Chinese
Black Tiger Whiskey
Bottle
A great favorite with new immigrants, this whiskey was imported by
Chinese merchants in large quantities. Due to restrictions on immigration,
Chinese newcomers often had no family and few friends to associate with
in the new land. Many found solace for their loneliness in drink, with
familiar Chinese whiskey a favorite drink when it was available.
Blue-Tinted Mining Goggles
Used to keep dust and residue out of one's eyes, these goggles would
have been a crucial piece of equipment to their owner. Unearthed at the
Wild Horse Creek Historic Site, little is known about the owner of these
goggles.
Brochure - "The Kootenai Country"
This brochure was a common promotional item that was scattered throughout
areas from which British Columbia hoped to draw immigrants. This particular
brochure included a map showing how to get to the Kootenay region's different
mining communities from the United States. Promoters took the chance,
however, that good immigrants would be tempted to the Kootenays along
with ones they considered undesirable-i.e. the Chinese.
Chinese "Sparkler" Fireworks
The Chinese invented fireworks, utilizing gunpowder (another Chinese
invention) in a less lethal form. While many westerners had little experience
with fireworks, they often were able to see a display at Chinese New Year.
During this, the biggest of all Chinese holidays, Chinese citizens would
throw lavish parties and stage fireworks displays.
Chinese Chess Pieces
These Chinese pieces have the markings of a chess set. Although chess
would not likely have been a game to have witnessed much wagering, a common
stereotype of the Chinese was that they were all problem gamblers. Games
such as Mahjong and Fan Tan were played in the Chinese section of towns,
places where it was assumed the Chinese would risk all their money.
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