Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12338

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some …

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) (00:53:46 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Julie Lee Location of Interview: Home of Julie and Cecil Lee Interview Date: February 6, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:53:46

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some information about her father Puy Yuen Chan. 0:00- 01:47 Julie Lee provides background information on her families’ connection to Burnaby and conveys how her maternal grandparents farmed a five acre lot at Still Creek and Douglas Road. Her grandparents grew vegetable produce and operated a piggery at this location. Her mother, Suey Ying Jung (Laura) was the middle child between two older sisters, Maida and Annie and her two younger brothers Gordon and Harry. They were all born at home and educated at Edmonds Elementary School. 01:48- 11:47 Julie provides some background information about her mother, the friendships she made growing up, when she got married and places that she lived. She tells of her mother marrying in 1942 at age 30 years, moving to Fraser Mills and then onto Maillardville in 1958. There was easy access to the Interurban tram so her mother was able to have a social life with others in Vancouver’s Chinatown. She says that many of the only existing photographs of the family living on the farm at Still Creek and Douglas Road can be attributed to her mother’s friend Lil Mau [sic] who owned a camera. The farm was sold around 1949 when her grandparents moved to East Vancouver. While operating the farm, her grandparents only hired Chinese workers who spoke the same language and ate the same foods as them. Despite this, her grandparents made friends with the Collin’s family who assisted them in adjusting to the Canadian way of life. Julie tells that her mother’s sister Maida and brother in law lived with them at Fraser Mills. Her mother’s sister Maida had nine children so Julie’s mother helped her in raising them. 11:48 – 16:53 - Julie talks about racial prejudice towards the Chinese in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She says that for the most part, her mother’s family had a very insular life on the farm and mainly socialized only within the Chinese community. Julie tells of how she recently became aware of a memoir “The Way it Was”, written by Burnaby resident, Fannie Waplington. The memoir is held as part of the Burnaby Village Museum collection. In the memoir, Fannie Waplington tells of how she was forbidden from visiting Julie’s mother on their farm due to her ethnic background. Julie conveys that it seems like it was a missed friendship for both her mother and Fannie. 16:54 – 22:30 Julie describes what school life was like for her mother and what she may have done outside of school. Her mother attended Edmonds School in the 1920s up to Grade 7 or Grade 8. Julie explains that Asian girls were never offered the opportunity to pursue higher education while her mother’s brothers continued with their education attending Vancouver Technical School. Her mother continued to work on the farm until she was married cooking for workers and helping her mother. Outside of school, she may have helped with looking after nieces and nephews, played cards and mahjong. She says that her mother continued to play cards with her own children and was a skilled knitter into her 80s. 22:31 – 30: 53 Julie tells of what she knows about the Chinese workers on the farm and Fraser Mills and what they did on the weekends. She figures that many may have played card games to pass the time and at Fraser Mills gambling occurred. Fishing was a highlight for her father and she recalls him fishing sturgeon. Single workers may have gone into Vancouver on the weekends. Julie says that her parents had a hobby farm while living at Fraser Mills and that they grew enough garlic to sell in Chinatown. She thinks that before living at Fraser Mills, her mother must have went to Chinatown quite a bit, assisting with banking and enjoying a social life. Julie shares that her father, Puy Yuen Chan came to Canada from China at twelve years of age but working as a shingle packer, he never learned to speak English. She figures that her parents must have met at Fraser Mills while her mother was visiting her sister Maida. 30:54 – 37:33 Julie describes her mother as the cook, caregiver and the “one man show”. She says that her mother enjoyed cooking traditional Chinese recipes. Julie talks of her own cooking and gardening skills which she may have inherited from her parents including her large patch of garlic. 37:34- 40:23- Julie is asked as to whether her mother attended Chinese school and says that she had some Chinese schooling. She could read and write a little but didn’t attend a formal school as far as she knows. Julie shares some background information on her own husband Cecil, who grew up in East Vancouver. She shares that Cecil’s family went back to China from 1931 until 1939 when they returned to Queensborough. Cecil attended Chinese school in New Westminster. 40:24 – 42:19 Julie speaks briefly about what type of medical care her mother and her family had. She relates that all births took place at home and they accessed a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Hospitals were accessed in 1950s—1960s. The family did use Western doctors that were insured under the medical system. She recalls growing up and having to drink a particular herbal brew at least once a month to stay well. 42:20- 46:47 Julie describes how her parents stayed connected with their families in China. She says that her mother’s family didn’t stay in touch with relatives in China and that her uncles rejected anything to do with the past. On her father’s side they maintained a connection with cousins. She recalls that her father, Puy Yuen Chan supported some of his relatives back home in China and stayed in touch with some. Her mother, Laura travelled to China in 1991 and 1992 and connected with some relations on Julie’s father’s side. 46:48- 53:46 In this segment, Julie speaks of her mother’s character being very self-assured, independent and goal oriented. She feels that her mother valued being surrounded by her family and friends and felt very comfortable growing up in Burnaby and with the relationships that she had. She feels that her mother adapted to her roles being the last of four children on the farm and that she was very self-sufficient and determined.

