s, Chinese immigrants began to arrive in Pittsburgh in search of work. They were attracted to the city by its growing economy and its relative tolerance of immigrants. Many of the early Chinese immigrants were skilled laborers, and they quickly found work in the city's growing industries.

In the 1870s, the Chinese community in Pittsburgh grew significantly as a result of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Many Chinese workers who had helped to build the railroad came to Pittsburgh in search of new opportunities. They found work in the city's steel mills, coal mines, and other industries.

The Chinese community in Pittsburgh continued to grow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the early 1900s, there were an estimated 10,000 Chinese people living in the city. They made significant contributions to the city's economy and culture.

The Chinese community in Pittsburgh faced discrimination and racism throughout its history. However, the Chinese immigrants persevered and made significant contributions to the city's development. They are an important part of Pittsburgh's history and culture.

Here are some specific examples of the contributions that Chinese immigrants made to the development of industry in Pittsburgh:

• In the 1870s, Chinese immigrants were instrumental in the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve, a major engineering feat that helped to make Pittsburgh a major transportation hub.

• In the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants worked in the city's steel mills, where they helped to make Pittsburgh the "Steel City."

• In the early 20th century, Chinese immigrants worked in the city's coal mines, where they helped to fuel the city's industrial economy.

The contributions of Chinese immigrants to the development of industry in Pittsburgh are significant and lasting. They helped to make Pittsburgh a major industrial center and a major contributor to the American economy.

Here are some deets about Pittsburgh's historic Chinatown:

• History: Pittsburgh's Chinatown was founded in the late 1800s by Chinese immigrants who came to the city to work in the steel mills. The neighborhood reached its peak in the early 1900s, when it was home to about 500 people and had a number of Chinese businesses, including restaurants, laundromats, and shops.

• Location: Pittsburgh's Chinatown was located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, on the corner of Grant Street and Boulevard of the Allies. The neighborhood was bounded by Grant Street to the north, Second Avenue to the south, Ross Street to the east, and Boulevard of the Allies to the west.

• Demographics: The residents of Pittsburgh's Chinatown were primarily Chinese immigrants and their descendants. The neighborhood was also home to a small number of white and black residents.

• Culture: Pittsburgh's Chinatown was a vibrant and diverse community. The neighborhood was home to a number of Chinese cultural institutions, including the On Leong Society, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, and the Chinese Community Center. The neighborhood also had a number of Chinese restaurants, shops, and businesses.

• Decline: Pittsburgh's Chinatown began to decline in the mid-20th century. The decline was due to a number of factors, including the decline of the steel industry, the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment, and the suburbanization of the Chinese population. By the early 1970s, most of the Chinese businesses in Pittsburgh's Chinatown had closed, and the neighborhood was largely abandoned.

• Present day: Today, there are only two Chinese restaurants remaining in Pittsburgh's Chinatown. The neighborhood is also home to the Chinatown Inn, a Chinese restaurant that has been in business for over 100 years. The Chinatown Inn is the last remaining business in Pittsburgh's historic Chinatown.

In 2022, a historical marker was erected in front of the Chinatown Inn commemorating the city's small but significant Chinatown. The marker was funded by the Organization of Chinese Americans local chapter.

Key Chinese Buildings, Institutions and Projects in Pittsburgh

The On Leong Convention Building, (also called On Leong Labor & Merchants Association) located at 3rd Avenue and Federal Street in Pittsburgh's Chinatown, was built in 1914. It was the first purpose-built Chinese-American community center in the United States.

The building was designed by Chinese-American architect Thomas W. Lee and was funded by the On Leong Society, a fraternal organization founded in 1872.

The On Leong Convention Building was used for a variety of purposes, including labor activism, community meetings, social events, and cultural activities. It was also home to the On Leong Society's headquarters. The building was a major center for the Chinese community in Pittsburgh and played a significant role in the city's history.

The On Leong Convention Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It is now owned by the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and is used for a variety of events, including weddings, banquets, and meetings.

Here are some more details about the On Leong Convention Building:

• Address: 3rd Avenue and Federal Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Architect: Thomas W. Lee

• Construction: 1914

• Cost: $100,000

• Style: Classical Revival

• Accommodations: Ballroom, meeting rooms, banquet hall, kitchen

• Current use: Event space

The On Leong Convention Building is a significant part of Pittsburgh's history and culture. It is a reminder of the city's rich Chinese heritage and the important role that the Chinese community has played in the city's development.

The Chinese Sunday School in Pittsburgh, 2nd Avenue was founded in 1888 by the Presbyterian Church. The school was established to provide Chinese immigrants with an opportunity to learn about the Christian faith and to learn English. The school was also a place for Chinese immigrants to socialize and to build community.

