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100 records – page 2 of 5.

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4473
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:25 min)
Scope and Content
Track 7: This portion of the recording pertains to changes in Burnaby since Janet’s childhood, and her continuing connection to the community and its values. She also describes her family’s shopping routines from the 1940s and 1950s, which centred on the Super Value at Canada Way and Smith St., and…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:25 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34
Scope and Content
Track 7: This portion of the recording pertains to changes in Burnaby since Janet’s childhood, and her continuing connection to the community and its values. She also describes her family’s shopping routines from the 1940s and 1950s, which centred on the Super Value at Canada Way and Smith St., and the Hudson’s Bay store downtown. When Woodward’s and Sears opened, the family also shopped there occasionally.
History
Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Gooden, Tom
White, Janet
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Smith Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.45.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7, [1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7, [1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_007.mp3
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Ming Wo opening

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97481
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Albert Close, the area manager for Henkels Canada, and Ernest Neuman, the NewsLeader's food columnist, at the grand opening of the Ming Wo cookware store in Lougheed Mall. Close is demonstrating how to sharpen a knife as Neuman watches, and they both stand in front of the Ming Wo sign.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2002]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-2820
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Albert Close, the area manager for Henkels Canada, and Ernest Neuman, the NewsLeader's food columnist, at the grand opening of the Ming Wo cookware store in Lougheed Mall. Close is demonstrating how to sharpen a knife as Neuman watches, and they both stand in front of the Ming Wo sign.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Events - Openings
Names
Lougheed Town Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in an October 2002 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Albert Close, the area manager for Henkels Canada, demonstrates the proper technique for maintaining a knife's edge to the Newsleader's food columnist, Ernest Neuman, at the grand opening of the Ming Wo cookware shop in Lougheed Mall."
Geographic Access
Austin Road
Street Address
9855 Austin Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
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Habitat For Humanity construction site

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96366
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Simon Gould, the chair of the construction committee for Habitat For Humanity, leaning against a shovel. Gould stands in the foundation and construction site for Habitat for Humanity's second townhouse project. A number of other townhouses are visible in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-2047
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Simon Gould, the chair of the construction committee for Habitat For Humanity, leaning against a shovel. Gould stands in the foundation and construction site for Habitat for Humanity's second townhouse project. A number of other townhouses are visible in the background.
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Townhouses
Organizations - Charities
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a March 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Simon Gould, the chair of construction committee for Habitat For Humanity, surveys the foundation which is being prepared for their second townhouse project. The four units should be ready for their new owners by December."
Images
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Habitat for Humanity development

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97695
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
8 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity development in Burnaby and the volunteers at work on the site. Photographs depict volunteers engaged in construction and posing in and around the under-construction townhouses, and close-ups of the muddy ground and a sign signed by volunteers.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
8 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-2970
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity development in Burnaby and the volunteers at work on the site. Photographs depict volunteers engaged in construction and posing in and around the under-construction townhouses, and close-ups of the muddy ground and a sign signed by volunteers.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Townhouses
Construction
Persons - Volunteers
Organizations - Charities
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-1: "Peter Emlick and Peri Hansen are eagerly anticipating moving into their own home at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity development. The couple were amongst the first volunteers at the project, and the first elligible buyers. Habitat for Humanity builds low-income housing for people who would otherwise be unable to afford to own their own homes. Most of the construction is done by volunteers."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-2: "Art Wosminity takes a break from drywall taping in one of the units."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-3: "Volunteers help clean up the site."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-4: "Peri Hansen says she's most thrilled about "finally having a view" from the kitchen of her new home, still under construction at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity. "
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-5: "Mario Galdamez takes in the view from the deck of his townhouse unit at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-6: "Habitat for Humanity projects are built largely by volunteers who exchange "sweat equity" for the chance to live in the developments. But at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity, on a recent Saturday after heavy Fall rains, Mitch Uh felt like he was giving "mud equity.""
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-7: "Kerry MacLaren and Sandy Stephens sort through wood scraps at Burnaby's Habitat for Humanity project."
Caption from metadata for 535-2970-8: "Volunteers at Buranby's Habitat for Humanity project leave behind their signatures on a sign in the worksite's lunch area."
Geographic Access
Government Street
Street Address
8745 Government Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
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St. John the Divine Anglican Church renovations

