Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of the Burnaby Village Museum schoolhouse. The interior is furnished with two rows of wooden desks, a book case, globe, teachers desk and black boards. The building was formerly the Elworth (Bateman) house garage before being moved and renovated as a schoolhouse in Herita…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum exhibits and artifacts series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of the Burnaby Village Museum schoolhouse. The interior is furnished with two rows of wooden desks, a book case, globe, teachers desk and black boards. The building was formerly the Elworth (Bateman) house garage before being moved and renovated as a schoolhouse in Heritage Village.

Subjects: Buildings - Heritage; Buildings - Schools

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.5.1592

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [198-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 2400

Scan Date: 24-Nov-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Interior of schoolhouse, [198-] thumbnail

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4370

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:12 min)

Scope and Content: Track 1: This portion of the recording pertains to Janet White’s school years and the activities and sports she participated in, formally and informally. She lived near 6th and Edmonds St., and then in the Cascades area, by Nithsdale St., and attended Schou Elementary. She attended many schools as …

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Growing Up in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:12 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34

Scope and Content: Track 1: This portion of the recording pertains to Janet White’s school years and the activities and sports she participated in, formally and informally. She lived near 6th and Edmonds St., and then in the Cascades area, by Nithsdale St., and attended Schou Elementary. She attended many schools as soon as they were built, attending Gilmore Avenue, then Cascade Heights, Alpha Junior High, Moscrop Secondary, and finally Burnaby Central Secondary. Play was unstructured, with the Cascades bush and the tunnel parallel to and going under Smith Avenue being favourite places to play.

History: Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Buildings - Schools; Sports; Recreational Activities

Names: Gooden, Tom; White, Janet; Schou Street School; Gilmore Avenue School; Cascade Heights Elementary School; Alpha Secondary School; Moscrop Secondary School; Burnaby Central Secondary School

Geographic Access: 6th Street; Edmonds Street

Accession Code: BV017.45.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Media Type: Sound Recording

Planning Study Area: Cascade-Schou Area

Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 1, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_001.mp3

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.

History: Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Agriculture - Farms; Education; Buildings - Schools; First Nations reserves - British Columbia

Names: Chow, Josephine; Glenwood Elementary School; McPherson Park Junior Secondary School; ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Related Material: See also BV017.36*

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12338

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some …

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Julie Lee Location of Interview: Home of Julie and Cecil Lee Interview Date: February 6, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:53:46

