103 records – page 2 of 6.

Proposal for Food Services - Primary Vendor

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport2793
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
64336
Meeting Date
25-Nov-2002
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Manager's Report No.
30
Item No.
6
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
64336
Meeting Date
25-Nov-2002
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Manager's Report No.
30
Item No.
6
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Less detail

Proposal for Food Services - Primary Vendor

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport3964
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
63191
Meeting Date
18-Dec-2000
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Manager's Report No.
33
Item No.
11
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
63191
Meeting Date
18-Dec-2000
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Manager's Report No.
33
Item No.
11
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Less detail

Request for Fee Waiver: Food First / Empty Bowls Project

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport4060
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
63084
Meeting Date
16-Oct-2000
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Manager's Report No.
27
Item No.
4
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
63084
Meeting Date
16-Oct-2000
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Manager's Report No.
27
Item No.
4
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Less detail

Rezoning Reference #05-16; Dairy Food Processing, Warehouse and Deli; Big Bend Development Plan

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport945
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
66177
Meeting Date
7-Nov-2005
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Item No.
6
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
66177
Meeting Date
7-Nov-2005
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Item No.
6
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Less detail

Rezoning Reference #05-58; Expansion of Food Court and Elevational Changes; Brentwood Town Centre Plan - Sub-Area 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport916
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
66237
Meeting Date
12-Dec-2005
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Item No.
6
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
66237
Meeting Date
12-Dec-2005
Format
Council - Manager's Report
Item No.
6
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Less detail

School Board Expenditures - Gilmore Avenue School (Home Economic Food Room Construction and Equipment) and Rosser Avenue School (Plumbing Alterations)

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport49509
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
49232
Meeting Date
25-Feb-1946
Format
Council - Mayor/Councillor/Staff Report
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
49232
Meeting Date
25-Feb-1946
Format
Council - Mayor/Councillor/Staff Report
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Less detail

Two men carrying long plank of wood with food

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19298
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1919]
Collection/Fonds
Esther Love Stanley fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two men walking in a forested area, carrying a plank of wood with food balanced on top.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Esther Love Stanley fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two men walking in a forested area, carrying a plank of wood with food balanced on top.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Picnics
Accession Code
BV022.32.15
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1919]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph is part of Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1 (BV022.32.1)
Images
Less detail

Jell-O : Canada's most famous dessert at home everywhere

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5546
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Genesee Pure Food Co.
Publication Date
c1922
Call Number
641.864 GEN
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Textual Record
Accession Code
BV995.31.24
Call Number
641.864 GEN
Author
Genesee Pure Food Co.
Place of Publication
Bridgeburg, Ont
Publisher
Genesee Pure Food Co. of Canada
Publication Date
c1922
Physical Description
10 p. : col. ill.
Library Subject (LOC)
Cooking
Cooking, Canadian
Desserts
Jello
Cookbooks--1920-1929
Notes
"No matter where you live, this perfect package brings Jell-O to you as fresh as when it is packed at the factory." Back cover.
Less detail

Lake City Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark793
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Heritage Value
When Simon Fraser University opened in 1965, approximately sixteen industrial properties had been developed in the Lake City Industrial Park. In addition, significant tracts of land in the western portion had been pre-cleared and graded in anticipation of additional development, while most of the eastern half remained forested. Some of the early companies to locate in the area were Nabob Foods, Volkswagen Canada, British Columbia Television Broadcasting, Simpson Sears, and H.Y. Louie Company Limited. Both Imperial Oil and Shell Oil established petroleum storage and distribution facilities in the area. Initially a heavy industrial area, by 1979, single family neighbourhoods south of Lougheed Highway and west of Eagle Creek had been largely developed. By the mid1980's, the Burnaby 200 multi-family development along Forest Grove Drive had also been completed.
Planning Study Area
Lake City Area
Images
Less detail

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
Less detail

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20285
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser M…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewees: Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy Location of Interview: Residence of Harry Toy Interview Date: September 25, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:01:13 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants’ Association and Harry's daughters, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy's memories of growing up in Burnaby. 00:00:00 – 00:23:53 Harry Toy shares biographical information about himself and his ancestors. Harry provides information about his migration to Canada and his life in Manitoba, attending school, working at the family restaurant and teaching high school. 00:23:53 – 00:41:16 Harry talks about moving his family to Burnaby and his experiences owning and operating the Canada Way Food Market. 00:41:17 – 00:54:19 Harry talks about his involvement with the Fraser Merchants Association (FMA) and provides some history about the organization. 00:54:20 – 1:22:44 Harry talks about running the Canada Way Food Market and the alterations that he made to the store over the years. Harry and his daughters comment as they look through photographs of Harry and his store and the Fraser Merchants Association. 1:22:45 – 2:01:14 Beverley and Christina talk about their early childhood in Manitoba and growing up in Burnaby. They recall what it was like growing up and working in the family owned store.
History
Interviewee biography: 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 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. 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
Education
Migration
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Grocers
Organizations
Organizations - Business Associations
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Toy, Christina
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Babey, Beverley
Canada Way Food Market
Fraser Merchants' Association
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4694 Canada Way
Accession Code
BV023.16.19
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also: BV023.25 - Harry Toy fonds
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0019_002.mp3
Less detail

