Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Confederation Park's new playground

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1088

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1927

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 19 x 23.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large gathering of adults and children at Confederation Park for the opening ceremony for the new playground. A man on a pedestal is speaking and a crowd of people are surrounding him. There are six women in front of the gazebo wearing tags attached to the front of their dresses tha…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 19 x 23.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large gathering of adults and children at Confederation Park for the opening ceremony for the new playground. A man on a pedestal is speaking and a crowd of people are surrounding him. There are six women in front of the gazebo wearing tags attached to the front of their dresses that spell out "CANADA". There are three dogs in the foreground playing, and a Union Jack is flying in the upper right corner of the photograph.

Subjects: Recreational Devices - Playgrounds; Geographic Features - Parks; Persons - Crowds; Events - Openings

Geographic Access: Confederation Park; Willingdon Avenue

Street Address: 250 Willingdon Avenue

Accession Code: HV972.51.15

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1927

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Capitol Hill Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-04-04

Photographer: Charlton and Rathburn

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Embossed inscription beneath photograph reads: "Charlton and Rathburn. / Vancouver. B.C."; Handwritten inscription on verso of photograph reads: "Playground opening / Confederation Park / opening of Playground / Confederation Park / about 1927 / JCD on platform speaking"; 1 b&w copy print accompanying

Images

Confederation Park's new playground, 1927 thumbnail

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

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

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

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

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

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

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

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

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

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

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

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

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

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

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

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

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

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Related Material: See also BV017.36*

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

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

Images

Audio Tracks

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

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

Burnaby May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3118

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 26, 1928

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the procession to the retiring Queen at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. The retiring May Queen is escorted by a gentleman in suit holding his hat. There are boys in uniforms lined up along both sides of the procession, with a large crowd gathered behind them.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the procession to the retiring Queen at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. The retiring May Queen is escorted by a gentleman in suit holding his hat. There are boys in uniforms lined up along both sides of the procession, with a large crowd gathered behind them.

Subjects: Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Persons - Crowds; Events - May Day; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Geographic Access: Wedgewood Street; Robert Burnaby Park

Street Address: 8155 Wedgewood Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.12

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 26, 1928

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: Inscribed on the negative and printed on the photograph reads: "34 / Burnaby May Day / 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd Studio, McKay B.C."

Images

Salute to the Flag

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3116

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 26, 1928

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a group of young men in sailor uniforms saluting the flag at Burnaby May Day at Robert Burnaby Park. There is a large Union Jack laid out on the ground, and the sailors are standing around its edges of the flag. A crowd is gathered behind them.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a group of young men in sailor uniforms saluting the flag at Burnaby May Day at Robert Burnaby Park. There is a large Union Jack laid out on the ground, and the sailors are standing around its edges of the flag. A crowd is gathered behind them.

Subjects: Persons - Crowds; Symbols - Flags; Clothing - Uniforms; Events - May Day

Geographic Access: Wedgewood Street; Robert Burnaby Park

Street Address: 8155 Wedgewood Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.10

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 26, 1928

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: Title based on contents of photograph; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the recto of the photograph: "Burnaby May Day 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd Studio, McKay B.C. / 25."; Stamped on verso of the photograph: "Lloyd's Studio / 3966 Kingsway / McKay, B.C. Carl. 343R2."

Images

Salute to the Flag, May 26, 1928 thumbnail

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…

1 image

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

Commercial Map of Greater Vancouver and District, July 1921 thumbnail

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.

1 image

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

The Lions from Burnaby Park, [between 1926 and 1929] thumbnail

Burnaby May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription39

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 26, 1928

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the procession of the bag pipe band at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. Leading the pipe band is Constable George Jeffrey. A crowd and maypoles can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the procession of the bag pipe band at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. Leading the pipe band is Constable George Jeffrey. A crowd and maypoles can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Musical Instruments - Bagpipes; Organizations - Bands; Persons - Crowds; Events - May Day

Names: Jeffery, George

Geographic Access: Robert Burnaby Park; Wedgewood Street

Street Address: 8155 Wedgewood Street

Accession Code: HV971.144.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 26, 1928

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lakeview-Mayfield Area

Related Material: For another copy of this photograph in a different accession, see HV972.204.14

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-28

Photographer: Lloyd, Frank Ernest

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the photograph, bottom front: "33 / Burnaby May Day 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd's Studio, McKay, B.C."

