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Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 7
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory249
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1975
- Length
- 0:03:18
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock and Lillian McMurray's opinions on Burnaby in 1975. As well, they discuss Lillian's expertise in flower gardening.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock and Lillian McMurray's opinions on Burnaby in 1975. As well, they discuss Lillian's expertise in flower gardening.
- Date Range
- 1975
- Photo Info
- Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
- Length
- 0:03:18
- Interviewer
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Interview Date
- November 17, 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
- Biographical Notes
- Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
- Total Tracks
- 7
- Total Length
- 0:58:55
- Interviewee Name
- McMurray, Lillian Wray
- McMurray, Murdoch
- Interviewer Bio
- Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track seven of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
Track seven of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-010/MSS137-010_Track_7.mp3The Murphy family
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88239
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1999 and 2004]
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of an 11 page typewritten biography titled "The Murphy Family" by Mary Forsyth and handwritten genealogical notes about the family. Biographical and historical information was compiled by Mary Forysth with the intention of publishing a book.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1999 and 2004]
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS185-038
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- 2014-27
- Scope and Content
- File consists of an 11 page typewritten biography titled "The Murphy Family" by Mary Forsyth and handwritten genealogical notes about the family. Biographical and historical information was compiled by Mary Forysth with the intention of publishing a book.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
My life on The Heights : Burnaby B.C. 1932 -1938, 1946 - 1977
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6744
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV016.45.1
- Call Number
- 921 PEN
- Author
- Penn, Edna
- Place of Publication
- [Burnaby]
- Publisher
- Self Published
- Publication Date
- 2016
- Physical Description
- 55 p. : ill.(some col.) ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History--Anecdotes
- Burnaby (B.C.)--Social Life and Customs
- Burnaby (B.C.)
- British Columbia--Social life and customs
- British Columbia--History
- Biography
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Names
- Gilmore Avenue School
- Object History
- This is the second family history book that Edna has published.
- Notes
- Edna Penn is the mother of Douglas Penn who wrote the history of the Burnaby Fire Department "Follow That Fire"
New biography - Boag Foundation
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3645
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1933, 1993-2002
- Collection/Fonds
- Harold Edward Winch collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of records relating to the development of a biography of Harold Winch, including sympathy cards, correspondence, and memorials from Winch's death, as well as correspondence relating to Ron and Florence Riley's remembrances of Winch.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Harold Edward Winch collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of records relating to the development of a biography of Harold Winch, including sympathy cards, correspondence, and memorials from Winch's death, as well as correspondence relating to Ron and Florence Riley's remembrances of Winch.
- Names
- Winch, Harold Edward
- Accession Code
- BV013.12.2
- Date
- 1933, 1993-2002
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
The new century perfect speaker : a complete encyclopedia of elocution, oratory and etiquette : including portraits and biographies of the most distinguished statesmen, diplomarts, divines and public speakers of Canada, Great Britain and the United States ; also the complete etiquette of home, social, public and official life and a special department for children
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2964
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Call Number
- 808.5 COO
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV972.113.1
- Call Number
- 808.5 COO
- Place of Publication
- Guelph, Ont.
- Publisher
- World Pub. Co.
- Physical Description
- xx, 658 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Elocution
- Etiquette
- Manners and customs
- Reading
- Oratory
- Notes
- Author's full name and dates: Cooper, John Alexander, 1868-1956
The new teachers' and pupils' cyclopaedia : a reference library of history, geography, biography, literature, economics, civics, arts, sciences, discoveries and inventions, volume i
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3406
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV993.36.1
- Call Number
- 032 HOL v.1
- Contributor
- Holst, Bernhart Paul, 1861-
- Place of Publication
- Chicago
- Regina
- Publisher
- Holst Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 576 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Inscription
- Front endpaper: "Kellie" [written and underlined in pencil]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Notes
- editor-in-chief, Bernhart P. Holst
- Contributor's given name and dates: Holst, Bernhart P. (Bernhart Paul), 1861-
- Volume 1 of 8
Images
The new teachers' and pupils' cyclopaedia : a reference library of history, geography, biography, literature, economics, civics, arts, sciences, discoveries and inventions, volume ii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3407
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV993.36.2
- Call Number
- 032 HOL v.2
- Contributor
- Holst, Bernhart Paul, 1861-
- Place of Publication
- Chicago
- Regina
- Publisher
- Holst Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 576 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Notes
- editor-in-chief, Bernhart P. Holst
- Contributor's given name and date: Holst, Bernhart P. (Bernhart Paul), 1861-
- pages 577-1152.