History: Interviewee biography: Julie Lee (nee Chan) is the daughter of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan. Her mother's family owned and operated a vegetable and piggery farm on Douglas Road near Still Creek in the early 1900s. Their farm was located in front of the Douglas Road interurban tram station. Her mother had two older sisters named Maida and Annie and two younger brothers Harry and Gordon. Her mother was born in 1912 and left the farm for Fraser Mills when she was married in 1942. Julie grew up with her parents and siblings on the Fraser Mills site during the 1940s and 1950s. 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

Names: Lee, Julie Cho Chan; Chan, Puy Yuen; Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"; Wong, Suey Fong "Maida" Jung; Jung, Suey Cheung "Harry"; Jung, Suey Yook "Gordon"; Jung, Gee Shee; Jung, Chung Chong; Jong, Suey Kin "Annie" Jung

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Douglas Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Related Material: See also BV018.16.1

Scan Resolution: 1000

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 96

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Suey Ying (Laura) with produce baskets [between 1940 and 1942]. BV017.24.27

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0002_001.mp3

Lee family photographs series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15034

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1920-2006 (date of originals), predominant 1920-1955

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Series

Physical Description: 40 photographs (tiff) + 4 photographs (jpgs) + 1 photograph : sepia ; 25 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Series consists of family photographs of Julie Lee and Cecil Lee including the Suey Ying (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan family; the Sui Seo Ngen and Lee Ding Quai family and the Chung Chong Jung and Gee Shee Jung family.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Series

Physical Description: 40 photographs (tiff) + 4 photographs (jpgs) + 1 photograph : sepia ; 25 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Series consists of family photographs of Julie Lee and Cecil Lee including the Suey Ying (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan family; the Sui Seo Ngen and Lee Ding Quai family and the Chung Chong Jung and Gee Shee Jung family.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Accession Code: BV017.24; BV019.33; BV020.38; BV021.19

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1920-2006 (date of originals), predominant 1920-1955

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of series

Portrait of Chinese man

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4576

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [192-]

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

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 25 x 20 cm in matt 45 x 30 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph is a studio portrait of an unidentified man of Chinese origin. Matte has a cluster of Chinese characters on the bottom left corner and on the middle right side. Man is dressed in a suit and is wearing glasses. The portrait originates from the Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. shop on 1620 Gove…

2 images

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 ; 25 x 20 cm in matt 45 x 30 cm

Material Details: Matte has a cluster of Chinese characters on the bottom left corner and on the middle right side. Chinese characters were translated into English in 2018.; On the right hand side, it is written ""for Mr. Wong Hong to keep"".; On the bottom of the left hand side, it is written the name of the photographer (last name is Lam). The last character of his name has no matching word in Chinese. One of the characters on the bottom left generally means younger brother (related by blood), but with close friends, the younger person may refer himself as such too. Since they had two different last name ""Wong"" and ""Lam"", therefore these two people could not be related.; The final character on the bottom left means ""a gift"".

Scope and Content: Photograph is a studio portrait of an unidentified man of Chinese origin. Matte has a cluster of Chinese characters on the bottom left corner and on the middle right side. Man is dressed in a suit and is wearing glasses. The portrait originates from the Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. shop on 1620 Government Street, Victoria.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company

Accession Code: HV975.5.61

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [192-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Portrait of Chinese man, [192-] thumbnail

Portrait of Gay Tim Hong

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4251

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1921 or 1922] (date of original), copied 2017

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Gay Tim Hong wearing a suit and tie.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Gay Tim Hong wearing a suit and tie.

History: Josephine Hong was born to Sui Ha Hong and Chan Kow Hong. The Hong Family had seven children, oldest to youngest: Pauline, Josephine, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene, and Marlene. The family runs Hop-On Farm on Marine Drive in Burnaby. Many Hong family members worked on the farm including Josephine Hong's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong, and uncles. Her great-grandfather was Sui Wing Hong

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Hop On Farms; Hong, Gay Tim

Accession Code: BV017.36.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1921 or 1922] (date of original), copied 2017

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Related Material: See Oral History Interview-BV020.6.1

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.; Copy scan is a photograph of a photograph. Date marking evident in corner left edge of photograph. Copy scan generated in 1994.