Images

Burnaby May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3114

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 26, 1928

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of folk dancing groups celebrating Burnaby's May Day at Robert Burnaby Park. The dance groups are composed of young boys and girls. Some dance groups are gathered around Maypoles, and a crowd is on a hill by the field watching.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of folk dancing groups celebrating Burnaby's May Day at Robert Burnaby Park. The dance groups are composed of young boys and girls. Some dance groups are gathered around Maypoles, and a crowd is on a hill by the field watching.

Subjects: Persons - Crowds; Recreational Activities - Dancing; Events - May Day

Geographic Access: Wedgewood Street; Robert Burnaby Park

Street Address: 8155 Wedgewood Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 26, 1928

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: Title based on contents of photograph; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the bottom front of the photograph: "Burnaby May Day 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd Studio, McKay B.C. / 20."

Images

Burnaby May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3115

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 26, 1928

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of several maypoles that have been errected in celebration of Burnaby's May Day at Robert Burnaby Park. At every maypole, there are children (mainly girls), each holding a ribbon. The girls are wearing white dresses and some have white caps. A crowd is watching.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of several maypoles that have been errected in celebration of Burnaby's May Day at Robert Burnaby Park. At every maypole, there are children (mainly girls), each holding a ribbon. The girls are wearing white dresses and some have white caps. A crowd is watching.

Subjects: Persons - Crowds; Recreational Activities - Dancing; Events - May Day

Geographic Access: Wedgewood Street; Robert Burnaby Park

Street Address: 8155 Wedgewood Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.9

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 26, 1928

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: Title based on contents of photograph; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the photograph, bottom front: "Burnaby May Day 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd Studio, McKay. B.C."

Images

Burnaby May Day celebrations

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3117

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 28, 1927

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the May Queen and her suite at Burnaby May Day. Girls in white dresses, capes and crowns are lined up in front of a stage with a man in the centre. There is a girl seated on a chair on the back of the stage, possibly the May Queen, and two men are standing at the front of the stage. T…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the May Queen and her suite at Burnaby May Day. Girls in white dresses, capes and crowns are lined up in front of a stage with a man in the centre. There is a girl seated on a chair on the back of the stage, possibly the May Queen, and two men are standing at the front of the stage. There are two flags flying: one is a Union Jack and the other flag is unidentified but includes a Union Flag on the upper left corner. People are gathered around the stage.

Subjects: Persons - Crowds; Symbols - Flags; Events - May Day

Geographic Access: Central Park; Imperial Street

Street Address: 3883 Imperial Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.11

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 28, 1927

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood 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: Title based on contents of photograph; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the photograph, bottom front: "#5 / Burnaby May Day Celebrations / 28/5/27 / Lloyd Studio, McKay B.C."

Images

Burnaby May Day celebrations, May 28, 1927 thumbnail

May Queen and her suite

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3113

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 28, 1927

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the May Queen and her suite at Burnaby May Day. Girls in white dresses, capes and crowns are lined up in front of a stage with a man in the centre. There is a girl seated on a chair on the back of the stage, possibly the May Queen, and two men are standing at the front of the stage. T…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the May Queen and her suite at Burnaby May Day. Girls in white dresses, capes and crowns are lined up in front of a stage with a man in the centre. There is a girl seated on a chair on the back of the stage, possibly the May Queen, and two men are standing at the front of the stage. There are two flags flying: one is a Union Jack and the other flag is unidentified but includes a Union Flag on the upper left corner. People are gathered around the stage.

