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Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.
History
Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Buildings - Schools
First Nations reserves - British Columbia
Names
Chow, Josephine
Glenwood Elementary School
McPherson Park Junior Secondary School
ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Byrne Road
Accession Code
BV020.6.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Related Material
See also BV017.36*
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12/3/2017
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of interview
Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4
Images
Audio Tracks

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

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3
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Commercial Map of Greater Vancouver and District

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9552
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
July 1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Map collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 map : col. lithograph mounted on linen ; 107 x 138 cm
Scope and Content
Commercial map of Greater Vancouver and District. Map depicts district lots, railroads, electric railways, streets, street car stops, schools, buildings, postal block numbers, parks and First Nations reserves. Map covers the geographcial areas of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, portions of Ric…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Map collection
Series
Maps of Burnaby and Greater Vancouver series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 map : col. lithograph mounted on linen ; 107 x 138 cm
Material Details
Includes Legend and Index
Scope and Content
Commercial map of Greater Vancouver and District. Map depicts district lots, railroads, electric railways, streets, street car stops, schools, buildings, postal block numbers, parks and First Nations reserves. Map covers the geographcial areas of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, portions of Richmond, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Surrey with half mile circles that radiate from Vancouver City Hall on the corner of Main and Hastings. Bottom of map includes an index of street names, along with their corresponding map grid locations. The map is bordered by Marine Drive to the west, North Road to the east, Dempsey Street to the north and 20th Road to the south.
History
Bought by donor at thrift store years ago. No known provenance.
Creator
The Vancouver Map & Blueprint Co. Ltd.
Publisher
Produced by Photo - Lithography, Colonist , Victoria, B.C.
Subjects
First Nations reserves - British Columbia
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
BV018.24.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
July 1921
Media Type
Cartographic Material
Scan Resolution
300
Scan Date
16-Jun-20
Scale
100
Notes
Transcribed title
Title on map reads: "COMMERCIAL MAP / OF / GREATER VANCOUVER / AND / DISTRICT / Compiled and Published by / The Vancouver Map & Blueprint Co. Ltd. / 441 Seymour St. Vancouver B.C. / July, 1921".
Images
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The Lions from Burnaby Park

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3109
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1926 and 1929]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w photogravure ; 14.5 x 9.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the north shore mountains, including the Lions, taken from Robert Burnaby Park.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w photogravure ; 14.5 x 9.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the north shore mountains, including the Lions, taken from Robert Burnaby Park.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Mountains - British Columbia
Geographic Features - Parks
Geographic Access
Wedgewood Street
Robert Burnaby Park
Street Address
8155 Wedgewood Street
Accession Code
HV972.204.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1926 and 1929]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lakeview-Mayfield Area
Related Material
For other photographs from the same album, see HV972.204.3 - .14
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-25
Photographer
Lloyd, Frank Ernest
Notes
Annotations made in white paint on recto of photograph read: "'The Lions' from Burnaby Park" and "Lloyd Studio, McKay."
Images
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Butcher family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35685
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Butcher family standing next to a totem pole. Back row, left to right: Florence Butcher (mother), Violet Butcher (sister), Thelma Butcher (sister), and Reuben Butcher (father). Front row: Dorothy Butcher (sister) and Patricia Butcher (baby sister).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-543
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Butcher family standing next to a totem pole. Back row, left to right: Florence Butcher (mother), Violet Butcher (sister), Thelma Butcher (sister), and Reuben Butcher (father). Front row: Dorothy Butcher (sister) and Patricia Butcher (baby sister).
Subjects
Indigenous wood-carving - Totem poles
Names
Butcher, Dorothy
Butcher, Florence
Butcher, Patricia
Butcher, Reuben
Butcher, Thelma
Lynds, Violet Butcher
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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A group of men all raising their hands

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59151
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 14.5 x 20.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a meeting of people, some of whom appear to be veterans, taking a vote.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 14.5 x 20.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1486
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a meeting of people, some of whom appear to be veterans, taking a vote.
Subjects
Persons - Veterans
Persons - Seniors
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on verso reads: "100% / PMT / page 7 / Burnaby / Today"
Images
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Children playing dress-up