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some information about her father Puy Yuen Chan. 0:00- 01:47 Julie Lee provides background information on her families’ connection to Burnaby and conveys how her maternal grandparents farmed a five acre lot at Still Creek and Douglas Road. Her grandparents grew vegetable produce and operated a piggery at this location. Her mother, Suey Ying Jung (Laura) was the middle child between two older sisters, Maida and Annie and her two younger brothers Gordon and Harry. They were all born at home and educated at Edmonds Elementary School. 01:48- 11:47 Julie provides some background information about her mother, the friendships she made growing up, when she got married and places that she lived. She tells of her mother marrying in 1942 at age 30 years, moving to Fraser Mills and then onto Maillardville in 1958. There was easy access to the Interurban tram so her mother was able to have a social life with others in Vancouver’s Chinatown. She says that many of the only existing photographs of the family living on the farm at Still Creek and Douglas Road can be attributed to her mother’s friend Lil Mau [sic] who owned a camera. The farm was sold around 1949 when her grandparents moved to East Vancouver. While operating the farm, her grandparents only hired Chinese workers who spoke the same language and ate the same foods as them. Despite this, her grandparents made friends with the Collin’s family who assisted them in adjusting to the Canadian way of life. Julie tells that her mother’s sister Maida and brother in law lived with them at Fraser Mills. Her mother’s sister Maida had nine children so Julie’s mother helped her in raising them. 11:48 – 16:53 - Julie talks about racial prejudice towards the Chinese in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She says that for the most part, her mother’s family had a very insular life on the farm and mainly socialized only within the Chinese community. Julie tells of how she recently became aware of a memoir “The Way it Was”, written by Burnaby resident, Fannie Waplington. The memoir is held as part of the Burnaby Village Museum collection. In the memoir, Fannie Waplington tells of how she was forbidden from visiting Julie’s mother on their farm due to her ethnic background. Julie conveys that it seems like it was a missed friendship for both her mother and Fannie. 16:54 – 22:30 Julie describes what school life was like for her mother and what she may have done outside of school. Her mother attended Edmonds School in the 1920s up to Grade 7 or Grade 8. Julie explains that Asian girls were never offered the opportunity to pursue higher education while her mother’s brothers continued with their education attending Vancouver Technical School. Her mother continued to work on the farm until she was married cooking for workers and helping her mother. Outside of school, she may have helped with looking after nieces and nephews, played cards and mahjong. She says that her mother continued to play cards with her own children and was a skilled knitter into her 80s. 22:31 – 30: 53 Julie tells of what she knows about the Chinese workers on the farm and Fraser Mills and what they did on the weekends. She figures that many may have played card games to pass the time and at Fraser Mills gambling occurred. Fishing was a highlight for her father and she recalls him fishing sturgeon. Single workers may have gone into Vancouver on the weekends. Julie says that her parents had a hobby farm while living at Fraser Mills and that they grew enough garlic to sell in Chinatown. She thinks that before living at Fraser Mills, her mother must have went to Chinatown quite a bit, assisting with banking and enjoying a social life. Julie shares that her father, Puy Yuen Chan came to Canada from China at twelve years of age but working as a shingle packer, he never learned to speak English. She figures that her parents must have met at Fraser Mills while her mother was visiting her sister Maida. 30:54 – 37:33 Julie describes her mother as the cook, caregiver and the “one man show”. She says that her mother enjoyed cooking traditional Chinese recipes. Julie talks of her own cooking and gardening skills which she may have inherited from her parents including her large patch of garlic. 37:34- 40:23- Julie is asked as to whether her mother attended Chinese school and says that she had some Chinese schooling. She could read and write a little but didn’t attend a formal school as far as she knows. Julie shares some background information on her own husband Cecil, who grew up in East Vancouver. She shares that Cecil’s family went back to China from 1931 until 1939 when they returned to Queensborough. Cecil attended Chinese school in New Westminster. 40:24 – 42:19 Julie speaks briefly about what type of medical care her mother and her family had. She relates that all births took place at home and they accessed a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Hospitals were accessed in 1950s—1960s. The family did use Western doctors that were insured under the medical system. She recalls growing up and having to drink a particular herbal brew at least once a month to stay well. 42:20- 46:47 Julie describes how her parents stayed connected with their families in China. She says that her mother’s family didn’t stay in touch with relatives in China and that her uncles rejected anything to do with the past. On her father’s side they maintained a connection with cousins. She recalls that her father, Puy Yuen Chan supported some of his relatives back home in China and stayed in touch with some. Her mother, Laura travelled to China in 1991 and 1992 and connected with some relations on Julie’s father’s side. 46:48- 53:46 In this segment, Julie speaks of her mother’s character being very self-assured, independent and goal oriented. She feels that her mother valued being surrounded by her family and friends and felt very comfortable growing up in Burnaby and with the relationships that she had. She feels that her mother adapted to her roles being the last of four children on the farm and that she was very self-sufficient and determined.

History: Interviewee biography: Julie Lee (nee Chan) is the daughter of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan. Her mother's family owned and operated a vegetable and piggery farm on Douglas Road near Still Creek in the early 1900s. Their farm was located in front of the Douglas Road interurban tram station. Her mother had two older sisters named Maida and Annie and two younger brothers Harry and Gordon. Her mother was born in 1912 and left the farm for Fraser Mills when she was married in 1942. Julie grew up with her parents and siblings on the Fraser Mills site during the 1940s and 1950s. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Agriculture - Farms; Education; Buildings - Schools

Names: Lee, Julie Cho Chan; Chan, Puy Yuen; Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"; Wong, Suey Fong "Maida" Jung; Jung, Suey Cheung "Harry"; Jung, Suey Yook "Gordon"; Jung, Gee Shee; Jung, Chung Chong; Jong, Suey Kin "Annie" Jung

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Douglas Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Related Material: See also BV018.16.1

Scan Resolution: 1000

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 96

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Suey Ying (Laura) with produce baskets [between 1940 and 1942]. BV017.24.27

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0002_001.mp3

B.C. Summer Games parade float

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15412

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: July 1984

Collection/Fonds: Donald Copan collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of B.C. Summer Games parade float in Burnaby for parade between July 19th and 22nd.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Donald Copan collection

Series: B.C. Summer Games series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 12 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of B.C. Summer Games parade float in Burnaby for parade between July 19th and 22nd.