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96179
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of two workers from Companion Construction cutting a board during renovations to St. John the Divine Anglican Church on Kingsway, after it was designated as a heritage site.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1876
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of two workers from Companion Construction cutting a board during renovations to St. John the Divine Anglican Church on Kingsway, after it was designated as a heritage site.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Buildings - Heritage
Construction
Names
St. John the Divine Anglican Church
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Gary Janzen and Ron Koehn, of Companion Construction, are nearing completion of a six-month project to renovate St. John the Divine Church, on Kingsway in Burnaby. The church is the oldest in Burnaby, built in 1905, and has been designated a heritage site. When the work is completed, it will be sold."
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
3891 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Garden Village Area
Images
Less detail

St. John the Divine Anglican Church restoration

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96267
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ron Koehn of Companion Construction Ltd. standing inside the restored St. John the Divine Church in Burnaby. Koehn is standing next to the large, newly-installed stained glass windows.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1950
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ron Koehn of Companion Construction Ltd. standing inside the restored St. John the Divine Church in Burnaby. Koehn is standing next to the large, newly-installed stained glass windows.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Buildings - Heritage
Construction
Names
St. John the Divine Anglican Church
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Ron Koehn, of Companion Construction Ltd., admires the newly-installed stain glass windows at St. John the Divine Church in Burnaby. The church, the oldest in the city, is nearing completion of a restoration project before it will be sold to new owners."
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
3891 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Garden Village Area
Images
Less detail

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…
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
Less detail

Flower auction and florist's shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96126
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
9 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lucy Lo, a florist at Metro Flowers, during the flower auction at United Flower Growers Co-op on Marine Way and in her shop. Photographs depict the flowers and plants in the warehouse, the bidding theatre and process, and Lo creating floral arrangements.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
9 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1826
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of Lucy Lo, a florist at Metro Flowers, during the flower auction at United Flower Growers Co-op on Marine Way and in her shop. Photographs depict the flowers and plants in the warehouse, the bidding theatre and process, and Lo creating floral arrangements.
Subjects
Buildings - Industrial
Plants - Flowers
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-1: "Auction day starts early for Burnaby florist, Lucy Lo, as she examines the flowers and plants up for sale at the United Flower Growers Co-op, on Marine Way. That means a walk-around tour of the giant warehouse at 5:30 AM to decide what she'll bid on when the auction begins at six."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-2: "Lucy studies the lots in the giant bidding theatre. The flower auction is actually a "Dutch Auction," which means prices start high and go down, with buyers bidding in at the price they're prepared to pay. All the bidding is done by keypad, with transactions recorded and tracked by computer."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-3: "Lucy, and her seatmate, Harold Calton, a florist in Richmond, concentrate as they study prices for the day's flowers. The two will sometimes split a lot one of them has bought if it's too large for their own store."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-4: "Bids at the auction are placed by a keypad that allows buyers to key in the price they're paying and the quantity of lots they're buying. The transactions are recorded by computer and by the time the auction is over, the buyer's purchases are organized and waiting for pickup in the warehouse."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-5: "The auction over, Lucy checks her order in the warehouse."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-6: "Lucy wheels part of her day's purchases to her car. Her husband will pick up the rest in his van. The flowers and plants will be on sale in her two stores the same day."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-7: "Back in her shop in Metrotown, Lucy creates an arrangement."
Caption from metadata for 535-1826-8 and 535-1826-9: "Lucy examines a delicate orchid, in her shop, Metro Flowers."
Geographic Access
Marine Way
Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

