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Helen 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark591
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Geographic Access
- Hastings Street
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 12771
- Enactment Date
- 19/04/2010
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Heritage Value
- While the building here is of some importance as the former North Burnaby municipal office, its primary importance is its delightful neon sign that has become a North Burnaby landmark. Helen Arnold opened Helen’s Childrens Wear shop in the building next door to the old Municipal offices in 1948. In 1955, when North Burnaby moved out, she moved into the vacated building. As part of the renovations, Helen enlisted the assistance of her good friend Jimmy Wallace, owner of Vancouver’s Wallace Neon Company, to create a new sign for her expanded business. One of the company’s designers, Reeve Lehman, created the swinging neon girl that was installed in 1956. Designed in two parts, one section of the sign is cloud shaped and reads ‘Helen’s’ while the other section is a moving representation of a little girl on a swing. The sign is nine feet six inches high and nine feet wide, and the lower section is animated with an internal motor and gears. It immediately became a landmark on Hastings Street, and recently the sign’s design fame has spread far and wide as one of the best surviving examples of kinetic neon art in North America.
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Willingdon Heights Area
- Community
- Burnaby
- Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear
- Street Address
- 4142 Hastings Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
![Alfred Hickman, [195-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/126/183-002.jpg?width=280)
Alfred Hickman
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35054
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [195-] (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 11 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of two men standing outside Hickman's Grocery on Patterson Avenue near the railroad tracks. One of the men is Alfred Hickman, the store's owner. Signs on the store read, "Hickmans / Groceries / Produce" and "Groceries / Hickmans / Meats." Signs in the window advertise wieners and "Mea…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [195-] (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Alfred Hickman subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 11 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 183-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-31
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of two men standing outside Hickman's Grocery on Patterson Avenue near the railroad tracks. One of the men is Alfred Hickman, the store's owner. Signs on the store read, "Hickmans / Groceries / Produce" and "Groceries / Hickmans / Meats." Signs in the window advertise wieners and "Meat Makes the Meal."
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
- Occupations - Grocers
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Street address for the grocery store later numbered 5932 Patterson Avenue
- Geographic Access
- Patterson Avenue
- Street Address
- 5932 Patterson Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
Images
![Alfred Hickman, [195-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/126/183-002.jpg)
A. Matheson and Sons Market
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34063
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 9.0 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the A. Matheson & Sons store building located at 3576 Kingsway (later renumbered 4920 Kingsway) and Nelson Avenue. Signs on the store read, "A. Matheson & Sons Market / Fresh Meats - Groceries / Quality and Service / Dexter 1372, 1373 / Free Delivery." Additional signs and billboard…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 9.0 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 006-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the A. Matheson & Sons store building located at 3576 Kingsway (later renumbered 4920 Kingsway) and Nelson Avenue. Signs on the store read, "A. Matheson & Sons Market / Fresh Meats - Groceries / Quality and Service / Dexter 1372, 1373 / Free Delivery." Additional signs and billboards include "Burnaby Liberal Committee Rooms" and a cigarette billboard. This store was previously owned and operated by Alexander MacKenzie.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 4920 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Marlborough Area
Images
![Ancient Willow Bed & Breakfast sign, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2137.jpg?width=280)
Ancient Willow Bed & Breakfast sign
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96513
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Leah-Anne Arbers posing in front of her bed and breakfast, Ancient Willow, with a sign that was broken by vandals. Arbers' cousin Olga Shevchenko stands behind her, holding part of the broken sign, which reads: "BED."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 535-2137
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Leah-Anne Arbers posing in front of her bed and breakfast, Ancient Willow, with a sign that was broken by vandals. Arbers' cousin Olga Shevchenko stands behind her, holding part of the broken sign, which reads: "BED."
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Hotels and Motels
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Crimes
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in an April 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata: "Leah-Anne Arbers, and her cousin, Olga Shevchenko, who helps her run her Parker St. bed and breakfast, with pieces of the sign destroyed by teenage vandals."
- Geographic Access
- Parker Street
- Planning Study Area
- Willingdon Heights Area
- Brentwood Area
Images
![Ancient Willow Bed & Breakfast sign, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2137.jpg)
Astor Hotel
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34586
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1958
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.6 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Astor Hotel at 4561 Kingsway and McKay Avenue. A hotel sign reads, "Welcome HRH Princess Margaret to Burnaby." The Astor Coffee Shop is to the right of the hotel.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1958
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.6 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 060-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Astor Hotel at 4561 Kingsway and McKay Avenue. A hotel sign reads, "Welcome HRH Princess Margaret to Burnaby." The Astor Coffee Shop is to the right of the hotel.