Subjects: Persons - Crowds; Symbols - Flags; Events - May Day

Geographic Access: Central Park; Imperial Street

Street Address: 3883 Imperial Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 28, 1927

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood 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: Title based on contents of photograph; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the photograph, bottom front: "#5 / Burnaby May Day Celebrations / 28/5/27 / Lloyd Studio, McKay B.C."

Images

May Queen and her suite, May 28, 1927 thumbnail

Beach

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription660

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [192-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 9.8 x 25.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of English Bay shoreline, Vancouver populated with people, many of whom are in the water. In view of the photograph, there is a large two-storey building called the Pavillion Bathhouse. Residential housing can be seen along the bank just above the beach as well. There is a paved foot …

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 9.8 x 25.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of English Bay shoreline, Vancouver populated with people, many of whom are in the water. In view of the photograph, there is a large two-storey building called the Pavillion Bathhouse. Residential housing can be seen along the bank just above the beach as well. There is a paved foot path running along the bank as well. "Marett & Reid Druggists" store can be seen on the left end of the photograph.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Beaches; Persons - Crowds; Buildings - Residential

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: HV976.36.22

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [192-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 17/8/2006

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ceremony of Wading Pool Opening

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1113

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: June 29, 1929

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 17 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph taken at the ceremony of a wading pool opening in the Central Park Women's Insitute Playgrounds. Men, women and a boy are gathered outside in front of a building. A signboard reads, "Everybody Smokes / Old Chum / Tobacco / Billiards / Cigar Tobacco and Soft Drinks."

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 17 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph taken at the ceremony of a wading pool opening in the Central Park Women's Insitute Playgrounds. Men, women and a boy are gathered outside in front of a building. A signboard reads, "Everybody Smokes / Old Chum / Tobacco / Billiards / Cigar Tobacco and Soft Drinks."

Subjects: Events - Openings; Organizations

Names: Central Park Women's Institute

Geographic Access: Imperial Street; Central Park

Street Address: 3883 Imperial Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: June 29, 1929

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-04-25

Photographer: Lloyd, Frank Ernest

Notes: Title based on caption of photograph; An accompanying catalogue note reads: "'Burnaby Broadcast' Thursday, June 6, 1929. p3 / Central Park Women's Institute asked permission to make collections in West Burnaby and Inman Avenue schools to raise money to construct a wading pool in Central Park. They will be informed that the Board appreciate their enterprise on behalf of the children but regret it is against the policy of the Board to allow such collections."; Inscribed on the negative and printed on the bottom of the photograph: "Ceremony of Wading Pool Opening in the Central Park Women's Institute Playgrounds, B.C. / McKay Studio. B.C. / June 29th 1929." Stamped on the back of the photograph: "Lloyd's Studio / 3966 Kingsway / / McKay, B.C. Carl. 1012."

Images

Ceremony of Wading Pool Opening, June 29, 1929 thumbnail

Dedication of War Memorial Fountain at Burnaby Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription235

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1923]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w print

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large crowd of people gathered outside Burnaby Municipal Hall for the dedication of the War Memorial Fountain, which is now located in the Burnaby Village Museum site. To the left of the photograph, located on the lawn of the Municipal Hall, is the memorial fountain, with a wreath h…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w print

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large crowd of people gathered outside Burnaby Municipal Hall for the dedication of the War Memorial Fountain, which is now located in the Burnaby Village Museum site. To the left of the photograph, located on the lawn of the Municipal Hall, is the memorial fountain, with a wreath hanging on the top.

Subjects: Monuments - War Memorials; Wars - World War, 1914-1918; Persons - Crowds

Names: Burnaby City Hall

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 7282 Kingsway

Accession Code: BV985.3137.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1923]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Stride Avenue Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2024-02-02

Photographer: Stride, Charles Edgar

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; The photographer is speculated to be Stride studio, because of the similarity with the photograph BV985.3137.7 of the War Memorial Fountain dedication by Stride studio; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying

Images

Dedication of War Memorial Fountain at Burnaby Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription237

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1923]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w prints

