33 records – page 1 of 2.

75 years, 1926-2001, Royal Oak Community Church : committed to Christ & community

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5444
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
2001
Call Number
971 ROC
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
Call Number
971 ROC
Place of Publication
[Burnaby, B.C.]
Publisher
Royal Oak Community Church
Publication Date
2001
Physical Description
[7] p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Church anniversaries
Church buildings
Church history
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Buildings
Names
Alta Vista Baptist Church
Notes
Formerly, Alta Vista Baptist Chruch--p. [1].
Less detail

The Benedictines of Westminster Priory

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38167
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1951 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 5.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an original photographic postcard of the Benedictines of Westminster Priory at Ceperley House which was funded by the Catholic Diocese beginning in 1939. There is a postmark from Merritt, British Columbia, at the top right corner.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1951 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Image Bank subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 5.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.3 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-754
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of an original photographic postcard of the Benedictines of Westminster Priory at Ceperley House which was funded by the Catholic Diocese beginning in 1939. There is a postmark from Merritt, British Columbia, at the top right corner.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Heritage
Occupations - Clergy
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Names
Westminster Priory
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Negative has a pink cast
Annotation at bottom of photograph reads, "The Benedictines of Westminster Priory, Vancouver, BC"
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Book reading given by Pixie McGeachie January 10, 1973 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory242
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1872-1874
Length
0:08:15
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes the mission at Lytton, British Columbia. An unidentified man speaks at the completion of the reading, giving som…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes the mission at Lytton, British Columbia. An unidentified man speaks at the completion of the reading, giving some details on various individuals discussed during the reading.
Date Range
1872-1874
Photo Info
Pixie McGeachie (left) and Florence Godwin, 1992. Item no. 330-003
Length
0:08:15
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Interview Date
January 10, 1973
Scope and Content
Recording is of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie on January 10, 1973 to the Burnaby Historical Society from the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams (then archivist in the Vancouver School of Theology, University of British Columbia) and Pixie McGeachie.
Biographical Notes
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.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:54:31
Interviewee Name
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
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 six of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie

Less detail

Burquitlam parsonage

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88379
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958
Collection/Fonds
Church of Nazarene fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 14.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Church of Nazarene parsonage located at 577 Clarke Road Burquitlam. The building was being raised to create a basement for Reverend Garfield Ferris and his family who lived here. Reverend Garfield James Ferris served as minister of the Church of Nazarene from 1955 to 1959.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958
Collection/Fonds
Church of Nazarene fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 14.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
575-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2014-41
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Church of Nazarene parsonage located at 577 Clarke Road Burquitlam. The building was being raised to create a basement for Reverend Garfield Ferris and his family who lived here. Reverend Garfield James Ferris served as minister of the Church of Nazarene from 1955 to 1959.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in pen on verso of photograph reads: "Burquitlam Parsonage"
Street Address
577 Clarke Road
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Less detail

Chapel at Fairacres

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36251
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1939 and 1954]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy negative ; 3 x 4 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the chapel of the Order of St. Benedict at the Ceperley Mansion when they purchased and occupied the mansion from 1939 to 1954. They converted the drawing room into a chapel, placing the altar in front of the fireplace. A platform with a cross on a table. The letters "LOCUS ISTE SANCT…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1939 and 1954]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Art Gallery subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy negative ; 3 x 4 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
242-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1990-05
Scope and Content
Photograph of the chapel of the Order of St. Benedict at the Ceperley Mansion when they purchased and occupied the mansion from 1939 to 1954. They converted the drawing room into a chapel, placing the altar in front of the fireplace. A platform with a cross on a table. The letters "LOCUS ISTE SANCTUS EST" are inscribed on the wall above the cross. There is a picture of baby Jesus held by the Virgin Mary on one side of the platform, and a Saint holding a baby on the other.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Heritage
Furniture
Names
Westminster Priory
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph 1 b&w copy print accompanying
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Chapel at Fairacres