Images

Portrait of Gay Tim Hong, [1921 or 1922] (date of original), copied 2017 thumbnail

Registration certificate of Suey Ying Jung (Laura)

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4079

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1924]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 800 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of certificate with photograph of child attached to right side; Text reads: DOMINION OF CANADA/ DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION/ CHINESE IMMIGRATION SERVICE/ This is to certify that Chung Suey Ying,/ whose photograph is attached hereto, has/ registered as required by Section …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 800 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of certificate with photograph of child attached to right side; Text reads: DOMINION OF CANADA/ DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION/ CHINESE IMMIGRATION SERVICE/ This is to certify that Chung Suey Ying,/ whose photograph is attached hereto, has/ registered as required by Section 18 of the/ Chinese Immigration Act, Chapter 38,/ 13-14 George V./ Dated at Vancouver BC/ this 16th day of May 1924/ This certificate does not establish legal status in Canada.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"

Accession Code: BV017.24.32

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1924]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 800

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note name on immigration card reads: "Chung Suey Ying". The family surname, Jung was often spelled as "Chung"

Images

Registration certificate of Suey Ying Jung (Laura), [1924] thumbnail

Remittance promotion notice

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9554

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1921 and 1967]

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

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page notice handwritten in Cantonese in black ink on rice paper. The notice publicizes the service offered by Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co where money could be transferred by an individual bank to their country of origin. The rear of the shop acted as an unofficial post office …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

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

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

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page notice handwritten in Cantonese in black ink on rice paper. The notice publicizes the service offered by Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co where money could be transferred by an individual bank to their country of origin. The rear of the shop acted as an unofficial post office for recent Chinese immgrants who needed a permanent mailing address. The notice was translated in English, the larger words translate to: "Our shop offers remittance service to Hong Kong. The process is faster than others no matter how much you are wiring. If the family of any overseas compatriots who are living in Hong Kong need money urgently, [we] can also speed up the remittance. Your patronage is very welcomed.". The smaller words translate to: "The valued customers have to take care of the remittance fee on your own. Connection to any city in the Canton province; fast and proper remittance."

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company

Accession Code: HV975.5.1534

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: [between 1921 and 1967]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Images

Remittance promotion notice, [between 1921 and 1967] thumbnail

Studio portait of Annie, Maida and Laura Jung

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4053

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1927 and 1929]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : b&w ; 800 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of the three Jung sisters posing on a wicker sofa. From left to right: Annie (Suey Kin), Maida (Suey Fong), Laura (Suey Ying Jung).

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : b&w ; 800 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of the three Jung sisters posing on a wicker sofa. From left to right: Annie (Suey Kin), Maida (Suey Fong), Laura (Suey Ying Jung).

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"; Jong, Suey Kin "Annie" Jung; Wong, Suey Fong "Maida" Jung

Accession Code: BV017.24.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1927 and 1929]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 800

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 100

Photographer: Wand, Cecil Bow

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Embossed lettering in the bottom left corner of the photograph reads: "Wand"

Images

Studio portait of Annie, Maida and Laura Jung, [between 1927 and 1929] thumbnail

Wedding portait of Sui Seo Ngen and Lee Ding Quai

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4049

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [ca. 1920]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 400 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Sui Seo Ngen and Lee Ding Quai posing for their wedding studio portait. The couple is standing with Sui Seo Ngen wearing a flat hat and holding a purse; Lee Ding Quai holding a flat hat in left hand.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 400 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Sui Seo Ngen and Lee Ding Quai posing for their wedding studio portait. The couple is standing with Sui Seo Ngen wearing a flat hat and holding a purse; Lee Ding Quai holding a flat hat in left hand.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Lee, Ding Quai; Lee, Sui Seo Ngen

Accession Code: BV017.24.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [ca. 1920]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 400

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Wedding portait of Sui Seo Ngen and Lee Ding Quai, [ca. 1920] thumbnail

Yue Shan Society

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription895

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [192-]

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

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : 17 x 27 cm mounted on matt in frame 22 x 37.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of members of the Yue Shan Society gathered together in front of building on Fisgard Strett, Victoria, B.C. Society members are arranged together into four rows in front of building with a large banner with Chinese characters hanging above. A group of ten children are seated on the curb …

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 : 17 x 27 cm mounted on matt in frame 22 x 37.5 cm

Material Details: guilded wood frame is chipped and scratched; glass is missing

Scope and Content: Photograph of members of the Yue Shan Society gathered together in front of building on Fisgard Strett, Victoria, B.C. Society members are arranged together into four rows in front of building with a large banner with Chinese characters hanging above. A group of ten children are seated on the curb in front of society members.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Organizations; Organizations - Societies and Clubs

Names: Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company

Geographic Access: Victoria

Accession Code: HV975.5.1456

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [192-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-01-12

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note in blue ink on verso of frame reads: "Yue Shan Society / on Fisguard St."

Images

Harding and Yasue Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15218

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1926] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harding and Yasue "Margaret" Yasui seated on the steps of their home on the site of the Nichols Chemical Plant.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harding and Yasue "Margaret" Yasui seated on the steps of their home on the site of the Nichols Chemical Plant.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Yasui, Harding; Nichols Chemical Company Limited

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.38

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1926] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Date of photograph [1926] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.