Burnaby Mountain Secondary School cafeteria

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97570
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
6 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of lunchtime in the cafeteria at Burnaby Mountain Secondary School. Photographs depict students lining up and enjoying food in the cafeteria, and the food options in the cafeteria, including Panago, Subway, and KFC.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
6 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-2909
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of lunchtime in the cafeteria at Burnaby Mountain Secondary School. Photographs depict students lining up and enjoying food in the cafeteria, and the food options in the cafeteria, including Panago, Subway, and KFC.
Subjects
Persons - Students
Buildings - Schools
Food Service Tools and Equipment
Foods
Names
Burnaby Mountain Secondary School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a November 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2909-1: "A selection of chips greets students lining up at the cash register."
Caption from metadata for 535-2909-2: "Students have a wide variety of favorite foods to choose, from Panagopolis pizza to Kentucky Fried Chicken."
Caption from metadata for 535-2909-3: "Sarah McLeod, a grade 8 student, says the cafeteria lunches at Burnaby Mountain Secondary are "better than the sandwiches my mom would make.""
Caption from metadata for 535-2909-4: "Stephanie Yelton, Grade 9, gets a Pepsi. The cafeteria also has a Coke dispenser."
Caption from metadata for 535-2909-5: "Tony Breemo, a Grade 11 student, says he gets a Subway sandwich every day."
Geographic Access
Eastlake Drive
Street Address
8800 Eastlake Drive
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lyndhurst Area
Images
Less detail

Dean Alexander at Edmonds Appliances

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97753
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dean Alexander opening the oven door of an Aga English Stove at Edmonds Appliances.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-3027
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dean Alexander opening the oven door of an Aga English Stove at Edmonds Appliances.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Food Processing Tools and Equipment
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Dean Alexander, of Edmonds Appliances, checks out one of the four ovens in a $15,000 Aga English Stove. Each of the ovens heats at a different temperature, and the gas-powered, cast iron stove is always on."
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7780 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Edith Adams' sixth annual prize cookbook

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary4903
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Adams, Edith
Publication Date
1948
Call Number
641.5 ADA
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV972.18.7
Call Number
641.5 ADA
Author
Adams, Edith
Place of Publication
Vancouver
Publisher
The Vancouver Sun
Publication Date
1948
Physical Description
64 p. : ill. : 29 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Cooking
Baking
Food
Formulas, recipes, etc.
Edith Adams
Cookbooks--1940-1949
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Books
Foods
Object History
This item was purchased from the St.James United Church.
Notes
"Sun prize winners 6th annual cook book" -- Cover
Images
Less detail

Kim Bartlett in Ming Wo

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97758
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Kim Bartlett, manager of the Metrotown Ming Wo kitchenware store, holding up a pair of "kitchen grips" oven mitts.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-3032
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Kim Bartlett, manager of the Metrotown Ming Wo kitchenware store, holding up a pair of "kitchen grips" oven mitts.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Food Processing Tools and Equipment
Names
Metrotown
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Kim Bartlett, the manager of the Ming Wo kitchenware shop in the Metrotown Centre, shows off a pair of Duncan "kitchen grips.""
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4700 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Remo Bresciani at ECM Espresso Coffee Machines

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97749
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Remo Bresciani, of ECM Espresso Coffee Machines in Burnaby, demonstrating an Elektra Micro Casa espresso maker.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-3023
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Remo Bresciani, of ECM Espresso Coffee Machines in Burnaby, demonstrating an Elektra Micro Casa espresso maker.
Subjects
Food Processing Tools and Equipment
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Remo Bresciani, of ECM Espresso Coffee Machines, demonstrates the $1400 Elektra Micro Casa espresso maker, that still requires the user to manually press hot water and steamed milk through the ground coffee. His company also distributes large commercial espresso machines that do all the work, from grinding the coffee beans to filtering the water, automatically."
Geographic Access
1st Avenue
Street Address
3709 1st Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
West Central Valley Area
Images
Less detail

