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Helen 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark591
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Geographic Access
- Hastings Street
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 12771
- Enactment Date
- 19/04/2010
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Heritage Value
- While the building here is of some importance as the former North Burnaby municipal office, its primary importance is its delightful neon sign that has become a North Burnaby landmark. Helen Arnold opened Helen’s Childrens Wear shop in the building next door to the old Municipal offices in 1948. In 1955, when North Burnaby moved out, she moved into the vacated building. As part of the renovations, Helen enlisted the assistance of her good friend Jimmy Wallace, owner of Vancouver’s Wallace Neon Company, to create a new sign for her expanded business. One of the company’s designers, Reeve Lehman, created the swinging neon girl that was installed in 1956. Designed in two parts, one section of the sign is cloud shaped and reads ‘Helen’s’ while the other section is a moving representation of a little girl on a swing. The sign is nine feet six inches high and nine feet wide, and the lower section is animated with an internal motor and gears. It immediately became a landmark on Hastings Street, and recently the sign’s design fame has spread far and wide as one of the best surviving examples of kinetic neon art in North America.
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Willingdon Heights Area
- Community
- Burnaby
- Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear
- Street Address
- 4142 Hastings Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
![1000 Block Gilley Avenue, [1955] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-672.jpg?width=280)
1000 Block Gilley Avenue
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38085
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1955] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 21.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the 1000 block of Gilley Avenue (later renumbered the 8000 block) looking south towards Marine Drive in the snow.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1955] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 21.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-672
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the 1000 block of Gilley Avenue (later renumbered the 8000 block) looking south towards Marine Drive in the snow.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Negative has a pink cast
- Geographic Access
- Gilley Avenue
- Planning Study Area
- Clinton-Glenwood Area
- Stride Hill Area
Images
![1000 Block Gilley Avenue, [1955] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-672.jpg)
![311 Madison Avenue, [1949 or 1950] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-204.jpg?width=280)
311 Madison Avenue
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37616
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1949 or 1950] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a side view of 311 Madison Avenue, in the snow. The photograph was taken from Madison Avenue.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1949 or 1950] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-204
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a side view of 311 Madison Avenue, in the snow. The photograph was taken from Madison Avenue.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- Madison Avenue
- Street Address
- 311 Madison Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
Images
![311 Madison Avenue, [1949 or 1950] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-204.jpg)
![4674 Southlawn Drive, [1958] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-461.jpg?width=280)
4674 Southlawn Drive
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37873
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.8 x 2.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of 4674 Southlawn Drive in the snow. The snow-covered road can be seen in front of the house.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.8 x 2.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.7 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-461
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of 4674 Southlawn Drive in the snow. The snow-covered road can be seen in front of the house.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Negative has a pink cast
- Geographic Access
- Southlawn Drive
- Street Address
- 4674 Southlawn Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Brentwood Area
Images
![4674 Southlawn Drive, [1958] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-461.jpg)
![5987 Malvern Avenue during snowfall, [1958 or 1959] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-170.jpg?width=280)
5987 Malvern Avenue during snowfall
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37582
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958 or 1959] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the front of 5987 Malvern Avenue during a heavy snowfall. Someone is standing outside the house under an umbrella.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958 or 1959] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-170
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the front of 5987 Malvern Avenue during a heavy snowfall. Someone is standing outside the house under an umbrella.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Negative has a pink cast
- Geographic Access
- Malvern Avenue
- Street Address
- 5987 Malvern Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
![5987 Malvern Avenue during snowfall, [1958 or 1959] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-170.jpg)
![Looking northwest from Roberts' property, [1951] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/600/620-025.jpg?width=280)
Looking northwest from Roberts' property
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91844
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 cm x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the house and mushroom barns located at 3107 Dominion Street and the chicken house and garage at 3093 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The photograph was taken from the Roberts' property, looking northwest.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 cm x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-025
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the house and mushroom barns located at 3107 Dominion Street and the chicken house and garage at 3093 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The photograph was taken from the Roberts' property, looking northwest.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.25"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "3107 (5493) Dominion St. / Prob 1951"
- Stamp in black ink of verso of photograph reads: "500"
- 3107 Dominion Street later renumbered 5493 Dominion Street and then subdivided into two lots: 5491 and 5495 Dominion Street.
