More like 'Lougheed Mall community service award'

100 records – page 5 of 5.

Beatrice Goodridge holding child

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20282
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1925 and 1935]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 10 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Beatrice Goodridge holding a child outside the Goodridge grocery store on Hastings Street in Burnaby. The child could be Beatrice's or one of her sister's.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 10 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Beatrice Goodridge holding a child outside the Goodridge grocery store on Hastings Street in Burnaby. The child could be Beatrice's or one of her sister's.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Persons - Children
Names
Craig, Beatrice Alexandra Goodridge Nixon
Accession Code
BV023.15.8
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1925 and 1935]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
3200
Scan Date
2023-09-21
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w contact sheet accompanying
Images
Less detail

Cars lined up in front of BC Auto Company store

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription983
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1907]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9.9 x 24.2 cm mounted on cardboard 21.4 x 34.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of twelve cars lined up on the street in front of the BC Auto Company store depicted in photography HV973.22.3. There are mostly men in suits looking at the cars, but there is at least one woman and few children who are among the men. The auto store is flanked on both sides by various c…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9.9 x 24.2 cm mounted on cardboard 21.4 x 34.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of twelve cars lined up on the street in front of the BC Auto Company store depicted in photography HV973.22.3. There are mostly men in suits looking at the cars, but there is at least one woman and few children who are among the men. The auto store is flanked on both sides by various commercial stores. The annotation on the back of the card (onto which the photograph is mounted) partially identifies the people and cars in the photo. 1st car (from the right): 4-cylinder Buick, "C.A. Ross at wheel." 4th car : 2-cylinder Buick, "Chief Carlisle at wheel." 5th car: 2-cylinder Buick, Mr. & Mrs. Guinett. 7th car: 4-cylinder Buick, Mr. Brown and W.W.B. McInnis. 9th car: 4-cylinder Wayne, G. Mitchell and G. Corineau Jr. standing in front. Last car: "Russel Sight seeing car sold to Mr. Sterton for trips around Stanley Park." Also annotated on the back of the card: "1907 / 4 Cyl Buick CA Ross at wheel / 5- 2 Cyl Buicks / 2- 4 Cyl Buicks / 1- Wayne 4 Cyl / 2- Pierce Racine 7 Pass 4 Cyl / 1- Beeston Humber 4 Cyl / 1- Russell Sight Seeing Car." The acquisition record identifies the street as the 900 block, Granville Street. Printed in white on the front lower left of the card: Wadds Bros, Vancouver BC."
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Automobile Dealerships
Transportation - Automobiles
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Names
British Columbia Auto Company
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV973.22.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1907]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-05-09
Photographer
Wadds Brothers
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20395
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (41 min., 57 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (41 min., 57 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronak…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (41 min., 57 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (41 min., 57 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Alex Chronakis and Georgia Chronakis Location of Interview: Fraser Wilson Room, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 41:57 Digital master recordings (wav) were converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronakis, including their Greek background, migration to Canada, marriage, children, Louis’ career as a mechanic and gas station owner and owning restaurants in White Rock and Burnaby. 00:08:40 - 00:13:59 Georgia and her son Alex recall the great memories of owning and operating their restaurant Mionas Taverna and share details of their family life in Burnaby and White Rock. 00:14:00 - 00:19:15 Alex and Georgia talk about Louis Chronakis' work experience and how he became involved in the restaurant business. They share their experiences of operating Minoas Taverna including their opening in 1986. 00:19:16 - 00:36:59 Alex and Georgia describe some of the foods that were on the menu of Minoas Taverna, the design of the restaurant, the Minoan history that it’s based on, memories of running the restaurant and why they decided to close. 00:37:00 – 00:41:52 Alex talks about his involvement with Greek festivals in Vancouver and Alex and Georgia reflect on their life in the future now that the restaurant has closed.
History
Interviewees biographies: Georgia Giannias Chronakis was born in Selassia, Sparta, Greece in 1941 and when she was sixteen years of age she moved to Athens. In 1964 Georgia immigrated to Canada and lived in Montreal before moving to Vancouver a few years later. In 1966, while living in Vancouver, she met and married Ilias "Louis" Chronakis who was born in Crete, Greece. Soon after marrying, Georgia and Louis Chronakis bought a house located at 3823 Kingsway and welcomed their first child, Anna. Four years later, Georgia and Louis moved to White Rock but continued to own their house on Kingsway and rented it out. While living in White Rock, they had three more children named Virginia, Alex and Ellie. Louis was a trained mechanic working independently and for various companies including CP Air, BC Ferries and Esso before deciding to get into the restaurant business. He partnered with another businessman to open a Mr. Mike's franchise and later a cafe and Greek restaurant in White Rock. In 1986, Georgia, Louis and family moved back to Burnaby and moved into a house on Sandall Street and began converting their former home on Kingsway into a restaurant which they named Minoas Greek Taverna (Minoas Taverna). They opened the restaurant on May 1, 1986, just one day before Expo '86 was opened. In 2023, after 37 years of running their restaurant they sold their business but continued to own the land and building on Kingsway. Alex Chronakis is the son of Georgia and Louis Chronakis and was born in 1972. Alex has spent time working with his family running their restaurant and has been involved in the Greek Day Festival in Vancouver. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Foods
Occupations
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Mechanics
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Buildings - Commercial - Service Stations
Migration
Persons - Greek Canadians
Names
Chronakis, Alex
Chronakis, Georgia Giannias
Minoas Taverna
Chronakis, Ilias "Louis"
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Smith Avenue
Street Address
3823 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV023.16.21
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis, [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis, [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0021_002.mp3
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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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Members of Lee family in front of C&L Grocery Confectionery

