Month: July 2023

Alaska, Blogs by Kristin, Chinese Contract System, Contractor, history, San FranciscoLeave a comment

The Chinese Labor Contact System- Similarities between Salmon Canneries and the Transcontinental Railroad

Kristin

While researching information on salmon canneries in the Columbia River in Oregon, I came across some interesting information regarding Sisson, Wallace & Co. based out of San Francisco, California. They were an agency specializing in supplying the railroad companies in Northern California and Nevada not only with construction material, but also for procuring Chinese labor for the transcontinental railroad. They also were responsible for providing the Chinese workers with food and clothing along with room and board. Now, how is this related to the salmon canning industry in Alaska you may ask? The company called Sisson, Wallace, and Co. was … Continue reading The Chinese Labor Contact System- Similarities between Salmon Canneries and the Transcontinental Railroad

Blogs by Jim, Webinar/TalkLeave a comment

A Virtual Talk on The Price of Salmon

jimchiao

This last weekend, on June 17th, 2023, we participated in a virtual talk on the book The Price of Salmon. The event was organized by Chinese Historical Society of America in San Francisco. We were all excited about this event since San Francisco was the center of the salmon canning trade in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It was the financial center on the West Coast, home of many salmon canning companies such as Alaska Packers Association, Italian and Scandinavian fishermen, Chinese contractors and workers, as well as workers of many other colors and nationalities. It was … Continue reading A Virtual Talk on The Price of Salmon