166 records – page 4 of 9.

Fred Blake subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription65815
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1942- [1997]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of an essay written by Fred Blake entitled "Growing Up in North Burnaby," a hand-drawn map of Gilmore School, an RCAF pamphlet, an Emergency Rescue Training Pocket Manual and a Handbook for Auxiliary Firemen.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1942- [1997]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Fred Blake subseries
Physical Description
Textual records
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS2003-15
BHS2005-01
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of an essay written by Fred Blake entitled "Growing Up in North Burnaby," a hand-drawn map of Gilmore School, an RCAF pamphlet, an Emergency Rescue Training Pocket Manual and a Handbook for Auxiliary Firemen.
History
Thomas Blake and his wife Gertrude came to Burnaby in 1921 with their three children: Thomas "Tom", Susie and Frederick "Fred" (b. 1912). They lived at 4456 Pandora street, owning that lot and the adjoining 66 foot lot on the west. The Municipality cleared a trail, later putting down a one-plank sidewalk and bringing in a half-inch water line for the family. The Blake family lived in two wall tents for a few years while they cleared their land and built their house. In 1921 at the age of nine, Fred Blake attended Gilmore School where he learned about different woods and how to use hand tools. In 1927, he attended North Burnaby High School in a commercial course were he learned typing, shorthand, book-keeping a commercial law. Throughout his teenage years, Fred worked at Armour Photo Finishing, developing rolls of film and collecting and delivering the films and finished prints. Thomas Blake worked part-time for the Burnaby Advertiser and part-time for the Vancouver Sun to pay his way through university and become a Burnaby school teacher. In 1927, at the age of sixteen, Fred began his firefighting career as a volunteer, with the first major fire of his career taking place December 31, 1927 at the 4600 block of Albert Street. He continued as a volunteer until 1934 when he went to the logging camps as a steam fireman in the Queen Charlotte Islands and on the coast. In the early 1930s, Fred was a member of the Army of the Common Good, and with the falling crew cut second growth timber on Capitol Hill for firewood to be shared with other members. The Army also produced over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth who were near starvation from lack of adequate relief funds from the municipality. The Army was in operations for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. During this time, while on Relief (now welfare) Fred also worked for the municipality on the two projects of the clearing of Confederation Park and the clearing of Lougheed Highway. Fred re-joined the Burnaby fire department on April 1, 1939, as a paid member at No. 1 Hall. He came up through the ranks to become Training Officer for the department in 1949 and full time training officer with the rank of District Chief in 1952. Fred was promoted to Assistant Chief in 1966. He retired from service March 1, 1972.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
Blake, Fredrick "Fred"
Notes
MSS150
Title based on contents and creator of subseries
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Fred K. Leggett family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18773
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1900]-1993, predominant [1900-1947]
Collection/Fonds
Fred K. Leggett family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
16 photographs + 1 videocassette
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a collection of photographs of the Leggett family, the C.W. Parker no. 119 carousel, the Lone Star Circus, a film created by family members that documents the opening day of the C.W. Parker no. 119 carousel at Burnaby Village Museum along with photographs of Parker Carousel "Carry…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Fred K. Leggett family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
16 photographs + 1 videocassette
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a collection of photographs of the Leggett family, the C.W. Parker no. 119 carousel, the Lone Star Circus, a film created by family members that documents the opening day of the C.W. Parker no. 119 carousel at Burnaby Village Museum along with photographs of Parker Carousel "Carry Us All" in Alum Rock San Jose.
History
Fred Kirk Leggett was the first owner of the C.W. Parker no. 119 carousel. Fred and Norvie Leggett had six children including, Norvie, Fred D., Leon, Dedie and Ralph. The eldest daughter (name unknown) of F.K. and Norvie Leggett died in 1911. In 1913 the carousel was sold to Fred K. Leggett of Houston Texas for $5,886.00 and was originally equipped with a steam engine and ""wishbones/grass-hopper/jumping horse"" mechanisms. It toured Texas for two years with the Lone Star Circus until 1915 when the machine was shipped back to the factory. It is believed that the machine was rebuilt by the factory with fancier horses and heavier rounding boards referred to as the “Superior” style. Some of the horses were built around 1917 and some between 1920 and 1922. The factory records consulted do not tell for certain where the machine went between 1915 and 1936, possibly to San Jose, California from 1918 until 1922 and then to San Francisco California, or Tacoma, Washington. The carousel was installed at Happyland in the nineteen thirties and then moved to Playland and the PNE. In 1989 "The Lower Mainland Association of Friends of the Vancouver Carousel" came together save the carousel from destruction. With a lot of hard work, the help of the Government of British Columbia and the support of the Municipality of Burnaby, the carousel was purchased. Funds were also raised by The Friends of the Carousel to pay for the restoration, and Burnaby agreed to build a new pavilion for it as a Centennial project. The Centennial Parker Carousel (C.W. Parker no. 119 carousel) and the Don Wrigley Pavilion where the carousel is housed, opened at Burnaby Village Museum on March 25, 1993. The eldest daughter of F.K. Leggett, Norvie Leggett Frame and other members of the Leggett family were in attendance for the opening of the newly restored carousel at Burnaby Village Museum in 1993.
Responsibility
Frame, Norvie Leggett
Accession Code
BV993.18
BV993.51
BV004.94
BV005.49
BV005.63
Date
[1900]-1993, predominant [1900-1947]
Media Type
Photograph
Moving Images
Arrangement
Fonds is arranged by subject from various donations that orignated from the Leggett family.
