Chinese Immigrant History in Pictures and Words Here is some more background about the free upcoming program featuring Icy Smith, author of The Lonely Queue on Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 P.M. at the Library. Her slide presentation, as well as her book, shows scenes from local Southern California history and places them in context of the changes occurring in the United States. Early Chinese immigration to the United States was fueled by the need for labor in the massive task of building the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860's. When the railroad was completed, there were great numbers of Chinese men who were competing for jobs in the United States. The Chinese Exclusionary Acts in the 1880's and the 1890's were attempts to limit the continued Chinese immigration, and the Chinese population actually dropped between 1890 and 1910. Locally, as described in Icy Smith's book, the Los Angeles Chinatown of the 1920's was located largely where today's Union Station and the Santa Ana Freeway are now situated, along Alameda Street. The thriving Chinese community was moved to its current location in the mid 1930's, and a new development, China City, was also constructed on the southern edge of New Chinatown. Built along the lines of a Hollywood-inspired tourist destination, China City was quite popular. Unfortunately, it was struck by two fires, and it was not rebuilt after the second fire. Learn more about the important role that Chinese immigrants have played in the Southland. This presentation is sponsored by the San Marino Public Library and by the Chinese Club of San Marino. Copies of the book will be available to purchase and have autographed by the author. The program is free, but please reserve a seat in advance. For reservations and information, call (626) 300-0777.