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1629
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1939 and 1954] (date of original), copied 1979
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the chapel of the Order of St. Benedict at the Ceperley Mansion when they purchased and occupied the mansion from 1939 to 1954. They converted the drawing room into a chapel, placing the altar in front of the fireplace. A platform with a cross on a table. The letters "LOCUS ISTE SANCT…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the chapel of the Order of St. Benedict at the Ceperley Mansion when they purchased and occupied the mansion from 1939 to 1954. They converted the drawing room into a chapel, placing the altar in front of the fireplace. A platform with a cross on a table. The letters "LOCUS ISTE SANCTUS EST" are inscribed on the wall above the cross. There is a picture of baby Jesus held by the Virgin Mary on one side of the platform, and a Saint holding a baby on the other.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Heritage
Furniture
Names
Westminster Priory
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Accession Code
HV979.34.2
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1939 and 1954] (date of original), copied 1979
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-09-12
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Christ the King Seminary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38355
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1945 (date of original), copied [2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Robert and Bessie Anderson house at Deer Lake, which was built in 1912. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King. In 1971, the house was purchased by Burnaby to be used as part of the Arts Centre and, in 1992, wa…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1945 (date of original), copied [2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Municipal record subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
416-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2001-6
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Robert and Bessie Anderson house at Deer Lake, which was built in 1912. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King. In 1971, the house was purchased by Burnaby to be used as part of the Arts Centre and, in 1992, was designated as a city heritage site.
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Religious
Names
Christ the King Seminary
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Christ the King Seminary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38356
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1939] (date of original), copied [2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph :b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Robert and Bessie Anderson house at Deer Lake, which was built in 1912. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King. In 1971, the house was purchased by Burnaby to be used as part of the Arts Centre and, in 1992, wa…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1939] (date of original), copied [2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Municipal record subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph :b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
416-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2001-6
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Robert and Bessie Anderson house at Deer Lake, which was built in 1912. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King. In 1971, the house was purchased by Burnaby to be used as part of the Arts Centre and, in 1992, was designated as a city heritage site.
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Religious
Names
Christ the King Seminary
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Christ the King Seminary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38357
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1939] (date of original), copied [2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Robert and Bessie Anderson house at Deer Lake, which was built in 1912. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King. In 1971, the house was purchased by Burnaby to be used as part of the Arts Centre and, in 1992, wa…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1939] (date of original), copied [2001]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Municipal record subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
416-004
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2001-6
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Robert and Bessie Anderson house at Deer Lake, which was built in 1912. In 1939, the house was purchased by the Benedictine Monks for use as part of the Seminary of Christ the King. In 1971, the house was purchased by Burnaby to be used as part of the Arts Centre and, in 1992, was designated as a city heritage site.
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Religious
Names
Christ the King Seminary
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Construction Workers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58909
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 25 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction workers posing next to the the frame of a building and laying brick. A sign featured in the photograph reads: "The cornerstone ceremony of the Shri Shri Radha Madana-Mohana Temple of the International Society for Krisha Consciousness...".
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 25 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1365
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction workers posing next to the the frame of a building and laying brick. A sign featured in the photograph reads: "The cornerstone ceremony of the Shri Shri Radha Madana-Mohana Temple of the International Society for Krisha Consciousness...".
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Religious
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Burnaby Today / page A6 / 58%"
Images
Less detail

Construction Workers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58923
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 18.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction workers posing next to the the frame of a building and laying brick. The building is the Shri Shri Radha Madana-Mohana Temple of the International Society for Krisha Consciousness.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 18.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1374
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of construction workers posing next to the the frame of a building and laying brick. The building is the Shri Shri Radha Madana-Mohana Temple of the International Society for Krisha Consciousness.
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Religious
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "page 3 / Burnaby Today / PMT 100%"
480-1365 is a related photograph
Images
Less detail

Edmonds Baptist Church

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark575
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Church building.
Associated Dates
1912
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Walker Avenue
Associated Dates
1912
Description
Church building.
Heritage Value
Beautifully designed in an Arts and Crafts idiom, this church features a textural mix of finishes including lapped siding and stucco and half timbering in the gables. The British Columbian reported in July 1912 that: "The Baptists of Edmonds will possess a fine and well planned church when the building now commenced is ready for occupation. The architects are J.P. Matheson and Son, of Vancouver, and the contractors, Muttitt and Bell, of New Westminster. The entrance porch fronts Edmonds Road and the west side faces Vancouver Road. It will have a capacity for 272 sittings, spacious aisles and choir platform besides various rooms for Baptistery, vestry and robing apartments."
Locality
Edmonds
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Architect
J.P. Matheson & Son
Builder
Muttitt and Bell
Area
1471.58
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Names
Matheson, John
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Street Address
7135 Walker Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