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16719
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
April 1968
Collection/Fonds
Quon Lip Lee fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Quon Lip Lee (right) and his eldest son, Gary Lee (centre) standing together with his niece and her children in front of the Lee family corner store, C&L Grocery & Confectionery. The store is located at 6912 Kingsway (corner of Kingsway and Griffiths) and was owned by Quon Lip Lee.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Quon Lip Lee fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Quon Lip Lee (right) and his eldest son, Gary Lee (centre) standing together with his niece and her children in front of the Lee family corner store, C&L Grocery & Confectionery. The store is located at 6912 Kingsway (corner of Kingsway and Griffiths) and was owned by Quon Lip Lee.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial
Names
Lee, Quon Lip
Lee, Gary
C&L Grocery Confectionery
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
6912 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV021.18.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
April 1968
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
April 8, 2021
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Date stamp on bottom recto of photograph reads: "APR_68"
Images
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The Store

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9683
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
2016
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 4 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
In “The Store” film maker Teresa Switzer reminds us of the power of second chances. She shares the story of opening a second hand store called “Yesterday’s Collectibles” with her friend, Pete. The store was located on West Broadway in Vancouver from 1983 to 1985. She recalls the challenges of opera…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
Series
Elders Digital Storytelling project series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 4 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
In “The Store” film maker Teresa Switzer reminds us of the power of second chances. She shares the story of opening a second hand store called “Yesterday’s Collectibles” with her friend, Pete. The store was located on West Broadway in Vancouver from 1983 to 1985. She recalls the challenges of operating a small business, coupled with the personal challenge of the end of her marriage. The film ends with a reflection on the lessons learned from the experience, and her good fortune of finding a second chance with her new partner, Patrick.
History
Teresa Switzer is originally from Winnipeg. She moved to the Westcoast in 1973, and has lived in South Burnaby since 1997. After the store closed, Teresa worked as a project coordinator for cancer research at UBC and BC Cancer Research. Teresa and Patrick Lucy were together from 1985 until Patrick passed away in 2007. Patrick was an Exhibit Preparator at Burnaby Village Museum for 13 years before retiring in 2006.
Creator
Switzer, Teresa
Other Title Information
title supplied by film maker
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Names
Switzer, Teresa
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
BV016.37.14
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
2016
Media Type
Moving Images
Notes
Transcribed title
Images
Video
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Willie's bakery