- Street Address
- 3017 Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
![Looking northwest from Roberts' property, [1951] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/600/620-025.jpg)
Looking west from Douglas Road
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91831
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1951
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 cm x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Kathryn and Elizabeth Small standing in front of the Roberts' house at 5118 Douglas Road. Snow covers the ground, trees, and house and the girls wear winter coats. The photograph was taken from Douglas Road, looking west.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1951
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 cm x 9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-012
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Kathryn and Elizabeth Small standing in front of the Roberts' house at 5118 Douglas Road. Snow covers the ground, trees, and house and the girls wear winter coats. The photograph was taken from Douglas Road, looking west.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Kathryn and Elizabeth / Jan [struck through] 1951"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "March?"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.12"
- Stamp in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "754"
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
![Underhill family home, [between 1945 and 1955] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-128.jpg?width=280)
Underhill family home
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37540
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1945 and 1955] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 2.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dr. Underhill's home at 3789 Yale Street.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1945 and 1955] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 2.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-128
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dr. Underhill's home at 3789 Yale Street.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- Yale Street
- Street Address
- 3789 Yale Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
Images
![Underhill family home, [between 1945 and 1955] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-128.jpg)
Yanko family house
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription79737
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Yanko family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Yanko family house at 7385 Broadway (later renumbered 7391) in Burnaby after a snowfall.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Yanko family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Material Details
- Secured to album page with photo corners
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 545-239
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2012-09
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Yanko family house at 7385 Broadway (later renumbered 7391) in Burnaby after a snowfall.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Note written on album page reads: "1957 Rhonda Sherrie / Burnaby House garage / Swing made by Uncle Fred"
- Street Address
- 7391 Broadway
- Planning Study Area
- Sperling-Broadway Area
Images
Campsite Collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4589
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1958 and 2002]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file : 33 photographs + textual records + other material
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photographs, an illustration, ephemera and histories about Burnaby Guiding Camps including Burnaby Chalet on Cypress Mountain, Galalina Camp at Camp Olave near Sechelt B.C., Burnaby Guide Camp at Wilson Creek and a few postcards of Camp Tsoona, Rosedale B.C. A collection of written…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file : 33 photographs + textual records + other material
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photographs, an illustration, ephemera and histories about Burnaby Guiding Camps including Burnaby Chalet on Cypress Mountain, Galalina Camp at Camp Olave near Sechelt B.C., Burnaby Guide Camp at Wilson Creek and a few postcards of Camp Tsoona, Rosedale B.C. A collection of written material provides historical background regarding the two storey cabin on Hollyburn Mountain. The cabin was purchased by Burnaby Girl Guides in 1964 and appropriately named Burnaby Chalet. A Chalet Committee was formed with representatives from each Division appointing a Chalet Manageress to handle reservations. This typical ski cabin can accomodate up to 40 people. The file also includes a "Campsite Log Book" for the Hollyburn Chalet with handwritten notes from 1981 and 1982, an embroidered triangular shaped badge "Burnaby Royal / Girl Guides / Hollyburn Chalet" and a dedication ceremony program for "Burnaby Guide Camp / June 8, 1958" (Wilson Creek).
- Subjects
- Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
- Recreational Activities - Camping
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Geographic Features - Beaches
- Names
- Girl Guides of Canada
- Accession Code
- BV015.35.161
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 1958 and 2002]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
![Back yard of 5118 Douglas Road, [1951] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/600/620-019.jpg?width=280)
Back yard of 5118 Douglas Road
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91838
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 cm x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard and screened summer house at 5118 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The summer house was used by the Roberts children for sleeping outdoors in the summertime and by the Small children as a playhouse. It rotted and collapsed in the 1960s, likely following the "Big Snow" of …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 cm x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-019
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard and screened summer house at 5118 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The summer house was used by the Roberts children for sleeping outdoors in the summertime and by the Small children as a playhouse. It rotted and collapsed in the 1960s, likely following the "Big Snow" of December 1964.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Summer House in the Snow / Burnaby - 1951?"