- Names
- Astor Hotel
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 4561 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Marlborough Area
Images
![BC Auto Company storefront, [1907] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/1973/1973_0022_0003_001.jpg?width=280)
BC Auto Company storefront
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription981
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1907]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.8 x 16.7 cm mounted on cardboard 17.6 x 22.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the storefront of the BC Auto Company on Granville Street, Vancouver. Seen displayed in the window are cans of various fluids. Lettered on the window is, "Automobiles. / 924", above which is a sign that reads, "Automobile Supplies." A man in overalls and a hat is standing by the st…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.8 x 16.7 cm mounted on cardboard 17.6 x 22.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the storefront of the BC Auto Company on Granville Street, Vancouver. Seen displayed in the window are cans of various fluids. Lettered on the window is, "Automobiles. / 924", above which is a sign that reads, "Automobile Supplies." A man in overalls and a hat is standing by the store window while three men dressed in suits with ties are standing in front of the garage. By their side is a sign that reads, "Automobiles / Touring Cars / Runabouts / Delivery Cars / Trucks / Heavy and Light / Sole Agents for Buick and Russel Cars./ Autos. For Sale or Hire."
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
- Accession Code
- HV973.22.3
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1907]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-05-09
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![BC Auto Company storefront, [1907] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/1973/1973_0022_0003_001.jpg)
![Booms and mill, [1950] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2019/2019_0032_0008_001.jpg?width=280)
Booms and mill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15187
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1950] (date of original), copied 2004
- Collection/Fonds
- In the Shadow by the Sea collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of log boom pond of the Kapoor Sawmills Limited in Burrard Inlet.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- In the Shadow by the Sea collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of log boom pond of the Kapoor Sawmills Limited in Burrard Inlet.
- Names
- Kapoor Sawmills Limited
- Geographic Access
- Burrard Inlet
- Barnet Marine Park
- Accession Code
- BV019.32.8
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1950] (date of original), copied 2004
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- See page 66 in book "In the Shadow by the Sea - recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "The vast log boom pond of Kapoor Sawmill, c. 1950"
Images
![Booms and mill, [1950] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2019/2019_0032_0008_001.jpg)
![Burnaby Chamber of Commerce, [1959] thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/001/115-001.jpg?width=280)
Burnaby Chamber of Commerce
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34711
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1959]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 18.1 x 21.9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the "Yesterday and Today" display, Burnaby Chamber of Commerce. Signs on either side of the display read, "Burnaby has ten miles of Fraser River frontage" and "Burnaby has ten miles of deepsea frontage." In the centre is a display of photographs. Signs on both sides of the display …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1959]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 18.1 x 21.9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 115-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the "Yesterday and Today" display, Burnaby Chamber of Commerce. Signs on either side of the display read, "Burnaby has ten miles of Fraser River frontage" and "Burnaby has ten miles of deepsea frontage." In the centre is a display of photographs. Signs on both sides of the display read, "'Burnaby Yesterday and Today!' / Photo display by Burnaby Historical Society."
- Subjects
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Organizations
- Documentary Artifacts - Photographs
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bower, Ralph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Stamped on back of photograph, "Photography by Ralph Bower"
Images
![Burnaby Chamber of Commerce, [1959] thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/001/115-001.jpg)
![Caila Anderson with traffic signs, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2547.jpg?width=280)
Caila Anderson with traffic signs
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97015
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Caila Anderson, an employee of International SPFX, standing with her arms crossed next to two traffic signs on Greenwood Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 535-2547
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Caila Anderson, an employee of International SPFX, standing with her arms crossed next to two traffic signs on Greenwood Street.
- Subjects
- Planning - City Planning
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Geographic Features - Roads
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in a July 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata: "Caila Anderson, of International SPFX, says new traffic regulations on Greenwood St. have made it really inconvenient for employees at the movie special effects company to get to and from their production offices. Residents on the street say the regulations haven't gone far enough."
