Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. China City developed by Christine Sterling (Olvera Street creator), bordered by Ord, Spring, Main and Macy streets, was a walled enclave featuring Chinese style architecture, including buildings from the 1937 Hollywood production of The Good Earth. It opened in 1938 and was destroyed by an arson fire in 1949. The Mexican people of Olvera Street are commemorating the anniversary of Sainted Chinese Princess of Mexico Sien Fa, also known as Catarina de San Juan, created Mexico's national costume, the "China Poblana." The celebrations will include free tea and sweets as well as music, Mexican and Chinese films and art displays. The guest of honor will be Miss Yaching Lee, Chinese aviatrix. [Los Angeles Times, 07 Dec. 1938: A1] Handwritten on negative: L 2 R: Josephine Gomez Catalina Cruz. 12-7-38. Text from negative sleeve: 15150. Josephine Gomez Catalina Cruz. Mexican - Chinese dress. ceremony. 12-7-38. Text from newspaper caption: Olvera Street and China City to Honor Sien Fa: In formal ceremony Mexican people of Olvera Street today will dedicate a shrine in China City to Sien Fa, sainted Chinese Princess of Mexico. Above, Josephine Gomez, left, and Catalina Cruz, in China poblana, Mexico's national costume, stand at shrine. [Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 1938: 24]
Type
Image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
uclamss_1429_11864 ark:/21198/zz002h8q85
Language
No linguistic content
Subject
Costumes--Mexican Shrines--California--Los Angeles Olvera Street (Los Angeles, Calif.) Cruz, Catalina Gomez, Josephine
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