Genthe traveled and eventually moved to New York. By the time he returned to visit Chinatown in the ’10s and ’20s, the post-fire rebuild and new generations of American-born immigrants made for a much more modern appearance to this characteristically Old World neighborhood.

Not only were the streets and lights updated, but hardly anyone on the street is wearing traditional dress. Instead, folks wear the latest fashions, with women in heels and bobbed hair, men in suits with fine pocket squares. Now assimilated into American life, their clothing reflected contemporary trends rather than centuries-old traditions.

Via/ Library of Congress
Destruction from the 1906 earthquake and fire. Via/ Library of Congress
1906 was a hard year for San Francisco. Via/ Library of Congress
Boys in striped beanies play on the sidewalk, 1920s. Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
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