- Geographic Access
- Greenwood Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lozells (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Government Road Area
Images
![Caila Anderson with traffic signs, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2547.jpg)
![Condominiums, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2869-1.jpg?width=280)
Condominiums
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97530
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of two condominium buildings. One building has a sign that reads: "Final Sell Out," and towers are visible behind the complex in the other photograph.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 535-2869
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of two condominium buildings. One building has a sign that reads: "Final Sell Out," and towers are visible behind the complex in the other photograph.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Condominiums
- Buildings - Residential
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Collected by editorial for use in an October 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Images
![Condominiums, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2869-1.jpg)
Cornerstone for New Municipal Hall
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55624
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1955
- Collection/Fonds
- Charles MacSorley fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the commemorative cornerstone laid for the new Municipal Hall building. The stone reads: "This stone was laid by His Worship Reeve Charles W. MacSorley / September 23rd 1955."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1955
- Collection/Fonds
- Charles MacSorley fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 486-018
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2005-14
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the commemorative cornerstone laid for the new Municipal Hall building. The stone reads: "This stone was laid by His Worship Reeve Charles W. MacSorley / September 23rd 1955."
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4949 Canada Way
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
![David Ali, [2006] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1914.jpg?width=280)
David Ali
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96222
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2006]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of David Ali standing inside the prayer hall of a mosque. Ali's shoes are visible in the foreground of the photograph, next to text on a floor tile that reads: "No Shoes Past the Line."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2006]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 535-1914
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of David Ali standing inside the prayer hall of a mosque. Ali's shoes are visible in the foreground of the photograph, next to text on a floor tile that reads: "No Shoes Past the Line."
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in a February 2006 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata: "Muslims, like David Ali, remove their shoes when entering the prayer hall to preserve the sanctity of the hall and keep it seperate from the outside world."
Images
![David Ali, [2006] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1914.jpg)
![Dismantling the Eaton Centre sign, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2901.jpg?width=280)
Dismantling the Eaton Centre sign
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97562
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a construction worker dismantling the Eaton Centre sign at the new Metropolis at Metrotown mall.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 535-2901
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a construction worker dismantling the Eaton Centre sign at the new Metropolis at Metrotown mall.
- Names
- Metrotown
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in an October 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata: "Workers dismantle the Eaton Centre sign as the mall at Metrotown begins its new life as Metropolis at Metrotown."
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 4700 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
Images
![Dismantling the Eaton Centre sign, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2901.jpg)
![Dow, Fraser and Company Limited, [1900] (date of original), copied 1992 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/315/315-072.jpg?width=280)
Dow, Fraser and Company Limited
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36717
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1900] (date of original), copied 1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.7 x 10.6 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the exterior of the Dow, Fraser & Co. Ltd. branch building on McKay Avenue with a man standing outside. Signs on the building state that it is a trust company and advertise real estate, loans, and fire insurance.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1900] (date of original), copied 1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.7 x 10.6 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 315-072
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1994-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the exterior of the Dow, Fraser & Co. Ltd. branch building on McKay Avenue with a man standing outside. Signs on the building state that it is a trust company and advertise real estate, loans, and fire insurance.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Item no. 315-071 is a closeup of this photograph
- Geographic Access
- McKay Avenue
- Willingdon Avenue
- Street Address
- 6100 Willingdon Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
Images
![Dow, Fraser and Company Limited, [1900] (date of original), copied 1992 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/315/315-072.jpg)
![Duraisamy family, [2001] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2977-1.jpg?width=280)
Duraisamy family
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97702
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2001]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 4 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of the Duraisamy family, who moved to Canada from Sri Lanka, displaying how they blend Christian Christmas and Hindu traditions in their home.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2001]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 4 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 535-2977
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of the Duraisamy family, who moved to Canada from Sri Lanka, displaying how they blend Christian Christmas and Hindu traditions in their home.
- Subjects
- Holidays - Christmas
- Religions - Christianity
- Religions - Hinduism
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in a December 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata for 535-2977-1: "Siva and Kanges Duraisamy, originally from Sri Lanka, have been gradually melding their Hindu and Christian Christmas traditions."
- Caption from metadata for 535-2977-2: "The Duraisamy family, originally from Sri Lanka, have been gradually melding Hindu and Christian Christmas traditions since moving to Canada in 1999."