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12951
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1984
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of "Willie's Bakery" inside the Burnaby Village Museum General Store building. A long wooden counter divides the public from the work area. Shelving and work tables behind the counter hold various baking supplies and equipment.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of "Willie's Bakery" inside the Burnaby Village Museum General Store building. A long wooden counter divides the public from the work area. Shelving and work tables behind the counter hold various baking supplies and equipment.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - General Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Bakeries
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.5.666
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1984
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
See b&w photograph: BV020.5.699
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
9-Apr-20
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Woodwards beacon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19420
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1936
Collection/Fonds
Hawkshaw family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph looking towards Hastings Street in Vancouver with the Woodwards department store building at the end of the street with it's iconic "W" sign.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Hawkshaw family fonds
Series
Hawkshaw family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph looking towards Hastings Street in Vancouver with the Woodwards department store building at the end of the street with it's iconic "W" sign.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Department Stores
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
BV996.6.104
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1936
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-02-06
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Caption beneath photograph reads: "Woodwards Beacon"
Photograph is part of photograph album BV996.6.1
Images
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Elworth decorated for the wedding of Warren Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription968
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[21 Sept. 1932]
Collection/Fonds
E.W. Bateman family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.3 x 17.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of "Elworth" decorated with flowers and greenery for the occasion of Warren Stafford Bateman and Winifred Dare Webster's wedding which took place on September 21, 1932. The fireplace and mantle are seen in the centre. Warren Bateman was the son of Edwin W. Bateman and Ca…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
E.W. Bateman family fonds
Series
Bateman family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.3 x 17.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of "Elworth" decorated with flowers and greenery for the occasion of Warren Stafford Bateman and Winifred Dare Webster's wedding which took place on September 21, 1932. The fireplace and mantle are seen in the centre. Warren Bateman was the son of Edwin W. Bateman and Catherine "Cassie" (Dale) Bateman. Edwin and his second wife, Mary (Dale) Bateman lived at "Elworth", 6501 Deer Lake Avenue from 1922.
Subjects
Buildings Components - Fireplaces
Plants - Flowers
Ceremonies - Weddings
Accession Code
HV974.90.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[21 Sept. 1932]
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
For a closer view of the fireplace and the mantle, see photograph HV974.90.6
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-25
Photographer
Lorimy, G.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy print and copy negative accompanying
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "The Edmonds Studio / (G. Lorimy, Photographer) / 1188 Edmonds St. / Phone New Westminster 1618L1."
Annotation in pencil on the back of the photo reads: "Warren and Winnie'sWedding."
Images
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Elworth decorated for the wedding of Warren Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription969
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[21 Sept. 1932] (date of original), copied [1974]
Collection/Fonds
E.W. Bateman family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of "Elworth" decorated with flowers and greenery for the occasion of Warren Stafford Bateman and Winifred Dare Webster's wedding which took place on September 21, 1932. The fireplace and mantle are seen in the centre, with a photograph and ornaments on it. According to …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
E.W. Bateman family fonds
Series
Bateman family photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of "Elworth" decorated with flowers and greenery for the occasion of Warren Stafford Bateman and Winifred Dare Webster's wedding which took place on September 21, 1932. The fireplace and mantle are seen in the centre, with a photograph and ornaments on it. According to the donor, the girl in the photograph is the niece of Warren Batemen, whose married name became Mrs. Catherine Levins. Warren Bateman was the son of Edwin W. Batemen and Catherine "Cassie" (Dale) Bateman. Edwin and his second wife, Mary (Dale) Bateman lived at "Elworth", 6501 Deer Lake Avenue from 1922.
Subjects
Buildings Components - Fireplaces
Plants - Flowers
Ceremonies - Weddings
Accession Code
HV974.90.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[21 Sept. 1932] (date of original), copied [1974]
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
For a wider view of the room, see photograph HV974.90.5
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-25
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Better Pictures / NuGloss / Photo Finish / Vancouver Drug Co. / Limited / B71"
Images
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Love farmhouse groundbreaking ceremony

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12827
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1989
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a crowd gathered under a large blue and white tent at the Burnaby Village Museum. Photograph was taken on the day of the ground breaking ceremonies to begin the restoration of the Love farmhouse on the site of the Burnaby Village Museum.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Jesse Love farmhouse series
Subseries
Love farmhouse restoration photographs subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a crowd gathered under a large blue and white tent at the Burnaby Village Museum. Photograph was taken on the day of the ground breaking ceremonies to begin the restoration of the Love farmhouse on the site of the Burnaby Village Museum.
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Ceremonies
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.5.518
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1989
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
2400
Scan Date
12-Mar-20
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Love farmhouse groundbreaking ceremony

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12834
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1989
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a group of diginitaries and members of the Jesse Love family gathered around a shovel at the groundbreaking ceremonies of the Jesse Love farmhouse at the Burnaby Village Museum. Dignitaries include Burnaby Village Museum Association president Don Wrigley, Elwood Veitch (BC Minister of…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Jesse Love farmhouse series
Subseries
Love farmhouse restoration photographs subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a group of diginitaries and members of the Jesse Love family gathered around a shovel at the groundbreaking ceremonies of the Jesse Love farmhouse at the Burnaby Village Museum. Dignitaries include Burnaby Village Museum Association president Don Wrigley, Elwood Veitch (BC Minister of Tourism and Small Business Development), Miss Burnaby 1988, former Burnaby councillor and Mayor Dave Mercier and Burnaby Mayor Wiliam J. Copeland. The handle of the shovel is decorated with blue and white ribbon.
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Ceremonies
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.5.525
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1989
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
2400
Scan Date
12-Mar-20
Scale
100
Images
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boots

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact25518
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV975.61.152
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV975.61.152
Description
Pair of boots, woman's, white satin over leather, high block heel; glass bead decoration on toe in shape of bow and garland; 13 buttons
Object History
For wedding.
Subjects
Clothing
Clothing - Footwear
Ceremonies
Ceremonies - Weddings
Images
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certificate