- Note in blue ink on verson of photograph reads: "P.19"
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
![Back yard of 5118 Douglas Road, [1951] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/600/620-019.jpg)
![Walking to June Ickringills house, [1957 or 1958] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/246-011.jpg?width=280)
Walking to June Ickringills house
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription52971
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1957 or 1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm, mounted on heavy-weight paper 17.5 x 27.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four kindergartners walking along a gravel sidewalk, along a gravel road to June Ickringills house. The girl in front is wearing a plaid dress, and the three boys behind her are wearing short pants and short-sleeve dress shirts. There is a woman in a white dress walking on the other s…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1957 or 1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Tinkerbell Kindergarten subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm, mounted on heavy-weight paper 17.5 x 27.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 246-011
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1990-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four kindergartners walking along a gravel sidewalk, along a gravel road to June Ickringills house. The girl in front is wearing a plaid dress, and the three boys behind her are wearing short pants and short-sleeve dress shirts. There is a woman in a white dress walking on the other side of the street, in front of a house with a white picket fence.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Handwritten note on paper mount reads: "Visit to June Ickringill's Home 1957-1958"
Images
![Walking to June Ickringills house, [1957 or 1958] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/246-011.jpg)
Oral history interview with Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19146
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 29 Jun. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (02:06:53 min) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (02:06:53 min)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an audio recording of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos conducted by Denise Fong with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview, Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos discuss; their ancestral background, childhood, pla…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (02:06:53 min) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (02:06:53 min)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Denise Fong Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewees: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos Location of Interview: Home of Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos on Victory Street, Burnaby Date of interview: June 29, 2022 Total Number of Tracks: 3 Total length of all Tracks: 02:06:53 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto 3 separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an audio recording of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos conducted by Denise Fong with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview, Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos discuss; their ancestral background, childhood, places of residence, education, career history, how they met, Jimmy's experience working in the film industry, their home in Burnaby and their neighbourhood, their political activism in Burnaby, Robin Chung Dip's work in Vancouver’s' Chinatown, the gambling scene in Vancouver prior to legalized forms of gambling and their memories of supper clubs in Vancouver. 00:00 - 5:57 Opening introductions where Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos provide information on their full names, their birth places and their ancestral background. Jimmy clarifies that his birth name is Hipman Chow but that he was given the English name “Jimmy” by his father when he came to Canada. Jimmy shares that he was born in 1948, in the Village of Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China and immigrated to British Columbia with his mother, Gim Gee Chow in 1950 to escape the Communist Regime and to join his father who had already immigrated to Canada. Jimmy imparts that many Chinese immigrated to British Columbia in search of a better life, referring to it as “Gold Mountain” and that even though they faced extreme racial discrimination that many stayed since they felt that it was better than returning. Donna Polos shares ancestral information on both her maternal and paternal sides of the family. Donna’s mother’s family came from Helsinki, Finland. Donna’s paternal grandmother emigrated from Ukraine to Argentina and then to Winnipeg. Donna’s paternal grandfather, James Kostopolus (renamed Polos) emigrated as a 12 year old orphan from Sparta, Greece to the United States but was denied entry so ended up going to Halifax and eventually made his way to Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, he became a restaurant proprietor and over the years, he owned and operated three restaurants in Vancouver, including; “Jimmy’s Café” (next door the Astoria Hotel); “Home Apple Pie Café” (Princess Avenue & Hastings Street) and a restaurant that was located on Alma Street. 05:58 - 13:28 Jimmy recollects in further detail, the many places that his family lived over the years. Jimmy’s father Robin Chung Dip Chow immigrated to Vancouver at the age of 14 years and worked and lived in Victoria and Vancouver. In 1950, Jimmy and his mother fled China, first to Hong Kong and then to Vancouver to join his father. Soon after arriving in Vancouver, for the next four years, he and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec City where his father, Robin had work in restaurants and hotels. Jimmy attended school while the family lived in these different places and began to learn English. After four years, the family returned to Vancouver, first living in areas of Chinatown and Strathcona before settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. Jimmy shares his memories of growing up in Strathcona and the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, schools that he attended and the friendships that he made. Jimmy recollects details about the old Bethlehem Lutheran Church that he attended and describes the demands of the education required to become a Lutheran minister. 