Rare Book Collection
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
411 and 415 Bernard Street
Los Angeles California 90012 United States
(323) 222-0856
info@chssc.org