Scope and Content: Photographs of the War Memorial Fountain located on the lawn of Burnaby Municipal Hall, during its dedication ceremony. There is a large crowd of people gathered around the fountain, with boys in scout uniforms standing to the right of the fountain, and ladies and RCMP officers standing to the left…

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 2 photographs : b&w prints

Material Details: inscribed in the original negative, and printed on the photograph, l.r. "Stride Photo"

Scope and Content: Photographs of the War Memorial Fountain located on the lawn of Burnaby Municipal Hall, during its dedication ceremony. There is a large crowd of people gathered around the fountain, with boys in scout uniforms standing to the right of the fountain, and ladies and RCMP officers standing to the left side of the fountain. There is a man standing next to the fountain, blowing on a trumpet. There is a wreath hanging from the top of the fountain, which bears the inscription, "OF OUR FELLOW WORKERS WHO FELL IN THE WAR/ 1914-1918/ ERECTED BY/ THE CIVIC EMPLOYEES UNION - BURNABY - 1923" The War Memorial Fountain is now located in the Burnaby Village Museum site.

Subjects: Ceremonies; Monuments - War Memorials; Wars - World War, 1914-1918; Fountains; Persons - Crowds

Names: Burnaby City Hall

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 7282 Kingsway

Accession Code: BV985.3137.7

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1923]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Stride Avenue Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2024-02-02

Photographer: Stride, Charles Edgar

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying

Images

HMS Delhi at Melbourne Harbour, Australia

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription272

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1924]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.2 x 13.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large military ship at a harbour in Melbourne, Australia. There are streamers decorating the ship that extend out to the harbour . There are men in navy uniforms on the boat, looking towards the people gathered at the dock. Most people are in suits and dresses. A crane can be see…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.2 x 13.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large military ship at a harbour in Melbourne, Australia. There are streamers decorating the ship that extend out to the harbour . There are men in navy uniforms on the boat, looking towards the people gathered at the dock. Most people are in suits and dresses. A crane can be seen in the lower right corner of the photograph.

Subjects: Transportation - Ships; Celebrations; Persons - Crowds; Structures - Piers and Wharves

Accession Code: HV984.51.56

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1924]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-10-31

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; An annotation on the front of the photo reads: "Leaving Melbourne 1924." Annotations on the back of the photo read: "Arthur Been E.R.A / H.M.S. Delhi / S.S.S. / Y.P.G" and "If it wasn't for trouble how could we appreciate Happinees / AB[underlined]."

Images

HMS Delhi at Melbourne Harbour, Australia, [1924] thumbnail

Elementary school students

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1257

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1912 and 1928]

Collection/Fonds: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 21 x 27 cm, mounted on card 32.5 x 39 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of eighty-four boys dressed in uniform, seated and standing in formation in front of an elementary school with their ten teachers. Three Five Races Under One Union flags (national flag for the Republic of China) are prominently displayed.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. fonds

Series: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 21 x 27 cm, mounted on card 32.5 x 39 cm

Material Details: Card mount has a decorative border

Scope and Content: Photograph of eighty-four boys dressed in uniform, seated and standing in formation in front of an elementary school with their ten teachers. Three Five Races Under One Union flags (national flag for the Republic of China) are prominently displayed.

Subjects: Clothing - Uniforms; Buildings - Schools; Symbols - Flags; Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company

Accession Code: BV985.5331.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1912 and 1928]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 1/7/2010

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso of photograph is written in Chinese characters

Images

Elementary school students, [between 1912 and 1928] thumbnail

Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19350

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 32 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 32 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar conducted by interviewer Anushay Malik. The interview is conducted in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. During the interview Surjeet Kaur Parmar provides information on; her ancestral background, family relations in India and…

