39 records – page 1 of 2.

A dictionary of the English language : with supplement, containing over 12,500 new words and antries, and a vocabulary of synonyms of words in general use : and an appendix, which embodies a pronouncing dictionary of biography, embracing the names of newarly then thousand persons of all ages and countries : pronouncing vocabularies of modern Christian names and Latin proper names, and scripture proper names, together with various other useful tables

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2358
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Worcester, Joseph E. (Joseph Emerson), 1784-1865
Edition
New ed.
Publication Date
1897
c1886
Call Number
423 WOR
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV976.18.1
Call Number
423 WOR
Edition
New ed.
Author
Worcester, Joseph E. (Joseph Emerson), 1784-1865
Place of Publication
Philadelphia
Publisher
J. B. Lippincott Co.
Publication Date
1897
c1886
Library Subject (LOC)
English language--Dictionaries
Notes
Author's full name and dates: Worchester, Joseph Emerson, 1784-1865
Less detail

Alexander MacKay : missionary hero of Uganda

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary257
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Melrose, Andrew, 1860-1928
Edition
2nd ed.
Publication Date
1893
Call Number
266.92 MEL
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV971.169.8
Call Number
266.92 MEL
Edition
2nd ed.
Author
Melrose, Andrew, 1860-1928
Contributor
Wilson, T. C.
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
The Sunday School Union
Publication Date
1893
Series
Splendid lives series
Printer
Morrison and Gibb Limited
Physical Description
144 p. : ill., ports. ; 19 cm.
Inscription
"Heritage Village S3 h" [handwritten in black ink on white label stuck to front pastedown. "S3 h" is crossed out] "For Dear Philly from Mr. and Mrs. Minsh_ll [Minshull] 21st Dec 1894" [handwritten in black ink on front endpaper] "144 Pages 5/8" thick C to C" [handwritten in pencil on back pastedown]
Library Subject (LOC)
Missionaries--Uganda
Missions--Uganda
Biography
Notes
"By the author of 'The Story of Stanley'" --title page
"Fifteenth thousand" --t.p.
"Preface to second edition by the Rev. T.C. Wilson" --p.7
Less detail

The autobiography of Dr. Alexander Carlyle of Inveresk, 1722-1805

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3106
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Carlyle, Alexander, 1722-1805
Edition
New ed.
Publication Date
1910
Call Number
922.5 CAR
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV972.165.73
Call Number
922.5 CAR
Edition
New ed.
Author
Carlyle, Alexander, 1722-1805
Contributor
Burton, John Hill, 1809-1881
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
T. N. Foulis
Publication Date
1910
Printer
Morrison & Gibb Limited
Physical Description
xix, 615 p., [32] leaves of plates : ports. ; 22 cm
Inscription
"W 60" [phrase crossed out and written in black in at top of front pastedown] Newspaper clipping of "The other Thomas Carlyle" glued to front paste down. Brief biography of Thomas Carlyle (1803-1855) a Scottish lawyer not to be confused with the author Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881).
Library Subject (LOC)
Biography
Notes
"Edited by John Hill Burton"--title page
"New edition, with many addtional notes & thirty-two portraits of eminent men of the time in photogravure"--title page.
Less detail

The beautiful life of Frances E. Willard, a memorial volume

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2400
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Gordon, Anna A. (Anna Adams), 1853-1931
Edition
Memorial ed.
Publication Date
c1898
Call Number
923.6 GOR
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV976.194.10
Call Number
923.6 GOR
Edition
Memorial ed.
Author
Gordon, Anna A. (Anna Adams), 1853-1931
Contributor
Somerset, Henry, Lady, 1851-1921
Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Place of Publication
Chicago, Ill.
Publisher
Woman's Temperance Publishing Association
Publication Date
c1898
Physical Description
416 p. : ill., ports. ; 25 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Social reformers--United States
Biography
Notes
Includes index.
Less detail

Biographical dictionary of well-known British Columbians : with a historical sketch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary571
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Kerr, J. B. (John Blaine)
Publication Date
1890
Call Number
920.711 KER
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV985.60.1
Call Number
920.711 KER
Author
Kerr, J. B. (John Blaine)
Place of Publication
Vancouver, B.C.
Publisher
Kerr & Begg
Publication Date
1890
Printer
News-Advertiser Printing and Publishing Co.
Physical Description
xxx, 326 p., [42] leaves of plates : ports. ; 23 cm.
Inscription
"Hold for refe" [handwritten in pencil on p. after front endpaper] "From the Library of Ted Dobb" [stamped in black ink on p. after front endpaper. with some ink transfered to previous p.] "A.M. Pound Vancouver, B.C." [stamped in red ink on p. after front endpaper]
Library Subject (LOC)
British Columbia
British Columbia--History
Biography
Notes
Author's given name: Kerr, J.B. (John Blaine)
Less detail