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Contact Burnaby Village Museum to view video content
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Friends of the Carousel subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58783
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1989-2003
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records pertaining to the Lower Mainland Association of Friends of the Carousel, including scrapbooks, receipts, statements, publications and information on the restoration of the Parker Carousel by the Association.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1989-2003
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Friends of the Carousel subseries
Physical Description
Textual records
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS1999-06
BHS2006-02
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records pertaining to the Lower Mainland Association of Friends of the Carousel, including scrapbooks, receipts, statements, publications and information on the restoration of the Parker Carousel by the Association.
History
The No. 119 “Carry-Us-All” Carousel was built in 1912 by C.W. Parker, an amusement ride manufacturer in Leavenworth, Kansas. Fred Leggett bought No.119 for “Lone Star” Amusement Co. in Houston Texas, but it was returned to the Parker Factory in 1915 for reasons unknown. Back at the factory it was upgraded from Standard style to Superior and electrified. The carousel was used in the San Francisco area until 1936 when it was shipped to “Happyland” in Vancouver’s Hastings Park (home of the Pacific National Exhibition) then passed to “Playland” at Hastings Park in 1957. In 1988 the Carousel was scheduled to be broken up and sold at auction. Concerned citizens formed the Lower Mainland Association of the Friends of the Vancouver Carousel to save it. Through fundraising the Friends of the Carousel were able to acquire the carousel. Between 1990 and 1993 Friends of the Carousel were able to completely restore, repaint and rebuild the carousel. The City of Burnaby, Province of British Columbia and Friends of the Carousel contributed to the construction of a new building at Burnaby Village Museum to house it. Enterprising volunteers salvaged the maple hardwood gymnasium floor at the Oakalla penitentiary just before it was demolished and used it to rebuild the carousel platform. The association also acquired and restored a Wurlitzer 146B organ. On March 27, 1993, No. 119 moved to the Don Wrigley Pavilion at the Burnaby Village Museum, the Pavilion having been named after the president of the Friends of the Carousel for his coordination of the restoration project. Mrs. Norvie Frame, daughter original owner Fred Leggett, came with her family from Texas to attend the official opening. The Association created the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “The Story of Parker #119”, the video “Labour of Love: The Saving of Number 119”, and their accompanying publications.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
Friends of the Carousel
Notes
Title based on contents of subseries
MSS087, MSS121
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Gavel Historical Society subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription50
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1986-1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and photographs
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of photographs collected by the Gavel Historical Society depicting various visits of state to Burnaby. Visits depicted include the 1986 visit of His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness Princess Diana; the 1988 visit of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and His Roya…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1986-1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Gavel Historical Society subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and photographs
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS1994-03
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of photographs collected by the Gavel Historical Society depicting various visits of state to Burnaby. Visits depicted include the 1986 visit of His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Her Royal Highness Princess Diana; the 1988 visit of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark in October of 1991; and the 1988 visit of Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. The subseries also includes media itineraries for two of these visits of state.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Gavel Historical Society
Notes
Title based on creator of subseries
PC311, MSS140
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George Bergson fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19275
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1955-1995
Collection/Fonds
George Bergson fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
28 photographs : prints + slides + negatives
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a selection of photographs taken by George Bergson that document interurban trams and the BCER, the construction of stage 4 at the Bridge Studios in Burnaby and views of Burnaby Village Museum.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
George Bergson fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
28 photographs : prints + slides + negatives
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a selection of photographs taken by George Bergson that document interurban trams and the BCER, the construction of stage 4 at the Bridge Studios in Burnaby and views of Burnaby Village Museum.
History
George Bergson became interested in photography after taking a photography course in high school and since then has created over 40,000 photographs. George's particular interest has been the BCER Interurban trams and rail transportation in British Columbia. In his eary years, George worked as a CNR electrical apprentice in Vancouver and before he retired in 1990, George worked as a maintenance supervisor at Bridge Studios. While working as a maintenance supervisor at Bridge Studios, he managed to get the siding off of the Great Northern Railway to Bridge Studios and after removing the ties and rails he donated them to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Railway Museum. Photographer, George Bergson and transportation historian, Henry Ewert, were the last people to take a ride on the BCER Interurban no.1203 on November 18, 1956. George has also donated hundreds of his photographs to the City of Vancouver Archives and the City of Coquitlam Archives.
Creator
Bergson, George
Accession Code
BV988.7
BV019.46
BV022.28
Date
1955-1995
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
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Gerald F. Sanders and Alice Sparman Sanders fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18831
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1918-2016
Collection/Fonds
Gerald F. Sanders and Alice Sparman Sanders fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
33 photographs + 7 architectural drawings +1 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of family photographs and personal papers pertaining to Gerald Frank Sanders and Alice Viola Sparman Sanders along with architectural plans pertaining to the family home located on Spruce Street in Burnaby. Fonds has been arranged into the following series: 1) Sanders-Sparman photog…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Gerald F. Sanders and Alice Sparman Sanders fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
33 photographs + 7 architectural drawings +1 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of family photographs and personal papers pertaining to Gerald Frank Sanders and Alice Viola Sparman Sanders along with architectural plans pertaining to the family home located on Spruce Street in Burnaby. Fonds has been arranged into the following series: 1) Sanders-Sparman photographs series 2) Sanders family personal papers 3) Sanders family architectural drawings
History
Gerald Frank Sanders (1916-2017) was born August 28, 1916 in Hackney, London. In 1918, Gerald immigrated to Canada with his mother Harriett Sanders (nee Chalkley) (1889-1962) while his father, Frank (1887-1967) was convalescing in hospital in England after succumbing to wounds while serving in action during WWI. Gerald's father, Frank soon joined them in British Columbia. In 1926 they settled in a house located at 4312 Spruce Street near the corner of Spruce Street and Carleton Avenue. By 1946 the family grew in size to four children (Gerald, Leslie, Reginald and Eileen) and they built a larger house right on the corner of Spruce and Carleton Avenue. Gerald attended Inman Elementary, then Van Technical School. He eventually joined the RAF during WWII as an airplane mechanic in England. He sent his pay home and his mother purchased two lots on Pine Street with some of the money. On March 8, 1948 Gerald married Alice Viola Sparman (1925-1996) and the couple lived in the Sanders' family home on Spruce Street. Alice grew up near Cranbrook and spent her teenage years in Victoria. She trained to be a nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver before marrying Gerald. Alice worked at the Burnaby General Hospital from 1952. Gerald and Alice had six children: Dennis, Kris, Kerry, David, Ruth and Marie. In 1949 with the help of family and friends Gerald built a new house located at 4325 Pine Street (address after 1959- 4091 Pine Street) and he moved in with his family. Gerald worked as a carpenter on various projects including the dentistry building at University of British Columbia, the Vancouver Court House and Jack Poole's house in the British Properties. Gerald lived in Burnaby until his death in 2017. Frank and Harriett Sanders lived on Spruce Street until Harriett died in 1962. Frank continued to live on Spruce Street until 1964 and then lived with his son Gerald on Pine Street until his death in 1967.