- Volume 2 of 8.
- 2016 Library Technology exhibit
Images
The new teachers' and pupils' cyclopaedia : a reference library of history, geography, biography, literature, economics, civics, arts, sciences, discoveries and inventions, volume iii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3408
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV993.36.3
- Call Number
- 032 HOL v.3
- Contributor
- Holst, Bernhart Paul, 1861-
- Place of Publication
- Chicago
- Regina
- Publisher
- Holst Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 576 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Notes
- editor-in-chief, Bernhart P. Holst
- Contributor's given name and date: Holst, Bernhart P. (Bernhart Paul), 1861-
- pages 1153-1728
- Volume 3 of 8.
- 2016 Library Technology exhibit
Images
The new teachers' and pupils' cyclopaedia : a reference library of history, geography, biography, literature, economics, civics, arts, sciences, discoveries and inventions, volume iv
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3409
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV993.36.4
- Call Number
- 032 HOL v.4
- Contributor
- Holst, Bernhart Paul, 1861-
- Place of Publication
- Chicago
- Regina
- Publisher
- Holst Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 576 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Notes
- editor-in-chief, Bernhart P. Holst
- Contributor's given name and date: Holst, Bernhart P. (Bernhart Paul), 1861-
- pages 1729-2304.
- Volume 4 of 8.
- 2016 Library Technology exhibit
Images
The new teachers' and pupils' cyclopaedia : a reference library of history, geography, biography, literature, economics, civics, arts, sciences, discoveries and inventions, volume v
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3410
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV993.36.5
- Call Number
- 032 HOL v.5
- Contributor
- Holst, Bernhart Paul, 1861-
- Place of Publication
- Chicago
- Regina
- Publisher
- Holst Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 576 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Notes
- editor-in-chief, Bernhart P. Holst
- Contributor's given name and date: Holst, Bernhart P. (Bernhart Paul), 1861-
- page 2305-2880
- Volume 5 of 8.
- 2016 Library Technology exhibit
Images
The new teachers' and pupils' cyclopaedia : a reference library of history, geography, biography, literature, economics, civics, arts, sciences, discoveries and inventions, volume vi
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3411
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV993.36.6
- Call Number
- 032 HOL v.6
- Contributor
- Holst, Bernhart Paul, 1861-
- Place of Publication
- Chicago
- Regina
- Publisher
- Holst Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- 1926
- Physical Description
- 576, 143 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Notes
- editor-in-chief, Bernhart P. Holst
- Contributor's given name and date: Holst, Bernhart P. (Bernhart Paul), 1861-
- pages 2881-3260
- includes index for volumes 1-6.
- Volume 6 of 8.
- 2016 Library Technology exhibit
Images
Northwest assignment
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3854
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Potterton, L.A.N.
- Publication Date
- 1972
- Call Number
- 971.1 POT
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV004.23.49
- Call Number
- 971.1 POT
- Author
- Potterton, L.A.N.
- Place of Publication
- [Kelowna, B.C.]
- Publisher
- Mosaic Enterprises
- Publication Date
- 1972
- Printer
- Finlay Printing
- Physical Description
- 131 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
- Inscription
- Bookplate on front pastedown reads "T. Brue" [handwritten in blue ink] "my best wishes" "to all the Ted Brue" "family." "_ Potterton" [handwritten in black ink on title page]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Police
- British Columbia, Northern--History
- Biography
- Notes
- Autographed by author
Off patrol : memories of B.C. Provincial policemen
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1288
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0919214851
- Call Number
- 363.2 BRI
- Place of Publication
- Surrey, B.C.
- Publisher
- Heritage House
- Publication Date
- 1991
- Physical Description
- 158 p. : ill., photos., ports. ; 22 cm.