British Columbia from the earliest times to the present, volume 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary98
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Publication Date
1914
Call Number
971.1 SCH v. I
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV971.29.22
Call Number
971.1 SCH v. I
Author
Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Place of Publication
Vancouver
Publisher
The S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Publication Date
1914
Physical Description
xlvi, 688 p. : ill. : 27 cm.
Inscription
"S-10 d" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink on pre title page] "S-12 d" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink on pre title page]
Library Subject (LOC)
British Columbia--History
British Columbia
British Columbia--Bibliography
Biography
Notes
"Volume I" -- title page
Includes index.
Includes list of authorities.
Author's full name: E. O. S. Scholefield (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Less detail

British Columbia from the earliest times to the present, volume 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary97
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Howay, F.W. (Frederic William), 1867-1943
Publication Date
1914
Call Number
971.1 HOW v.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV971.29.21
Call Number
971.1 HOW v.2
Author
Howay, F.W. (Frederic William), 1867-1943
Place of Publication
Vancouver
Publisher
The S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Publication Date
1914
Physical Description
xiv,, 727 p. : ill. : 27 cm.
Inscription
"S-10 c" [Handwritten and crossed out in blue ink on pre title page] "S-12 c" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink on pre title page]
Library Subject (LOC)
British Columbia--History
British Columbia
British Columbia--Bibliography
Biography
Notes
"Volume II" -- title page
Includes index.
Other three volumes by: E. O. S. Scholefield (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Author's full name and dates: Howay, F. W. (Frederic William), 1867-1943
Less detail

British Columbia from the earliest times to the present, volume 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary95
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Publication Date
1914
Call Number
971.1 SCH v.3
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV971.29.19
Call Number
971.1 SCH v.3
Author
Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Place of Publication
Vancouver
Publisher
The S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Publication Date
1914
Physical Description
1161 p. : ill. : 27 cm.
Inscription
"S-10 a" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink] "S-12a" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink
Library Subject (LOC)
British Columbia--History
British Columbia
British Columbia--Bibliography
Biography
Notes
"Volume III" -- title page.
"Biographical" -- title page.
Includes index.
Authors' full name and dates: Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919.
Less detail

British Columbia from the earliest times to the present, volume 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary96
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Publication Date
1914
Call Number
971.1 SCH v.4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV971.29.20
Call Number
971.1 SCH v.4
Author
Scholefield, E. O. S. (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Place of Publication
Vancouver
Publisher
The S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Publication Date
1914
Physical Description
1429 p. : ill. : 27 cm.
Inscription
"S-10 b" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink on pre title page] "S-12 b" [Handwritten and crossed out in black ink on pre title page]
Library Subject (LOC)
British Columbia--History
British Columbia
British Columbia--Bibliography
Biography
Notes
"Volume IV" -- title page
"Biographical" -- title page
Includes index
Author's full name: E. O. S. Scholefield (Ethelbert Olaf Stuart), 1875-1919
Less detail

Bruce Patterson in his highlander uniform

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription565
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1914 and 1918] (date of original), copied 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w print ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Bruce Patterson dressed in his highlander uniform.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w print ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Bruce Patterson dressed in his highlander uniform.
History
Charles Bruce Patterson was born in Victoria, BC on January 21, 1892. He was the eldest son of Dugald Campbell Patterson Sr., and Frances Mabel (Webb) Patterson. Bruce arrived in Burnaby at the age of two with his parents and younger brother, William Harold Patterson (called Bill). Bruce attended the West Burnaby School with several of his siblings in the late 1890’s. At the beginning of World War One, Bruce enlisted with the Seaforth Highlander’s but was discharged due to having flat feet. He spent the duration of the war building ships to help the war effort in the New Westminster Shipyards. His official letter of service from the shipyards was donated to the New Westminster Museum located at Irving House. Bruce was an avid photographer and captured many scenes of early Burnaby with his Kodak camera. Some of Bruce Patterson’s photographic collection was donated to the Burnaby Village Museum and can be viewed on this website. Bruce Patterson died on February 16, 1979. [Biography provided by Raymond Reitsma.]
Subjects
Clothing - Uniforms
Occupations - Military Personnel
Wars - World War, 1914-1918
Names
Patterson, Charles Bruce
Accession Code
HV977.99.7
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1914 and 1918] (date of original), copied 1977
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-11
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bruce Patterson with his wife Elva