Images

Harding and Yasue Yasui, [1926] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail

Harding and Yasue Yasui in the family car

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15214

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1926] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is seated in the driver's seat and Yasue "Margaret" is seated in the back seat.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is seated in the driver's seat and Yasue "Margaret" is seated in the back seat.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Transportation - Automobiles; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Yasui, Harding

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.35

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1926] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui

Images

Harding and Yasue Yasui in the family car

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15215

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1926] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is in the driver's seat and his sister Yasue "Margaret" is beside him.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harding Yasui and his sister Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) in the family's 1918 Dodge touring sedan. Harding is in the driver's seat and his sister Yasue "Margaret" is beside him.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Transportation - Automobiles; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Yasui, Harding

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.36

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1926] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; See page 128 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Yasue and Harding Yasui in their family's 1918 Dodge car, 1926"; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.

Images

Sukegoro, Harding and Yasue Yasui with family car

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15217

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1927] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Sukegoro Yasui with his daughter, Yasue and son, Harding with their 1918 Dodge sedan. Mr. Yasui is standing next to the car and his children are standing on ther running board. The car is parked on the side of a bridge with a wooden railing.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Sukegoro Yasui with his daughter, Yasue and son, Harding with their 1918 Dodge sedan. Mr. Yasui is standing next to the car and his children are standing on ther running board. The car is parked on the side of a bridge with a wooden railing.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Transportation - Automobiles; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Yasui, Harding; Yasui, Sukegoro

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.37

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1927] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; See page 129 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Mr. Sukegoro Yasui with Yasue and Harding by their 1918 Dodge car, 1926"; Date of photograph [1927] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.

Images

Sukegoro, Harding and Yasue Yasui with family car, [1927] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail

Tane, Sukegoro, Yasue and Harding Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15212

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1926 (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Tane (Hirata) Yasui and Sukegoro Yasui with their daughter, Yasue Margaret and son Harding Yasui. The family are seated on a log with a tall grass and bushes behind them.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Tane (Hirata) Yasui and Sukegoro Yasui with their daughter, Yasue Margaret and son Harding Yasui. The family are seated on a log with a tall grass and bushes behind them.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Yasui, Harding; Yasui, Tane Hirata; Yasui, Sukegoro

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.32

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1926 (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; See page 126 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Mrs. Lane Yasui, Yasue, Harding and Mr. Sekagoro Yasui, 1926.; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.

Images

Yasue and Harding Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15216

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1924] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) and her brother Harding Yasui on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant. Yasue is standing next to her brother who is seated on the grass beside her. A fence is visible behind them.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) and her brother Harding Yasui on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant. Yasue is standing next to her brother who is seated on the grass beside her. A fence is visible behind them.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Nichols Chemical Company Limited; Yasui, Harding

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.34

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1924] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; See page 127 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Yasueand Harding Yasui, 1923"; Date of photograph [1924] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui

Images

Yasue and Harding Yasui, [1924] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail

Yasue Yasui

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15213

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1923] (date of original), copied 2004

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of young Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) standing on a wooden bridge on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: In the Shadow by the Sea collection

Series: Yasui family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : 300 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of young Yasue "Margaret" Yasui (Matsumura) standing on a wooden bridge on the site of the Nichols Chemical Company plant.

Subjects: Persons - Japanese Canadians; Persons - Children

Names: Matsumura, Yasue Yasui "Margaret"; Nichols Chemical Company Limited

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Accession Code: BV019.32.33

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1923] (date of original), copied 2004

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; See page 127 of book "In the Shadow by the Sea - Recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village". Caption with photograph reads: "Yasue Yasui, 1926"; Date of photograph [1924] based on birth dates of Yasue "Margaret"- born 1921 and Harding Yasui- born July 1923; In the Shadow by the Sea spells Sukegoro's wife's name as "Lane" (Harata) Yasui, obits for Sukegoro Yasui and his wife use the spelling "Tane" Hirata Yasui.

Images

Yasue Yasui, [1923] (date of original), copied 2004 thumbnail

Div 1 Gilmore Avenue School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription22

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 17 Mar. 1920

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11.1 x 16.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Division One class at Gilmore Avenue School (this information is written on a blackboard at the rear of the classroom). A male teacher is standing beside the blackboard and the class is seated at their desks (each desk is attached to the back of the chair in the front). There are …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 11.1 x 16.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Division One class at Gilmore Avenue School (this information is written on a blackboard at the rear of the classroom). A male teacher is standing beside the blackboard and the class is seated at their desks (each desk is attached to the back of the chair in the front). There are 21 girls and 14 boys. The boys are dressed in sweaters or rough sports jackets, baggy trousers, and open-necked shirts. Their hair is generally moppish, or parted. The girls are generally wearing sweaters and wide skirts, with several wearing necklaces. Most have long hair, pulled back and tied, or parted and hanging. Identified: (3rd row of desks, 5th from left) Mary Warren; (1st row of desks, 4th from left) Lena Horne (later Lena McManus). Mary Warren was the daughter of John H. Warren and Mary W. Warren (nee Slaven) who settled in Burnaby and built a house on Union Street in 1912. Mary Warren later became Mary Anthony when she married Bill Anthony. The teacher may be Stanley Griffiths. A blackboard on the left of the picture has math problems written on it. Above, a row of prints hang, among the ones identifiable are Shakespeare and the Fathers of Confederation. The room is lit by dangling electric bulbs. Inscribed on the negative, lower left of the print: "272." An annotation in pencil on the back of the photograph reads, "Mr. Tom Browning." In 1912 Gilmore Ave. School was only a tent as blasting and clearing was being carried out. Later that year, a four-room building was completed and pupils moved in. By 1914, another four rooms were added to meet increased enrolment. Four rooms were added again in 1922, and four rooms and an auditorium were added in 1929. The school was renovated in 1954 and 1955. A library was added in 1964 and six more rooms were built in 1967. The school was named after Hugh B. Gilmour, but an error by a municipal clerk in 1912 changed the spelling to Gilmore.