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59008
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of children and teenagers, posing in costume. The costumes appear to be for Alice in Wonderland.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1417
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of children and teenagers, posing in costume. The costumes appear to be for Alice in Wonderland.
Subjects
Persons - Adolescents
Persons - Children
Clothing - Costumes
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "PMT 90% / page A-9 / Burnaby / Today / Alice"
Images
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First class at Kitchener Street School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription102
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1925
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the first class at Kitchener Street School. The students' ages vary, with few adults mixed in the group. They form six rows on the front steps of the school building. Dolly Knight is identified in the front row, first on left, her sister Margaret Norton (nee Knight) is in the front ro…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the first class at Kitchener Street School. The students' ages vary, with few adults mixed in the group. They form six rows on the front steps of the school building. Dolly Knight is identified in the front row, first on left, her sister Margaret Norton (nee Knight) is in the front row, third from left and Margaret's twin brother Fred Knight is in the second row from the top.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Buildings - Schools
Persons - Students
Names
Kitchener Street School
Knight, Frederick "Fred"
Norton, Margaret Knight
Knight, D. "Dolly"
Geographic Access
Gilmore Avenue
Street Address
1351 Gilmore Avenue
Accession Code
BV988.31.4
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1925
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Willingdon Heights Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2024-04-16
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer identifies photograph as no. 74
Note in blue pen on verso of photgraph reads: "First Class of new Kitchener St. School"
Images
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Harding and Yasue Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15218
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1926] (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 Harding and Yasue "Margaret" Yasui seated on the steps of their home on the site of the Nichols Chemical Plant.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Harding and Yasue "Margaret" Yasui seated on the steps of their home on the site of the Nichols Chemical Plant.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Yasui, Harding
Nichols Chemical Company Limited
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.38
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1926] (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
Date of photograph [1926] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.
Images
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Harding and Yasue Yasui in the family car

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15214
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1926] (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 Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is seated in the driver's seat and Yasue "Margaret" is seated in the back seat.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is seated in the driver's seat and Yasue "Margaret" is seated in the back seat.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Transportation - Automobiles
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Yasui, Harding
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.35
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1926] (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
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui
Images
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Harding and Yasue Yasui in the family car

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15215
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1926] (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 Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is in the driver's seat and his sister Yasue "Margaret" is beside him.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is in the driver's seat and his sister Yasue "Margaret" is beside him.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Transportation - Automobiles
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Yasui, Harding
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.36
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1926] (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 128 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Yasue and Harding Yasui in their family's 1918 Dodge car, 1926"
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.
Images
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Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Environmental Issues
Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
Geographic Features
Geographic Features - Parks
Housing
Occupations
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Writers
Persons - Volunteers
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Religions
Religions - Judaism
Names
Schwartz, William "Bill"
Schwartz, Ellen
City of Burnaby
Polestar Communications
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Accession Code
BV023.16.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3
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Lochdale Community School's Annual Heritage Tea

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58951
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of children serving tea and cake to two seniors at Lochdale Community School's Annual Heritage Tea.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1396
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of children serving tea and cake to two seniors at Lochdale Community School's Annual Heritage Tea.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Persons - Seniors
Buildings - Schools
Names
Lochdale Community School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Battistoni, Peter
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto reads: "Alysse Emergy 10 / Thelma Rebeiro / Paolo Agosti 11 / Herman Rebeiro"
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Burnaby Today / A-6 / reduce 58% / Senior Citizens"
Newspaper clipping attached to verso reads: "Senior citizens of the area were entertained Monday by students of Burnaby's Lochdale Community School as the school held its annual Heritage Tea. ABove, Alysse Emery, 10 and Paolo Agosti, 11 serve guests Thelma and Herman Rebeiro."
Street Address
6990 Aubrey Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
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Olga Kotelko reading to girl with a broken leg

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58914
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a woman identified as Olga Kotelo reading or working on homework with a girl with a broken leg. The photograph is taken inside of a hospital.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1368
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a woman identified as Olga Kotelo reading or working on homework with a girl with a broken leg. The photograph is taken inside of a hospital.
Subjects
Persons - Adolescents
Persons - Seniors
Buildings - Civic - Hospitals
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto reads: "Olga Kotelko / Sherri Echlin"
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Olga / PMT 100% / page 1 / Burnaby"
Images
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Sukegoro, Harding and Yasue Yasui with family car