On the shady side : Vancouver, 1886-1914
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1136
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0920663044
- 9780920663042
- Call Number
- 971.1 KEL
- Author
- Keller, Betty
- Place of Publication
- Ganges, B.C.
- Publisher
- Horsdal & Schubart
- Publication Date
- c1986
- Physical Description
- ix, 121 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Vancouver (B.C.)
- Vancouver (B.C.)--History--Anecdotes
- Biography
- Notes
- Includes index.
Opening doors : Vancouver's East End
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1152
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Marlatt, Daphne
- Itter, Carole
- Publication Date
- 1979
- Call Number
- 971.1 MAR
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Textual Record
- Call Number
- 971.1 MAR
- Author
- Marlatt, Daphne
- Itter, Carole
- Place of Publication
- Victoria, B.C.
- Publisher
- Aural History Program, Ministry of Provincial Secretary and Government Services, Provincial Archives of B.C.
- Publication Date
- 1979
- Physical Description
- iii, 186 p. : ill. ; 27 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Vancouver (B.C.)--History
- East End (Vancouver, B.C.)--History
- Vancouver (B.C.)
- East End (Vancouver, B.C.)
- Vancouver (B.C.)--Foreign population
- East End (Vancouver, B.C.)--Foreign population
- Oral history
- Biography
Oral history interview with Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19146
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 29 Jun. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (02:06:53 min) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (02:06:53 min)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an audio recording of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos conducted by Denise Fong with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview, Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos discuss; their ancestral background, childhood, pla…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (02:06:53 min) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (02:06:53 min)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Denise Fong Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewees: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos Location of Interview: Home of Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos on Victory Street, Burnaby Date of interview: June 29, 2022 Total Number of Tracks: 3 Total length of all Tracks: 02:06:53 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto 3 separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an audio recording of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos conducted by Denise Fong with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview, Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos discuss; their ancestral background, childhood, places of residence, education, career history, how they met, Jimmy's experience working in the film industry, their home in Burnaby and their neighbourhood, their political activism in Burnaby, Robin Chung Dip's work in Vancouver’s' Chinatown, the gambling scene in Vancouver prior to legalized forms of gambling and their memories of supper clubs in Vancouver. 00:00 - 5:57 Opening introductions where Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos provide information on their full names, their birth places and their ancestral background. Jimmy clarifies that his birth name is Hipman Chow but that he was given the English name “Jimmy” by his father when he came to Canada. Jimmy shares that he was born in 1948, in the Village of Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China and immigrated to British Columbia with his mother, Gim Gee Chow in 1950 to escape the Communist Regime and to join his father who had already immigrated to Canada. Jimmy imparts that many Chinese immigrated to British Columbia in search of a better life, referring to it as “Gold Mountain” and that even though they faced extreme racial discrimination that many stayed since they felt that it was better than returning. Donna Polos shares ancestral information on both her maternal and paternal sides of the family. Donna’s mother’s family came from Helsinki, Finland. Donna’s paternal grandmother emigrated from Ukraine to Argentina and then to Winnipeg. Donna’s paternal grandfather, James Kostopolus (renamed Polos) emigrated as a 12 year old orphan from Sparta, Greece to the United States but was denied entry so ended up going to Halifax and eventually made his way to Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, he became a restaurant proprietor and over the years, he owned and operated three restaurants in Vancouver, including; “Jimmy’s Café” (next door the Astoria Hotel); “Home Apple Pie Café” (Princess Avenue & Hastings Street) and a restaurant that was located on Alma Street. 