Subjects: Buildings - Schools; Occupations - Teachers; Furniture; Persons - Black Canadians

Names: Gilmore Avenue School

Geographic Access: Gilmore Avenue

Street Address: 50 Gilmore Avenue

Accession Code: HV971.23.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 17 Mar. 1920

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Willingdon Heights Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-21

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Div 1 Gilmore Avenue School, 17 Mar. 1920 thumbnail

Hideko Shimotakahara

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35156

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1922] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mrs. Hideko Shimotakahara in front of family home at 4055 Keefer Street (later changed to 4055 Frances Street), North Burnaby. Note the honeysuckle arbor in front. Cherry trees were planted along the boulevard in front of the house.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1922] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-013

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mrs. Hideko Shimotakahara in front of family home at 4055 Keefer Street (later changed to 4055 Frances Street), North Burnaby. Note the honeysuckle arbor in front. Cherry trees were planted along the boulevard in front of the house.

Subjects: Plants - Flowers; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Persons - Japanese Canadians

Names: Shimotakahara, Hideko

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Frances Street

Street Address: 4055 Frances Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Willingdon Heights Area

Images

Hideko Shimotakahara, [1922] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19346

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides in…

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) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Nadeem Parmar Location of Interview: Residence of Nadeem Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: October 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:51:51 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides information on; his ancestral background, his education, his employment background, his experiences of racial discrimmination as a South Asian immigrant, saw mills established by South Asian relations in Paldi (Vancouver Island), in North Vancouver and Burnaby, family relations in the South Asian Canadian community and in regions in Punjab, the caste system, his literary works, locations of family homes in Burnaby, the architectural design of his house, personal stories and anecdotal information as a South Asian Canadian living and working in Canada. 00:00 – 01:45 The framework and purpose of the interview is explained to interviewee Nadeem Parmar by interviewers Rajdeep and Anushay Malik. The interviewers explain how the information from this interview can be drawn on for Burnaby Village Museum’s future exhibits and also how researchers will learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby through residents’ stories. Interview begins with Nadeem providing his full name "Kulwant Singh Parmar". He clarifies that his name was given to him by his grandfather who was a civil engineer and that his father also worked as a civil engineer. Nadeem expresses that he was born with a “silver spoon in his mouth” as a descendent of his maternal grandfather who was a successful landlord. Nadeem explains that when the Partition of India came into effect, (1947) he was 11 years old. He and his family left the partitioned side, his native village was located in Punjab and his forefathers were located in Rajasthan. 3:20 – 4:57 Nadeem explains further about his forefathers who came from Rajasthan. He shares information about his ancestor on his father’s side, named Vijay Singh who was friends with Emperor Jahangir. When fighting began against Jahangir he left the area to head to the middle of central India, then to the Punjab area with small states. As a clan, as a Parmar, he conveys there were about eleven or twelve villages with the same name. Interviewer, Anushay helps Nadeem to clarify the time period of this information. Nadeem refers to the time period being similar to the epic historical film “Moghal-e-Azam” and Anushay confirms the time period being the 1600s when they left Rajasthan. 4:58 – 10:59 Interviewer Anushay asks Nadeem to about his migration to Canada. Nadeem conveys that his first ancestor on his in-laws side of the family migrated around 1889. Further discussion ensues about reading Punjabi and how interviewer Rajdeep can read Punjabi and that she comes from the village of "Lakhpur" in Punjab. Rajdeep notes that “Lakhpur” is near "Phagwara". Nadeem clarifies that his village is "Panchat" and this family used to live in "Phagwara". and Nadeem and Rajdeep compare their familiarity and memories of the area. Nadeem conveys some of his comments in Punjabi and then changes to English. Nadeem recollects when the Japanese bombarded Shillong, he was around seven years old and attended missionary school. The only languages that were taught were English and Persian. Nadeem conveys that his mother had hopes of Nadeem becoming an army officer and moving up the ranks but Nadeem wasn’t interested. Nadeem attended college, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, BSC with Physics and Chemistry, followed by another Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and finally a degree in his favourite subject in the language of Urdu. He completed these degrees in Punjab in Doaba College, Jalandher. Nadeem recollects how he started teaching but wasn’t getting paid very well. When he was at college, with encouragement from his professor, Veer Pankalia [sic] he began writing poetry and short plays. His professor also introduced him to a famous poet of Punjab, Mila Ram Offa [sic] and he gave him the name of Nadeem. Nadeem explains the meaning of the name “Nadeem” “…the one who know about it, inside out…” even though we generally think of the meaning being “friend” it’s not just about friend. 