Fort Augustus Abbey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82575
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900-1930]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 13.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard shows a building situated by a body of water and mountains. The building is identified as Fort Augustus Abbey.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900-1930]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.5 x 13.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-145
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard shows a building situated by a body of water and mountains. The building is identified as Fort Augustus Abbey.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Bottom of recto reads: "The Abbey, Fort Augustus"
Note in black pen on verso reads: "9th September / We arrived here last night after a run through the Canal Loch Ness, & we ... by train to Frot William - Inverness is awfully pretty, & we had lovely weather - I should like to stay here for a week - it is so peaceful & beautiful views over the Loch. Love from K L M / Mrs J G Craig / 25 Harrington Gdus / London S W 7 / England"
Postage stamps on verso reads: "Halfpenny"
Images
Less detail

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19347
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share the…
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
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Interviewees: Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence on Warwick Avenue in Burnaby Interview Date: November 11, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:58:39) Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share their ancestral background, their personal experiences immigrating to Canada, living in Burnaby and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants. 00:00 – 27:34 Santokh “Gurmail” Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill share their migration stories and experiences living and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants and their eldest child, Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences as a child of South Asian immigrants and growing up in British Columbia as a South Asian Canadian. Gurmail Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar and Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in Hoshiapur of the Indian state of Punjab. Gurmail describes how he moved from India to England with his family in 1957, immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, married his wife Mohinder in England in 1968 and brought his family (parents and two siblings) to Canada from England in 1970 and other relatives including his wife’s family in the 1970s and 1980s. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill recollect their arranged marriage in England in 1968, their immigration process and explain how they arrived in Burnaby residing with a cousin at 4649 Georgia Street until they were able to purchase their own home after a few years. Gurmail shares names and connections to the relatives that came to British Columbia before him. Gurmail and Mohinder tell how they lived in the basement of the house and rented out the upper floor to save money. The couple recall what they brought with them when they immigrated to Canada and Mohinder Kaur Gill tells of how before leaving India, she and her mother made a special rajai for her to take with her. Mohinder describes the process of making a rajai (a quilted blanket that was made by hand). Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced as new immigrants including not being fluent in English, the cold weather and not having very many family or friends nearby to provide support. They attended the Gurdwara on Ross Street or Akali Singh Sikh Society Gurdwara on Skeena in Vancouver. They explain how there was limited access to grocery stores that supplied Punjabi and Indian spices and other cooking supplies. They talk about how they used a food mill and mortar and pestle to grind their own spices and flour and how Mohinder often made traditional sweets like barfi and laddo and pakoras using pea flour when they couldn’t get Besan flour. 27:35 – 36:11 Gurmail provides more details on his family’s immigration story, including names of relatives, how his six siblings and parents all immigrated to British Columbia in 1970 and how in the early 1970s and mid 1980’s Gurmail and his family sponsored approximately 70 friends and relations from India (including Mohinder’s family) to immigrate to Canada. When Mohinder’s family arrived they lived with them in their house until they were able to purchase property next door and build their own home. Children in the families all attended elementary and high school in Burnaby which now amounts to three generations. 