Creator
Sanders, Alice Viola Sparman
Sanders, Gerald Frank
Accession Code
BV018.34
Date
1918-2016
Media Type
Photograph
Architectural Drawing
Textual Record
Arrangement
Records and series were arranged by specific record types.
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Less detail

Gilmore Community Association fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97461
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1989
Collection/Fonds
Gilmore Community Association fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
0.5 cm of textual records.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of correspondence and meeting minutes pertaining to the Gilmore Community Association.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1989
Collection/Fonds
Gilmore Community Association fonds
Physical Description
0.5 cm of textual records.
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2011-04
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of correspondence and meeting minutes pertaining to the Gilmore Community Association.
Media Type
Textual Record
Notes
Title based on contents of file
Less detail

Gladys Killip subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58418
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1904-1998
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and graphic material
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of papers pertaining to the Killip family, primarily Gladys Killip's personal activism in the municipality of Burnaby and the causes she supported. Subseries also includes photographs of the Burnaby Council of Women taken during Gladys Killip's time as Publicity Co-Chairwoman du…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1904-1998
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Gladys Killip subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and graphic material
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS1996-12
BHS1998-11
BHS2000-02
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of papers pertaining to the Killip family, primarily Gladys Killip's personal activism in the municipality of Burnaby and the causes she supported. Subseries also includes photographs of the Burnaby Council of Women taken during Gladys Killip's time as Publicity Co-Chairwoman during the 1967 Centennial Celebration festivity "100 Years of Progress in Women's Activities, Arts and Crafts" .
History
Gladys M. Yeomans married Alfred Charles “Charlie” Killip in St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church in Vancouver on August 16, 1947. They spent their honeymoon together at the Sunset Inn at Qualicum Beach. The Killips lived in the same house in South Burnaby for the greater part of their married lives. Their address began as 729 Marshall, changed to 729 Hazelmere Street in 1951 (due to bylaw 3133) and again to 7763 Hazelmere Street (due to 1958/1959 street re-numbering). The Killips were activists within Burnaby, writing letters to their member of Council when they felt that the citizens of Burnaby were not being treated fairly. An example of this is when they led the protest against Pacific Stage Lines for reducing its service on the Grandview Highway by making fewer stops and by changing its route. Gladys led their delegation to Council in June of 1964. Gladys was also involved in the activities of the Valley View Players and in Burnaby Little Theatre activities. She was part of the cast of “Crime at Blossoms” in 1951 and held a membership card from 1952 to 1959 for the Valley View Players Club. Among other roles, she was one of the principle actors in “You Can’t Take it With You” and “In the Shadow of the Glen” both performed in 1957. Gladys was the Burnaby Council of Women Publicity Co-Chairwoman. In this capacity she helped to organize such events as the "100 Years of Progress in Women's Activities, Arts and Crafts" for the Centennial Celebration in 1967 (the Burnaby Diamond Jubilee). She was also a founding member of the Century Park Museum Association, which created under the auspices of the Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee, to administer Burnaby's Centennial '71 Commemorative Project, Heritage Village. Both Gladys and Charles Killip were active members of the Monarchist League of Canada. Gladys’ hobby started with a small silver spoon commemorating King George VI taking the throne in 1936. Her collection includes items commemorating every Royal from Prince Edward, Queen Victoria's father, to a cup commemorating one of Prince Williams recent birthdays. Gladys opened the Silver Spoon collectors shop in Burnaby in 1974 and operated it until 1980 when she and her husband Charlie retired to Qualicum Beach and opened Chilham Village Antiques and Collectables in 1984. The Killips earned a Silver Badge of Service from the Monarchist League of Canada in 1992 for their significant contribution to the League’s work. As of November 2010, Ms. Gladys Yeomans’ collection of British Royal family memorabilia has grown so large, that she has countless of mugs, spoons, plates, t-shirts and pieces of poetry, filling a room in her basement and upstairs in her home in Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Killip, Gladys M. Yeomans
Killip, Alfred Charles “Charlie”
Notes
Title based on contents of subseries
PC497, MSS125, MSS081, MSS085
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Gordon Presbyterian Church fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97220
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912-1950 (date of originals); 2012
Collection/Fonds
Gordon Presbyterian Church fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
9 photograph : col ; 10 x 15 cm.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs created by members of the Gordon Presbyterian Church that depict the Church and district as well as events and activities undertaken by or for church groups. Included in the fonds are photographs taken at the Church's one hundredth anniversary event.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912-1950 (date of originals); 2012
Collection/Fonds
Gordon Presbyterian Church fonds
Physical Description
9 photograph : col ; 10 x 15 cm.