13:29 - 15:47 Jimmy tells of how his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow had to pay the Chinese Head Tax of $500 when he arrived in Vancouver at 14 years of age (1921) and how his father had to work hard pay off the head tax over the years. Denise Fong and Jimmy Chow, talk about the origin of a photograph portrait of Jimmy Chow that was taken around 1954 and speculate whether it might have been taken by well known portrait photographer, Yucho Chow. 15:48 - 19:33 Donna Polos recollects the many locations that her family lived while she was growing up in Vancouver. First residing at various locations in the downtown east side of Vancouver before moving to a home near Joyce Station where she lived until 21 years old. After 21 years of age, Donna moved in with roommates in Vancouver before moving in with Jimmy in North Burnaby in 1972. In 1976 Donna and Jimmy purchased their home on Victory Street. Both Donna and Jimmy talk about their careers after high school. Jimmy talks about how he worked at the Supervalu grocery store near his house. Jimmy planned to use his savings from his job to travel but instead he used his savings for a down payment on a house with Donna. Donna imparts that after obtaining her teaching degree she began working in Burnaby schools, eventually teaching at Burnaby South. 19:34 - 32:08 Both Jimmy and Donna share their educational background and experiences growing up. Jimmy first attended Florence Nightingale elementary in Strathcona, then Mount Pleasant Elementary and later high school at 24th Avenue and Main Street. Donna lists the schools that she attended including; elementary school in Strathcona, Carlton Elementary School at Kingsway and Joyce, Windermere High School, Vancouver City College (Langara) and the University of British Columbia. Donna and Jimmy reflect on public transportation that was available during the time they were growing up. Donna recollects her childhood growing up in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station, the freedom that she experienced playing outside in nature and what inspired her to become a teacher. Jimmy reflects on some of his mentors and about his first experience seeing movies as a young child at a cinema in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Donna communicates her own experiences of sexism throughout her high school, college and university education (1968-1972). 32:09 - 36:18 Donna talks about her career history and some of her major turning points. Donna recollects starting out as a Chemistry lab assistant, marking math papers before working as a teacher on call and eventually being hired as a teacher at Clinton Elementary School where she taught for nine years. Donna shares a memory of her first experience working as a teacher on call at Gilmore Elementary School and the fire that occurred there. After starting a family (Jimmy and Donna had three children) Donna worked part time teaching while Jimmy worked full time in film. Donna, shares that in 1991, after a near death experience, she became interested in fine art and took drawing and watercolour painting classes. With this experience, Donna experimented with different painting techniques on paper and fabric. Donna tells of how she retired from teaching in 2008 but continued to participate in the schools as an Artist in Residence. 36:19 - 58:18 Jimmy talks about his work and career history. He shares memories of his experiences as a young boy delivering newspapers, working at a local pharmacy, stocking shelves at the local supermarket, and his experience working with troubled youth and of how he thought that he might like to become a social worker. Jimmy tells of how he was uncertain of what to do until he got a job with the CBC in 1973 which eventually launched his career as a property master in the film industry, becoming a member of IATSE and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures. Jimmy describes in detail what it means to be a property master and the work that is entailed in the film industry. 58:19 - 1:07:45 Donna Polos describes her art practice and her connection to Burnaby. Donna recollects how she first started working with textiles and fabrics from a young age and how this later inspired her to develop her own watercolour techniques of painting on paper, canvas and fabrics. Donna describes how she first got started by taking art classes in Burnaby and now has over 31 years of experience working in watercolour. Donna has worked as an Artist in Residence in Burnaby schools, been a member of the Burnaby Arts Council, had her first show in 1997 and has been involved in many art projects over the years. Donna describes the style of her work, first starting with more figurative work, social commentary and still life and that now most of her work is landscape based. Donna coveys that as a political activist in Burnaby, she was an active participant in the development of a tree bylaw, has petitioned to protect renters from demo-evictions and the impacts of future development on the local environment. 1:07:46 - 1:07:59 Background discussion between Denise Fong and Kate Petrusa re interviews. 1:08:00 - 1:26:36 Jimmy provides information on his connection to the local film industry and the changes that have occurred over the years. Jimmy describes the first studios on the North Shore and the eventual establishment of Bridge Studios on Boundary Road. Jimmy shares that in 1988, he and some of his colleagues in the film industry put a proposal together to buy the Bridge Studios but it didn't go through. Since the Bridge Studios and other film studios have been established in Burnaby and Vancouver, the industry has grown exponentially. Jimmy became the 54th member of the local IATSE union. Jimmy describes some of his experiences working on various productions including "Seven Years in Tibet", provides a description of what a film studio is, how it is used and the differences between working in the film industry in the United States and British Columbia. 