Subjects: Events - Competitions; Sports; Recreational Activities; Events - Parades

Names: B.C. Summer Games

Accession Code: BV021.4.19

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: July 1984

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: April 1, 2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

B.C. Summer Games parade float, July 1984 thumbnail

Through the Lens of Andy Digney

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10099

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (12 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: Item consists of a short film featuring a compilation of film footage created by Andy Digney that was edited and narrated by the Burnaby Village Museum. Burnaby resident Andy Digney captured footage of Burnaby and beyond from 1934 to 1964. Highlights within this film compilaton include the constru…

1 image 1 video

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum film collection series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (12 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo

Material Details: Research and Narration: Lisa Codd; Editing and Audio Recording: Matthew Ball; Special thanks to Paul Digney

Scope and Content: Item consists of a short film featuring a compilation of film footage created by Andy Digney that was edited and narrated by the Burnaby Village Museum. Burnaby resident Andy Digney captured footage of Burnaby and beyond from 1934 to 1964. Highlights within this film compilaton include the construction and events held at the Oak Theatre; Royal visit motorcade of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; Sports Day at Central Park; Gymcana event at Burnaby Lake Riding Stables; lawn bowling at Central Park; a Depression-era May Day workers’ parade in 1936; May Day celebrations in Burnaby; visits to locations throughout the Lower Mainland, including Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and boat trip up Burrard Inlet; the Digney Speedway; the Digney family at their home on Bonsor Avenue and the Digney Bowling Alley.

Creator: Digney, Andy

Subjects: Events - Parades; Events - May Day; Sports - Bowling

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney Bowling Alley; Digney Speedway; Codd, Lisa; Oak Theatre; Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club

Geographic Access: Kingsway; Central Park

Street Address: 6521 Bonsor Avenue

Accession Code: BV019.18.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016

Media Type: Moving Images

Related Material: See also the City of Burnaby Archives "Digney Family fonds" MI catalogue 562.003 for film masters

Notes: Title based on contents; City of Burnaby Archives holds the original Digney film masters (562.003) that this narrated segment was disseminated from. See Digney family fonds

Images

Video

Through the Lens of Andy Digney, [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2019_0018_0001_001.mp4