The Chinese Sunday School was located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on 2nd Avenue in Pittsburgh. The school was taught by Chinese and American missionaries. The school offered classes in English, Bible study, and Chinese culture. The school also offered social activities, such as games and field trips.

The Chinese Sunday School was an important part of the Chinese community in Pittsburgh. The school helped to bridge the gap between Chinese culture and American culture. The school also helped to provide Chinese immigrants with a sense of community and belonging.

The Chinese Sunday School in Pittsburgh, 2nd Avenue closed in the early 1970s. However, the school's legacy continues. The school helped to shape the Chinese community in Pittsburgh and to help Chinese immigrants integrate into American society.

Here are some additional details about the Chinese Sunday School in Pittsburgh, 2nd Avenue:

• The school was founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1888.

• The school was located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on 2nd Avenue in Pittsburgh.

• The school was taught by Chinese and American missionaries.

• The school offered classes in English, Bible study, and Chinese culture.

• The school also offered social activities, such as games and field trips.

• The Chinese Sunday School was an important part of the Chinese community in Pittsburgh.

• The school helped to bridge the gap between Chinese culture and American culture.

• The school also helped to provide Chinese immigrants with a sense of community and belonging.

• The Chinese Sunday School in Pittsburgh, 2nd Avenue closed in the early 1970s.

• However, the school's legacy continues. The school helped to shape the Chinese community in Pittsburgh and to help Chinese immigrants integrate into American society.

The first Chinese restaurant in Pittsburgh was opened in 1908 by a man named Quong Tuck. It was located on Penn Avenue in the Strip District. The restaurant was called the "Oriental Restaurant" and it served traditional Chinese dishes. Quong Tuck was a Cantonese immigrant who came to the United States in 1898.

He opened the Oriental Restaurant after working as a cook in other Chinese restaurants in the city. The restaurant was a success and it helped to pave the way for other Chinese restaurants to open in Pittsburgh.

Here are some of the original Chinese restaurants in Pittsburgh:

• Oriental Restaurant (1908)

• New China Restaurant (1910)

• Great Wall Restaurant (1912)

• China Inn (1913)

• Hong Kong Restaurant (1915)

These restaurants helped to introduce Chinese cuisine to the people of Pittsburgh and they played a significant role in the development of the city's Chinatown.

What is dim sum? and what does dim sum mean?

Dim sum is a Cantonese tradition of serving small, steamed dishes in bamboo steamers. The dishes are typically served in small portions so that diners can try a variety of different things. Dim sum is typically eaten for breakfast or lunch, and it is a popular social activity.

The word "dim sum" literally means "touch the heart" in Cantonese. The tradition of dim sum dates back to the 18th century, when it was a way for families to gather and socialize.

Dim sum restaurants typically have a large, open dining room with round tables. The tables are surrounded by carts that are pushed by servers. The servers will bring the carts around to the tables and display the different dim sum dishes.

Diners can point to the dishes they want, and the servers will bring them to the table.

There are many different types of dim sum dishes, but some of the most popular include:

• Har gow: Shrimp dumplings

• Xiao long bao: Soup dumplings

• Jiaozi: Dumplings filled with pork or vegetables

• Siu mai: Steamed buns filled with pork or shrimp

• Shumai: Steamed dumplings filled with pork or shrimp

• Egg custard

• Turnip cake

• Rice noodle rolls

• Wonton soup

Dim sum is a delicious and social experience that is perfect for a weekend brunch or lunch. If you've never had dim sum before, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed!

Here are some tips for ordering dim sum:

• Start with a few of the most popular dishes, such as har gow, xiao long bao, and siu mai.

• If you're not sure what to order, ask your server for recommendations.

• Dim sum is meant to be shared, so order a variety of dishes and try a little bit of everything.

• Don't be afraid to ask for more of your favorite dishes.

• Dim sum is a leisurely meal, so take your time and enjoy the company of your friends and family. Dim Sum in Pittsburgh this is up to you to investigate, we've been to three one in Oakland, one in Lawrenceville and one on 3rd avenue. All were splendid.

Chinese Exclusion Act The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 had a significant impact on Pittsburgh's Chinese community. The act prohibited Chinese immigration to the United States, and it also made it difficult for Chinese immigrants who were already in the country to become citizens. This led to a decline in the size of Pittsburgh's Chinese community, and it also made it difficult for Chinese immigrants to find jobs and housing.

In the years leading up to the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Pittsburgh had a growing Chinese community. Many Chinese immigrants had come to Pittsburgh to work in the steel mills and other industries. However, the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act led to a decline in the number of Chinese immigrants coming to Pittsburgh. By 1920, the Chinese population in Pittsburgh had declined to just over 1,000 people.