11:00 -24:48 Nadeem provides background information on how he ended up marrying his future wife who was born in India and immigrated to Canada with her family. Nadeem explains how the marriage was arranged through family relations that were already established in Punjab over a century ago. One of his wife’s ancestors, head of the family called “baniye” (traders) immigrated to Canada in [1899]. This relation returned to Punjab where he had nephews, the youngest of the nephews was Nadeem’s father (Lashman Singh Manhas) in law’s father (Sher Singh Manhas). He expresses that his wife’s ancestor couldn’t bring Nadeem’s father in law’s father since he was only 12 or 13 years old but he brought three of the nephews back to Canada with him. The nephews were named, Pola Singh, Ginaya Singh and Doman Singh (also named Dolmans). He describes how the group left India but it took them two to three years before they arrived in Canada. The group travelled to Burma, Indonesia and Hong Kong before landing in San Francisco. From San Francisco they walked and worked on the rail line before entering Canada and arriving in Grand Forks. The men got work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and eventually made their way to the lower mainland. Nadeem conveys that the younger brother of Ginaya Singh, Maya Singh joined the others in Canada taking the same route, arriving in Bridal Falls where they were working at a saw mill and in CP rail construction. He describes Maya Singh as business minded and since he was too young to work in the mill, he began working as a cook and then began growing potatoes on land that he leased from a Dutch land owner. The local mill at Bridal Falls was facing bankruptcy and Maya Singh arranged to lease the mill, eventually buying it. From there the group moved their business to Strawberry Hill in Surrey and when the sale of logs declined, they moved over to Vancouver Island and established a sawmill with Doman Singh in the community of Paldi (originally known as Mayo Lumber) near Duncan. He explains further how the South Asian community helped each other like they did back home. He clarifies that his father in law’s father is the youngest cousin of Ginaya and Doman Singh and when he died, his father in law’s younger brother started Kashmir Lumber. Eventually his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) and the rest of the whole family including cousins and nephews were sponsored by their relations and immigrated to Canada. Nadeem explains how in 1959, his brother in law returned home to Punjab to get married, bringing his family with him. He tells of how during this time period, a marriage was arranged by his parents for him to marry his future wife. Nadeem recollects how this came to be. Nadeem and his wife Surjeet married in Punjab in December 1960, Nadeem was 24 years old and his wife was 18 years old. 24:49 – 39:42 Nadeem describes how he obtained his teaching degree from Ramgarhia College in Phagwara (located in the Kapurhtala district of Punjab) and after a disagreement with a teacher at home, he decided to go to England. He explains how he joined his brother who had moved to England and was working as a labourer. Nadeem tells of the difficulties he faced applying for a teaching job in England and how he had to go back to school to help with his English pronunciation. Nadeem explains that after taking this course, he got work teaching Grade two students which he felt was below his qualifications (he mentions that while living in Punjab, he was a Secondary School teacher) and the pay was very low. He discovered that his brother was making more money working as a labourer so Nadeem became discouraged and quit. When Nadeem couldn’t find work as a labourer, his brother advised him to shave off his beard. Nadeem conveys how difficult it was for him to shave off his beard and how once he was clean shaven he got work as a sweeper in a factory. He shares his experience of working in the factory and of how with his former education he got himself promoted to a more technical position. With encouragement from his employer, Nadeem enrolled in technical courses which lead to him obtaining an HNC Engineering Degree. He completed the course work in two years, obtaining skills in microwave communication becoming the senior test engineer at the factory. While working in this position, Nadeem shares how he suffered discrimination when he was passed over for a senior chief engineer position at the factory by a less educated and experienced employee. 39:43 – 53:38 Nadeem recollects how things changed for him in the 1970s. It began with his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) passing away in 1970 while he and his family were living on 18th Street in Burnaby. His father in law had been working at the saw mill, Kashmir Lumber Company in North Vancouver that was owned by his father in law’s younger brother (Kashmir Singh Manhas). The mill had burnt down and many of the workers lost everything. Nadeem confides that during this time, his wife was suffering from depression and wanted to be with her mother back in Canada now that her father had passed away. Nadeem emphasizes how his wife’s family (over 300 relatives) in Canada often get together every year on July 1st in Paldi near Duncan. In 1972, Nadeem arrived in Canada on his own to find work but was unsuccessful so he and his wife made plans to move to Uganda where he was offered a job. In 1973, when his visa didn’t come through for Uganda, Nadeem, his wife and two children decided to come to Canada. Nadeem describes that after several unsuccessful experiences to find skilled work in Canada, he eventually found work at Canadian National Telecommunications. During this time, Nadeem and his family lived with his father in law’s family at 5216 Pandora Street in Burnaby and in 1974, Nadeem purchased a house at 131 Fell Avenue in Burnaby. Nadeem provides further details of when the families lived at these different addresses and how in 1983 he had a house built on Woodsworth Street where he is still living now. He conveys some of the history of the lot where his current house resides including details on the lot subdivision, lot ownership and the cost of building his new house. Nadeem tells of how he designed his home with help from his son who was working as an apprentice with architect Arthur Erikson at the time. He describes the architectural interior as an open concept design, in an “L” shape in honour of his father “Lakhmir Singh”. Nadeem shares information on his mother’s name which was Jamna (prior to her marriage) and became Davinder Kaur after she was married. (Note: Jamna was her name before marriage. Traditionally after a woman is married, her husband’s family changes her first name because she is now considered a part of a new family). 53:39 – 58:56 Nadeem provides information on his career working as CNCP technician working with CPIC systems and how he was promoted to a new position. Nadeem inserts a quote from a Punjabi poem which he translates to English as “Somebody asked the blind people. What do you need? He said, do you need two eyes?, he said, what else do I need?”. Nadeem conveys how in 1986 his mother passed away so he went back home to the village of Lakhpur where his father and younger brother were living. His father and younger brother were on their own and in 1986 they decided to demolish the family home. He explains that there’s a college there now and that a library was built at this location in the name of his grandfather. 