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 32 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 32 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Anushay Malik Interviewee: Surjeet Kaur Parmar Language of Interview: Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi Location of Interview: home of Surjeet Kaur Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: December 6, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of tracks: (1:15:32) Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar conducted by interviewer Anushay Malik. The interview is conducted in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. During the interview Surjeet Kaur Parmar provides information on; her ancestral background, family relations in India and Canada, her personal experiences and her ancestors’ stories as South Asian immigrants, reflections on and personal experiences of racial discrimination as a South Asian immigrant, her places of residence, her employment background, her cultural practices and traditions including food, clothing and craft. The interview begins with introductions from interviewer Anushay Mailik. Surjeet Kaur Parmar imparts her own family’s migration story beginning with her very first elders that immigrated to Canada from India. A relative (unnamed) immigrated to Canada first and a few years later (around 1905) returned to India and brought back three cousins that included; Ginaya Singh (Ghania Singh Manhas) and Doman Singh . Mayo Singh (Ghania Singh’s younger brother) came in 1906 on his own to join them. Surjeet’s grandfather (Shair/Sher Singh Manhas) also wanted to immigrate at this time, but he was too young and weak to manage such a long trip. Surjeet conveys that while living in British Columbia, Mayo and Ginaya Singh worked together at saw mills. With their knowledge and understanding of mill work they ended up owning and operating a mill in Paldi near Duncan on Vancouver Island. At this time, most of the men from Surjeet’s family region in Punjab were abroad and with no men living at home. Mayo Singh’s father (Bhulla Singh) looked after her father (Lashman Singh Manhas) and paternal uncle (Kashmir Singh Manhas) back in Punjab. When Mayo’s father died, Mayo Singh adopted her paternal uncle (Kashmir Singh) and brought him to Canada in 1926. Surjeet describes her ancestors’ immigration journey from India to Canada. They all travelled by ship and if someone ran out of money en route, they could work on the ship. Surjeet explains that both Mayo and Ginaya Singh are Surjeet’s grandfather’s first cousins and her father’s second cousins. Surjeet recollects her grandfather (Shair/Sher Singh Manhas) saying “now that you’ve arrived there, take one cousin from each side with you”. Surjeet explains that the cousins were all from the same village in Punjab and her great grandfather wanted someone to go abroad, so he sent a few and had them bring more as the years went on. Surjeet says that she’s uncertain as to why they chose Canada rather than America but thinks that they did some form of research and determined that it was a good place to come to. Surjeet admits that she doesn’t know the name of her paternal grandfather or other elders since she never met them. Surjeet shares that it was a traditional practice to mark pots and pans with family names and imparts that she discovered her father’s name “Lashman Singh” written on the bottom of a glass. Surjeet expresses that she’s marked her own pots and pans with her name to identify which ones are hers when she gets together with family or does catering. Surjeet refers to a kohl bottle that she has and how she’d like to offer it to the museum. She explains how the kohl bottle is no longer in use but was used by her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas) and daughter and her grandchildren. Surjeet describes a blanket that she made called a “phulkari”, now on display in a small museum in Coquitlam, a wedding shawl, that her daughter now owns and a silk sari with embroidery. Surjeet and Anushay discuss the possibility of donating the kohl bottle and the sari to the museum. Surjeet explains how the kohl is used and how her mother used to make kohl. She describes how you rub the kohl with your hands, put cardamom in it, one or two other ingredients and fill the kohl bottle up with water. Surjeet says that she used kohl as eyeliner when living in India. The interviewer asks Surjeet more about Ginaya Singh. Surjeet conveys that Ginaya Singh ended up leaving the mill on Vancouver Island and moved to Vancouver. After Ginaya Singh died from a heart attack (in 1953) his family moved from Vancouver to Burnaby. Surjeet recalls that following the death of Ginaya Singh’s youngest son, her family didn’t celebrate “Lohri” (a winter festival celebrating newborns and newly married people) for three years. She shares that she was very young at this time but remembers there being beautiful photographs of young children all dressed up and displayed in her family home. She expresses that dressing up for photos has changed over time and adds that suits didn’t really come into fashion until after the 1970s or 1980s. Surjeet conveys that her uncle named Kashmira Singh first worked at the mill in Paldi near Duncan then moved to Vancouver and opened up his own mill in North Vancouver. Surjeet’s father, Lashman Singh Manhas arrived in 1953. Surjeet expresses that Kapoor Singh was educated and worked as a manager at the mill on Vancouver Island. Surjeet recollects meeting Mayo Singh, his wife and eldest son in 1952 when they travelled to India for a cousin’s wedding. Surjeet remembers that Mayo Singh’s family had a very large house in India. She describes the house as a very opulent two story house with indoor plumbing for a bathtub, a kitchen with a woodstove, coloured mirrors, bejeweled curtains, a motor room to park cars, a buffalo and more. Surjeet refers to Nand Singh, a younger brother of Mayo Singh, who travelled from India to San Franciso and spent a year wandering around before deciding to return to India. She describes him as living in Bombay with his wife Vishan Kaur and having a transport business. Nand had two kids that came to Canada. Surjeet recollects the tragic death of Ganda Singh (Ginaya Singh) who died of a heart attack on someone’s doorstep, they thought that he was drunk so didn’t open the door. Surjeet conveys that Mayo Singh’s wife, Mission Kaur (Saradani Bishan Kaur) died while visiting India (in 1952) and that some of Mayo’s sons were married in Canada and one in India. Surjeet expresses that it was hard for Mayo’s sons to have one of their parents die in India and one die in Canada (Mayo Singh died in B.C. in 1955). Surjeet describes the hospital that Mayo built in the village of Paldi. She mentions that there were festivals and functions that took place there, there were many nurses and doctors. She recalls there being a school where their land was. She recalls that if they got headaches they were treated with medicine and that it didn’t cost much, only a six pence. Surjeet talks about her arranged marriage to Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar. Surjeet explains that her father and brother immigrated to British Columbia first (1953) and after a few months they brought Surjeet and her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas). She recollects that when she was in Grade 10 and around 17 years of age, her family made plans to travel to India to attend a family