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Cassell's compact French-English, English-French dictionary : abridged from Cassell's new French dictionary
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1609
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.4006.1
- Call Number
- 443 PAY
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- Cassell & Company, Limited
- Publication Date
- 1932
- Printer
- Greycaine Book Manufacturing Co.
- Physical Description
- vii, 220 p. ; 16 cm.
- Inscription
- inside, "Pat McMahon Salmon Arm, B.C. Canada Grade IX" "Pat McMahon Salmon Arm High School, Salmon Arm, B.C., Canada" "125"
- Library Subject (LOC)
- French language--Dictionaries
- English language--Dictionaries
A Selection of English Poetry
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1737
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV984.21.128
- Call Number
- 821.8 MAC
- Edition
- Rev. ed.
- Place of Publication
- London, Toronto
- Publisher
- J. M. Dent & Sons
- Publication Date
- 1930
- Printer
- Turnbull & Spears
- Physical Description
- v-xi; 216 p,
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English poetry
- Poets, English
- Notes
- "Edited by W.L. MacDonald, M.A., Ph.D, and F.C. Walker, M.A., Ph.D."
- Contributors" full names and dates as follows: MacDonald, Wilbert Lorne, 1879-1966 Walker, Francis Cox, 1873-1935
- Includes index
Composition through reading : the direct method of teaching English, book 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2832
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Pickles, Frederick
- Edition
- Rev. ed.
- Publication Date
- 1930
- Call Number
- 428.2 PIC 1930
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV973.89.3
- Call Number
- 428.2 PIC 1930
- Edition
- Rev. ed.
- Author
- Pickles, Frederick
- Place of Publication
- London
- Toronto
- Publisher
- J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd.
- Publication Date
- 1930
- Printer
- Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ltd.
- Physical Description
- xx, 295 p. ; 19 cm.
- Inscription
- "Department of Education The Government of The Privince of British Columbia" Text-Book Branch" [sticker on front pastdown] "Ronald D. King" [handwritten in pencil on front endpaper]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Composition and exercises
- English literature
- Readers (Secondary)
- Textbooks
- Notes
- Author's full name is Pickles, Frederick
- "Authorised for use in the schools of British Columbia"--t.p.
Composition through reading : the direct method of teaching English. Introductory course.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2833
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Pickles, Frederick
- Edition
- Rev. ed.
- Publication Date
- 1930
- Call Number
- 428.2 PIC
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV973.89.4
- Call Number
- 428.2 PIC
- Edition
- Rev. ed.
- Author
- Pickles, Frederick
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- J. M. Dent & Sons Limited
- Publication Date
- 1930
- Printer
- Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ltd.
- Physical Description
- xvi, 236 p. ; 19 cm.
- Inscription
- "55" [handwritten in pencil on front endpaper] "Ronald King" [handwritten in pencil on front endpaper]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Composition and exercises
- English literature
- Readers (Secondary)
- Textbooks
- Notes
- "Each volume a Reading Book and a Manual of Composition in one"
- "Introductory Course, Revised Edition: For Junior and Senior High Schools. Grade IX."
- "Authorised for use in the schools of British Columbia" --t.p.
The concise English dictionary
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1825
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV983.74.3
- Call Number
- 423 ANN
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- Blackie & Son
- Publication Date
- 1930
- Printer
- Blackie & Son
- Physical Description
- 856 p. ; 20 cm.
- Inscription
- inside front cover, "Grace Jamieson" [handwritten in ink] inside front page, "90" [written in pencil]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Dictionaries
- Notes
- "With many Useful Lists and Appendices".
- Based on Ogilvie's "Imperial Dictionary".
Elementary English grammar
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary4862
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3744.1
- Call Number
- 372.61 WJC
- Place of Publication
- Toronto, Ont.
- Publisher
- W. J. Gage & Co. Limited
- Publication Date
- 1935
- Printer
- W. J. Gage & Co. Limited
- Physical Description
- xi, 287 p. ; 20 cm.
- Inscription
- "Send money to Gingham Tea Shop" - Handwritten in pencil on flyleaf. "Douglas Weicker Div 4 / 7200 Columbia St." -- handwritten in pen on flyleaf.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Grammar
- English language
- Notes
- Includes index.