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15217
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1927] (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 Sukegoro Yasui with his daughter, Yasue and son, Harding with their 1918 Dodge sedan. Mr. Yasui is standing next to the car and his children are standing on ther running board. The car is parked on the side of a bridge with a wooden railing.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Sukegoro Yasui with his daughter, Yasue and son, Harding with their 1918 Dodge sedan. Mr. Yasui is standing next to the car and his children are standing on ther running board. The car is parked on the side of a bridge with a wooden railing.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Transportation - Automobiles
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Yasui, Harding
Yasui, Sukegoro
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.37
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1927] (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 129 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Mr. Sukegoro Yasui with Yasue and Harding by their 1918 Dodge car, 1926"
Date of photograph [1927] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.
Images
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Tane, Sukegoro, Yasue and Harding Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15212
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1926 (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 Tane (Hirata) Yasui and Sukegoro Yasui with their daughter, Yasue Margaret and son Harding Yasui. The family are seated on a log with a tall grass and bushes behind them.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Tane (Hirata) Yasui and Sukegoro Yasui with their daughter, Yasue Margaret and son Harding Yasui. The family are seated on a log with a tall grass and bushes behind them.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Yasui, Harding
Yasui, Tane Hirata
Yasui, Sukegoro
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.32
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1926 (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 126 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Mrs. Lane Yasui, Yasue, Harding and Mr. Sekagoro Yasui, 1926.
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.
Images
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Tea Party at an Elementary School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58945
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of three children hosting two seniors at a tea party at their elementary school. One child is showing the seniors a picture while the other two serve cake and coffee.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1391
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of three children hosting two seniors at a tea party at their elementary school. One child is showing the seniors a picture while the other two serve cake and coffee.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Persons - Seniors
Buildings - Schools
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Braid, Tom
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Burnaby Today / A-7 / increase 120% / Seniors"
Images
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Yasue and Harding Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15216
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1924] (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 Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) and her brother Harding Yasui on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant. Yasue is standing next to her brother who is seated on the grass beside her. A fence is visible behind them.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) and her brother Harding Yasui on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant. Yasue is standing next to her brother who is seated on the grass beside her. A fence is visible behind them.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Nichols Chemical Company Limited
Yasui, Harding
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.34
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1924] (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 127 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Yasueand Harding Yasui, 1923"
Date of photograph [1924] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui
Images
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Yasue Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15213
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1923] (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 young Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) standing on a wooden bridge on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
In the Shadow by the Sea collection
Series
Yasui family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) standing on a wooden bridge on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"
Nichols Chemical Company Limited
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Accession Code
BV019.32.33
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1923] (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 127 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Yasue Yasui, 1926"
Date of photograph [1924] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923
In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.
Images
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A crowd looking at some unidentified sculptures

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59039
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18.5 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a crowd examining sculptures in an unidentified location.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18.5 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1445
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a crowd examining sculptures in an unidentified location.
Subjects
Persons - Crowds
Buildings - Civic - Art Galleries
Arts - Sculptures
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Hodge, Craig
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto reads: "Crowd look at some of the sculptures"
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "page 3 / Burnaby / Today / 110%"
Images
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Actors performing in play "Maluka"

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19280
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1988]
Collection/Fonds
Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of actors from Vancouver Sath performing in the play "Maluka" at J. W. Sexsmith Elementary School in Vancouver. Three actors are identified as Billa Takhar (seated on chair), Paul Binning (standing in centre) and Manjit Lehl (standing on the right). The play is an adaptation based on the…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of actors from Vancouver Sath performing in the play "Maluka" at J. W. Sexsmith Elementary School in Vancouver. Three actors are identified as Billa Takhar (seated on chair), Paul Binning (standing in centre) and Manjit Lehl (standing on the right). The play is an adaptation based on the novel "Maluka" written by Sadhu Singh Dhami.
Subjects
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Names
Binning, Paul
Lehl, Manjit
Takhar, Billa
Vancouver Sath
Accession Code
BV023.7.17
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1988]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-30
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Images
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100 records – page 1 of 5.