wedding. During this time, her father suggested that it would be a good opportunity to take Surjeet with them to find her a husband in India to marry. After meeting and marrying Nadeem Parmar in India, Surjeet and Nadeem moved to England. Surjeet recollects that in order to immigrate to Canada, each family member had to pass a medical exam and how difficult it was. Her two sisters, mother and brother all had to take the test in Delhi. Surjeet recalls living in England with Nadeem. While living in England, Nadeem worked during the day and studied engineering at college in the evening. Surjeet expresses that she liked living in England and was sad to leave. While living there, they enjoyed a close knit Punjabi community and they all lived in the same area. Surjeet states later in her interview that living in Canada was different from living in England. In England, family and friends lived closer together whereas in Canada places were further apart. Surjeet says that while living in England she could walk to do her shopping. While living in England, after her children were a bit older, she worked as a seamstress in a shirt factory for a few years before coming to Canada. Surjeet imparts that her father (Lashman Singh Manhas) died of a heart attack in 1970 and her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas) died in 1998. Her father and her family first lived in North Vancouver and then her parents bought a house on Eton Street in Burnaby, near the Ocean. After her father died, her brother and mother bought a house and moved to the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in Burnaby. In 1973, Surjeet, Nadeem and their two children immigrated to Canada and moved in with her brother and mother. Surjeet includes that her paternal aunt (Koshali Kaur Manhas) and cousins also moved to Burnaby and that her aunt and some of her cousins were sponsored by her son who came earlier. Surjeet recalls that after arriving in Canada she got work sewing in a factory located on Water Street in Gastown. Surjeet recollects travelling to her job by bus. Surjeet shares that she brought saris and quilted blankets “rijai”, not household items, in her suitcase when she came to Canada from England. Surjeet explains that the “rijai” (quilted blankets) were made from cotton from her home village in India. The blankets were made by women and then brought back to her to quilt on her sewing machine. Surjeet recalls that when she returned to Canada (in 1973 with her husband and children) they first lived with her mother and brother on Capitol Hill in Burnaby before moving to a house on Fell Avenue and then to their current home in 1982. In 1981, she worked at “Canadian Window Covering” factory making window coverings. The factory was located in the Brentwood area of Burnaby. Surjeet recalls how the factory became unionized and of how she left the factory and found union work at the Labatt’s brewery (Winery and Distillery Workers Local 300). Surjeet describes the work that she did while working at Labatt’s brewery which was located next to the Royal Columbian Hospital in Burnaby. Around 1995, when the Labatt’s factory closed down in Burnaby, she got union work as a bottle sorter for BDL Brewers Distributor Limited, where bottles were gathered for distribution at Braid Station. Surjeet left this job in 2000. Surjeet talks about traditional foods like bindi, sabji, aam and karela and where she’s shopped to find traditional ingredients for South Asian cuisine. She recollects how at first she could only find traditional ingredients at stores in Gastown, Chinatown and on Main Street in Vancouver but now they are more readily available at major grocery stores. Surjeet expresses that traditional spices and dry goods have been hard to find, apart from stores like, Famous Foods and Patels when it was located on Commercial Drive. Surjeet talks about using ingredients such as green pea flour and Besan flour to make pakoras and kahdri. Surjeet states that many immigrants didn’t wear their traditional clothing until she came later. She expresses that many South Asian immigrants didn’t wear their clothes “because there were no rights, we had to try to become like them”. Surjeet conveys that even though some were able to purchase property (she provides an example of family members in Duncan who faced discrimination by the owner/seller of a piece of property they were purchasing) that they had very little rights and they were all living in fear. She expresses that she herself didn’t experience this but in the beginning when people settled here (in B.C.) that it was very difficult. Surjeet says that when she goes to the Gurdwara and to work, she wears a sari and conveys that while working at the factory, she was encouraged to wear a sari, it was accepted then. She brought printed saris to work and her co workers said that they’d wear them to parties. Surjeet reflects on her own experiences of racism and discrimination and expresses that her generation “has learned how to stand up in front, then they got scared of saying anything”. “The people who came here first were afraid because they were alone, they had to settle down here and make a home from scratch, but the ones who came after had everything already built and made”. She explains how they helped one another when they came (to British Columbia). She describes how the Gurdwara was located on 2nd Street and all of the ships went there (new immigrants?), people would gather, get water, help one another and there would be a place for all people. Surjeet shares a personal experience of helping members of her husband’s family to immigrate to Canada. She tells of the complications of some being left behind in India and that some came to Canada as refugees that she and her husband sponsored. Surjeet expresses their struggles with raising a family, working and trying to pay for their own house while also trying to assist and support family members. Surjeet describes in detail how her husband Nadeem went back to India after his mother died to help his father, sister and her family immigrate. She explains that the immigration process took about four years and his father had to apply as a refugee. Nadeem’s sister came with her children but had to return to India so Surjeet and her family had to look after Nadeem’s sister’s child/children. Surjeet expresses that during this time she continued to work at Canadian Window Coverings, working an afternoon shift and sometimes taking her son with her. She expresses that this as a very hectic time, working the whole day, making food for everyone, grocery shopping, looking after a her sister in law’s younger child at night and getting no rest. Surjeet describes the time when she was working and her children were attending the local school. She expresses the challenges of working long days and often arriving home after her children. She recollects a time when there was a snow storm and how she was worried about her children making it home and being alone while she was at work, there were no cell phones in those days but they had phone numbers of her brother and sister. Surjeet tells of how they tried to help the rest of the Nadeem’s family immigrate including his brother who was a soccer player in India. They were able to buy a house for the whole family to live but expresses after several months Nadeem’s brother decided to stay in India. Surjeet expresses the complications and frustrations of trying to bring all family members to Canada.

