Imagine yourself standing at the corner of South Main Street and 6th Avenue South in Seattle’s Chinatown International Historic District. This intersection holds a significant place in the city’s history, depicted in the popular novel “Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford. It is home to the Panama Hotel and Tea Room, a resilient survivor that served as an SRO hotel, providing dense and affordable housing for transient workers and immigrants in the early 20th century. Designed by the first Asian architect in Seattle, Sabro Ozasa, and built by a Japanese businessman, Ushitar Ota, the Panama Hotel has a rich history and unique characteristics that distinguish it as a symbol of the city’s past. Throughout the years, it weathered the Great Depression and the challenges of World War II, including the forced incarceration of Japanese American citizens. Today, the hotel serves as more than just accommodations, preserving the legacies of the community that once thrived in Japantown and honoring their resilience and memory.
Venturing into the basement of the Panama Hotel unveils a hidden treasure trove of forgotten artifacts. Still piled there after eight decades, these possessions offer a poignant glimpse into a point in time marked by tragedy. Artist Jan Johnson, the current owner, has transformed the hotel into more than just a place to stay but also an enduring monument to the collective memory of a community that was deeply scarred during the war years. With relics ranging from unclaimed suitcases to wartime bulletins and even drums of water, the basement stands as a time capsule waiting to be explored and remembered. This unique opportunity beckons all of us to reflect on the past and acknowledge the importance of preserving history.
Overview of the Panama Hotel
Introduction to the Panama Hotel
The Panama Hotel and Tea Room, located in the Chinatown International Historic District of Seattle, is a resilient survivor that has stood the test of time. Built in 1910, it served as an SRO (single room occupancy) hotel, offering affordable housing to transient workers and immigrants. Designed by Sabro Ozasa, the first Asian architect in Seattle, and built by Ushitar Ota, a Japanese businessman, the Panama Hotel had special features that set it apart from other SROs, such as hot and cold running water in every room and a public bathhouse for men and women.
Historical background of the hotel
The Panama Hotel played a significant role in the history of Seattle, particularly during World War II when the Japanese American community faced unjust incarceration. In 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and imprisonment of people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast. The manager of the Panama Hotel, Takashi Hori, allowed Japantown residents to leave their belongings in the hotel’s basement while they were incarcerated. This decision had lasting consequences and created a unique historical artifact.
Unique features of the Panama Hotel
The Panama Hotel stands out not only for its architectural design and historical significance but also for the living time capsule found in its basement. Over the years, the basement has accumulated piles of possessions that were left behind by Japantown residents who were unable to retrieve them or simply did not want them when they returned. These unclaimed suitcases, satchels, boxes, flannel shirts, and other artifacts serve as a powerful symbol of the tragedy endured by the Japanese American community during World War II.
The Impact of World War II
The incarceration of Japanese Americans
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans on the West Coast were forcibly removed from their homes and businesses and incarcerated in camps and relocation centers. Approximately 120,000 people, the majority of whom were US citizens, were stripped of their rights and treated as enemies in their own country. This unjust and racially motivated action had a profound impact on the Japanese American community, causing immense hardship and trauma.
The role of the Panama Hotel during the war
During World War II, the Panama Hotel remained open under the management of white individuals while Takashi Hori, the hotel’s manager, was also incarcerated. The hotel served as a temporary home for those who were not subjected to internment. This allowed the hotel to continue its operations while preserving a sense of normalcy for those facing injustice.
Creation of the time capsule
Takashi Hori allowed Japantown residents to leave their belongings in the basement of the Panama Hotel while they were sent to incarceration camps. Many residents never returned to retrieve their possessions or chose to leave them behind, leading to the accumulation of unclaimed suitcases, satchels, and boxes in the basement. This unintentional creation of a time capsule provides a poignant and tangible representation of the collective trauma experienced by the Japanese American community during World War II.
Preservation Efforts
Jan Johnson and her role as owner
In the 1980s, Jan Johnson, an artist, took ownership of the Panama Hotel and became its caretaker. She not only operated it as a hotel, Airbnb, and tea house but also undertook the responsibility of preserving its historical legacies. Johnson installed a piece of plexiglass in the floor, allowing visitors to peer into the basement and view the stacks of possessions left untouched for decades.
Inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places
The significance of the Panama Hotel was recognized when it was included in the National Register of Historic Places. This designation acknowledges the hotel’s architectural value and historical importance, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The significance of the Panama Hotel as a Seattle Landmark
In addition to its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, the Panama Hotel has also been voted as a Seattle Landmark. This designation solidifies its role as a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. The hotel’s walls, adorned with old photos and memorabilia, serve as a tribute to the once-thriving Japantown that was never fully revitalized after the war.
Exploring the Living Time Capsule
Description of the basement
The basement of the Panama Hotel is a fascinating space that offers a glimpse into the past. Within its walls, stacks of unclaimed suitcases, satchels, and boxes, along with various other artifacts, have accumulated over the decades. The space holds an eerie aura, reminiscent of a forgotten time.
Artifacts found in the basement
The basement of the Panama Hotel serves as a treasure trove of forgotten belongings. Scholars have cataloged and studied the various artifacts discovered, including golf clubs, ice skates, flags, wartime bulletins, and even a February 1942 Reader’s Digest. These items offer a tangible connection to the lives and experiences of the Japanese American community during World War II.
Archaeological significance of the basement
The basement of the Panama Hotel is more than just a storage space; it is an archaeological site that holds immense historical value. Excavation and documentation efforts have treated the basement as a dig site, unearthing artifacts that provide insights into the daily lives and experiences of the people who were affected by the war. The preservation of this space allows for continued examination and understanding of the events that unfolded during that tumultuous period.
The Panama Hotel as a Symbol
The Panama Hotel as a tribute to the Japanese American community
The Panama Hotel stands as a symbol of resilience and serves as a tribute to the Japanese American community that endured immense hardship during World War II. It is a physical manifestation of their experiences and a testament to their strength in the face of adversity.
Its importance in preserving memory
The existence of the Panama Hotel and the preservation of its living time capsule play a crucial role in preserving memory, ensuring that the injustices inflicted upon the Japanese American community during World War II are not forgotten. The artifacts and stories attached to the hotel serve as a reminder of the need to learn from history and prevent similar injustices from happening again.
Reflections on resilience and the aftermath of the war
The Panama Hotel serves as a reflection of the resilience displayed by the Japanese American community in the aftermath of World War II. Despite the loss of homes, businesses, and livelihoods, the community persisted and found ways to rebuild their lives. The hotel stands as a testament to their strength and resilience.
Challenges and Changes
Demolition of other SRO hotels in the area
During the 1960s and 1970s, numerous SRO hotels, including those similar to the Panama Hotel, were demolished in the area. The destruction of these buildings altered the neighborhood’s landscape and erased important aspects of its history. The Panama Hotel’s survival represents the importance of preserving historical buildings and maintaining a sense of historical identity.
Current development challenges in the neighborhood
The neighborhood surrounding the Panama Hotel continues to face development challenges. As the city grows and evolves, there is a constant struggle to balance preservation with the need for new development. Protecting the historical identity of the area while accommodating modern demands poses ongoing challenges for the preservation of the Panama Hotel and its surrounding community.
The Panama Hotel’s role in maintaining historical identity
Amidst changing times, the Panama Hotel plays a vital role in maintaining the historical identity of the neighborhood. By preserving its architectural integrity and showcasing its historical significance, the hotel serves as a tangible connection to the past. This connection fosters an understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage that shaped the community.
Conclusion
The Panama Hotel as a living time capsule
The Panama Hotel stands as a living time capsule, having survived the passage of time and preserved artifacts that offer a window into the past. The unclaimed suitcases, satchels, and boxes in the basement serve as poignant reminders of the collective trauma endured by the Japanese American community during World War II.
The importance of remembering history
The Panama Hotel and its living time capsule emphasize the importance of remembering history. By acknowledging the experiences and injustices faced by the Japanese American community, society can learn from the past and strive to create a more inclusive and equitable future.
The ongoing preservation of the Panama Hotel
The preservation of the Panama Hotel is crucial for maintaining the historical narrative of the Japanese American community. By recognizing its architectural value, historical significance, and role as a Seattle Landmark, efforts can be made to ensure its continued preservation. This includes protecting its physical structure, maintaining its historical artifacts, and sharing its stories with future generations.