Description Level
Fonds
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2013-12
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs created by members of the Gordon Presbyterian Church that depict the Church and district as well as events and activities undertaken by or for church groups. Included in the fonds are photographs taken at the Church's one hundredth anniversary event.
History
In November 1911, a small group of people met at Morton Hall on Edmonds Street, Burnaby, to organize a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. David J. Gordon, a student from Westminster Hall Theological College, was in charge. By 1912, a building was erected on two lots and named the Gordon Presbyterian Church. A new sanctuary was built in 1956 and, due to the increase in the congregation, a Christan Education Centre was added in 1974. The longest minister to serve the congregation was Reverend George Philps and his wife Margaret. After 21 years, he retired in 1987. In April of 1988, Reverend Charles Scott began serving. Six months later, a fire broke out in the centre portion of the complex. For many months, while reconstruction continued, worship services were held at the Edmonds Community Centre for the Retired. In 2001, Reverend Cal MacLeod and his wife Robin joined the congregation. Mrs. Marie Douglas, wife of retired minister Reverend R. J. Douglas and mother of missionary to India, Ellen Douglas, started the first Women’s Missionary Auxiliary in 1932. The Ladies Aid Societies were an active force in the Gordon Presbyterian Church. In 1957, the original Ladies Aid became known as the Margaret Hall Circle, named after Margaret Philps’ mother, who had been an active member. For many years, the COC, Explorers and CGIT were very active and Sunday School classes have been in operation since the beginning.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Gordon Presbyterian Church
Notes
Title based on content of fonds
PC 555
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Grants and Publicity Committee subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96457
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1980-1993
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
21 folders of textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of committee records for the Grants and Publicity Committee including agendas, worksheets and budgets, correspondence, committee reports, applications, and terms of reference.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1980-1993
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Council Committee series
Subseries
Grants and Publicity Committee subseries
Physical Description
21 folders of textual records
Description Level
Subseries
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of committee records for the Grants and Publicity Committee including agendas, worksheets and budgets, correspondence, committee reports, applications, and terms of reference.
History
In 1967 the Grants Committee was merged with the Publicity Committee to become the Grants and Publicity Committee. On November 20, 1989 all matters relating to grants and publicity became the responsibility of the Executive Committee of Council.
Media Type
Textual Record
Less detail

Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93711
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1987-1998
Collection/Fonds
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
3847 photographs (92 col. prints, 10 cm x 15 cm ; 3754 col. negatives, 35 mm) + 4 computer disks (14 x 14 cm).
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of street-level photographs of commercial, industrial, residential, and undeveloped properties in Burnaby, B.C. These photographs originally formed part of the Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd's real estate appraisal records.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1987-1998
Collection/Fonds
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds
Physical Description
3847 photographs (92 col. prints, 10 cm x 15 cm ; 3754 col. negatives, 35 mm) + 4 computer disks (14 x 14 cm).
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
Open access
Accession Number
2017-39
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of street-level photographs of commercial, industrial, residential, and undeveloped properties in Burnaby, B.C. These photographs originally formed part of the Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd's real estate appraisal records.
History
Grover, Elliott, & Co. Ltd (Grover Elliot) is a real estate appraisal, valuation, and consulting firm that opened on January 2, 1974. It was founded by three real estate appraisers who took over an existing appraisal office. The firm provides real estate appraisals for all property types throughout British Columbia, including land, residential, industrial, and commercial properties. Grover Elliot was first located at 5685 Cambie Street in Vancouver, B.C. In June 1985, the firm moved its offices to the Burrard Building in downtown Vancouver on West Georgia St. in order to provide a base closer to the Land Title Office where employees regularly conducted research. In May 2016, it moved to 609 West Hastings Street in Vancouver, B.C. In February 2018, following the retirement of owner and President Larry Dybvig, the firm was purchased by three Grover Elliott appraisers: Angus Heaps, Brent McLaren, and Michael Oord. Dybvig served as President of the firm from 2001 to 2018. The company provides appraisals for all types of real estate including land, multifamily residential, industrial properties, and commercial properties.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd.
Notes
Photo catalogue 622
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Growing up in Burnaby subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10391
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1930-1960 (interview content), interviewed May 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
36 sound recordings (mp3)
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of six oral history interviews that were conducted in May of 2005 by Burnaby Village Museum's Assistant Curator, Tom Gooden. Tom interviewed various members of the community as they reflected on their experiences about what it was like to grow up in Burnaby. This information beca…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
36 sound recordings (mp3)
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of six oral history interviews that were conducted in May of 2005 by Burnaby Village Museum's Assistant Curator, Tom Gooden. Tom interviewed various members of the community as they reflected on their experiences about what it was like to grow up in Burnaby. This information became part of Burnaby Village Museum's Summer 2005- Stride Studios Exhibition entitled: "My Name: Growing Up in Burnaby". Persons interviewed included Burnaby Retired Teachers Association Heritage Committee members- Janet White and Ken and Gail Yip as well as Burnaby residents, Ella Beatty; Robert Lowe, Cice Brown and Maureen Sawshe.
Accession Code
BV017.45
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Date
1930-1960 (interview content), interviewed May 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of subseries
Most of the interviews have been divided into Tracks and described accordingly
Interview with Maureen Sawshe is Closed due to access and reproduction restrictions
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Harold Edward Winch collection

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3638
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1914]-2003
Collection/Fonds
Harold Edward Winch collection
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
approx. 23 cm of textual records + approx. 600 photographs (b&w + col.)
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records relating to Harold Edward Winch's family life and political career. It includes photographs of Winch's parents, family, and wife Jessie, as well as photographs, correspondence and other textual records from Harold's political work and experiences, a travel diary, gues…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Harold Edward Winch collection
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
approx. 23 cm of textual records + approx. 600 photographs (b&w + col.)
