Pasadena Corrects Historic Narrative with New Plaques Installation Event in Mills Place Alley

Paying tribute to the city’s historical narrative, Pasadena officials will lead the unveiling of two new plaques commemorating the events surrounding the 1885 fire at Yuen Kee’s Laundry in Mills Place Alley.

The installation event is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9 in Mills Place Alley adjacent to 33 W. Green Street.

Hosted by the Parks, Recreation and Human Services Department, the event marks another important step toward recognizing the impact of the historical event on the Chinese residents within the community.

In April 2022, the city’s Human Relations Commission approved the installation of the new plaques with language that provides information on the laundry fire 138 years ago. According to the revised language approved by the Commission, the plaques will read:

“Dedicated to the memory of Yuen Kee laundry and the early Chinese settlers of Pasadena who helped build railroads, labored on the citrus and grape farms and established successful businesses. On November 6, 1885, a mob threw stones into the laundry, breaking a kerosene lamp that burned the building down. The next day, the city barred all Chinese immigrants from living in the central portion of the city.”

The creation and installation of these plaques was a collaborative effort involving the Human Relations Commission, historical stakeholders, and City representatives.

Pasadena homeowners have actively engaged in preserving their properties’ historical significance through initiatives like the Mills Act historic preservation program. This program not only allows for the purchase of plaques for architecturally historic homes but also incentivizes property owners through property tax reductions in exchange for maintaining the property’s historical integrity.

Neighboring South Pasadena also offers property owners a chance to invest in the Local Landmark Recognition Program, enabling the acquisition of commemorative plaques for their landmark properties.