Neil English and Crichton Hawkshaw at Sarcee
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19391
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1936
- Collection/Fonds
- Hawkshaw family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Sergeant Crichton Hawkshaw standing with Sergeant Neil English at Canadian Forces Base military training camp at Sarcee, Alberta.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hawkshaw family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Sergeant Crichton Hawkshaw standing with Sergeant Neil English at Canadian Forces Base military training camp at Sarcee, Alberta.
- Subjects
- Public Services - Military Services
- Accession Code
- BV996.6.75
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 1936
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-02-06
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Caption beneath photograph reads: "Neil English & myself"
- Photograph is part of photograph album BV996.6.1
Images
Webster's pocket pronouncing dictionary of the English language : condensed from the original dictionary
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1605
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.4002.1
- Call Number
- 423 WEB
- Edition
- Rev. ed.
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- Ward, Lock & Co., Limited
- Publication Date
- 1858
- Physical Description
- ii-iv, 313 p. ; 13 cm.
- Inscription
- inside front cover: "Miss J.E. Simpson"[handwritten in pencil] "Who'se she?"[handwritten in pencil] printed sticker label inside back cover, gold foil: "Moir's Halifax Canada" pencil notes inside back cover small sticker label, red/gold: "DALGLEISH, Stationer, B. Salterton."
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Dictionaries
- Notes
- "Condensed from the original Dictionary by Noah Webster, LL.D." .
- "with accented vocabularies of classical, scripture, and modern geographical names".
- "containing 10,000 more words than Walker's Dictionary".
- Author's given name and dates : Webster, William G. (William Greenleaf), 1805-1869.
Jubilee Grove Arch
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark533
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- The Jubilee Grove Arch sits at the corner of Kingsway and Patterson Avenue. Located within Central Park, the ceremonial arch and its decorative plantings provide a visual anchor to the northeast corner and entry point to the park.
- Associated Dates
- 1939
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Imperial Street
- Associated Dates
- 1939
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 9807
- Enactment Date
- 23/11/1992
- Description
- The Jubilee Grove Arch sits at the corner of Kingsway and Patterson Avenue. Located within Central Park, the ceremonial arch and its decorative plantings provide a visual anchor to the northeast corner and entry point to the park.
- Heritage Value
- Jubilee Grove Arch was dedicated as part of the municipality’s celebration of the Jubilee of the coronation of King George V and was dedicated during Burnaby’s annual May Day celebrations in 1935. Much of the construction work was carried out by local citizens under the direction of the Burnaby Engineering Department through a Depression era work relief program that provided a way for local residents to pay their taxes. The garden was also chosen as the site for the ceremonial planting of an oak tree from the Royal Forest at Windsor, in honor of the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. The original bronze garden dedication plaque and oak tree remain at the site today. The decorative stone arch was erected in 1939 as a symbol of Burnaby's, and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia’s, strong ties to the English monarchy at the time, and the arch’s unveiling during May Day ceremonies shows the social role that such a commemorative feature played both to the local government and people of Burnaby. It was erected just prior to the Royal Visit of 1939, the first time that reigning British monarchs had travelled to Canada. Built of Haddington Island sandstone, the arch itself was reconstructed from a salvaged architectural element of a historic Vancouver landmark. The arch originally framed the entrance door to the Vancouver Club building in Vancouver, built in 1893-94 on West Hastings Street and designed by architect C.O. Wickenden. The building was demolished in 1930, however the arch was stored and rebuilt as the focal point of the Jubilee Grove after being bought by the Municipality of Burnaby. The work was undertaken by Italian-born stone mason Rizieri Stefanini (1879-1954), the owner of Burnaby Monumental Works. The re-use of the arch symbolizes the close tie between Vancouver and Burnaby and the joint evolution of the neighbouring cities.
- Defining Elements
- The Jubilee Grove Arch has character-defining elements that recognize it both as a remnant of a past building and as a new and individual structure. These include its: - axial diagonal placement and prominent corner location marking one of the entries to Central Park - visibility and accessibility as a public monument - hand carved stone blocks of Haddington Island sandstone - decorative twisted-rope motif carved to outline the arch - supporting rusticated sidewalls with planting urns - original bronze dedication plaque - flanking ornamental gardens - Royal Oak tree and plaque
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
- Organization
- City of Burnaby
- Architect
- C.O. Wickenden
- Function
- Primary Current--Park Fixture
- Primary Historic--Park Fixture
- Community
- Burnaby
- Cadastral Identifier
- P.I.D. No. 017-767-172 Legal Description: Block B of Lot 2 Except Firstly: Part on Plan 8669 and Secondly: Part on Plan LMP4689 District Lot 151, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 3443
- Boundaries
- The property (Central Park) is a municipally-owned park that lies at the western edge of Burnaby, between 49th Avenue to the south, Kingsway to the north, Boundary Road to the west and Patterson Avenue to the east.