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records relating to Harold Edward Winch's family life and political career. It includes photographs of Winch's parents, family, and wife Jessie, as well as photographs, correspondence and other textual records from Harold's political work and experiences, a travel diary, guest books, and certificates. The collection includes a number of Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and New Democratic Party newspapers. The collection also includes records relating to Winch's death, such as obituaries, memorials, articles, and a guest book. Finally, the collection includes a small number of records relating to Winch's father, Ernie Winch, and his own political career. The collection has been arranged into five series: 1) Harold E. Winch biographical records (1933-2003) 2) Harold E. Winch photographs series (1914-[ca. 1990]) 3) Harold E. Winch political photograph album and records series ([1937]-1993) 4) Harold E. Winch personal records series (1949-1993) 5) Harold E. Winch newspaper collection series (1936-1986)
History
Harold Edward Winch (June 18, 1907-February 1, 1993) was born in Loughton, Essex, England to Ernest “Ernie” Edward Winch (March 22, 1879-January 11, 1957) and his wife Linda Marian (nee Hendy). Harold was the eldest of six children; the others were Eileen, Charlie, Grace, Alan, and Eric. Ernest moved to BC in 1909, followed by Linda, Harold, and Eileen in 1910. The remaining children were born in BC. Ernie, a brick mason, built the family a series of homes in the Lower Mainland as the family moved around for a number of years, living in Burnaby, White Rock, Mission, and Vancouver before finally settling back in Burnaby. Ernie Winch joined the Social Democratic Party of Canada in 1911 and became secretary of the party in 1913, and was heavily involved in trade unions and the labour and socialist movements. He helped re-establish the Socialist Party of Canada (BC) in 1932, which soon merged with the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). Ernie was a CCF MLA in Burnaby from 1933 until his death in 1957, following which his son-in-law Cedric Cox (husband of Eileen) won the seat in a byelection. Ernie was particularly interested in institutions, including jails, mental hospitals, and industrial schools, and founded the New Vista Society in 1943 to provide a live-in rehabilitation program to women with psychiatric problems. The organization later expanded to focus on low-cost housing for seniors, and an apartment complex was built for this purpose in Burnaby. Both Ernie and Harold were lifelong members of the New Vista Society board of trustees. Harold Winch trained as an electrician, but also followed his father into politics, serving as a CCF MLA in Vancouver East from 1933 to 1953 – Ernie and Harold were two of the first seven CCF MLAs. The Winches set a Guinness world record for the longest father-and-son parliamentary tenure. Like his father, Harold was also highly involved in the labour movement, and acted as a liaison between workers and government during the Depression, particularly during the relief camp strike in Vancouver in 1935 which precipitated the On to Ottawa trek. He was the leader of the BC CCF from 1938 to 1953, and Leader of the Opposition from 1941 to 1953. In 1953, Harold stepped down from provincial politics to enter the federal arena, and served as a CCF MP for Vancouver East from 1953 to 1961, when the CCF became the New Democratic Party (NDP); Harold continued to serve as an NDP MP from 1961 to 1972, when he retired for health reasons. In federal office, Harold remained dedicated to the working class and humanitarian causes, issuing reports on subject such as unemployment, veterans’ rights, low-cost housing for seniors, animal welfare, drug addiction, and mental health concerns. Harold earned honorary law degrees from both UBC (1973) and SFU (1974). He was involved in numerous humanitarian and other organizations and his roles included president and treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; co-founder of the Immigrant Services Society of Vancouver; director of the Boag Foundation; and lifelong member of the Association for Protection of Fur Bearing Animals. Harold married Dorothy Ada Hutchinson (December 1, 1907-October 24, 1974) on May 11, 1929. They had three children: Donald, Gerald ("Jerry"), and Shirley. Following Dorothy’s death, Harold married Jessie Margaret Mendels (nee Sweezey) (June 29, 1913-May 9, 2006) on May 19, 1981. Jessie grew up in Grand Forks, BC, and her family moved to Vancouver when she was in high school. Her first husband was George Edward Mendels (November 2, 1905-September 2, 1978). She had no children. Jessie served as a St. John’s ambulance driver during World War II. She was also active in the CCF and NDP parties in BC, having been Provincial Secretary for the CCF in the 1940s, a vice-president of the party in the 1950s, and Provincial Secretary for the NDP in the 1960s. Like Harold, she later served as a director of the Boag Foundation. Jessie traveled widely throughout her life. The collection contains a small number of Jessie’s photographs. Harold Winch died in White Rock, where he and Jessie had retired, on February 1, 1993.
Responsibility
Winch, Harold Edward
Accession Code
BV013.12
Date
[1914]-2003
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Arrangement
Records within fonds have been arranged by subject and format.
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
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Harold H. Johnston fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription47202
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958-1983
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
106 photographs (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of 106 photographs depicting locations in Burnaby and its environs.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958-1983
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Physical Description
106 photographs (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
Open access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2008-08
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of 106 photographs depicting locations in Burnaby and its environs.