58:57 – 1:04:38 Nadeem shares how he suffered a heart attack in 1990 during the marriage ceremony of his son in Williams Lake. Nadeem talks about the complicated relations of the South Asian families and the saw mill owners in Paldi and comments on the problems with the caste system that provokes discrimination within the South Asian community. Nadeem refers to disputes that arose amongst mill owners and investors that included Kapoor Singh Siddoo, Mayo Singh, Gurdial Singh Teja and Ginaya Singh which caused problems amongst his family and also lead to Kapoor Singh selling his portion of the mill. Nadeem spells “Ginaya” Singh’s name and explains that this name is the nickname for “Krishna”. Nadeem provides his insight into the joint ownership of the saw mills located in Paldi and how the the joint ownership was dissolved in 1952. Nadeem clarifies that Ginaya Singh also left Paldi and that Ginaya Singh’s wife is his mother in law’s aunt and that he also moved to Burnaby. Nadeem explains the proper name spelling of mill owner “Mayo Singh” and that the correct spelling is actually “Mayan Singh” but he changed it to “Mayo” when it was mis-pronounced. Nadeem also comments on the problems that he encountered in 1970 on the pronunciation of his own name while living in England and at one point his employer referred to him as “Paul”. 1:04:39 – 1:18:50 Nadeem relays that when he emigrated from India and to Canada that he carried his personal possessions in a small suitcase made from cardboard since the weight limit on the airplane was just three pounds. He conveys that many of his relations have all suffered from heart problems including Ginaya Singh and his children. Nadeem shares that Ginaya Singh’s three sons all lived in Burnaby. Nadeem conveys that many South Asians lived in Burnaby and many worked at saw mills in North Vancouver and in the L&K sawmill near Pemberton. Nadeem explains further about the how the disagreements came to be between Mayo Singh and Kapoor Singh. He describes how each had a different business strategy in harvesting lumber and that there were feuds amongst the families. Nadeem provides further details on the root of the family feuds. Nadeem provides definitions for certain Punjabi terms that he’s using including “Mehta”(meaning lowest class of farmers, foreigner as well head as a title given to people of a clan living in the area) and ‘Panchat”, the name of his family village that was built and founded by five brothers and one nephew (Panj- meaning five and the sound “cht” meaning six). Nadeem explains that these terms were given to people from his own clan living in the area because it was small. Nadeem explains further about status that is based on money and the Punjabi terms “Parsu”, “Parsa” and “Pasaram” that are often used to describe a person. When you are poor the term “Parsu” is used and when you become rich the term “Pasaram” is used. Nadeem refers to Mayo Singh as a Pasaram as the second most successful millner in British Columbia, second to Frederick John Hart. Nadeem mentions that Ginaya Singh, elder brother to Mayo Singh helped provide the finances to start the mill and when there was a disagreement, Ginaya Singh left the mill business, moved his family to Burnaby and began working in insurance. Nadeem shares the sad story of Ginaya Singh’s sudden death (in 1953). Nadeem states that many of the people who left the mills at Paldi went to work at the Kapoor Mill in Burnaby and some relocated to the Interior of British Columbia. Nadeem mentions that his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) was able to purchase a house on 18th Street in along with other residences that he bought with his hard earned money working in the farms and mills, 16 hours per day, seven days a week. 1:18:51 – 1:32:04 Nadeem explains why he thinks that most South Asian people worked in the mills in the earlier days. Nadeem conveys that since Sikh men wore beards and turbans they encountered discrimination and were unable to get work in the business community. Nadeem shares his own personal experiences of wearing a turban and the discrimination he’s encountered while living in Scotland and Canada. Nadeem mentions that a defense committee was formed to protect the Gurdwaras and people’s homes from being vandalized due to racial discrimination. Nadeem describes some of the troubles that he’s encountered in his own neighbourhood when he had to call the police. Nadeem shares a personal experience just after 9/11 where he was the target of racial discrimination in the parking lot of Burnaby Lake. Nadeem emphasizes that he has experienced many incidents of racial discrimination, especially in the workplace and that this was not unusual for him. 1:32:05 – 1:36:19 Nadeem talks about his interest in writing and his many literary works including 12 novels that he’s written in Punjabi. Nadeem highlights a few books that he’s written including a book titled “Rape” and another one titled “Sponsorship” which conveys the complex nature of people immigrating to Canada. Nadeem mentions a particular book about AIDS, titled “Wide Net” that he’s been trying to get published. Nadeem speaks to the challenges and high costs of trying to get his works published. Nadeem provides a brief synopsis of his book “Wide Net”. Nadeem relays that this is a personal account of a gay couple that he knew where one of the partners died of AIDS and that the couple gave Nadeem permission to tell their tragic story. 1:36:20 – 1:51:51 Nadeem talks about his children and compares their experiences to his own as a South Asian immigrant. Nadeems talks about the accomplishments of his son, his daughter and grandchildren including their education and careers. Nadeem says that his children are well educated and well established in their careers. Nadeem’s children attended Capitol Hill Elementary School and North Burnaby High School in Burnaby. Nadeem shares specifics of his son’s career history. Nadeem expresses that he still considers Canada to be the best country for opportunities and that he prefers to live in Burnaby rather than Surrey and shares some personal anecdotes. Nadeem lists some local places that he’s shopped for South Asian groceries and spices rather than travelling to Surrey. He mentions shopping at Kelly Douglas, stores in Chinatown, small grocers on Capitol Hill, Patel’s on Commercial Drive and Main Street. As an aside Nadeem mentions that he worked as a security guard and the wages that he earned. Nadeem comments that he has been awarded various certificates and certifications from his education and career over the years, including a Bachelor of Science. The interviewers further express their interest in seeing the cardboard case that Nadeem brought with him when immigrating to Canada. In closing Nadeem states that his favourite food from back home was kheer (rice pudding).