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription563
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1918] (date of original), copied 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Charles Bruce Patterson and his first wife, Elva Patterson.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Charles Bruce Patterson and his first wife, Elva Patterson.
Charles Bruce Patterson (called Bruce) built many early homes in the Edmonds district of Burnaby. He also built the Sperling Avenue School in 1913. For a time he was put in charge of Vulcan Iron Works of New Westminster, a business owned by his father Dugald Campbell Patterson Sr. Bruce quickly developed a passion for wrought iron work which would last his entire lifetime. Some years after the Vulcan Iron Works property was absorbed into the Dominion Bridge Company, Bruce opened a smaller iron works operation in the Arrow Transfer building on Granville Island. He named this company Vulcan Metal Works Ltd. Here, he made a variety of artistic railings for homes, churches and apartment buildings and drew inspiration from both Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. In addition to his wrought iron railings, he also designed and created many other architectural pieces which included iron patio furniture, leaded glass window panels for French doors, headboards, and decorative designs for the exteriors of clocks. Bruce also built and renovated numerous homes throughout the lower mainland. Bruce married Elva Eleanore Elliott on July 17, 1918. After Elva’s death he married again at the age of 82. His second wife’s name was Martha May (Bird) Summers. [Biography provided by Raymond Reitsma.]
Names
Patterson, Charles Bruce
Patterson, Elva Eleanore Elliott
Accession Code
HV977.99.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1918] (date of original), copied 1977
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
For another photograph of Elva Patterson, see HV977.99.4
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-11
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

The Canadian annual review of public affairs

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3710
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Hopkins, J. Castell (John Castell), 1864-1923
Publication Date
c1913
Call Number
971.005 HOP
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV001.1.200
Call Number
971.005 HOP
Author
Hopkins, J. Castell (John Castell), 1864-1923
Place of Publication
Toronto
Publisher
The Annual Review Publishing Co. Ltd.
Publication Date
c1913
Printer
William Briggs
Physical Description
699 p. : ill., ports. ; 23 cm.
Inscription
"Rec' by mail / 16 July '13" -- Inside back cover.
Library Subject (LOC)
Canada
Canada--Politics and government
Biography
Notes
Includes index.
Includes a "Special Supplement Containing Important Public Addresses of the year and Historical Data Regarding Canadian Interests and Institutions."
Less detail

Dugald Campbell Patterson, Sr

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription564
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1910 and 1914] (date of original), copied 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.32 x 25.4 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph portrait of Dugald Campbell Patterson, Sr.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.32 x 25.4 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph portrait of Dugald Campbell Patterson, Sr.
History
Dugald Campbell Patterson Sr. arrived in Burnaby in 1894. He worked for Armstrong Morrison & Balfour and later became foreman boilermaker for the Vancouver Engineering Works. He was the first postmaster of Edmonds in 1909, and was elected a school trustee in 1912. He was a Director of the British Columbia Electric and Water Heat Company and was a member of the New Westminster Board of Trade. He founded an insurance and real estate company in Burnaby and New Westminster. Dugald Campbell Patterson Sr. was born in Partick, Scotland on January 2, 1860. He attended the Glasgow common school, and worked as a ship joiner at Barclay Curle & Company (founded in 1818) in Whiteinch, Scotland. After some years of study, he was employed in the Anchor Line Shipyards (founded in 1856) in Partick. Dugald arrived in Canada on July 1, 1884, and would soon add a second "T" to the spelling of his last name (changing it from "Paterson" to "Patterson"). He married Frances Mabel Webb on February 7, 1891. Together they helped form the Central Park Horticultural Society.Known for his expertise in the field of engineering, Dugald accepted a unique commission at the beginning of World War One. He travelled overseas to supervise a group of Canadians in the construction of submarines on the Clyde River in Glasgow. It was here that he sustained an injury which left him in a wheel chair. Upon his return home, he remained active in both municipal affairs and the arts. He developed a plan that would preserve ravines as parks in Burnaby, and he published a book of poetry. Dugald also served his communty through his membership in the Knights of Pythias,the Canadian Order of Forresters and the Home Reunion Association. Dugald died in Vancouver, BC on June 25, 1931. [Biography provided by Raymond Reitsma].
Names
Patterson, Dugald Campbell, 1860-1931
Accession Code
HV977.99.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1910 and 1914] (date of original), copied 1977
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-11
Photographer
Ritchie, Samuel J.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "B. Paterson's [sic] father (Dougal [sic] Campbell Patterson). Owner Vulcan Iron Works, New Westminster, B.C. (He also started real estate business at Edmonds and K'way [Kingsway]."
For more information on D.C. Patterson's family, see Michael Sone's book, "Pioneer Tales of Burnaby," pg. 60.
The photographer Samuel J. Ritchie was active in New Westminster from 1910 to 1914. For reference, see David Mattison's Camera Workers: The British Columbia Photographic Directory, 1858-1950 - R - Volume 2 (1901-1950)
Images
Less detail