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19610

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Kate Petrusa and James Binks Interviewees: Rajinder and Raj Pandher Location of Interview: Love farmhouse, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 4 Total Length of all Tracks: (3:06:01 min) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto four separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview begins on January 10. Rajinder Pander provides information on where he was born and where he grew up and shares details regarding his family and his childhood including; his elementary and high school education and experiences and his involvement and interest in the sport of field hockey. 08:53 – 23:24 Raj Pander provides information on where she was born and shares details regarding her family and education. Raj recalls details of her family life in India including her family farm, her father’s service in the Indian National Army and other ancestor’s involvement in the military. Rajinder assists with the details regarding Raj’s father’s military service and explains how he was highly decelerated for his heroic actions. Rajinder conveys further information in reference to the Sikh Empire. 23:25 – 35:53 Rajinder and Raj share information on their formal education. Raj explains how she learned English and talks about the other spoken languages that her family used while she was growing up. Rajinder and Raj recall how they first met which lead them to marry in 1971. Rajinder provides information about his older brothers who left India before him. He explains how his elder brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1970 and provides details on his other brother who lived in Malaysia and England before coming to Canada in 1975. Rajinder conveys how after his brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher arrived in Canada, he lived in Campbell River and worked at the saw mill there. 35:54 – 1:01:38 Rajinder and Raj share their immigration stories including details of; what lead them to immigrate, their immigration route, what they brought with them and where they lived and worked. Rajinder and Raj tell of how they both faced discrimination in finding work that they were qualified for and describe some of the jobs that they worked at before obtaining their Real Estate licences. 1:01:39 – 1:13:09 Rajinder and Raj share information on where they’ve purchase traditional food supplies in Burnaby and Rajinder provides further details on his employment and recalls how they were able to purchase their first home in Burnaby. 1:13:10 - 1:19:33 Rajinder describes how he began writing for the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”. Rajinder shares how he first started printing small pamphlets of Sikh Cultural history in 1975 and how he’s been volunteering with the National Democratic Party (NDP) since 1973. 1:19:34 - 1:38:24 Second part of interview continues on January 24, 2023. Rajinder provides further information about the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”, provides an historical summary of the Sikh Empire and the Sikh religion and describes a book that’s he’s written about his culture and the village he lived in India. 1:38:25 - 1:52:24 Raj describes some of the traditional textiles that she’s created including a dury, embroidered cloth (pakha and pakhi) and clothing. Raj shares a story of a train derailment in India in which her father survived. 1:52:25 - 2:14:53 Raj Pandher talks about her father’s letters and diaries, Rajinder talks about receiving a Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community service and they both talk about their daughter Amanjit’s education and career accomplishments. Raj describes her involvement in the community council of her children’s school and both Raj and Rajinder describe their involvement in multicultural education and events that they were involved with in Burnaby and New Westminster. Interviewer lists Rajinder Pandher’s many volunteer awards and accomplishments. 2:14:54 - 2:39:53 Raj and Rajinder describe some of their family photographs as well as personal items from India including decorative arts and textiles. They talk about celebrating their 30 year wedding anniversary and the origin of their Sikh names. Rajinder describes a visit to Paldi in 1977 when the whole family was baptized at the Sikh temple and provides informaton about Hardial Singh Atwal, the first Sikh child born in Canada. Rajinder discusses what he thinks a cookhouse looked like, his friendship with former Mayor William J. Copeland and wages of South Asians working in sawmills. 2:39:54 - 3:06:01 Raj and Rajinder talk about food including where they’ve purchased traditional South Asian foods and what they grow in their home garden. Rajinder provides details about the Burnaby Multicultural Society, talks about South Asian work ethics and housing and shares some of the cultural and religious traditions of Sikhs and celebrations that take place in Vancouver and Burnaby.

History: Interviewees biographies: Rajinder Pandher was born five years prior to the Partition of India in the Village of Jhamat, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Raj Pandher was born in 1948 in the Village of Chapar, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Rajinder played field hockey while living in India and is passionate about the sport. Both Rajinder and Raj Pahndher attended college in India and were married in India in 1971. Rajinder Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1972 and his wife, Raj Pandher joined him in 1973. After arriving in Canada, Rajinder Pandher started working at a sawmill in Campbell River but didn't like the work and moved to Vancouver to find better employment opportunties. In 1976, the couple moved to Burnaby and rented until they could buy a home a year later. They raised two children who attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School in Burnaby. Rajinder and Raj Pandher were both very involved with multicultural efforts at their childlren's schools including turban tying and sari demonstrations and Rajinder was a founding member of the Burnaby Multicultural Society. Interviewers biographies: Kate Petrusa is the Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In her role, she manages all aspects of the collection – including caring for physical artifacts and making their digital counterpart accessible. Before coming to Burnaby Village Museum in 2019, Kate has worked at several Museums around the Lower Mainland as a Curator and contractor since 2013. James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Housing; Employment; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Persons - Volunteers; Religions - Sikhism; Migration; Organizations; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues; Celebrations; Sports - Field Hockey

Names: Pandher, Raj; Pandher, Rajinder; Copeland, William J.; Pandher, Harman; Pandher, Amanjit; Burnaby Multicultural Society; The Western Sikh Samachar

Responsibility: Petrusa, Kate; Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.1.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcripts available upon request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0002_003.mp3

B.C. Summer Games hostesses

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15411

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1984

Collection/Fonds: Donald Copan collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 7.5 x 9.4 cm

Scope and Content: Group photograph of B.C. Summer Games hostesses. The hostesses are dressed in green and white uniforms, arranged in three rows with red and green streamers and British Columbia Summer Games flag hanging on the wall behind them.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Donald Copan collection

Series: B.C. Summer Games series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 7.5 x 9.4 cm

Scope and Content: Group photograph of B.C. Summer Games hostesses. The hostesses are dressed in green and white uniforms, arranged in three rows with red and green streamers and British Columbia Summer Games flag hanging on the wall behind them.