History
Harold Henry (Hal) Johnston (September 15, 1930 - January 15, 1985) was born in Ardreagh, Northern Ireland, trained as a plasterer, and immigrated to Canada in 1951. Settling in Edmonton in 1952, he married Frances Henriette Coulombe (born July 29, 1932) in June 1955. He worked as a plasterer in Edmonton until late 1957, when they moved to Burnaby, British Columbia. They purchased, renovated and occupied 4447 Venables Street. They had two children, Sean Francois Johnston (born October 30, 1956) and Wendy Marie Johnston (born October 9, 1959). In Burnaby, they attended Holy Cross Primary School (1450 Delta Avenue), Alpha Secondary School (4600 Parker Street) and Simon Fraser University, later completing PhDs at the University of Leeds and Universite de Montreal, respectively. Harold Johnston continued to work as a plasterer, serving in 1969 as business agent for the Plasterers' and Stonemasons' Union, and then self-employed as A&H Plastering and Stucco from 1970 until his death in 1985. Frances Johnston worked part-time as secretary for Holy Cross parish rectory. Harold Johnston was a serious photographer and camera collector, recording some 1500 rolls of black and white slide film in 35mm and other formats on a variety of cameras from the early 1950s until 1984, mainly of locations in the Lower Mainland and Pacific Northwest. From 1960, he processed and printed the negatives himself in a home darkroom. From 1970, Johnston recorded a number of artists, illustrators and sculptors working in Vancouver's downtown eastside, notably Wil Hudson (fine printer and typographer), Keith Shields (sculptor), Frits Jacobsen (illustrator), Charles Butler (wood sculptor) and Bill Shoebotham (primitive artist). **This biographical sketch was based on information prepared by Dr. Sean Johnston and provided to the City of Burnaby Archives in April 2008.**
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Johnston, Harold H.
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Harry Toy fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20339
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[197-]-2023
Collection/Fonds
Harry Toy fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
.5 cm of textual records + 6 photographs + 2 photographs (jpg)
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of business records and photographs relating to Harry Toy's store the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants' Association and his family.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Harry Toy fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
.5 cm of textual records + 6 photographs + 2 photographs (jpg)
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of business records and photographs relating to Harry Toy's store the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants' Association and his family.
History
Harry Wee Koon Toy was born in February 9, 1936 in Taikong, Toisan county, Guangdong, China. Harry's father William Toy came to Canada in the early 1920s when he was ten years old. Harry arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 9, 1950. After staying in Vancouver for one night, he joined his father in Neepawa, Manitoba where the family operated a cafe business (Royal Cafe). Harry grew up in Neepawa and graduated from the University of Manitoba and teacher's college. He became a high school teacher and worked at schools in Minnedosa and Gladstone, Manitoba teaching various subjects including, science, business, geography, history and physical education. Harry and his wife, had three daughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina who were all born in Neepawa. When the family decided to move to the west coast, Harry was introduced to the grocery store business through an uncle who was a store operator. Around 1970, Harry purchased a grocery store at 4694 Canada Way in Burnaby which he named "Canada Way Food Market" and Harry and his daughters made their home at the back of the store. Harry owned and operated the store for approximately 40 years between 1970 and 2010. Around 1986, Harry purchased the butcher shop next door (4692 Canada Way) which was no longer in operation, expanding his store and adding a second storey to use as a residence. Harry's children helped him operate the store throughout their childhood. In the early 1970s, corner stores were threatened by the spread of small chain-operated convenience stories from Eastern Canada to Vancouver. Formed in April 1972, the Fraser Merchants’ Association was established to protect the rights of corner store operators. With no paid legal help, the association was incorporated in Victoria, BC for the cost of 56 cents. The benefits of being a member of the association included warehouse and group purchasing, common advertising and other advantages of being part of an association. Founded by Gary Lee Ling and five others, Fraser Merchants’ Association’s first member was Graham Grocery. By 1978, the association represented over 200 corner stores in the Lower Mainland (Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Coquitlam, and New Westminster) and Fraser Valley. The association remained active into the 1980s and 1990s. Harry has served as President of the Fraser Merchants' Association from 1992 to present.
Creator
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Names
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Fraser Merchants' Association
Canada Way Food Market
Accession Code
BV023.25
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[197-]-2023
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Related Material
See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy
For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
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Hastings Street Advisory Committee subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96458
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1988-1990
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
3 folders of textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of committee records for the Hastings Street Advisory Committee including agendas, minutes, and committee reports.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1988-1990
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Council Committee series
Subseries
Hastings Street Advisory Committee subseries
Physical Description
3 folders of textual records
Description Level
Subseries
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of committee records for the Hastings Street Advisory Committee including agendas, minutes, and committee reports.
History
The Hastings Street Advisory Committee was established October 3, 1988. This Ad Hoc Committee was created in order to advise on and oversee planned changes to Hasting Street according to the proposed Hastings Street Area Land Use Plan. The Committee disbanded October 1, 1990.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Hazel Simnett collection

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71379
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1996]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
13 files of textual records : ill. (some col.) ; 9 paintings : colour print ; 2 photographs : b&w
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of City-generated records, personal records, and political records collected by Hazel Simnett.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1996]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Physical Description
13 files of textual records : ill. (some col.) ; 9 paintings : colour print ; 2 photographs : b&w
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2013-22
2012-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of City-generated records, personal records, and political records collected by Hazel Simnett.
History
Hazel Simnett was born in Burnaby in 1922 to Frederick and Mary Ann Simnett and grew up looking up to her father who was very involved in labour and unions. A politically active citizen, Hazel Simnett has supported the Canadian Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and the New Democratic Party (NDP). She once ran as a New Democratic Party candidate for Burnaby City Council. Hazel attended Kingsway West Public School and Burnaby South High School in Burnaby. During the 1970s, Hazel was President of the Century Park Museum Association, which governs Burnaby Heritage Museum and published the work "Bygones of Burnaby". Hazel worked on the campaign team of Joan Sawicki from 1990 to 1991, which led Sawicki to be elected as Burnaby-Willingdon riding's MLA. Hazel volunteered her time to be a member of the Burnaby Advisory Planning Commission from 1993 to 1996. In 2006, Hazel won the Burnaby Local Hero Award for her volunteer work at the New Vista Society where she served as chair for a number of years. She also served as a member of the Burnaby Historical Society and established the Hazel Simnett Endowment with the Burnaby Public Library to bring a collection of books on Canadian history and social issues.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Graphic Material
Creator
Simnett, Hazel
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS167
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Heritage Advisory Committee subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96459
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1984-1994
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
17 folders of textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of committee records for the Heritage Advisory Committee including agendas, minutes, correspondence, and committee reports.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1984-1994
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Council Committee series
Subseries
Heritage Advisory Committee subseries
Physical Description
17 folders of textual records
Description Level
Subseries
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of committee records for the Heritage Advisory Committee including agendas, minutes, correspondence, and committee reports.