What's cooking : 101 short-cuts with Tea-Bisk

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5520
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Scott, Anna Lee
Publication Date
1948
Call Number
641.59 SCO
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV002.65.8
Call Number
641.59 SCO
Author
Scott, Anna Lee
Place of Publication
[Toronto]
Publisher
Maple Leaf Milling Co. Ltd.
Publication Date
1948
Physical Description
1 v. (unpaged) ; 22 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Cooking, Canadian
Baking
Food mixes
Pastry
Cookbooks--1940-1949
Less detail

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19347
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share the…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Interviewees: Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence on Warwick Avenue in Burnaby Interview Date: November 11, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:58:39) Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share their ancestral background, their personal experiences immigrating to Canada, living in Burnaby and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants. 00:00 – 27:34 Santokh “Gurmail” Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill share their migration stories and experiences living and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants and their eldest child, Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences as a child of South Asian immigrants and growing up in British Columbia as a South Asian Canadian. Gurmail Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar and Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in Hoshiapur of the Indian state of Punjab. Gurmail describes how he moved from India to England with his family in 1957, immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, married his wife Mohinder in England in 1968 and brought his family (parents and two siblings) to Canada from England in 1970 and other relatives including his wife’s family in the 1970s and 1980s. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill recollect their arranged marriage in England in 1968, their immigration process and explain how they arrived in Burnaby residing with a cousin at 4649 Georgia Street until they were able to purchase their own home after a few years. Gurmail shares names and connections to the relatives that came to British Columbia before him. Gurmail and Mohinder tell how they lived in the basement of the house and rented out the upper floor to save money. The couple recall what they brought with them when they immigrated to Canada and Mohinder Kaur Gill tells of how before leaving India, she and her mother made a special rajai for her to take with her. Mohinder describes the process of making a rajai (a quilted blanket that was made by hand). Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced as new immigrants including not being fluent in English, the cold weather and not having very many family or friends nearby to provide support. They attended the Gurdwara on Ross Street or Akali Singh Sikh Society Gurdwara on Skeena in Vancouver. They explain how there was limited access to grocery stores that supplied Punjabi and Indian spices and other cooking supplies. They talk about how they used a food mill and mortar and pestle to grind their own spices and flour and how Mohinder often made traditional sweets like barfi and laddo and pakoras using pea flour when they couldn’t get Besan flour. 27:35 – 36:11 Gurmail provides more details on his family’s immigration story, including names of relatives, how his six siblings and parents all immigrated to British Columbia in 1970 and how in the early 1970s and mid 1980’s Gurmail and his family sponsored approximately 70 friends and relations from India (including Mohinder’s family) to immigrate to Canada. When Mohinder’s family arrived they lived with them in their house until they were able to purchase property next door and build their own home. Children in the families all attended elementary and high school in Burnaby which now amounts to three generations. 36:12 – 59:28 Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about their experiences of racial discrimination. Gurmail recalls members of the South Asian community, Dr. Hari Prakash Sharma, Harinder Mahil and Charan Gill starting the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism. Gurmail tells of how he got involved contributing some of his union dues as a member of CAIMAW (Canadian Association of Industrial Mechanical and Allied Workers Union- Local 15) and as a friend of Charan Gill and Raj Chouhan of the Canadian Farm Workers Union. Gurmail Gill explains how he was a founding member of CAIMAW and treasurer until the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union (in 1991). Mohinder and Gurmail tell of how people from the South Asian community were discouraged from wearing Punjabi dresses or head coverings for fear of being yelled at with racial slurs and how it was often scary to go outside. Many from their community often avoided attending the Akali Singh Gurdwara since a head covering was required and people were afraid of being a target. Gurmail provides details about his work with A1 Steel, how different unions were formed pertaining to various skillsets and jobs per company and how he became a member of CAIMAW Local 15 (foundry workers). Mohinder recollects her experiences as a mother, the daily tasks involved and friends that she made who’d also emigrated from Punjab. Mohinder describes how she designed and sewed many Punjabi dresses using her electric sewing machine and how she learned English by attending adult classes at a church on Commercial Drive. Mohinder and her mother attended the classes for two hours per day for six years at a cost of twelve dollars for ten weeks. Once Mohinder could speak a little English, she started working and was able to practice more. 59:29 – 1:06:08 Mohinder, Gurmail and Prem talk about some of their favourite traditional foods including corn roti and spinach curry and how they grow many of their own vegetables including peppers, eggplant, saag (spinach), onions, garlic, cilantro, zucchini, squash and fenugreek. Mohinder reflects on how access to Punjabi clothing and fabric stores in Vancouver has changed and that ready made food is now more available. Traditional foods were previously made from scratch with women gathering together and cooking for hours and now it’s gotten easier but more expensive and less of a community feel. 1:06:09- 1:55:20 Mohinder and Gurmail Gill discuss and share their perspectives and experiences on raising a family in the past versus today. Gurmail imparts that all of his siblings became educated and secured professional careers while he continued to work in the trades. Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences growing up and attending school in Burnaby. Gurmail and Mohinder Gill recall the type of suitcase that they brought with them when they immigrated and how they recently they got rid of it. Gurmail and the group reflect and discuss the confusion with racial identity terms that have been used in this country. They comment that South Asians were referred to as “Hindu” and “East Indian” and Indigenous peoples were referred to as “Indian” and the controversy and racism behind some of these terms. The group discusses the impact of the caste system and other discriminatory experiences and compare their experiences of living in England to living in Canada. Prem comments on how it’s just recently that South Asian customs, celebrations and practices have been recognized and celebrated here in Canada, like Diwali and yoga. They comment on how much of the language, culture and customs have been retained in Surrey where many can still communicate in Punjabi and don’t need to be fluent in English. The group discusses how many South Asians immigrants first lived and worked in Vancouver but with rising property prices many moved to Surrey expanding and establishing a much larger South Asian community with resources. The group discusses and compares the differing travel routes that many of them and their relatives took when immigrating and travelling between India and Canada. The group talks about Rajdeep’s ancestral village in India which is near the Gill village of Firozpur. Gurmail explains the origins and details behind his family name that was changed from “Shergill” to “Gill” and the name “Santokh” from his maternal side.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married his wife, Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Clothing
Foods
Indigenous peoples
Buildings - Religious - Temples
Food Processing Tools and Equipment
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Migration
Occupations
Organizations - Unions
Names
Gill, Prem Kaur
Gill, Mohinder Kaur
Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh
Responsibility
Rajdeep
Malik, Anushay
Accession Code
BV022.29.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcript available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Indian Family System Reference notes: Baba = informal way to say grandfather; old man Bibi = informal way to say grandmother; old woman Dada= paternal grandfather Dadi= paternal grandmother Dadke= paternal family members; paternal side (Various spellings might exist for the following terms) Thaiyya= father’s elder brother (uncle) Thaiyyi= father’s elder brother’s wife (aunt) Chacha= father’s younger brother (uncle) Chachi= father’s younger brother’s wife (aunt) Bua= father’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Phuphar= father’s sister’s husband (uncle) Nana= maternal grandfather Nani= maternal grandmother Nanke/nanka= maternal family members; maternal side Mama= mom’s brother (older or younger) (uncle) Mami= mom’s brother’s wife (aunt) Maasi= mom’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Maasard= mom’s sister’s husband (uncle)
Audio Tracks