Subjects: Events - Competitions; Sports; Recreational Activities

Names: B.C. Summer Games

Accession Code: BV021.4.20

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1984

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: April 1, 2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

B.C. Summer Games hostesses, 1984 thumbnail

Burnaby's best baby contest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16735

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 16 Sep. 1984

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified participant in the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest seated on the lap of her mother/caregiver.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified participant in the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest seated on the lap of her mother/caregiver.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.5.1820

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 16 Sep. 1984

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Burnaby's best baby contest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16737

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 16 Sep. 1984

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified participant in the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest seated together with two unidentified women. The baby is wearing a jumper with a sailboat embroidered on the bib and is seated on the lap of their mother/caregiver.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified participant in the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest seated together with two unidentified women. The baby is wearing a jumper with a sailboat embroidered on the bib and is seated on the lap of their mother/caregiver.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions; Persons - Black Canadians

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.5.1823

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 16 Sep. 1984

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Burnaby's best baby contest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16738

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 16 Sep. 1984

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified participant in the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest interacting with people inside the Burnaby Village Museum Ice Cream Parlour. The baby is being held by their mother/caregiver while Burnaby Village Museum Operations Coordinator, Gilda Heath holds the baby's hand. An unid…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified participant in the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest interacting with people inside the Burnaby Village Museum Ice Cream Parlour. The baby is being held by their mother/caregiver while Burnaby Village Museum Operations Coordinator, Gilda Heath holds the baby's hand. An unidentified person with their back to the camera is looking on from the left.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV020.5.1822

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 16 Sep. 1984

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps

Material Details: Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.

History: Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - South Asian Canadians; Education; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Sports; Events - Competitions; Housing; Performances

Names: Neel, Kanwal Singh; Simon Fraser University; Friends of Simon; Canada Summer Games; Swangard Stadium; Punjabi Cultural Association

Responsibility: Rajdeep

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Central Park

Accession Code: BV023.16.11

Date: [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023

Media Type: Moving Images

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Images

Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19604

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their p…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah Location of Interview: Nalliah family home Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 68 min., 6 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Ruth (Angela) Nalliah with husband Samuel Nalliah WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this interview (00:40:58 – 00:57:31) regarding the Tamil genocide may be upsetting to some people.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their parentage, place of birth (Sri Lanka), spoken language and education. Sam Nalliah shares details on his education while living in Sri Lanka, his later education in Wales where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and his migration to Halifax in 1978 after obtaining a job at Dalhousie University as a systems analyst. Sam conveys how he decided to relocate from Halifax to Vancouver in 1986 and started his employment with BC Tel. Angela Nalliah shares details on her education and employment after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1986. Angela conveys how she first lived in Ottawa, moved to Toronto in 1989 where she began working for TD bank and moved to Vancouver in 1999. 00:13:31 – 00:20:03 Sam Nalliah talks about how he and his wife Angela first met and married in 1999 and moved to Vancouver. Sam shares information on where his other family members immigrated to and why he decided to immigrate to Canada. Angela shares information on other members of her family who immigrated to Canada before her and how her uncle sponsored them all to come. 00:20:04 – 00:29:30 Sam provides further details regarding his family make up including; his first wife, his daughters (born in 1983 and 1985), his step daughter (born in 1991) and his youngest daughter (born in 2000). Sam tells how he worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Sam provides locations of homes that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver. Sam and Angela describe what they liked about living in Burnaby, where their daughter attended school and where they did their shopping. 00:29:31 – 00:32:11 Angela talks about working for Prospera Credit Union from 2003 after TD bank downsized. Sam describes how they rented out their house in Vancouver and lived in a rental home in Burnaby that was owned by the City of Burnaby. Sam and Angela recollect the time period that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver before deciding to move to Surrey in 2015. 00:32:12 – 00:35:59 Sam and Angela provide details regarding their daughter’s post-secondary education and careers. Angela talks about her social activities, volunteer work and involvement with the Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia, the Women’s Network as well as the Westminster Bible Chapel Church in Burnaby and the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church in Surrey. 00:36:00 – 00:40:57 Sam recalls hearing Prime Minster Pierre Elliott Trudeau speak about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Dalhousie University and the effect that his speech made on him. Sam talks about joining the National Democratic Party when Peter Julian was elected as a Member of Parliament for Burnaby. 00:40:58 – 00:57:31 (WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this portion of the interview may be upsetting to some people) Sam and Angela speak about their involvement with the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC). Angela describes the brutal violence that she witnessed while living in Sri Lanka during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide in the 1980’s. Sam and Angela recollect and discuss their views and actions pertaining to the MV Sun Sea incident where a Thai cargo ship carrying Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to British Columbia were identified as terrorists by the Canadian Government and held in detention facilities. 00:57:32 – 01:08:07 Sam reflects on what he likes about Burnaby. Angela and Sam talk about Hindu temples attended by many Tamil and Sri Lankan people living in Burnaby and the lower mainland. Angela talks about the many cultural events and celebrations that are celebrated within the Tamil and Sri Lankan community including the Pongal Festival. Angela and Sam reflect on how grateful they are to be residents of Canada.