Elva Patterson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription562
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1914] (date of original), copied 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a young woman seated on a chair taken in a photographic studio. She is wearing a dress with a square collar and ruffled wrist cuffs, and glasses. The accession register and inscription on the photograph identify the woman as Elva Patterson, the first wife of B. (Bruce) Patterson. The …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a young woman seated on a chair taken in a photographic studio. She is wearing a dress with a square collar and ruffled wrist cuffs, and glasses. The accession register and inscription on the photograph identify the woman as Elva Patterson, the first wife of B. (Bruce) Patterson. The annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "B Paterson [sic] 1st wife Elva."
Elva Eleanore (Elliott) Patterson was a pioneer in the local film industry. After graduation from high school in 1914, Eva worked for Dominion Exclusives, a film distribution company, and the newly founded Fox Film Corporation Ltd. Both companies had offices on Granville Street in Vancouver. Elva’s title was “stenographer”, but she was given considerable responsibility at both offices. In addition to answering the phone and keeping the records, she was in charge of insuring that all films arrived at the proper movie houses for showings, and were returned to the appropriate film distribution centres in Hollywood, California.Elva Eleanore Elliott was born in Wardner, Idaho USA., on May 5, 1896. She moved to Vancouver with her parents and older brother in 1898. Elva met her husband Charles Bruce Patterson while attending charitable events in Burnaby and Vancouver with her local chapter of the Rebekah Lodge, the women’s division of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Elva married Bruce Patterson on July 17, 1918, at the Sixth Avenue Methodist Church in Vancouver. They lived for a time in New Westminster prior to their move to Vancouver. Elva and Bruce had two children Audrey Elva Patterson (1919-2003), and Doreen Nettie Patterson (1927-2000). [Biography provided by Raymond Reitsma, Grandson].
Names
Patterson, Elva Eleanore Elliott
Accession Code
HV977.99.4
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1914] (date of original), copied 1977
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
For another photograph of Elva Patterson, see HV977.99.5
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-11
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Florence Nightingale : the wounded soldier's friend

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary194
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Pollard, Eliza F., 1840-1911
Publication Date
1911
Call Number
610.7309 POL
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV971.133.38
Call Number
610.7309 POL
Author
Pollard, Eliza F., 1840-1911
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
S. W. Partridge & Co., Ltd.
Publication Date
1911
Physical Description
ix, 11-160 p., 32 p. : ill., ports. ; 20 cm.
Inscription
"253" [stamped in blue ink on front pastedown] "Campbell" [faded and handwritten in black ink on front paste down]
Library Subject (LOC)
Nurses--Great Britain
History of Nursing--19th century
Biography
Notes
"Fully illustrated" -- title page
32 page catalogue of other books published by S.W. Partridge in the back.
Less detail

The founder of New France : a chronicle of Champlain, v.3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5146
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Colby, Charles W. (Charles William), 1867-1955
Publication Date
1915
Call Number
971 CHR v.3
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV004.106.38
Call Number
971 CHR v.3
Author
Colby, Charles W. (Charles William), 1867-1955
Contributor
Wrong, George McKinnon, 1860-1948
Langton, H. H. (Hugh Hornby), 1862-1953
Place of Publication
Toronto
Publisher
Glasgow, Brook & Company
Publication Date
1915
Series
Chronicles of Canada, 3
Printer
T. and A. Constable
Physical Description
vii, 158 p., [6] leaves of plates : ill. (some col.). map, ports. ; 19 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Canada--History
Explorers--Canada
Biography
Notes
"Edited by George M. Wrong and H.H. Langton"
"In thirty-two volumes"
"Part II The Rise of New France"
Includes bibliographic references and index.
Author's given names and dates: Colby, Charles W. (Charles William), 1867-1955
Editor's given names and dates: Wrong, George McKinnon, 1860-1948
Editor's given names and dates: Langton, H.H. (Hugh Hornby), 1862-1953
Less detail