05:58 - 13:28 Jimmy recollects in further detail, the many places that his family lived over the years. Jimmy’s father Robin Chung Dip Chow immigrated to Vancouver at the age of 14 years and worked and lived in Victoria and Vancouver. In 1950, Jimmy and his mother fled China, first to Hong Kong and then to Vancouver to join his father. Soon after arriving in Vancouver, for the next four years, he and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec City where his father, Robin had work in restaurants and hotels. Jimmy attended school while the family lived in these different places and began to learn English. After four years, the family returned to Vancouver, first living in areas of Chinatown and Strathcona before settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. Jimmy shares his memories of growing up in Strathcona and the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, schools that he attended and the friendships that he made. Jimmy recollects details about the old Bethlehem Lutheran Church that he attended and describes the demands of the education required to become a Lutheran minister. 13:29 - 15:47 Jimmy tells of how his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow had to pay the Chinese Head Tax of $500 when he arrived in Vancouver at 14 years of age (1921) and how his father had to work hard pay off the head tax over the years. Denise Fong and Jimmy Chow, talk about the origin of a photograph portrait of Jimmy Chow that was taken around 1954 and speculate whether it might have been taken by well known portrait photographer, Yucho Chow. 15:48 - 19:33 Donna Polos recollects the many locations that her family lived while she was growing up in Vancouver. First residing at various locations in the downtown east side of Vancouver before moving to a home near Joyce Station where she lived until 21 years old. After 21 years of age, Donna moved in with roommates in Vancouver before moving in with Jimmy in North Burnaby in 1972. In 1976 Donna and Jimmy purchased their home on Victory Street. Both Donna and Jimmy talk about their careers after high school. Jimmy talks about how he worked at the Supervalu grocery store near his house. Jimmy planned to use his savings from his job to travel but instead he used his savings for a down payment on a house with Donna. Donna imparts that after obtaining her teaching degree she began working in Burnaby schools, eventually teaching at Burnaby South. 19:34 - 32:08 Both Jimmy and Donna share their educational background and experiences growing up. Jimmy first attended Florence Nightingale elementary in Strathcona, then Mount Pleasant Elementary and later high school at 24th Avenue and Main Street. Donna lists the schools that she attended including; elementary school in Strathcona, Carlton Elementary School at Kingsway and Joyce, Windermere High School, Vancouver City College (Langara) and the University of British Columbia. Donna and Jimmy reflect on public transportation that was available during the time they were growing up. Donna recollects her childhood growing up in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station, the freedom that she experienced playing outside in nature and what inspired her to become a teacher. Jimmy reflects on some of his mentors and about his first experience seeing movies as a young child at a cinema in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Donna communicates her own experiences of sexism throughout her high school, college and university education (1968-1972). 32:09 - 36:18 Donna talks about her career history and some of her major turning points. Donna recollects starting out as a Chemistry lab assistant, marking math papers before working as a teacher on call and eventually being hired as a teacher at Clinton Elementary School where she taught for nine years. Donna shares a memory of her first experience working as a teacher on call at Gilmore Elementary School and the fire that occurred there. After starting a family (Jimmy and Donna had three children) Donna worked part time teaching while Jimmy worked full time in film. Donna, shares that in 1991, after a near death experience, she became interested in fine art and took drawing and watercolour painting classes. With this experience, Donna experimented with different painting techniques on paper and fabric. Donna tells of how she retired from teaching in 2008 but continued to participate in the schools as an Artist in Residence. 36:19 - 58:18 Jimmy talks about his work and career history. He shares memories of his experiences as a young boy delivering newspapers, working at a local pharmacy, stocking shelves at the local supermarket, and his experience working with troubled youth and of how he thought that he might like to become a social worker. Jimmy tells of how he was uncertain of what to do until he got a job with the CBC in 1973 which eventually launched his career as a property master in the film industry, becoming a member of IATSE and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures. Jimmy describes in detail what it means to be a property master and the work that is entailed in the film industry. 