1:26:37 - 1:32:46 Jimmy and Donna recollect how they first met, buying a house in Burnaby, getting married and starting a family. The two share memories of their wedding in White Rock and Jimmy talks about the Chinese hair cutting ceremony in recognition of their first born child that took place in Chinatown in Vancouver. Jimmy tells of how his parents had hopes of him marrying a Chinese woman and his mother began introducing him to a few young Chinese women from the time he was 16 years old. Jimmy mentions that his parents rarely used Western Medicine and relied on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Donna and Jimmy talk about Jimmy's parents, when they died and how happy his parents were to have grandchildren. 1:32:47 - 1:40:13 Jimmy and Donna talk about their house on Victory Street which they purchased in 1976. They share information on the history of the house, how it was built in 1939 by Norm Clark, how they fell in love with the design of the house and the neighbourhood. 1:40:14 - 1:58:31 Jimmy and Donna share information on their family life in Burnaby, their neighbourhood and favourite places in Burnaby. Donna lists the schools that their three children attended including; Nelson Avenue School, Burnaby South High School and Burnaby Central High School. Both Donna and Jimmy convey that all of their children played soccer and the benefits that the sport provided them. Donna and Jimmy talk about how the neighbourhood has changed over the years, the benefits of where they live, their fondness for built heritage and the many parks and trees in Burnaby. 1:58:32 - 2:02:50 Jimmy begins to share information on his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow's employment history. Jimmy recalls that his father, Robin worked in a variety of jobs over the years and as a young child, Jimmy was uncertain of what his father's job was but thought that he worked in accounting. He mentions that his father stopped working at 45 years of age due to a problem with his Achilles tendon. Jimmy describes his father as an intellectual who worked at gambling houses in Vancouver's Chinatown where people played mah-jong and fan-tan. Jimmy recollects that these were large clubs with lots of employees. His father never gambled but he was good with money so he worked on the management side. Jimmy mentions that while working in the film industry, his father took him and some of his film colleagues into some of the gambling houses in Chinatown to assist them with a production that they were working on. 2:02:51 - 2:06:58 Donna shares her own family history regarding gambling. She mentions that her uncle worked as a high end "bookie" in Vancouver and how in 1968, her uncle was arrested but got let go with just a small fine. Jimmy describes what gambling was like in those days with various sweepstakes, not under the jurisdiction of the government like it is today. Both Donna and Jimmy recollect the popularity of supper clubs their memories of Vie's Chicken and Steak House that was located in Hogan's Alley. Jimmy laments the destruction of Hogan's Alley and the other proposals that were brought forward that would change Chinatown and Strathcona.
- History
- Interviewees biography: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow was born in Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China in 1948. In 1950, Jimmy Chow immigrated to Vancouver from China with his mother, Gim Gee Chow to join his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow who'd immigrated to Canada at 14 years of age in 1921. For the first four years after immigrating, Jimmy and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec before returning to Vancouver around 1954. Jimmy and his family then lived and worked in Vancouver eventually settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. In the early 1970s, Jimmy met his future wife Donna Polos and they married in 1981. Donna Polos was born in 1949 to Donald James Polos and Mayme "May" Helen Tilikana Polos and grew up in Vancouver. Between the age of 5 and 21 years, Donna lived in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station. In 1976, Jimmy and Donna purchased and moved into a house on Victory Street in Burnaby where they still live today. While living on Victory Street, they've raised their three children. Donna received her teaching degree and taught in elementary schools for many years. In 1991, after a near death experience, Donna developed an interest in drawing and painting and began experimenting with water colour painting on fabric. Donna has since exhibited her work widely, participated as an Artist in Residence in Burnaby schools and is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Jimmy entered the film industry in 1973, gaining experience and recognition as a property master and has worked on many films over a 45 year career. 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
- Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
- Buildings - Residential
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Education
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods
- Government - Local Government
- Industries - Film
- Migration
- Occupations
- Occupations - Artists
- Occupations - Grocers
- Occupations - Entrepreneurs
- Occupations - Teachers
- Persons - Chinese Canadians
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports - Soccer
- Names
- Bridge Studios
- Chow, Gim Gee Dang
- Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
- Chow, Robin Chung Dip
- Polos, Donna
- Polos, James "Jimmy", 1898-1962
- Polos, Donald James
- Polos, Mayme "May" Helen Tilikana
- Geographic Access
- Victory Street
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.1
- Date
- 29 Jun. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of recording
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Audio Tracks
Oral history interview with Hipman
Oral history interview with Hipman
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0021_0001_004.mp3
B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1309 tram on Central Park Line
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2896
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1953
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1309 travelling along the Central Park Line westbound to Vancouver between Collingwood West and Earls Road after a winter storm. The tracks and hillside are covered with snow.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1309 travelling along the Central Park Line westbound to Vancouver between Collingwood West and Earls Road after a winter storm. The tracks and hillside are covered with snow.
