A crowd stands before the headquarters of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association during its grand opening in 1929. Chong Wa is an umbrella organization representing Chinese family associations and organizations in Washington state. Chong Wa operates Chinese language classes, holds cultural events and conducts citizenship classes.

Laundry services were started by many early Asian immigrants seeking to make their fortunes in America. Pictured here is the Eagle Laundry in Seattle's International District, circa 1906, operated by the Okamura family.

A visiting Japanese baseball team poses in front of the Northern Pacific Hotel during the 1930s. Built in 1914, the six-story hotel was owned and operated by Niroku "Frank" Shitame until the 1950s. For many years it was the only hotel in the area with an elevator and sink in every room.