History: Interviewees biographies: Samuel (Sam) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1949. Sam immigrated to Halifax in 1977 after obtaining a position as a systems analyst at Dalhousie University. In 1986, Sam sponsored his parents to come to Canada. In 1986, after being introduced to the milder weather in Victoria, Sam decided to move to British Columbia. He moved to Burnaby in 1990 and began working for BC Tel in Burnaby. Following his job at BC Tel, Sam worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Ruth (Angela) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1964 and immigrated to Canada in 1986. As a Tamil living in Sri Lanka in the 1980’s Angela witnessed first hand the brutal violence during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide. In 1986 Angela was relieved to be able to immigrate to Canada after being sponsored by her uncle. Angela first lived and worked in Ottawa and Toronto before marrying Samuel Nalliah in Ottawa in 1999 and the couple moved to Burnaby. Angela worked for TD bank in both Toronto and Vancouver until it downsized in 2003 and she began working for Prospero Credit Union. While living in Burnaby, Angela attended the Westminster Bible Chapel and after moving to Surrey she became a member of the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church. Sam and Angela Nalliah have four daughters and since moving to British Columbia they’ve lived in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey. Both Sam and Angela are involved with the Tamil Cultural Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) as well as participates in Sri Lankan and Tamil community cultural events. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Events - Festivals; Government; Government - Federal Government; Migration; Occupations; Organizations - Political Parties; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Religions; Religions - Christianity; Religions - Hinduism; Rights; Rights - Human Rights; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues - Discrimination

Names: Nalliah, Ruth "Angela"; Nalliah, Samuel "Sam"; Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC); Westminster Bible Chapel; Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCSBC)

Responsibility: Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.16.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0008_003.mp3

Margaret and Joe Corsbie on 40th anniversary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20308

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1988

Collection/Fonds: Joseph H.C. Corsbie fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 6.5 x 7.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Margaret and Joseph (Joe) H.C. Corsbie seated next to each other on their fortieth wedding anniversary. Both Margaret and Joe are wearing corsages.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Joseph H.C. Corsbie fonds

Series: Joseph H.C. Corsbie personal and professional records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 6.5 x 7.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Margaret and Joseph (Joe) H.C. Corsbie seated next to each other on their fortieth wedding anniversary. Both Margaret and Joe are wearing corsages.

Subjects: Events - Anniversaries

Names: Corsbie, Joseph Hardcastle-Cumberland "Joe"; Corsbie, Margaret Carr

Accession Code: BV020.31.29

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1988

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 19-09-2023

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Margaret and Joe Corsbie on 40th anniversary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20309

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1988

Collection/Fonds: Joseph H.C. Corsbie fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Margaret and Joseph (Joe) H.C. Corsbie cutting a cake in recognition of their fortieth wedding anniversary. The cake is on a table along with a floral bouquet, wedding album and gifts.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Joseph H.C. Corsbie fonds

Series: Joseph H.C. Corsbie personal and professional records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Margaret and Joseph (Joe) H.C. Corsbie cutting a cake in recognition of their fortieth wedding anniversary. The cake is on a table along with a floral bouquet, wedding album and gifts.

