AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION OF Maryanne Maddoux for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Anthropology presented on May 6, 2019. Title: At River’s Edge: An Examination of Overseas Chinese Settlements in Northern Oregon during the Exclusion Act Era. Abstract approved: ______________________________________________________ David Brauner The written history of Oregon spanning the late 18th and early 19th centuries lacks evidence of the contributions made by the Overseas Chinese communities who existed in Oregon during this period. The purpose of this examination is to study the Overseas Chinese communities which resided in the cities of The Dalles, Portland, and Astoria during the Exclusion Act Era (1882-1943). The examination of these communities in Oregon will enhance the historical record by adding an in-depth examination of Overseas Chinese populations and occupations in these northern cities, as well as, describing the typical experiences of Overseas Chinese individuals. Previously, little information was examined in an effort to connect or compare Exclusion Act Era Overseas Chinese communities in Oregon, and less information was compiled to examine the daily lives of the individuals whom comprised these communities. By contrasting and comparing these specific Exclusion Act Era Overseas Chinese communities in Oregon, it is probable to provide more accurate estimates of population size and population composition. Further, from this examination, it is possible to identify evidence of social and economic networks in these communities which are otherwise not apparent in the written record. ©Copyright by Maryanne Maddoux May 6, 2019 All Rights Reserved At River’s Edge: An Examination of Overseas Chinese Settlements in Northern Oregon during the Exclusion Act Era by Maryanne Maddoux A DISSERTATION submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Presented May 6, 2019 Commencement June 2019 Doctor of Philosophy dissertation of Maryanne Maddoux presented on May 6th, 2019 APPROVED: Major Professor, representing Applied Anthropology Director of the School of Language, Culture, and Society Dean of the Graduate School I understand that my dissertation will become part of the permanent collection of Oregon State University libraries. My signature below authorizes release of my dissertation to any reader upon request. Maryanne Maddoux, Author ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author expresses sincere appreciation to my doctoral committee, comprised of Dr. David Brauner, Dr. Elaine Pedersen, Dr. Leah Minc, Dr. Bryan Tilt, and Dr. Marie S. Harvey, for continually providing support and guidance throughout the research and writing process. Each member of my doctorial committee was instrumental in the progression and supposition of this dissertation. Without the contribution of their valuable time and considerable advice, this project was otherwise not possible. Many local historians, archivists, and archaeologists were also fundamental to this project. Eric Gleason and Jacqueline Cheung provided the initial research and excavations for The Dalles Chinatown site. Connie Lenzen shared research advice and introductions to a wealth of connections. Dr. Jonathan Lipman provided advice regarding researching the history of China and a beginning bibliography. Archivist Liisa Penner provided guidance regarding the history of Astoria and assistance in navigating the Clatsop County archives. A huge thank you to National Archives volunteer, Trish Hackett Nicola who contributed advice via direct correspondence and her online blog. I also wish to thank my fellow graduate students for all of their support and advice throughout graduate school. Lastly, I wish to thank my family for supporting me unconditionally through this project. I could not have done this project without my loving husband Steven who supports me emotionally, and serves as my first draft editor. Thank you to my amazing daughter Bailey who gives her time, patience, and support, by coming with me on numerous museum and site visits. And to my mom and dad, Fey and Jim, who did not let me give up, no matter how impossible this task may have seemed. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 Introduction..……………………………………………………………………… 1 1.1 Objectives and Purpose……………………………………………………7 1.2 Research Questions………………………………………………………..8 1.3 Approach…………………………………………………………………..8 1.4 Theoretical Background………………………………………………...…9 1.5 Significance………………………………………………………………10 2 Method and Theory..………………………………………………………………13 2.1 Overview………………………………………………………………....13 2.2 Theoretical Foundation…………………………………………………..15 2.3 Archival Research of Primary and Secondary Sources……………….....20 2.4 Built Environment………………………………………………………..24 2.5 Archaeological Excavations and Artifacts……………………………....25 2.6 Summary………………………………………………………...