- Caption from metadata for 535-2977-3: "Niroo Duraisamy, 8, shows off the letter to Santa Claus he composed on his home computer. Since moving to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1999, his family has gradually incorporated western Christmas traditions into their holiday."
- Caption from metadata for 535-2977-4: "Siva Duraisamy tries to figure out why the family's Frosty the Snowman decoration won't light up."
Images
![Duraisamy family, [2001] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-2977-1.jpg)
Exhibition Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51368
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1958
- Collection/Fonds
- Harold H. Johnston fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a crowd of people gathered near the entrance to the exhibition park at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver, BC. A banner at the top of the entrance reads "B.C. Centennial Year 1858-1958" and the marquis below the "Exhibition Park" sign reads "Water Follies of 58 / Shri…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1958
- Collection/Fonds
- Harold H. Johnston fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 483-004
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2008-08
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a crowd of people gathered near the entrance to the exhibition park at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver, BC. A banner at the top of the entrance reads "B.C. Centennial Year 1858-1958" and the marquis below the "Exhibition Park" sign reads "Water Follies of 58 / Shrine PNE Circus / Horse Racing." None of the people in the photograph are identified.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Johnston, Harold H.
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![Farm workers, [1908] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/477/477-949.jpg?width=280)
Farm workers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66236
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1908]
- Collection/Fonds
- Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 8 cm (oval, sight) on sheet 15 x 22.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four unidentified farm workers at the farm of Claude Hill.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1908]
- Collection/Fonds
- Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 8 cm (oval, sight) on sheet 15 x 22.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 477-949
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four unidentified farm workers at the farm of Claude Hill.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Buckingham Avenue
- Street Address
- 5730 Buckingham Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
![Farm workers, [1908] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/477/477-949.jpg)
![Hotel Burnaby, [1958] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/001/105-001.jpg?width=280)
Hotel Burnaby
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34700
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Hotel Burnaby at 1385 Kingsway (later renumbered 7610 Kingsway). An electric "Hotel Burnaby / Vacancy / Parking" sign can be seen on the right. A diner can be seen on the left side of the building with signs reading, "Dining Room," "Diner," "Soda Fountain," "Breakfasts, Lunches, Din…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 105-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Hotel Burnaby at 1385 Kingsway (later renumbered 7610 Kingsway). An electric "Hotel Burnaby / Vacancy / Parking" sign can be seen on the right. A diner can be seen on the left side of the building with signs reading, "Dining Room," "Diner," "Soda Fountain," "Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners," "Coffee Bar," and "Licensed Premises." Coca-Cola advertisements are also visible. There are entrances to the building with signs above them readings, "Lobby," "Men," and "Ladies and Escorts."
- Subjects
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Buildings - Commercial - Hotels and Motels
- Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
- Names
- Hotel Burnaby Limited
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Croton Studio Limited
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Stamp on back of photograph reads, "Croton Studio / New Westminster BC"
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 7610 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Edmonds Area
Images
![Hotel Burnaby, [1958] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/001/105-001.jpg)
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Foods
- Migration
- Organizations - Societies and Clubs
- Organizations - Unions
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Performances
- Performances - Dramatic Performances
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Names
- Binning, Dr. Sadhu
- Binning, Gurmaje Kaur
- Binning, Jit Singh
- Binning, Jagdish
- Sangha, Darshan Singh
- Canadian Farmworkers Union
- Hundal, Sukhwant
- Sangra, Harjinder
- Singh, Dhana
- Vancouver Sath
- Responsibility
- Petrusa, Kate
- Malik, Anushay
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.3
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3Interview with Harman Pandher
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19609