36:12 – 59:28 Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about their experiences of racial discrimination. Gurmail recalls members of the South Asian community, Dr. Hari Prakash Sharma, Harinder Mahil and Charan Gill starting the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism. Gurmail tells of how he got involved contributing some of his union dues as a member of CAIMAW (Canadian Association of Industrial Mechanical and Allied Workers Union- Local 15) and as a friend of Charan Gill and Raj Chouhan of the Canadian Farm Workers Union. Gurmail Gill explains how he was a founding member of CAIMAW and treasurer until the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union (in 1991). Mohinder and Gurmail tell of how people from the South Asian community were discouraged from wearing Punjabi dresses or head coverings for fear of being yelled at with racial slurs and how it was often scary to go outside. Many from their community often avoided attending the Akali Singh Gurdwara since a head covering was required and people were afraid of being a target. Gurmail provides details about his work with A1 Steel, how different unions were formed pertaining to various skillsets and jobs per company and how he became a member of CAIMAW Local 15 (foundry workers). Mohinder recollects her experiences as a mother, the daily tasks involved and friends that she made who’d also emigrated from Punjab. Mohinder describes how she designed and sewed many Punjabi dresses using her electric sewing machine and how she learned English by attending adult classes at a church on Commercial Drive. Mohinder and her mother attended the classes for two hours per day for six years at a cost of twelve dollars for ten weeks. Once Mohinder could speak a little English, she started working and was able to practice more. 59:29 – 1:06:08 Mohinder, Gurmail and Prem talk about some of their favourite traditional foods including corn roti and spinach curry and how they grow many of their own vegetables including peppers, eggplant, saag (spinach), onions, garlic, cilantro, zucchini, squash and fenugreek. Mohinder reflects on how access to Punjabi clothing and fabric stores in Vancouver has changed and that ready made food is now more available. Traditional foods were previously made from scratch with women gathering together and cooking for hours and now it’s gotten easier but more expensive and less of a community feel. 1:06:09- 1:55:20 Mohinder and Gurmail Gill discuss and share their perspectives and experiences on raising a family in the past versus today. Gurmail imparts that all of his siblings became educated and secured professional careers while he continued to work in the trades. Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences growing up and attending school in Burnaby. Gurmail and Mohinder Gill recall the type of suitcase that they brought with them when they immigrated and how they recently they got rid of it. Gurmail and the group reflect and discuss the confusion with racial identity terms that have been used in this country. They comment that South Asians were referred to as “Hindu” and “East Indian” and Indigenous peoples were referred to as “Indian” and the controversy and racism behind some of these terms. The group discusses the impact of the caste system and other discriminatory experiences and compare their experiences of living in England to living in Canada. Prem comments on how it’s just recently that South Asian customs, celebrations and practices have been recognized and celebrated here in Canada, like Diwali and yoga. They comment on how much of the language, culture and customs have been retained in Surrey where many can still communicate in Punjabi and don’t need to be fluent in English. The group discusses how many South Asians immigrants first lived and worked in Vancouver but with rising property prices many moved to Surrey expanding and establishing a much larger South Asian community with resources. The group discusses and compares the differing travel routes that many of them and their relatives took when immigrating and travelling between India and Canada. The group talks about Rajdeep’s ancestral village in India which is near the Gill village of Firozpur. Gurmail explains the origins and details behind his family name that was changed from “Shergill” to “Gill” and the name “Santokh” from his maternal side.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married his wife, Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. 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
Clothing
Foods
Indigenous peoples
Buildings - Religious - Temples
Food Processing Tools and Equipment
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Migration
Occupations
Organizations - Unions
Names
Gill, Prem Kaur
Gill, Mohinder Kaur
Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh
Responsibility
Rajdeep
Malik, Anushay
Accession Code
BV022.29.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcript available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Indian Family System Reference notes: Baba = informal way to say grandfather; old man Bibi = informal way to say grandmother; old woman Dada= paternal grandfather Dadi= paternal grandmother Dadke= paternal family members; paternal side (Various spellings might exist for the following terms) Thaiyya= father’s elder brother (uncle) Thaiyyi= father’s elder brother’s wife (aunt) Chacha= father’s younger brother (uncle) Chachi= father’s younger brother’s wife (aunt) Bua= father’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Phuphar= father’s sister’s husband (uncle) Nana= maternal grandfather Nani= maternal grandmother Nanke/nanka= maternal family members; maternal side Mama= mom’s brother (older or younger) (uncle) Mami= mom’s brother’s wife (aunt) Maasi= mom’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Maasard= mom’s sister’s husband (uncle)
Audio Tracks