History: Interviewee biography: Surjeet Kaur Parmar was born in Punjab, India in 1942 to parents Lashman Singh Manhas (1913-1970) and Budhan Kaur Manhas (1906-1998). Surjeet’s ancestors, Ghania Singh Manhas, Doman Singh and Mayo Singh immigrated to British Columbia in 1905 and 1906. The group got work in saw mills and soon began owning and operating their own saw mills, first in Chilliwack and Rosedale districts and later in 1920 on Vancouver Island near Duncan (Paldi) (known as the Mayo Lumber Company). In 1927, Surjeet’s paternal uncle, Kashmir Singh Manhas left Paldi, Punjab at the age of 18 years with Mayo Singh Manhas and after months of travel they arrived at Paldi on Vancouver Island. In 1953, Surjeet’s father, Lashman Singh Manhas and her two brothers immigrated to Canada and soon after brought her and her mother, Budhan Kaur Manhas. After immigrating, her father began working at “Kashmir Lumber Company” in North Vancouver which was owned by his brother Kashmira Singh Manhas. Surjeet, her parents and two brothers first made their home in North Vancouver and the 1960s they moved to 3824 Eton Street in Burnaby. In 1959, Surjeet and her family returned to India for her brother’s wedding. During this time a marriage was arranged for Surjeet to marry Nadeem Parmar and they were married in 1960. Following their marriage, Surjeet and Nadeem moved to England where they began raising their two children. While living in England, Surjeet worked as seamstress at a factory. In 1973, following the death of Surjeet’s father who died in 1970, Surjeet and Nadeem decided to immigrate to British Columbia. For the first few years, Surjeet, Nadeem and their two children lived with her mother and brother in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Burnaby before purchasing their own home on Fell Avenue. While living in Burnaby Surjeet has worked as a seamstress for Canadian Window Covering, Labatt's Brewery and BDL Brewers Distributor Limited which she left in 2000. In 1982, Surjeet and her family moved into a new home that they had built on Woodsworth Street where they still live today. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills; Clothing; Crafts; Employment; Migration; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Occupations - Labourers; Occupations - Millworkers; Persons - South Asian Canadians