Subjects: Events - Anniversaries

Names: Corsbie, Joseph Hardcastle-Cumberland "Joe"; Corsbie, Margaret Carr

Accession Code: BV020.31.30

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1988

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 19-09-2023

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15658

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: September 1988

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of "Best Baby in Burnaby" contest winner, Kerstyn Etheridge seated on the lap of her mother, Terry Etheridge. Baby Kerstyn is holding a trophy as the winner of the contest for 1988. The contest was held in September 1988, at Burnaby Village Museum.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of "Best Baby in Burnaby" contest winner, Kerstyn Etheridge seated on the lap of her mother, Terry Etheridge. Baby Kerstyn is holding a trophy as the winner of the contest for 1988. The contest was held in September 1988, at Burnaby Village Museum.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions

Names: Burnaby Village Museum; Etheridge, Kerstyn; Etheridge, Terry

Accession Code: BV020.5.1763

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: September 1988

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Photographer: Erikson, Glen

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15662

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: September 1986

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of winner of the Best Baby in Burnaby contest, Jesse James Pugsley Cooper seated on the lap of his mother Cheryl Cooper and next to his father, James Cooper. Cheryl is holding the trophy that baby Jesse James won in the contest. The contest was held in September 1986 at Burnaby Village M…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of winner of the Best Baby in Burnaby contest, Jesse James Pugsley Cooper seated on the lap of his mother Cheryl Cooper and next to his father, James Cooper. Cheryl is holding the trophy that baby Jesse James won in the contest. The contest was held in September 1986 at Burnaby Village Museum. Judges at the event included Gladys Moore, Jean Mowbray and Marge Eccles.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions

Names: Burnaby Village Museum; Cooper, Jesse James Pugsley; Cooper, Cheryl; Cooper, James

Accession Code: BV020.5.1767

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: September 1986

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Photographer: Erikson, Glen

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest, September 1986 thumbnail

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest with judges

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15659

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: September 1988

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of "Best Baby in Burnaby" contest winner, Kerstyn Etheridge with judges. Kerstyn is seated on the lap of judge, Cice Brown. Contest judge, Gladys Moore is seated to the right and judge, Jean Mowbray is standing behind. Cice Brown is holding the trophy in front of baby Kerstyn. Judges are…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of "Best Baby in Burnaby" contest winner, Kerstyn Etheridge with judges. Kerstyn is seated on the lap of judge, Cice Brown. Contest judge, Gladys Moore is seated to the right and judge, Jean Mowbray is standing behind. Cice Brown is holding the trophy in front of baby Kerstyn. Judges are dressed in hats and period costumes. The contest was held in September 1988, at Burnaby Village Museum.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions

Names: Burnaby Village Museum; Etheridge, Kerstyn; Mowbray, Jean; Brown, Cice Chandler; Moore, Gladys Beniston

Accession Code: BV020.5.1762

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: September 1988

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Photographer: Erikson, Glen

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest with judges, September 1988 thumbnail

Winner of Burnaby's best baby contest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16714

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1985

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of winner of the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest, Samantha McLeod with her family. Samantha is seated on her mother's lap and holding small trophy while her father is seated to the right and holding her older sister.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Series: Heritage Village Museum presentation and programming series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of winner of the Best Baby in Burnaby Contest, Samantha McLeod with her family. Samantha is seated on her mother's lap and holding small trophy while her father is seated to the right and holding her older sister.

History: The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.

Subjects: Events - Competitions

Names: Burnaby Village Museum; McLeod, Samantha

Accession Code: BV020.5.1815

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1985

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Research

More like 'Frank Campbell addressing the haggis'

Narrow Results By

City of Vancouver heritage inventory of Vancouver schools : report

Interior of schoolhouse

Images

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 1

Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020

Images

Audio Tracks

B.C. Summer Games parade float

Images

Through the Lens of Andy Digney

Images

Video

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher

Audio Tracks

B.C. Summer Games hostesses

Images

Burnaby's best baby contest

Images

Burnaby's best baby contest

Images

Burnaby's best baby contest

Images

Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel

Images

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah

Images

Audio Tracks

Margaret and Joe Corsbie on 40th anniversary

Images

Margaret and Joe Corsbie on 40th anniversary

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest

Images

Winner of best baby in Burnaby contest with judges

Images

Winner of Burnaby's best baby contest

Images