History
The Heritage Advisory Committee was established on May 2, 1988. The Committee was established to integrate heritage resource management with on-going planning activities and to develop a formal management plan with guidelines and procedures for the public, developers, municipal agencies, and others to follow. In 1995 this committee became known as the Community Heritage Commission.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Hill family and Vidal family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82116
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1850-1983]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
255 photographs : b&w and sepia and 9.5 cm of textual records : ill. (some col.)
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs and textual records from the Vidal and Hill family. Textual records include handwritten family trees, typed and handwritten biographical information of the Jones, Wright, Hyde, Vidal, and Hill families, copies of photographic prints, published works by J. H. Vidal and …
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1850-1983]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Physical Description
255 photographs : b&w and sepia and 9.5 cm of textual records : ill. (some col.)
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs and textual records from the Vidal and Hill family. Textual records include handwritten family trees, typed and handwritten biographical information of the Jones, Wright, Hyde, Vidal, and Hill families, copies of photographic prints, published works by J. H. Vidal and William Cowper, newspaper clippings, and a New Testament.
History
Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill was born in Burnaby on July 31, 1893, to Marian (nee Berkeley) and Bernard Richard Hill. Marian was born in London, England. Bernard Hill, born in Bengal, India, in 1858 to Sir Richard Hill and Jane Ann (nee Rollinson) where his father worked for the East Indian Railway, was one of the early inhabitants of Burnaby. Despite their years of training as engineers, Bernard, along with his brother, Louis Claude Hill, became strawberry farmers and owned all the land between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake where Deer Creek runs, and halfway around Deer Lake. Bernard built his family home at Douglas Road near Deer Lake in 1892. After the decline in the strawberry industry, Bernard worked as a surveyor for the municipality. Bernard also served as a Burnaby trustee and as councilor of Burnaby in 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1909. Bernard and Marian had four children: A. Claude (born in England around 1885, married Marion “Mamie”), Frank L., Winnifred “Winnie” L., and Gerry. Gerry attended Miss Harriet Woodward’s kindergarten class, and went on to Edmonds School with Miss Ellen Lister as his teacher. He later went to Central High School in New Westminster, often on horseback. Gerry served in World War I, signing his recruitment papers on November 9, 1914. When he returned home, he worked felling trees, then as an apprentice surveyor and finally as a carpenter. His father, Bernard, died in Burnaby on March 27, 1939, at the age of 80. Bernard's brother, Louis, was one of the first members elected to the Burnaby council and served in 1892, 1893, 1894, and again from 1909-1910. Louis, born in 1860, married Annie Sarah Kendrick (born in 1896) and they moved to the Burnaby Lake area in the early 1890s. Together they had one child, Katherine “Kitty” Maude, born in 1898. The first Hill family home, “Brookfield,” was sold around 1907 and the family moved to their new home, “Broadview,” which was also built in the vicinity of Deer Lake. Kitty, their only child, married William “Bob” John Peers in 1925 and they went on to have three children: Robert C.K., Barbara (later Barbara Jeffrey), and Anne (later Anne Latham). Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal was born in 1897 in the United States to Louisa Sophia (nee Jones) and Herbert P. Vidal. Louisa Vidal (1871-1943) was a descendent of Jones of Exeter of England and the House of Llanio Cardigan of Wales. Herbert Vidal (1868-1934)’s father was Alexander Vidal (1819-1906). Alexander Vidal, born in Brocknell, England, immigrated to Upper Canada in 1835 and later served as a senator of Canada from 1873 to 1906. He married Catherine Louisa Wright, the daughter of Capt. William Elliot Wright. Both of Charlotte’s parents, Louisa and Herbert, were born in Ontario. Charlotte Vidal was sister to Dorothy Kate and Alexander E. E. Vidal. Gerry Hill (aged 27) and Charlotte E. Vidal (aged 23) married on September 28, 1920, in Vancouver. Gerry built a house for him and his wife about a thousand feet from his parents’ home. He also bought property at Yellow Point on Vancouver Island around this time. By the early 1930s, Gerry had moved to Yellow Point permanently and begun building the Yellow Point Lodge. Gerry and Charlotte bore three children: David, Lesley C. (born in 1929), and Gerald. Gerry was later remarried to Elizabeth (nee Holen) and had one child: Richard Grant McEwan Hill, born in Ladysmith. Lesley married M. Clarke and had two boys: Roy and Graham. She later married B. Durban and had four boys: Patrick, Michael, Gary, and Grant. Charlotte died on February 11, 1984, at the age of 87. Gerry died on January 30, 1988, in Ladysmith at the age of 93.