58:19 - 1:07:45 Donna Polos describes her art practice and her connection to Burnaby. Donna recollects how she first started working with textiles and fabrics from a young age and how this later inspired her to develop her own watercolour techniques of painting on paper, canvas and fabrics. Donna describes how she first got started by taking art classes in Burnaby and now has over 31 years of experience working in watercolour. Donna has worked as an Artist in Residence in Burnaby schools, been a member of the Burnaby Arts Council, had her first show in 1997 and has been involved in many art projects over the years. Donna describes the style of her work, first starting with more figurative work, social commentary and still life and that now most of her work is landscape based. Donna coveys that as a political activist in Burnaby, she was an active participant in the development of a tree bylaw, has petitioned to protect renters from demo-evictions and the impacts of future development on the local environment. 1:07:46 - 1:07:59 Background discussion between Denise Fong and Kate Petrusa re interviews. 1:08:00 - 1:26:36 Jimmy provides information on his connection to the local film industry and the changes that have occurred over the years. Jimmy describes the first studios on the North Shore and the eventual establishment of Bridge Studios on Boundary Road. Jimmy shares that in 1988, he and some of his colleagues in the film industry put a proposal together to buy the Bridge Studios but it didn't go through. Since the Bridge Studios and other film studios have been established in Burnaby and Vancouver, the industry has grown exponentially. Jimmy became the 54th member of the local IATSE union. Jimmy describes some of his experiences working on various productions including "Seven Years in Tibet", provides a description of what a film studio is, how it is used and the differences between working in the film industry in the United States and British Columbia. 1:26:37 - 1:32:46 Jimmy and Donna recollect how they first met, buying a house in Burnaby, getting married and starting a family. The two share memories of their wedding in White Rock and Jimmy talks about the Chinese hair cutting ceremony in recognition of their first born child that took place in Chinatown in Vancouver. Jimmy tells of how his parents had hopes of him marrying a Chinese woman and his mother began introducing him to a few young Chinese women from the time he was 16 years old. Jimmy mentions that his parents rarely used Western Medicine and relied on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Donna and Jimmy talk about Jimmy's parents, when they died and how happy his parents were to have grandchildren. 1:32:47 - 1:40:13 Jimmy and Donna talk about their house on Victory Street which they purchased in 1976. They share information on the history of the house, how it was built in 1939 by Norm Clark, how they fell in love with the design of the house and the neighbourhood. 1:40:14 - 1:58:31 Jimmy and Donna share information on their family life in Burnaby, their neighbourhood and favourite places in Burnaby. Donna lists the schools that their three children attended including; Nelson Avenue School, Burnaby South High School and Burnaby Central High School. Both Donna and Jimmy convey that all of their children played soccer and the benefits that the sport provided them. Donna and Jimmy talk about how the neighbourhood has changed over the years, the benefits of where they live, their fondness for built heritage and the many parks and trees in Burnaby. 1:58:32 - 2:02:50 Jimmy begins to share information on his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow's employment history. Jimmy recalls that his father, Robin worked in a variety of jobs over the years and as a young child, Jimmy was uncertain of what his father's job was but thought that he worked in accounting. He mentions that his father stopped working at 45 years of age due to a problem with his Achilles tendon. Jimmy describes his father as an intellectual who worked at gambling houses in Vancouver's Chinatown where people played mah-jong and fan-tan. Jimmy recollects that these were large clubs with lots of employees. His father never gambled but he was good with money so he worked on the management side. Jimmy mentions that while working in the film industry, his father took him and some of his film colleagues into some of the gambling houses in Chinatown to assist them with a production that they were working on. 2:02:51 - 2:06:58 Donna shares her own family history regarding gambling. She mentions that her uncle worked as a high end "bookie" in Vancouver and how in 1968, her uncle was arrested but got let go with just a small fine. Jimmy describes what gambling was like in those days with various sweepstakes, not under the jurisdiction of the government like it is today. Both Donna and Jimmy recollect the popularity of supper clubs their memories of Vie's Chicken and Steak House that was located in Hogan's Alley. Jimmy laments the destruction of Hogan's Alley and the other proposals that were brought forward that would change Chinatown and Strathcona.
