Chinatown Barber Shops
Dublin Core
Title
Chinatown Barber Shops
Subject
"George" Yuke Kee Lee, San Francisco Chinatown
Description
Included in “George” Yuke Kee Lee’s A-file are detailed records of his past employment including the addresses of his workplaces and letters from past employers attesting to his moral character. From 1945 to 1957, Lee worked for two different but related barber shops in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Tong Wo Hing Barber Shop (155 Waverly Place) and Tong Hing Barber Shop (824 Clay Street). Since Lee was living at 651 Clay Street at this time, he was within walking distance of both shops. This short distance as well as the glowing letter from Hue Wah, manager of the Tong Wo Hing Barber Shop, which describes Lee as “a person of high integrity and good moral character” demonstrate the sorts of community relationships that can be gleaned from the A-files.
Today, neither the Tong Wo Hing or Tong Hing barber shops exist, but both locations are still in operation as Chinese-owned barber shops in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This item contains two images showing these addresses as they exist today. Image 1 shows 155 Waverly Place, now Li Ly's Hair Salon, and image 2 shows 824 Clay St., now Ming's Hair Studio.
Today, neither the Tong Wo Hing or Tong Hing barber shops exist, but both locations are still in operation as Chinese-owned barber shops in San Francisco’s Chinatown. This item contains two images showing these addresses as they exist today. Image 1 shows 155 Waverly Place, now Li Ly's Hair Salon, and image 2 shows 824 Clay St., now Ming's Hair Studio.
Creator
Google
Source
Google Maps (streetview)
Publisher
Google Maps
Date
2024
Rights
Fair Use
Type
Screenshot of Google Maps streetview
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Digital 360 degree photograph
Collection
Citation
Google, “Chinatown Barber Shops,” Migrants and the State, accessed September 17, 2026, https://aphnyu.org/creatingdigitalhistory/2024/a-files/items/show/29.