The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1909-08-03
A TRIP TO CHINATOWN.

Some years ago the comic opera "a
Trip to Chinatown" called public at
tention to that quarter of the cities
inhabited chiefly by the sons of Con-
fucius. Since then the seeing New
York" automobiles, with their stentor-
ian megraphonists, have brought visi-
tors from far and near to this dis
trict. Summing and sightseeing par
ties also include Chinatown in their
itinerary. Mention Chinatown and
Cinnamon and what picture comes be-
fore your mental vision? A laundry
an opium joint-a chop suey restau-
rant-or a mission where Cinnamon
become Christians through the eff
forts OF jealous American females
and occasionally some happening that
stirs up all the newspapers and public
to a passing interest. Rather a gloomy
picture, II taken as a complete view
of the Chinese. II was rather a warm
day when | headed for the district
had heretofore never visited So
boarded an open car on the Third
avenue line and dropped off at the
junction of the Bowery, Division and
Catherine streets. Directly opposite
this point on Doyers street, the typi-
cal thoroughfare of the district wind
ing its way past the Chinese theater,
Chinese Tuxedo and quaint looking
shops and stores in right angle into
Pell street the other so-called Chi
nese street Of Chinatown.
The geography of Chinatown Is very
simple. Beginning at the Chatham
Square-Mott street Is a big sweeping
curve north to Bayard street, Pell
street from the Bowery west into
Mott street, Doyers street from the
Bowery west, then north into Pell
street. That's all. We are now in
Mott street, the avenue" of China
town Here the more important stores
are found.
Following Mott street toward Cat
ham Square the most imposing struc-
ture OF Chinatown came 10 view. The
store floor and basement are occupied
by a mercantile firm and the upper
floors by the famous Port Arthur res
taurant
All were courteous, but they don't
tax too much" and when in any
way not sure, they just refer you
next door" in order not to misinform
you. In this way | reached a unique
establishment doing both a wholesale
and retail business. On entering the
door ! was surprised at the neatness
and general appearance OF order and
system. | was met by a pleasant faced
Oriental, who, on learning my mis-
sion, walked over TO a large open Of
flee and spoke TO little man wearing
a skull cap, spectacles, and smoking
a short Chinese pipe. This man no
doubt was the manager He In turn
addressed himself TO the young man
sceated at one Of the desks In the in
closure who Immediately came out
and greeted me In good melodious
English. | soon learned that I was
talking TO one Of the chief statesmen
and ! was glad to meet him, for he
is unique character. born In Canton.
China.
He took great pride In showing the
various lines of the establishment,
consisting of chinaware, fancy goods,
curios, antiques, teakwood furniture
embroideries, silks and shawls. Hand
embroidered shirt waist and dress pat
terms as well as fabrics In various
grades of silks. silk and linen, at
tracted the writer's admiration. Chi
nese and Japanese wearing apparel
from head to foot" also pajamas,
kimonas, dressing sacks and gowns
made up especially for the American
trade. and Chinese and Japanese gala
costumes bought here by members OF
tho 400 and OF the stage-alI were
shown with little explanAtiona