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Rare Book Collection

 Collection
Identifier: 2023-M-6-RBC

Scope and Contents

Consists of mostly Chinese language instructional texts for grade school as well as social norms. Topics covered include primary education for girls, annotations on the works of Confucius and Mencius, medical information, as well as divination. Much of the educational material was published in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Other books appear to be hand written and self-published in the United States. The bulk of the material comes from the first half of the twentieth century, giving a glimpse of the educational foundation of Chinese Americans at the time.

Also contains notebooks used for personal and business recordkeeping.

Three personal coaching booklets from the Soo Hoo family. These booklets were used to practice for the interrogations for immigration during Chinese Exclusion. Translations are included with the booklets.

Dates

  • 1907-1984, undated

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers and to the public for access. Please contact the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California for more information.

Extent

2.17 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

Chinese

English

Abstract

The Rare Book Collection is a compiled collection primarily consisting of Chinese language texts from the twentieth century. The books include Chinese-published books as well as handmade booklets for personal study and use. The majority of the books are educational, covering Chinese language, philosophy, and medicine. The rest of the books include personal and business records, immmigration coaching books, and accounts relations between China and the United States.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged at the item level and are organized loosely by topic. The books are separated into 6 different boxes. Box 1: Coaching books Boxes 2 and 3: miscellaneous books Box 4: Personal and business records Box 5: Philosophy and medical instruction Box 6: Primarily educational books

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Acquired from various sources. Compiled and arranged into a collection in 2023.

Title
Rare Book Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Eliana Urizar
Date
2023
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California Repository

Contact:
411 and 415 Bernard Street
Los Angeles California 90012 United States
(323) 222-0856