"Mother" found 26 records | Heritage Burnaby

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…

1 audio

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

Interview with Kalwant Singh

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0001_003.mp3

Love family correspondence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10087

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1880-1911

Collection/Fonds: Love family fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of a series of personal letters from family members in England to Jesse and Martha Love., including; Sept 22, 1880- to Jesse and Martha Love from Jesse's mother Elizabeth Love; June 7th, 1880- to Jesse from his mother Elizabeth Love; June 9th, 1880- Letter to Jesse Love from his moth…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Love family fonds

Series: Love family vital events and correspondence series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of a series of personal letters from family members in England to Jesse and Martha Love., including; Sept 22, 1880- to Jesse and Martha Love from Jesse's mother Elizabeth Love; June 7th, 1880- to Jesse from his mother Elizabeth Love; June 9th, 1880- Letter to Jesse Love from his mother Elizabeth Love; April 26, 1880 - to Jesse and Martha Love from Jesse's mother Elizabeth Love; May 21, 1881 -To Jesse Love from one of his sisters regarding his mother's death; Jan 18, 1892 - Swindon - to Jesse from his sister, informing him of his father's death; 8th Jan 1906 - to Jesse from his sister,Torie Love; 28 Oct 1910 - to Martha Love from Jesse's sister Torie Love; 27th, (month?) 1910 - to Jesse Love and one of his sisters from Jesse's sister Torie; 14th July 1911 - Letter to Jesse and Martha Love from Jesse's sister Torie; an envelope - addressed to "Mr. Jesse Love / East Burnaby, New Westminster / B.C." postmarked "Jan __ 05 / SWINDON STATION" (does not appear to relate to any of the dates of the letters) and a small evelope addressed to : "Mrs Love / Burnaby".

History: See extensive history of Love Family and Love farmhouse located at Burnaby Village Museum.

Accession Code: BV012.31.19

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1880-1911

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 300

Scan Date: Feb-02-2012

Scale: 96

Notes: Title based on content of file

Images

Love family correspondence, 1880-1911 thumbnail

Florence Hart Godwin fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14283

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1893-1923 (date of original), copied 1976

Collection/Fonds: Florence Hart Godwin fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 2 photograph albums (60 photographs)

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of photographic reproductions of two photograph albums. One album was owned and created by Florence Hart Godwin and the other by Florence Hart Godwin's mother, Alice Hart (nee Chapman). The albums consist of photographs of the Hart family and members of the Chapman family while they …

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Florence Hart Godwin fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 2 photograph albums (60 photographs)

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of photographic reproductions of two photograph albums. One album was owned and created by Florence Hart Godwin and the other by Florence Hart Godwin's mother, Alice Hart (nee Chapman). The albums consist of photographs of the Hart family and members of the Chapman family while they had residences in New Westminster, Deer Lake and Kerrisdale along with time spent at Pitt Lake, Mayne Island, Stanley Park and Victoria. Albums are described at file level and album pages are described at item level.

History: Florence Elizabeth Hart Godwin was born in New Westminster in 1898 to parents, Frederick John Hart (1884- 1945) and Alice Hart (nee Chapman) (1885-1935). Alice and Frederick Hart were married in Yale in 1895 and had five children, Kingsley (1897-1916), Florence (1898-1999), Alice Fredricka “Freda” (1903-1905), Edwyna Jane (1907-1997) and Frederick John “Jack” (1908-2001). Alice Hart (nee Chapman) was the daughter of Edward Chapman and Jane Chapman (nee Isbell) born in Birmingham England and Frederick John Hart was born in Trinity, Newfoundland. Florence’s father Frederick J. Hart owned a successful real estate business in New Westminster from 1891. His real estate company managed many of the property sales in the lower mainland including Burnaby and he was involved with a number of economic development companies in the area. Frederick also served as alderman with the City of New Westminster. In June 1905, the family was heartbroken by the sudden death of Florence's younger sister Freda who died at age two of meningitis. In that same year, Frederick purchased 13 acres of land abutting the north east end of Deer Lake and built a small summer house "Avalon". Florence, her siblings and mother spent the summer months on the lake. Her father, Frederick worked in New Westminster during the week and joined them on the weekends. In 1910, Florence’s father built a larger permanent family residence at this location also named "Avalon". Mr. Frank W. Macey designed the house which is now the home of “Hart House” restaurant. While living in Burnaby, the family attended St. Alban’s Church and Florence was taught by Miss Harriet Woodward who had a small private school inside her home. Florence later attended Douglas Road school before being placed in Crofton House School in Vancouver. The Hart children found many playmates on the lake, including members of the Hill and Peers families. During World War One, in December of 1916, Florence's brother, Kingsley Hart was killed while serving overseas. This tragedy devastated Florence's parents and prompted them to sell "Avalon" in 1917 and move to Kerrisdale in Vancouver. In August 1922, Florence married Harold Ward Godwin at St. Mary's Church in Kerrisdale and they moved into their own home in Burnaby. That same year, Florence joined the auxiliary to the Victorian Order of Nurses. Florence made rounds as a nurse travelling from home to home on a bicycle. Florence and Harold had one child, Elizabeth Joy Hart (1929-1978) who later married Robert Carl Freyman (1925-2011) and worked as a nurse. In 1950, Florence was awarded a life membership to the V.O.N. along with her husband, making them the only husband and wife in Canada to be accorded this honour. By 1973, Florence had served more than 50 years as a member of the Board of the V.O.N. in Burnaby. In that same year, Florence was presented a life membership by the I.O.D.E. for her many contributions to the work of the organization.