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Creator
Hill Family
Vidal family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 550, MSS176
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Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19150
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1950-2022
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) + 1 sound recording (mp3) + 65 photographs + 26 photographs (jpg) + 1 portfolio (15 col. photographs + 12 col. laser prints) + 1 col. laser print + 6 business cards + 1 identification card + 1 booklet
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and his wife, Donna Polos; photographs of Jimmy Chow and his family soon after they immigrated to Canada in the 1950s as well as a sampling of photographs and records documenting Jimmy Chow's career in the film industry. Fonds is arranged…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) + 1 sound recording (mp3) + 65 photographs + 26 photographs (jpg) + 1 portfolio (15 col. photographs + 12 col. laser prints) + 1 col. laser print + 6 business cards + 1 identification card + 1 booklet
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and his wife, Donna Polos; photographs of Jimmy Chow and his family soon after they immigrated to Canada in the 1950s as well as a sampling of photographs and records documenting Jimmy Chow's career in the film industry. Fonds is arranged into series: 1) Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos interviews series 2) Jimmy Chow family photographs series 3) Property master photographs series 4) Property master records series
History
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow was born in Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China in 1948. In 1950, Jimmy Chow and his mother, Gim Gee Chow (1913-1991) fled China to escape the Communist Revolution and to be reunited with his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow (1906-1990) who’d immigrated to Canada many years earlier. Jimmy’s elder sister Shao-Lin Chow stayed behind in China. Jimmy’s father, Robin Chung Dip Chow immigrated to Canada in 1921 at 14 years of age and was forced to pay the Chinese head tax of $500. In 1950, Jimmy and his mother first fled to Hong Kong before immigrating to Canada and arriving in Vancouver. Jimmy Chow’s birth name is Hipman Chow but when he arrived in Canada, his father indicated that he needed an English name and he was given the name “Jimmy” but retained his birth name “Hipman Chow”. Over the years, Jimmy has also used the name “James H. Chow” and is often credited by this name in the film industry. For the first four years after immigrating, Jimmy and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec where his father had work in hotels and restaurants. While living in Asquith, Saskatchewan Jimmy attended school and began to learn English. In 1954, Jimmy and his parents returned to Vancouver, first living in the area of Strathcona before settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant where they purchased a house located on 15th Avenue east of Main Street. While living in Mount Pleasant, Jimmy attended both elementary and high school. While attending high school, Jimmy began working at the local grocery store where he worked for many years living at home and saving his money. In 1970 while attending Vancouver City College, Jimmy met his future wife Donna Polos. Two years later, they moved in together, married in 1981 and started a family. Jimmy and Donna first lived in North Burnaby before purchasing a house on Victory Street in Burnaby where they raised their three children. Growing up in a traditional Chinese Canadian family, Jimmy was always one who went against the grain. Although his father wanted him to get a business degree, Jimmy had aspirations for a different career path. Through the referral of a friend, he entered the film industry in 1973 working for CBC Vancouver. While working at the CBC, Jimmy gained valuable experience working on the set of the television series The Beachcombers, which launched his career in the film industry. Over a 45 year career, Jimmy worked on over 50 blockbuster movies, historical period films, science fiction films and fantasy films, where he honed in on his expertise as a set decorator, art director and property master. He built an international reputation through working with production companies, prop makers and antique sellers across the globe. As a property master in the film industry, Jimmy Chow has been responsible for designing, managing, and sourcing props for films such as: The BFG, Warcraft: The Beginning, X-Men 2, Fantastic Four, Watchman, Tron: Legacy, Little Women, Seven Years in Tibet, Shanghai Noon, The Shipping News, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, The Changeling, Man of Steel (Superman), Snow Falling on Cedars, Legends of the Fall, And the Sea Will Tell, Once a Thief and many more. With Jimmy's many years of professional experience in the film industry, he has been a union member of IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians...) from July 1979, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science from 2018 and has worked as a guest lecturer in film production at Capilano University and Langara University. He was also a key contributor to the Burnaby Village Museum’s 2014 temporary exhibition Burnaby Makes Movies. Donna Polos was born in Vancouver in 1949 to parents Mayme "May" Helen Tillikana Polos (1931-1977) and Donald James Polos (1926-2017). Donna’s maternal grandparents, Elvi Tienhara and Toiva Tillikana immigrated to Canada from Helsinki, Finland. Donna’s paternal grandmother, Pauline Chimiki Polos emigrated from Ukraine to Argentina and then to Winnipeg. Donna’s paternal grandfather, James "Jimmy" Kostopolus emigrated as an orphan from Sparta Greece at the age of 12 years. In 1908, he first immigrated to the United States where he was denied entry so immigrated to Canada, entering through Halifax at Pier 17. When immigrating, James changed his last name to "Polos". Jimmy Polos arrived in Halifax with only five dollars in his pocket. He lived in Halifax for many years before making his way to Vancouver where he established three restaurants and raised his family. James was the proprietor of three restaurants in Burnaby including; the Home Apple Pie Café (1941-1944) located on East Hastings near Princess Avenue; Jimmy’s Café (1945-1955) located on East Hastings near Hawks Avenue and another restaurant located near 10th Avenue and Alma Street. Donna grew up with her family in Vancouver, first living in the downtown eastside before moving to a home near Joyce Station. Donna attended elementary school and high school while growing up in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station. Donna moved out of her family home at 21 years of age and lived with roommates before moving in with Jimmy Chow in 1972. Donna attended Vancouver City College and the University of British Columbia where she obtained her teaching degree in 1974. Donna first taught at Gilmore Elementary School before being hired to teach at Clinton Elementary School where she taught for nine years. While raising their three children, Donna worked part time teaching in schools in Burnaby. In 1991, after a near death experience, Donna became interested in fine art and took drawing and watercolour painting classes. This experience led her to experimenting with different painting techniques on paper and fabric. In 2008, Donna retired from teaching but continued her art career often working as an Artist in Residence at various schools and exhibiting her work. While living in Burnaby Donna has been politically active with a particular passion for heritage, housing and preserving the natural environment. Donna was instrumental in advocating and petitioning for the establishment of a tree bylaw in Burnaby which was eventually adopted by the City.
Creator
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Polos, Donna
Accession Code
BV022.21
BV023.11
Date
1950-2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Photograph
Textual Record
Graphic Material
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
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166 records – page 4 of 9.