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3
Less detail

In the shadow by the sea : recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5173
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
c2004
Call Number
971.133 PRI Copy 2
of Halkomelem speaking Central Coast Salish First Nations. The Saleelwat peoples whose permanent village site was at "Tetimexwten" (Belcarra) was one historic group that would have used the land and shoreline of Barnet to gather food and other resources. The life of aboriginal peoples here was organized around
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282885
Call Number
971.133 PRI Copy 2
Contributor
Wolf, Jim
Pride, Harry, 1925-
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
c2004
Physical Description
246 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Industries--British Columbia--Burnaby--History
Barnet Marine Park--Burnaby, B.C.
Geographic Access
Barnet Road
Burrard Inlet
Notes
Includes bibliographical references (p. 246) and index.
"edited by Harry Pride and Jim Wolf"
Copy 2 of 2
Digital Books
Less detail

Life with the Moores of Hart House : pioneer days on Burnaby's Deer Lake

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1179
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Pride, Harry, 1925-
Burnaby Community Heritage Commission
Publication Date
2002
Call Number
971.1 PRI COPY 1
trees, shrubs, and flowers, and maintained the food producing elements of the vegetable garden , cows , chickens , and sometimes ducks and goats. For the puposes of this book the immediate family tree would look like this: The H A R R I E T and M O N T A G U E M O O R E Family : M O T H E R : Harriet
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282877
Call Number
971.1 PRI COPY 1
Author
Pride, Harry, 1925-
Burnaby Community Heritage Commission
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby, Community Heritage Commission
Publication Date
2002
Physical Description
iv, 92 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm.
Inscription
"To Burnaby Village Museum / Harry Pride", handwritten in ink on title page.
Library Subject (LOC)
Moore family
Hart House (Burnaby, B.C.)--History
Frontier and pioneer life
Pioneers
Historic buildings--British Columbia--Burnaby
Biography
Notes
Includes bibliographical references (p. 87) and index.
Signed by the author.
2 copies held : copy 1.
Digital Books
Less detail

103 records – page 2 of 6.