……….26 3 Lifeways in China………………….………………………………………………27 3.1 Overview…………....……………………………………………………30 3.2 Geography and Population ………………………………………………33 3.3 Lineage and Social Networks…………………...…………………….....38 3.4 Diaspora………………………………………………………………….43 3.5 Future Research………………………………………………………….44 4 Overseas Chinese in the United States……………………………………………..46 4.1 Overview…………………………………………………………………46 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Page 4.2 The Western United States….…………………………………………...48 4.3 Oregon…………………………………………………………….……..53 4.4 Summary…................................................................................................55 5 Political and Social Aspects of Life in the United States………………………….56 5.1 Overview…………………..……………………………………………..56 5.2 Legislation ……………………………………………………………….58 5.3 Prior Research…………………………………………………………....65 5.4 Evidence in the Material Record…………..……………………………..70 5.5 Summary…………………………………………………………………71 6 Astoria…… ………………………………………………………………………..75 6.1 Overview….. …………………………………………………………….75 6.2 Location and Population …………..…………………………………….76 6.3 Class Distinctions and Public Acceptance……………………………….84 6.4 Conclusion……………………………………………………………….88 7 Portland…..………………………………………………………………………...92 7.1 Overview……………………………………………...………………….92 7.2 Location and Population………………………………………...……….94 7.3 Class Distinctions and Pubic Acceptance………………………………100 7.4 Conclusion………………………………………………...…………....103 8 The Dalles……………………………………………………………………...…106 8.1 Overview………………………………………………………………..106 8.2 Location and Population………………………………………………..107 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Page 8.3 Archaeology…………………………………………………………....110 8.4 Conclusion……………………………………………………………...112 9 Community Organization and Networking……………………………………….118 9.1 Overview……………………………………………………………..…118 9.2 Immigration Enforcement and Altered Family Composition…………..120 9.3 Invented Families and Business Partnerships……………………….….124 9.4 Secret Societies and Tongs……………………..………………………126 9.5 Conclusion………………………………………….…………………..131 10 Summary and Future Research………………………………………………….133 10.1 Overview………………………………………………………………133 10.2 Implications and Consequences……………………………………….135 10.3 Overseas Chinese Occupations…………………...…………………...138 10.4 Research Questions Revisited…………………………………………144 10.5 Research Observations………………………………………………...149 10.6 Future Research……..………………………………………….……..154 References... ………………………………………………………………………..156 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 1.1 American Born Chinese Brigade………………………….………………………3 1.2 Portland’s Chinatown at the intersection of 2nd & Washington…………..…….....5 1.3 The Chinese Passive…………….………………………………………………...6 1.4 Girls in Chinese Home S.W. 14th and Nell St. Portland, OR August 30, 1890…...7 1.5 Oregon Native Sons…….…………………………………………………….….12 3.1 Timeline of Recent Chinese Time Periods………...…………………………….30 3.2 Canton Street…………………………………………………………………….33 3.3 Pearl River Delta Map……………………………………………….…………..34 3.4 Shipping off Canton 1849……………………………….…………….…………36 3.5 Bridges by Which the Night Police of the Roofs Cross the Streets, Canton, China……………………………………………………………………………..37 3.6 Chinese Family including Female Members…………………………………….40 3.7 Chinese Family c. 1875…………………………………………………………..42 3.8 1900 Chinese Women’s Slippers for Bound Feet……………..…………………45 4.1 Mr. Lee Behind the Counter……………………………………………….…….47 4.2 Across the Continent……………………………………………………………..48 4.3 Photograph of Goon Dip and Family in 1911……………………………………50 4.4 Toy Vendor………………………………………………………………………52 LIST OF FIGURES (Continued) Figure Page 4.5 Chinese Brigade, Portland Oregon 1900………………………………………...54 4.6 Columbia River Map……………………………………………………….……55 6.1 Map of Astoria, Oregon……………………………………………………….…76 6.2 Salmon Cannery-Columbia River………………………………………………..77 6.3 Looking North Across Bond Street………………………………………………79 6.4 Astoria Oregon Sanborn Map………………………………………………...….81 6.5 Astoria Oregon Sanborn Map………………………………………………...….81 6.6 Astoria Oregon Sanborn Map………………………………………………...….81 6.7 Astoria Oregon Index Sandborn Map……………………………………………82 6.8 Fish Cutting Machines Replace Chinese Laborers………………………………85 6.9 Clatsop area Chinese Population………………………………………...………85 6.10 Wah Sing and His Wife……………..…………………………………...…..…87 6.11 1922 Astoria, Oregon Fire…………………………………………………...…83 6.12 Chinese Artifacts in Clatsop County Heritage Museum…………………….….85 6.13 The Garden of the Surging Waves…………………………………………..….86 7.1 Map of Portland, Oregon……………………………………………………...…95 7.2 Stark St. to Ash St…………………………………………………………..……96 7.3 Washington St. to Alder St………………………………………………………96 7.4 Chinatown Portland, Oregon…………………………………………………….97 7.5 New Year (Lion Parade)……………………………………………………..…101 7.6 Hung Far Low Sign……………………………………………………………..102 LIST