- Accession Code
- BV012.36.4
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 1953
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2022-07-26
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Typewritten text on verso of photograph reads: "Home built B.C.E.R. #1309 hurries along / Central Park line westbound to Vancovuer / between Collingwood West and Earls Road / after a winter snow storm in 1953"
Images
Woodworking Plant
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35247
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1954 (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 James Brookes Woodworking Plant, located at 7730 6th Street, taken from 6th Avenue after a heavy snowfall. The plant was built originally as Cliff's Can Factory, and also served as Western Canadian Can Factory.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1954 (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Pioneer Tales subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 204-104
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1988-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of James Brookes Woodworking Plant, located at 7730 6th Street, taken from 6th Avenue after a heavy snowfall. The plant was built originally as Cliff's Can Factory, and also served as Western Canadian Can Factory.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- 6th Street
- Street Address
- 7730 6th Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Second Street Area
Images
From 4042 Yale Street
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37628
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1952 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 4.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph taken looking north from 4042 Yale Street. Burrard Inlet and the northshore mountains are visible in the background, and there is snow.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1952 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 4.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-216
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph taken looking north from 4042 Yale Street. Burrard Inlet and the northshore mountains are visible in the background, and there is snow.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Geographic Features - Inlets
- Geographic Features - Mountains
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- Yale Street
- Street Address
- 4042 Yale Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
Images
![New Vista Society Housing Projects, [between 1949 and 1957] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/513/514-013.jpg?width=280)
New Vista Society Housing Projects
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64687
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1949 and 1957]
- Collection/Fonds
- Ernest Winch fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of an unpaved road lined with New Vista Society Housing Projects.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1949 and 1957]
- Collection/Fonds
- Ernest Winch fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8 x 13 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 514-013
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2010-06
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of an unpaved road lined with New Vista Society Housing Projects.
- Names
- New Vista Society
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Handwritten in border of photograph: "1-2-3"
Images
![New Vista Society Housing Projects, [between 1949 and 1957] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/513/514-013.jpg)
![Blythe Eagles outside his home, [between 1955 and 1960] (date of original), copied 1996 thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/245-002.jpg?width=280)
Blythe Eagles outside his home
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51540
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1955 and 1960] (date of original), copied 1996
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w copy negative ; 4 x 5.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Blythe Eagles standing in front of the Eagles' estate at Deer Lake.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1955 and 1960] (date of original), copied 1996
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Eagles family subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w copy negative ; 4 x 5.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 245-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1990-11
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Blythe Eagles standing in front of the Eagles' estate at Deer Lake.
- Names
- Eagles, Dr. Blythe
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w ; 12.7 x 17.7 cm print accompanying
- Geographic Access
- Sperling Avenue
- Street Address
- 5655 Sperling Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
![Blythe Eagles outside his home, [between 1955 and 1960] (date of original), copied 1996 thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/245-002.jpg)
B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1306 on Central Park Line
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2902
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1952
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Phototgraph of B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1306 running on the tracks between Earles Road and Collingwood west on the Central Park Line. The ground is covered with snow.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Phototgraph of B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1306 running on the tracks between Earles Road and Collingwood west on the Central Park Line. The ground is covered with snow.
- Accession Code
- BV012.36.10
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 1952
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2022-07-26
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- "Khulman built BCER #1306 / running between Earles Road and Collingwood / west on Central Park Line 1952 / Earles Road substation in background"
Images
Bea Mengel, Sandy Matheson and Pat Loynes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37669
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1954 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a woman and two children in the snow on the 6100 block of Kathleen Avenue. Clockwise from top: Bea Mengel, Sandy Matheson, and Pat Loynes.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1954 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-257
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a woman and two children in the snow on the 6100 block of Kathleen Avenue. Clockwise from top: Bea Mengel, Sandy Matheson, and Pat Loynes.
- Subjects
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Negative has a pink cast
- Geographic Access
- Kathleen Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
Images