- Area
- 853,403.82
- Contributing Resource
- Structure
- Landscape Feature
- Ownership
- Public (local)
- Documentation
- Heritage Site Files: PC77000 20. City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 1M2
- Names
- Burnaby Monumental Works
- Street Address
- 3883 Imperial Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Dominion language series. Book three
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1518
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3739.1
- Call Number
- 372.6 MAC
- Place of Publication
- Toronto, Ont.
- Publisher
- The MacMillan Company of Canada Limited
- Publication Date
- 1936
- Series
- Dominion language series
- Printer
- The Hunter-Rose Co., Limited
- Physical Description
- xvii, 378 p. : ill, port. : 20 cm.
- Inscription
- "Donald Hayward" -- handwritten in pen on endpaper (front). "376 Albert St." -- handwritten and crossed-out in pen on endpaper (front). "172 Bernard kelowna" -- handwritten in pen on endpaper (front).
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Composition and exercises
- English language--Study and teaching (Primary)
- Notes
- Includes index.
The Winston dictionary for Canadian schools
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary4932
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV004.20.5
- Call Number
- 423 HEN
- Contributor
- Alexander, Henry, 1890-1975
- Place of Publication
- Toronto
- Publisher
- The John C. Winston Company
- Publication Date
- 1953
- c1937
- Physical Description
- iii-x, 627 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
- Inscription
- inside cover page: "Dennis Perry" "Dex. 0934.-4" "2831 Gilpin" "1955" inside text : loose sheets of paper with notes handwritten in ink.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Dictionaries
- English language
- Notes
- "1100 Pictorial Illustrations".
- Contributor's role: Alexander, Henry (edited by)
The book of common praise : being the hymn book of the Anglican Church of Canada
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6608
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.65.26
- Call Number
- 782.9 CHU
- Place of Publication
- Toronto
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Publication Date
- 1938
- Physical Description
- iv, 290 p. ; 15 cm.
- Inscription
- "St. Stephen's Anglican Sunday School Supt. ______ Treas.______" [stamped on front pastedown] "Beginners Dept" [handwritten on front pastedown]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Hymns, English
- Hymns
- Notes
- Includes index. "Compiled by a committee of the General Synod"--t.p
The book of common praise : being the hymn book of the Church of England in Canada
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5949
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Edition
- two-part ed.
- Publication Date
- 1938
- Call Number
- 782.9 CHU 1938
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.65.45
- Call Number
- 782.9 CHU 1938
- Edition
- two-part ed.
- Contributor
- Church of England in Canada
- Place of Publication
- Toronto
- Publisher
- Geoffrey Cumberlege
- Oxford University Press
- Publication Date
- 1938
- Printer
- Lund, Humphries
- Physical Description
- xii, 798 p. ; 18cm.
- Inscription
- "Property of St. Stephen's Church Choir. Priests Copy. Sept. 1957." -- handwritten in ink of endpaper (front). "Allan's Stationery Gift Shop 17 Sixth Street ph. 1060" --sticker on endpaper (back).
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Church of England in Canada--Hymns
- Hymns, English
- Hymns
- Notes
- "Compiled by a committee of the General Synod" -- t.p.
- Includes index.
The book of common praise : being the hymn book of the Church of England in Canada
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6329
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Church of England in Canada
- Publication Date
- 1938
- Call Number
- 782.9 CHU 1938
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.65.8
- Call Number
- 782.9 CHU 1938
- Author
- Church of England in Canada
- Place of Publication
- Toronto
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Publication Date
- 1938
- Printer
- John Johnson
- Physical Description
- iv, 293 p. : 15 cm.
- Inscription
- "SUNDAY SCHOOL" [Handwritten in blue ink on front endpaper] "ST. STEPHENS ANGLICAN CHURCH (BURQUITLAM) NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C." [Stamped in blue ink on front endpaper and front flyleaf]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Hymns, English
- Hymns
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Notes
- "Compiled by a committee of the General Synod" --Title page
- Includes index.