- History
- Interviewees biography: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow was born in Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China in 1948. In 1950, Jimmy Chow immigrated to Vancouver from China with his mother, Gim Gee Chow to join his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow who'd immigrated to Canada at 14 years of age in 1921. For the first four years after immigrating, Jimmy and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec before returning to Vancouver around 1954. Jimmy and his family then lived and worked in Vancouver eventually settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. In the early 1970s, Jimmy met his future wife Donna Polos and they married in 1981. Donna Polos was born in 1949 to Donald James Polos and Mayme "May" Helen Tilikana Polos and grew up in Vancouver. Between the age of 5 and 21 years, Donna lived in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station. In 1976, Jimmy and Donna purchased and moved into a house on Victory Street in Burnaby where they still live today. While living on Victory Street, they've raised their three children. Donna received her teaching degree and taught in elementary schools for many years. In 1991, after a near death experience, Donna developed an interest in drawing and painting and began experimenting with water colour painting on fabric. Donna has since exhibited her work widely, participated as an Artist in Residence in Burnaby schools and is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Jimmy entered the film industry in 1973, gaining experience and recognition as a property master and has worked on many films over a 45 year career. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
- Buildings - Residential
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Education
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods
- Government - Local Government
- Industries - Film
- Migration
- Occupations
- Occupations - Artists
- Occupations - Grocers
- Occupations - Entrepreneurs
- Occupations - Teachers
- Persons - Chinese Canadians
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports - Soccer
- Names
- Bridge Studios
- Chow, Gim Gee Dang
- Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
- Chow, Robin Chung Dip
- Polos, Donna
- Polos, James "Jimmy", 1898-1962
- Polos, Donald James
- Polos, Mayme "May" Helen Tilikana
- Geographic Access
- Victory Street
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.1
- Date
- 29 Jun. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of recording
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Audio Tracks
Oral history interview with Hipman
Oral history interview with Hipman
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0021_0001_004.mp3Parslow family
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88218
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1969 (date of original) -2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of Mary Forsyth's research documents for the Parslow family and includes two typewritten drafts titled "Parslow family" by Mary Forsyth; biographical and genealogical notes about the Parslow family; a short copy of a history of Mandeville Gardens and the Kuypers family; a Mandeville G…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1969 (date of original) -2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 folder of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS185-025
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- 2014-27
- Scope and Content
- File consists of Mary Forsyth's research documents for the Parslow family and includes two typewritten drafts titled "Parslow family" by Mary Forsyth; biographical and genealogical notes about the Parslow family; a short copy of a history of Mandeville Gardens and the Kuypers family; a Mandeville Garden flyer for their 50th Anniversary with a historical photo on the front; mass cards for Peggy Yone Parslow and Chesley Charles Parslow; a copy of a newspaper clipping about the South Burnaby United Church dated November 27, 1989; A newsletter for retired educators "RTA Bulletin - Summer 2004" which includes an article on "Elsie Roy Elementary School"; a handwritten biography about Elsie Roy; a newspaper clipping about the Cornerstone Ceremony of the South Burnaby United Church; a handwritten memoir about the Parslow, Dewar and Royal families and their time spent in the ravine near Gilley Creek and other handwritten notes about the family. Biographical and historical information was compiled by Mary Forysth with the intention of publishing a book.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
Pasteur and after Pasteur
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2636
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Paget, Stephen, 1855-1926
- Publication Date
- 1914
- Call Number
- 610 PAG
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV974.27.22
- Call Number
- 610 PAG
- Author
- Paget, Stephen, 1855-1926
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- A. & C. Black
- Publication Date
- 1914
- Series
- Medical history manuals
- Physical Description
- xiii, 152 p. 8 pl. ill., ports.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Medicine
- Bacteriology
- Biography
- Physicians
Pertinent portraits
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary718
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Mather, Barry, 1909-1982
- Publication Date
- [c1934]
- Call Number
- 324.271 MAT
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 324.271 MAT
- Author
- Mather, Barry, 1909-1982
- Contributor
- Wilson, Fraser
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- Boag Foundation
- Publication Date
- [c1934]
- Physical Description
- 59 p. : ill. ; 18 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Co-operative Commonwealth Federation
- Politicians--Canada
- Biography
The pilgrim's progress
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1919
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Bunyan, John, 1628-1688
- Edition
- Abridged
- Publication Date
- 1890
- Call Number
- 823.4 BUN
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV982.24.59
- Call Number
- 823.4 BUN
- Edition
- Abridged
- Author
- Bunyan, John, 1628-1688
- Contributor
- Montgomery, D. H. (David Henry), 1837-1928
- Place of Publication
- Boston
- Publisher
- Ginn & Company
- Publication Date
- 1890
- Series
- Standard English Classics
- Printer
- The Athenaeum press
- Physical Description
- vii, 119 p,
- Inscription
- "H.A. Sutton", stamped in purple on front endpaper "E" ?, stamped in purple on front endpaper "n883 / 101", in pencil inside front cover "25", in pencil on back endpaper
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Pilgrims and pilgrimages
- Juvenile fiction
- Notes
- "Notes and biography by D.H.M."