From manger to throne : embracing a new life of Jesus the Christ and a history of Palestine and its people

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1893
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Talmage, T. De Witt (Thomas De Witt), 1832-1902
Publication Date
c1890
Call Number
232.9 TAL
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
HV982.24.33
Call Number
232.9 TAL
Author
Talmage, T. De Witt (Thomas De Witt), 1832-1902
Place of Publication
Philadelphia, Pa.
Publisher
Historical Publishing Company
Publication Date
c1890
Physical Description
655 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
Inscription
"Mrs. W.J. Chase from her son John S. Chase Christmas 1893" -- handwritten
Library Subject (LOC)
Jesus Christ
Palestine--History
Bible stories
Biography
Notes
Includes bibliographical references and Index.
Less detail

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20285
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser M…
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) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewees: Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy Location of Interview: Residence of Harry Toy Interview Date: September 25, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:01:13 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants’ Association and Harry's daughters, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy's memories of growing up in Burnaby. 00:00:00 – 00:23:53 Harry Toy shares biographical information about himself and his ancestors. Harry provides information about his migration to Canada and his life in Manitoba, attending school, working at the family restaurant and teaching high school. 00:23:53 – 00:41:16 Harry talks about moving his family to Burnaby and his experiences owning and operating the Canada Way Food Market. 00:41:17 – 00:54:19 Harry talks about his involvement with the Fraser Merchants Association (FMA) and provides some history about the organization. 00:54:20 – 1:22:44 Harry talks about running the Canada Way Food Market and the alterations that he made to the store over the years. Harry and his daughters comment as they look through photographs of Harry and his store and the Fraser Merchants Association. 1:22:45 – 2:01:14 Beverley and Christina talk about their early childhood in Manitoba and growing up in Burnaby. They recall what it was like growing up and working in the family owned store.
History
Interviewee biography: Harry Wee Koon Toy was born in February 9, 1936 in Taikong, Toisan county, Guangdong, China. Harry's father William Toy came to Canada in the early 1920s when he was ten years old. Harry arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 9, 1950. After staying in Vancouver for one night, he joined his father in Neepawa, Manitoba where the family operated a cafe business (Royal Cafe). Harry grew up in Neepawa and graduated from the University of Manitoba and teacher's college. He became a high school teacher and worked at schools in Minnedosa and Gladstone, Manitoba teaching various subjects including, science, business, geography, history and physical education. Harry and his wife, had three daughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina who were all born in Neepawa. When the family decided to move to the west coast, Harry was introduced to the grocery store business through an uncle who was a store operator. Around 1970, Harry purchased a grocery store at 4694 Canada Way in Burnaby which he named "Canada Way Food Market" and Harry and his daughters made their home at the back of the store. Harry owned and operated the store for approximately 40 years between 1970 and 2010. Around 1986, Harry purchased the butcher shop next door (4692 Canada Way) which was no longer in operation, expanding his store and adding a second storey to use a residence. Harry's children helped him operate the store throughout their childhood. In the early 1970s, corner stores were threatened by the spread of small chain-operated convenience stories from Eastern Canada to Vancouver. Formed in April 1972, the Fraser Merchants’ Association was established to protect the rights of corner store operators. With no paid legal help, the association was incorporated in Victoria, BC for the cost of 56 cents. The benefits of being a member of the association included warehouse and group purchasing, common advertising and other advantages of being part of an association. Founded by Gary Lee Ling and five others, Fraser Merchants’ Association’s first member was Graham Grocery. By 1978, the association represented over 200 corner stores in the Lower Mainland (Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Coquitlam, and New Westminster) and Fraser Valley. The association remained active into the 1980s and 1990s. Harry has served as President of the Fraser Merchants' Association from 1992 to present. 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
Education
Migration
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Grocers
Organizations
Organizations - Business Associations
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Toy, Christina
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Babey, Beverley
Canada Way Food Market
Fraser Merchants' Association
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4694 Canada Way
Accession Code
BV023.16.19
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also: BV023.25 - Harry Toy fonds
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0019_002.mp3
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Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.
History
Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Buildings - Schools
First Nations reserves - British Columbia
Names
Chow, Josephine
Glenwood Elementary School
McPherson Park Junior Secondary School
ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Byrne Road
Accession Code
BV020.6.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Related Material
See also BV017.36*
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12/3/2017
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of interview
Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4
Images
Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3
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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

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