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (105 min., 23 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (101 min., 39 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harman Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. 00:00 - 37:38 Interview opens with Harman Pandher sharing information on his oldest living relative, Kirpal Singh Pandher who immigrated to Canada arou…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (105 min., 23 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (101 min., 39 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Harman Pandher Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks:1:45:23 min Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 format for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harman Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. 00:00 - 37:38 Interview opens with Harman Pandher sharing information on his oldest living relative, Kirpal Singh Pandher who immigrated to Canada around 1968. The interview continues with Harman Pandher providing details about his childhood in Burnaby while occasionally sharing photographs with the interviewer. He provides detailed descriptions of the homes and neighbourhoods while living on Second Street and 15th Avenue and shares his experiences as a South Asian Sikh attending Second Street elementary school, Cariboo Hill Secondary School and Kahlsa School. Pandher recalls some of his family and childhood experiences including, family events and gatherings; participation in school clubs and sports; playing basketball, ball hockey and street hockey with his Punjabi friends and other Burnaby kids; racism that he faced as a Sikh wearing a turban and delivering newspapers for the Vancouver Sun. 37:39 – 52:54 Pandher talks about family and cultural celebrations and traditions within the Sikh community including Vaisakhi, Diwali and celebrations of the birth of Guru Ravidas and Guru Nanak. Pandher conveys that while he was growing up many of these events took place in Vancouver but now they are also celebrated in Burnaby. He recalls events that took place in school while growing up in Burnaby including; his sister wearing a Sari to a fashion show; a visit to a Sikh temple; celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak and outreach to teachers to learn about South Asian culture, games, food and traditions. Pandher also shares his experiences working as a student teacher at Capital Hill Elementary in North Burnaby where he took his class on a tour of the Sikh temple in 2001 and reflects on learning that it is his responsibility to be proactive in educating the public in his own culture while also learning about other communities. 52:55 - 1:19:56 Pandher shares personal experiences of racism and his experiences as a teacher and author. He recalls and reflects on a traumatic experience where he was physically assaulted while shopping at Lougheed Mall and recollects his father carrying around his field hockey stick in his car to defend himself. Pandher reflects on the lack of representation of racialized people like himself within the school curriculum while he was growing up which lead him to become a teacher and an author of children’s literature. Pander provides detailed information on his education and training in becoming a teacher, his love of poetry and literature and how he became an author. Pandher describes some of the works of poetry and literature that he’s written about the Sikh religion, history and culture, growing up as a Sikh Canadian and a non-fiction work about the history of Paldi titled "Welcome to Paldi: A Place for Everyone". Pandher also talks about beginning to record some of his own family stories from relatives. 1:19:57 - 1:29:58 Pandher talks about raising his own family in Burnaby, living as an extended family with his parents, his son’s education and Pandher's experience on the Burnaby School Board (2011-2018) . Pandher shares locations of residences that he and his family have lived before living at their current home on 17th Avenue. Pandher explains that since he was a teacher in Surrey, his son attended Khalsa School as well as public elementary and high school in Surrey but did his extracurricular activities in Burnaby where the family lived. 1:29:56 – 1:41:39 In closing, Harman Pandher reflects and shares what he hopes for younger generations of South Asian Canadians and future generations. Pandher articulates “be who you are, stay true to who you are, maintain your family’s traditions, learn their stories, learn their story and how they got to Burnaby”. He conveys that even though there’s more work to be done eliminating racism completely he sees the importance in volunteering, teaching others about yourself and making an effort to learn all parts of Burnaby and other cultures represented here. Pandher speaks about his concerns of youths falling victim to a lifestyle of drugs and gangs and how it’s important to remove the stigma around mental health issues.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Harman Pandher was born in Vancouver in 1976 to parents, Rajinder and Raj Pandher who immigrated to Canada in 1973. A few weeks later after Harman was born, the family moved to Burnaby. While living in Burnaby, Harman Pandher and his sister attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School. Pandher obtained a master's degree in education from the University of British Columbia and has worked as an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. Pandher has been recognized for his efforts in building bridges across communities as the recipient of the 2021 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Award. Pandher has served on the Board of the Burnaby Multicultural Society and is co-founder of two noon-profit organizations; “Through SONG” (Seeking Oneness for the Next Generation) “About bringing youth together form diverse backgrounds and using their talent in the community for good causes” and "SACH" (South Asian Community Hub) providing one-stop services for those impacted by alchohol and substance use and mental health issues. Harman Pandher is also the author of two children's books titled, "Gurpreet Goes to Gurdwara: Understanding the Sikh Place of Worship" and "Once Upon the Golden Temple: A Journey to Sri Harmandir Sahib". Interviewer biography: 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.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Occupations - Teachers
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Religions
- Religions - Sikhism
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports - Basketball
- Sports
- Responsibility
- Petrusa, Kate
- Geographic Access
- 2nd Street
- 15th Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV023.1.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Second Street Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcript available upon request
Audio Tracks
Interview with Harman Pandher, [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
Interview with Harman Pandher, [1968- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jan. 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0001_003.mp3