Names: Parmar, Surjeet Kaur; Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"; Manhas, Ghania Singh; Singh, Mayo; Manhas, Kashmir Singh; Manhas, Sher Singh; Manhas, Budhan Kaur; Manhas, Lashman Singh

Accession Code: BV022.29.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Related Material: See also BV022.29.1 - interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription of interview translated to English from Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to English created by Rajdeep; Transciption available on Heritage Burnaby; Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate

Documents

2022_0029_0005_004

Audio Tracks

Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar, [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0005_003.mp3

Burnaby May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3112

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 26, 1928

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a procession led by flower girls at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. A constable in uniform is standing next to one of the lead flower girls with his hands on her shoulders, directing her. People are gathered around on the field to watch the procession. A Maypole can be seen o…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a procession led by flower girls at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. A constable in uniform is standing next to one of the lead flower girls with his hands on her shoulders, directing her. People are gathered around on the field to watch the procession. A Maypole can be seen on the left.

Subjects: Events - May Day; Clothing - Uniforms; Public Services - Policing; Events - Parades

Geographic Access: Robert Burnaby Park; Wedgewood Street

Street Address: 8155 Wedgewood Street

Accession Code: HV972.204.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: May 26, 1928

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: Inscribed in the negative and printed on the bottom front of the photograph: "Burnaby May Day 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd Studio, McKay, B.C. / 36."

Images

Burnaby's first May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1679

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 1925

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the first May Day celebration in Burnaby featuring a march led by boy scouts at the front, with flower girls and the May Queen and her suite following behind. A group of women are standing in the foreground in front of a long row of chairs, with a boy in a sailor suit and a young girl…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the first May Day celebration in Burnaby featuring a march led by boy scouts at the front, with flower girls and the May Queen and her suite following behind. A group of women are standing in the foreground in front of a long row of chairs, with a boy in a sailor suit and a young girl in a dress. A large crowd fills the surrounding area.

Subjects: Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Events - May Day; Events - Parades; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Geographic Access: Central Park; Imperial Street

Street Address: 3883 Imperial Street

Accession Code: BV000.3.31

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: May 1925

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 09-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Photographer: Stride, Charles Edgar

Notes: Title based on photographer's title; Photographer's writing on recto of photograph reads: "Stride Photo / # 1 / Burnaby's 1st May Day 1925"; Note in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "Roy Raymer"

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