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022

Interview with Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill, [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3
Less detail

postcard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact45375
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV003.16.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV003.16.1
Description
Postcard: sepia photo, glossy, white border; horizontal; of small stone church among trees; printed in white at bottom, handlettered "METHODIST CHURCH BURNABY ONT"; on reverse in grey, "POST CARD", "MADE IN CANADA"; short line down centre, at left "CORRESPONDENCE HERE", at right "NAME AND ADDRESS HERE"; "AZO" printed four times at upper right to form outline of rectangle, "PLACE STAMP HERE"; handwritten all across card in blue pen: "Clarence Neff donated the the land for the church to be built. The first minister had two churchs. & did not live in Burnaby. Later my grandfather Clarence Neff donated land for the parsonage to be built for the yr. round minister" "Helen McCoomb Fitzgerald"; pencilled "Property of Mrs. Harley McCoomb"; in black pen, "in Burnaby"; spotting, darkening around edges; corners are rounded; border is uneven; tack hole at top centre with impression of tack head visible on front
Category
06.Tools & Equipment for Communication
Classification
Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
Object Term
Postcard
Country Made
Canada
Title
Methodist Church Burnaby, Ont.
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Buildings
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Images
Less detail

postcard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact45449
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV003.26.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV003.26.1
Description
Postcard, colour photo, glossy; horizontal; shows landscaping, lawn with flowerbeds, shrubs, trees, stone chapel in background; on reverse in blue, "OCEAN VIEW BURIAL PARK" "6790 Patterson Ave., S. Burnaby, B.C." "EVERGREEN GARDEN" "For the interment of cremated remains, in an area of flowers, shrubs and trees. A small bronze name plate marks each individual plot. Garden Chapel (Crematorium) shown in the background."; at lower left, "Colour Photo by Dominion Photo Co., Vancouver, B.C."; up centre, "A Traveltime PRODUCT, MADE IN VANCOUVER, CANADA, BY GRANT-MANN LITHOGRAPHERS LTD."; at bottom, "C-476"; at upper right, "POST CARD" "ADDRESS", outline of rectangle "STAMP"; unused; slight wear on one corner
Object History
Purchased from E-Bay, #2163154620.
Category
06.Tools & Equipment for Communication
Classification
Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
Object Term
Postcard
Maker
Grant-Mann Lithographers, Limited
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Vancouver
Title
Ocean View Burial Park Evergreen Garden C-476
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Buildings
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Names
Dominion Photo Company
Images
Less detail

postcard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact45450
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV003.26.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV003.26.2
Description
Postcard, colour photo, glossy; horizontal; shows Ocean View cemetary's stone chapel and crematorium, flowerbed, trees, drive, lawn; on reverse in blue, "OCEAN VIEW BURIAL PARK" "6790 Patterson Ave., S. Burnaby, B.C." "THE GARDEN CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM" "A replica of a small Norman church, the Garden Chapel provides an atmosphere of beauty and dignity for cremation services."; at bottom left, "Colour Photo by Dominion Photo Co., Vancouver, B.C."; up centre, "A Traveltime PRODUCT, MADE IN VANCOUVER, CANADA, BY GRANT-MANN LITHOGRAPHERS, LTD."; at bottom, "C-475"; at upper right, "POST CARD" "ADDRESS", outline of rectangle "STAMP"; unused; some soiling, slight wear on corners
Object History
Purchased from E-Bay, #2163154620.
Category
06.Tools & Equipment for Communication
Classification
Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
Object Term
Postcard
Maker
Grant-Mann Lithographers, Limited
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Vancouver
Title
Ocean View Burial Park C-475
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Buildings
Buildings - Religious
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Names
Dominion Photo Company
Images
Less detail

Reverend Garfield Ferris and family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88380
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
June 1958
Collection/Fonds
Church of Nazarene fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9.5 x 7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Reverend Garfield James Ferris, Tabea Ferris, Faye Ferris and Sharron Ferris (their brother, Lorne Garfield Ferris was at school at Red Deer College during the time this photograph was taken) standing in front of the Church of the Nazarene parsonage located at 577 Clarke Road in Burqu…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
June 1958
Collection/Fonds
Church of Nazarene fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9.5 x 7 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
575-004
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2014-41
Scope and Content
Photograph of Reverend Garfield James Ferris, Tabea Ferris, Faye Ferris and Sharron Ferris (their brother, Lorne Garfield Ferris was at school at Red Deer College during the time this photograph was taken) standing in front of the Church of the Nazarene parsonage located at 577 Clarke Road in Burquitlam. Reverend Garfield James Ferris served as minister of the Church of Nazarene from 1955 to 1959.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious
Names
Ferris, Rev. Garfield James
Ferris, Tabea
Ferris, Faye
Ferris, Sharron
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Street Address
577 Clarke Road
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Less detail

Royal Oak Funeral Chapel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34752
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[197-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 8.6 x 12.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of the Royal Oak Funeral Chapel at 3412 Kingsway (renumbered as the 5152 Kingsway) at Royal Oak Avenue. Tulips are seen on the property.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[197-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 8.6 x 12.2 cm
Material Details
Printed on photograph paper, "This paper / manufactured / by Kodak"
Description Level
Item
Record No.
129-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of the Royal Oak Funeral Chapel at 3412 Kingsway (renumbered as the 5152 Kingsway) at Royal Oak Avenue. Tulips are seen on the property.
Subjects
Plants - Flowers
Buildings - Religious
Names
Royal Oak Funeral Chapel
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
5152 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

Royal Oak Funeral Chapel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36110
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1980]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Royal Oak Funeral Chapel at 3412 Kingsway taken from inside the stone fence. This building is also known as 'Glenedward' and its address has been renumbered 5152 Kingsway.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1980]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Columbian Newspaper subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
222-033
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1989-19
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Royal Oak Funeral Chapel at 3412 Kingsway taken from inside the stone fence. This building is also known as 'Glenedward' and its address has been renumbered 5152 Kingsway.
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Religious
Names
Royal Oak Funeral Chapel
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
3 b&w copy negatives accompanying
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
5152 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

33 records – page 1 of 2.