Chums annual : 1935-6
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2332
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Hadath, Gunby
- Publication Date
- 1936
- Call Number
- 828.8 CHU v.1935
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV977.83.4
- Call Number
- 828.8 CHU v.1935
- Author
- Hadath, Gunby
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- Amalgamated Press
- Publication Date
- 1936
- Physical Description
- 412 p., [3] leaves of plates (incl. front.) : ill. ; 31 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Children's literature
- Short stories, English--20th century
- Periodicals
- Notes
- Annual compilation of short stories and articles (Chums magazine ceased monthly publication in 1934).
- Includes index.
- One of 6 volumes in collection
Girl Guide prayers & hymns : for use in camp or club room
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6835
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV015.35.28
- Call Number
- 369.4 LON
- Place of Publication
- London
- Toronto
- Publisher
- Longmans, Green and Co.
- Publication Date
- 1931
- Physical Description
- 72 p. ; 14 cm.
- Inscription
- 22nd Co. G. G." [handwritten in black ink on title page]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Girls--Societies and clubs
- Hymns, English
- Names
- Girl Guides Association
The hymnary of the United Church of Canada
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1578
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3881.1
- Call Number
- 782.22 UNI Copy 1
- Place of Publication
- Toronto, Ont.
- Publisher
- The United Church Publishing House
- Publication Date
- c1930
- Physical Description
- x, 624 p. ; 18 cm.
- Inscription
- "St. Paul's United Church / Burnaby, B.C." -- stamped on t.p verso "Donated by the evening Unit, U.C.W., May 1966" -- handwritted in pen on t.p verso
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Hymns, English
- Notes
- "Authorized by the General Council" -- title page
- designed, printed and bound in the plant of the United Church Publishing House
- "XIV 63" -- title page verso
- Copy 1 of 3.
- Includes index.
Poetical works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2419
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Edition
- 12th London ed.
- Complete ed.
- Publication Date
- 1856
- Call Number
- 821 BAR 1856
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV976.251.13
- Call Number
- 821 BAR 1856
- Edition
- 12th London ed.
- Complete ed.
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- Thomas Y. Crowell
- Publication Date
- 1856
- Physical Description
- vi, 520 p. : ill., front. ; 19 cm.
- Inscription
- Front endpaper: A printed label adhered to the endpaper, with blanks filled in with black ink, reads: "Victoria High School. Senior Division. Prize for General Proficiency Presented by "A friend of Education" Awarded to Miss Annis H. Hicks JPMcLeod, Principal. Victoria, June 1888"
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English poetry
- Notes
- Full author name given as follows: Browning, Mrs. Elizabeth (Barrett) 1806-1861.
- A version of this work, given in two volumes and published by Thomas R. Knox & Co, is available in the collection.
The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott with memoir and critical dissertation
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1969
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Scott, Walter, 1771-1832
- Publication Date
- 1857
- Call Number
- 821.08 SCO
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV982.24.109
- Call Number
- 821.08 SCO
- Author
- Scott, Walter, 1771-1832
- Contributor
- Gilfillan, George, 1813-1878
- Place of Publication
- Edinburgh
- Publisher
- James Nicol
- Publication Date
- 1857
- Printer
- Ballantyne and Company
- Physical Description
- xxxv, [6], 391 p. ; 22 cm.
- Inscription
- "Vol. I only", pencilled on reverse of front endpaper "F.B. Street", pencilled on fly-leaf "25", pencilled on fly-leaf "149", crossed out, pencilled on fly-leaf "22", pencilled on reverse of p. 391 "ohm/5", pencilled on blank page in back
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English poetry
- Notes
- "Edited by Rev. George Gilfillan"
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: 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”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Industries - Logging/lumber
- Industries - Forestry
- Foods
- Migration
- Organizations - Societies and Clubs
- Organizations - Unions
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Performances
- Performances - Dramatic Performances
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Names
- Binning, Dr. Sadhu
- Binning, Gurmaje Kaur
- Binning, Jit Singh
- Binning, Jagdish
- Sangha, Darshan Singh
- Canadian Farmworkers Union
- Hundal, Sukhwant
- Sangra, Harjinder
- Singh, Dhana
- Vancouver Sath
- Responsibility
- Petrusa, Kate
- Malik, Anushay
- Accession Code
- BV022.29.3
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3