Old Chinese Telephone Exchange, San Francisco

The East West Bank in San Francisco's Chinatown is not just a modern banking establishment; it is also a living testament to the neighborhood's rich history. Housed within a distinctive red and green pagoda-style building on Washington Street, this edifice holds the memories of a bygone era when it served as the Chinese Telephone Exchange.

Telephone service in Chinatown started in 1887, connecting the neighborhood to the city. The Chinese Telephone Exchange began in 1901, initially run by men. After the 1906 earthquake, it became an all-female workforce, playing a vital role in the community.

In Chinatown, callers preferred using names instead of phone numbers. This custom was rooted in the belief that using numbers was impolite. To adapt, operators memorized details of over 1,500 residents, including names, addresses, workplaces, and phone numbers. This skill enabled smooth communication and distinction among people with the same name.

The women at the exchange were skilled in English and various Chinese dialects spoken in Chinatown. Their language abilities bridged gaps and connected residents and businesses in the area. The exchange also functioned as a practical employment office, linking businesses with suitable job candidates based on their backgrounds.

Before serving as a telephone exchange, the building was home to the California Star, San Francisco's first newspaper. Founded by Sam Brannan, an entrepreneur linked to the California Gold Rush, the paper was crucial in sharing information with the city's residents, including the official news of San Francisco's name change from Yerba Buena to its current title in January 1847.