History: Interviewee biography: Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (India before 1947) to parents Lakhmir Singh Parmar and Davinder Kaur Jamana Parmar. Nadeem grew up in the village of Panchat in the northern region of Punjab, India. Nadeem married his wife Surjeet in Punjab in 1960. After marrying the couple immigrated to England where Nadeem was already working. While living in England, Nadeem and Surjeet had two children. After Surjeet's father died in Canada in 1972, Nadeem, Surjeet and their two children immgrated to Canada, joining Surjeet's family who were living in Burnaby. After Nadeem immigrated to Burnaby in 1973 he worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. Nadeem holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.) and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. 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: Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores; Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills; Buildings - Industrial - Factories; Education; Employment; Industries - Logging/lumber; Migration; Occupations - Engineers; Occupations - Millworkers; Occupations - Teachers; Occupations - Writers; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"; Kapoor Sawmills Limited; Siddoo, Kapoor Singh; Teja, Gurdial Singh; Parmar, Surjeet Kaur; Manhas, Ghania Singh; Singh, Mayo; Manhas, Kashmir Singh; Manhas, Sher Singh; Manhas, Budhan Kaur; Manhas, Lashman Singh

Responsibility: Malik, Anushay; Rajdeep

Geographic Access: Woodsworth Street

Accession Code: BV022.29.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area; Capitol Hill Area

Related Material: See also BV022.29.5 - Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate; Interview is conducted in English with various segments of discussion in Punjabi; Transcript of interview available upon request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Kalwant Singh

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0001_003.mp3

Interview with Norman Dowad

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19638

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information …

1 image 1 document 1 audio

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 recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Norman Dowad Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: August 14, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:14:37 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 Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information about his grandfather Samuel Dowad's immigration to Canada and his father Wilfred Dowad's military service and successes as a property developer. 00:14:39 – 00:17:26 Norm provides background information on his mother’s side of the family. 00:17:27 – 00:31:36 Norm talks about his childhood, growing up in the Deer Lake neighbourhood, his early education in Burnaby and sports that he played. 00:31:37 – 00:39:59 Norm talks about his educational experiences attending Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall law school and information regarding his law career. 00:40:00 – 00:45:03 Norm reflects on his childhood growing up in Burnaby and on his experiences and relationships as a student and in his career as a lawyer. 00:45:04 – 01:01:37 Norm talks about his siblings and shares information about family property development projects as well as career and business successes. In closing he talks about research that he’s done through Archives Canada on his grandfather Sam Dowad and father Wilfred Dowad.

History: Interviewee biography: Normam Dowad was born and rasied in Burnaby. Norm graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School, Simon Fraser University for one year, and obtained his law degree from York University. Norman began practicing law in 1974 years and has his own law practice that he operates out of Vancouver as of 2023. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.