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact19110
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.8.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.8.1
Description
Certificate of Marriage - Certificate -- [1908]. Marriage Certificate for Jón Jónsson of Vancouver BC and Lilja Einarsson of Winnipeg, MB. They were married April 29th 1908 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The certificate has images all round the border in gold and passages from the Bible in red text. The certificate was published by Ernst Kaufmann, Lahr, Baden in New York.
Object History
Lilja and Jon moved to British Columbia in 1910. They eventually moved to Burnaby and lived on 464 Northcliffe Crescent in Burnaby with their son Harold. Jon worked at the Vancouver Shipyards as a foreman.
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Certificates
Ceremonies
Ceremonies - Weddings
Images
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Elinor Winter wedding portrait

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3876
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w hand-tinted into col. ; 19.5 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph portrait of Elinor Winter (Turner) on her wedding day October 28, 1939. The photograph was taken against a curtained area possibly at the Jubilee United Church in Burnaby. The photograph has been hand-tinted to add pink colour to the bride's cheeks and floral bouquet.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w hand-tinted into col. ; 19.5 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph portrait of Elinor Winter (Turner) on her wedding day October 28, 1939. The photograph was taken against a curtained area possibly at the Jubilee United Church in Burnaby. The photograph has been hand-tinted to add pink colour to the bride's cheeks and floral bouquet.
Subjects
Ceremonies
Ceremonies - Weddings
Names
Turner, Elinor May Winter
Turner, George
Accession Code
BV008.59.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Wedding dress pictured in photograph is BV008.59.1
Images
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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

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
Series
Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos interview series
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
Less detail

Back of Whitechurch Hardware building

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16889
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
Aug. 1974
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the back of the Whitechurch Hardware building during the preparation for the building to be moved from 7685 Sixth Street to Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum). The back of the building is supported with a temporary back for the move.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Bell's Dry Goods exhibit series
Subseries
Bell's building photographs subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the back of the Whitechurch Hardware building during the preparation for the building to be moved from 7685 Sixth Street to Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum). The back of the building is supported with a temporary back for the move.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Hardware Stores
Buildings - Heritage
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Whitechurch Hardware
Geographic Access
6th Street
Street Address
7695 6th Street
7685 6th Street
Accession Code
BV020.5.1859
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
Aug. 1974
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Second Street Area
Scan Resolution
2400
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in blue ink on slide frame reads: "(FRONT) / VIEW FROM THIS SIDE / WRONG SIDE / 1974 / Whitechurch Hardware / Temporary Back / Before move to HV"
1 col. copy print accompanying
Images
Less detail

Back of Whitechurch Hardware building

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16891
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
Aug. 1974
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the back of the Whitechurch Hardware building during the preparation for the building to be moved by the Nickel Brothers house moving company from 7685 Sixth Street to Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum). Right section of back of the building is missing.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Bell's Dry Goods exhibit series
Subseries
Bell's building photographs subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the back of the Whitechurch Hardware building during the preparation for the building to be moved by the Nickel Brothers house moving company from 7685 Sixth Street to Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum). Right section of back of the building is missing.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Hardware Stores
Buildings - Heritage
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Whitechurch Hardware
Geographic Access
6th Street
Street Address
7695 6th Street
7685 6th Street
Accession Code
BV020.5.1861
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
Aug. 1974
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Second Street Area
Scan Resolution
2400
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in blue ink on slide frame reads: "Rear of Whitechurch / showing removed / back set on 6th St."
Images
Less detail

Bricks from chimney of Whitechurch Hardware building

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16905
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
Aug. 1974
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a pile of bricks stacked on the ground next to the Whitechurch Hardware building at 7685 Sixth Street. Bricks from the chimney were removed in preparation for the building to be moved by Nickel Brothers house moving company from 7685 Sixth Street to Heritage Village (Burnaby Village M…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Bell's Dry Goods exhibit series
Subseries
Bell's building photographs subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. slide ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a pile of bricks stacked on the ground next to the Whitechurch Hardware building at 7685 Sixth Street. Bricks from the chimney were removed in preparation for the building to be moved by Nickel Brothers house moving company from 7685 Sixth Street to Heritage Village (Burnaby Village Museum).
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Hardware Stores
Buildings - Heritage
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Whitechurch Hardware
Geographic Access
6th Street
Street Address
7685 6th Street
Accession Code
BV020.5.1875
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
Aug. 1974
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Second Street Area
Scan Resolution
2400
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in blue ink on slide frame reads: "1974 / Whitechurch Hrdwr. / Bricks from / Chimney"
Images
Less detail

100 records – page 5 of 5.