John Teti at the Shark Club

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96342
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Teti posing on the roof of the Shark Club. Two condominium towers are visible behind him.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-2023
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Teti posing on the roof of the Shark Club. Two condominium towers are visible behind him.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Buildings - Residential - Condominiums
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a February 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "John Teti, of the Shark Club, is applying to the City of Burnaby to extend their operating hours to 2 AM. The Club is undergoing extensive rennovations in preparation for its March reopening. Teti says the club will also be enclosing its rooftop patio and installing soundproofing to be a good neighbor to the residents of the nearby condominium towers."
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
Less detail

BCIT solar home construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96480
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction worker Jas Chohan checking the level of a foundation wall for a new prefabricated solar home at BCIT. Other pieces of the home on transport trucks are visible in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-2104
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction worker Jas Chohan checking the level of a foundation wall for a new prefabricated solar home at BCIT. Other pieces of the home on transport trucks are visible in the background.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Construction
Names
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a March 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Jas Chohan checks the level on a foundation wall being built at BCIT for a new prefabricated solar home, which is being delivered in pieces in the background."
Geographic Access
Willingdon Avenue
Street Address
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Byrne Creek Secondary School construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96552
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
3 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of the new Byrne Creek Secondary School (Byrne Creek Community School). Photographs depict then-principal Mike Greenway inspecting the construction progress in an atrium and looking out over the central concourse of the building, and an exterior shot of the school under co…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2005]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
3 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-2174
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of the new Byrne Creek Secondary School (Byrne Creek Community School). Photographs depict then-principal Mike Greenway inspecting the construction progress in an atrium and looking out over the central concourse of the building, and an exterior shot of the school under construction.
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Construction
Names
Byrne Creek Secondary School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a March 2005 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2174-1: "Mike Greenway, the principal of the new Byrne Creek Secondary School, checks the progress of construction in one of two atriums that form the spine of the school. It is scheduled to open in September."
Caption from metadata for 535-2174-2: "Mike Greenway, the principal of the new Byrne Creek Secondary School, looks out over the central concourse."
Geographic Access
18th Street
Street Address
7777 18th Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Images
Less detail

Fire Hall No. 5 construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97554
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction worker Dale Keefe on the roof of the new, under-construction Fire Hall No. 5 in North Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-2893
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction worker Dale Keefe on the roof of the new, under-construction Fire Hall No. 5 in North Burnaby.
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Civic - Fire Halls
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in an October 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Dale Keefe keeps his balance as he negotiates his way along the canopy at the new North Burnaby Fire Hall, being constructed on Hastings St."
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Street Address
4211 Hastings Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Images
Less detail

Habitat for Humanity Government St. project

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95935
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
3 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity housing project being built on Government St. Photographs depict volunteers working on the construction of the project and the chair of the board posing with a pick axe.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
3 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1705
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of a Habitat for Humanity housing project being built on Government St. Photographs depict volunteers working on the construction of the project and the chair of the board posing with a pick axe.
Subjects
Construction
Persons - Volunteers
Organizations - Charities
Buildings - Residential
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a December 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1705-1: "Len Horton, one of the volunteer workers at the new Habitat for Humanity housing project, being built on Government St., digs a storm drainage trench."
Caption from metadata for 535-1705-2: "Gloria Levi is the chair of the board of directors of the Habitat for Humanity project, being built on Government St., but she's not afraid to get her hands dirty."
Caption from metadata for 535-1705-3: "Simon Gould volunteers his time to help construct the Habitat for Humanity project, being built on Government St."
Geographic Access
Government Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
Less detail

Harry Jerome Sports Centre roof installation

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96106
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs that show construction workers removing the old roof and installing the new inflatable roof at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2003]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-1812
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs that show construction workers removing the old roof and installing the new inflatable roof at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre.
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Recreational - Sports
Names
Harry Jerome Sports Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a January 2003 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-1812-1: "It's a tight squeeze for workers as they remove the old roof at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre to get ready for the installation of a new roof."
Caption from metadata for 535-1812-2: "Workers unfold the new roof to be installed at the Harry Jerome Sports Centre. With the old roof deflated, the new roof will be inflated over it before the old one is removed."
Geographic Access
Barnet Road
Street Address
7564 Barnet Road
Historic Neighbourhood
Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory404
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1969-2012
Length
0:08:06
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
Date Range
1969-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:08:06
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Residences - Houses
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

Less detail

Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory405
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1949-2012
Length
0:07:25
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the postwar construction boom in comparison to the modern day. Ron discusses the changes in construction practices which lead to the leaky condo phenomenon.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the postwar construction boom in comparison to the modern day. Ron discusses the changes in construction practices which lead to the leaky condo phenomenon.
Date Range
1949-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:07:25
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Residences
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

Less detail

Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory406
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1949-2012
Length
0:09:51
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to construction regulations over the years. Ron discusses Burnaby's industrial construction during the postwar era and beyond. He explains environmental and municipal regulations in relation to common practices within th…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to construction regulations over the years. Ron discusses Burnaby's industrial construction during the postwar era and beyond. He explains environmental and municipal regulations in relation to common practices within the construction industry.
Date Range
1949-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:09:51
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Industrial
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

Less detail

Looking north from 5496 Dominion Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91855
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2002
Collection/Fonds
Small family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the house at 5493 Dominion Street being demolished. The house was previously owned by the McLean family. The photograph was taken from 5496 Dominion Street, looking north.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2002
Collection/Fonds
Small family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
620-036
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2017-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of the house at 5493 Dominion Street being demolished. The house was previously owned by the McLean family. The photograph was taken from 5496 Dominion Street, looking north.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Construction Tools and Equipment
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Transcribed title
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.35"
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "2002"
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Farewell [illegible] old house on Dominion Street"
5493 Dominion Street was previously numbered 3107 Dominion Street and it was later subdivided into two lots: 5491 and 5495 Dominion Street.
Street Address
3107 Dominion Street
5493 Dominion Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
Less detail

McGill Library construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96905
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of staff in new McGill Library, in the final stages of its construction. Photographs depict Linnea Gibbs, the Branch Librarian, viewing Confederation Park through the library's windows, and Gibbs and Kathryn Lee, the children's librarian, at the under-construction informat…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
2 photographs (tiff) : col.
Description Level
File
Record No.
535-2462
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
File contains photographs of staff in new McGill Library, in the final stages of its construction. Photographs depict Linnea Gibbs, the Branch Librarian, viewing Confederation Park through the library's windows, and Gibbs and Kathryn Lee, the children's librarian, at the under-construction information counter.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Libraries
Construction
Names
Burnaby Public Library
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a May 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata for 535-2462-1: "Linnea Gibbs, the Branch Librarian at the McGill Library, admires the view of the North Shore Mountains from the library's new building, which is in the final stages of construction behind the old building."
Caption from metadata for 535-2462-2: "Kathryn Lee, the children's librarian, and Linnea Gibbs, the branch librarian, discuss their plans for the giant new information counter at the McGill Library's new home, nearly completed behind the old branch."
Geographic Access
Confederation Park
Albert Street
Street Address
4595 Albert Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

McGill Library construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97106
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of librarian Linnea Gibbs, vice-chair of the Burnaby Public Library Board Ernest Neumann, and chair Brenda Wagg standing in front of the construction site for the new McGill Library branch on Albert Street.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-2633
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2018-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of librarian Linnea Gibbs, vice-chair of the Burnaby Public Library Board Ernest Neumann, and chair Brenda Wagg standing in front of the construction site for the new McGill Library branch on Albert Street.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Libraries
Construction
Names
Burnaby Public Library
Burnaby Public Library Board
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bartel, Mario
Notes
Title based on caption
Collected by editorial for use in a July 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
Caption from metadata: "Linnea Gibbs (R), the librarian at the McGill branch of the Burnaby Public Library, discusses the progress of construction on the branch's new addition with Ernest Neumann, vice-chair of the Library Board, and Brenda Wagg, the chair."
Geographic Access
Albert Street
Street Address
4595 Albert Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

100 records – page 2 of 5.