Creator: Godwin, Florence Hart

Accession Code: HV976.168; HV976.169

Date: 1893-1923 (date of original), copied 1976

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds; 60 b&w copy prints + negatives accompanying

Jane Ann Rollason

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82544

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1860-1900]

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 9.5 x 6 cm + 1 piece of wood

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of a woman identified as Jane Ann Rollason.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1860-1900]

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Series: Hill family and Vidal family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 9.5 x 6 cm + 1 piece of wood

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 550-118

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2013-03

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of a woman identified as Jane Ann Rollason.

Names: Hill, Jane Sophia Ann Rollason

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on note accompanying photograph; Note in pencil on album page reads: "Jane Ann Rollinson / (wife of Richard Hill) / (Grandmother of Minard Hill); Note in pencil on verso reads: "Jane Ann nee Rollison (Hill)"; Photograph stamp on verso reads: "From the Photographic Studio W Sherwoood, / 23 Nook Street, Workincton, / This or ... can be enlar... in oil or water colours. / Negatives ... always be had"; Note in blue pen on piece of wood taped to the album page reads: "Mother of K Claude Hill B R Hill / Jane Hill Nee Rolston / Grand Mother of K M Peers"

Images

Jane Ann Rollason, [1860-1900] thumbnail

Sarah Gillon Dale

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1785

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [189-] (date of original), copied 1978

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.8 x 8.9 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Sarah Gillon Dale with a scarf or hat over her white hair. She has ruffled scarves around her neck. There is a brick building behind her. The inscription and the accession register identify the woman as the wife of Mr. George Dale and the mother of Catherine Dale Bateman.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.8 x 8.9 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Sarah Gillon Dale with a scarf or hat over her white hair. She has ruffled scarves around her neck. There is a brick building behind her. The inscription and the accession register identify the woman as the wife of Mr. George Dale and the mother of Catherine Dale Bateman.

History: Mrs. Dale was born Sarah Gillon.

Names: Dale, Sarah Gillon

Accession Code: HV979.32.11

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [189-] (date of original), copied 1978

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-09-05

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; The annotation on the back of the photo reads: "Mrs. E.W. Bateman's mother. / Mrs. Dale."

Images

Sarah Gillon Dale, [189-] (date of original), copied 1978 thumbnail

Brookfield

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription988

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1896]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.1 x 17.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house built about 1894 that Louis Claud Hill called "Brookfield." Mr. Hill was married that year to Annie Sara Kendrick, and they took up residence in the house until 1906 when they sold the property and built a new home in the vicinity of Buckingham and Sperling. Brookfield was…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.1 x 17.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house built about 1894 that Louis Claud Hill called "Brookfield." Mr. Hill was married that year to Annie Sara Kendrick, and they took up residence in the house until 1906 when they sold the property and built a new home in the vicinity of Buckingham and Sperling. Brookfield was still on the property when the Burnaby Village Museum was planned in 1971 as Heritage Village, but it was torn down to make room for other buildings on the site. An acquisition record notes that this house stood immediately behind the Elworth House, and Colonel Peers' (the donor) mother was born in this house in 1898. Annotations on the back of the photo read, "1896 'Brookfield'" and "The residence of Mr.+Mrs. LC Hill, the first residence on the site of Heritage Court. It stood immediately behind what is now called the Manor House. Built about 1894."

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Houses

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Avenue

Street Address: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue

Accession Code: HV973.40.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1896]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-05-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

The Christian year

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1671

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1890

Call Number: 821.79 EDI

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV985.4058.14

Call Number: 821.79 EDI

Place of Publication: [s.l]

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Publication Date: 1890

Physical Description: 244 p. ; 11 cm.

Inscription: "g 35" -- handwritten in pencil on endpaper (front). "To my dear mother / with loving wishes / from her affecate / daughter / A.E. Zate" -- handwritten in ink on the first page "1890 and --- years that follows" -- handwritten in pen on the first page

Library Subject (LOC): Church year; Hymns, English

Notes: "Aids to the inner life" -- cover; "T. and A. Constable, Printers to Her Majesty" -- the last page; Includes index.

Correspondence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64757

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1899

Collection/Fonds: Ernest Winch fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of correspondence from Ernest and Alfred Winch sent from Canada to their mother and two sisters Emma and Carolyn (Carrie) in England. Also includes correspondence between the two brothers when they began living in different parts of Canada.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1899

Collection/Fonds: Ernest Winch fonds

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS129-003

Accession Number: 2010-06

Scope and Content: File consists of correspondence from Ernest and Alfred Winch sent from Canada to their mother and two sisters Emma and Carolyn (Carrie) in England. Also includes correspondence between the two brothers when they began living in different parts of Canada.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Included in the file are typed pages written much later that briefly describe the contents of the letters.

Correspondence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64758

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1898-1952

Collection/Fonds: Ernest Winch fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of correspondence from Ernest Winch sent from Canada to his mother and sister Carolyn (Carrie) in England. As well, correspondence from Ernest to his brothers Alfred and Walter, containing many of Ernest's early Socialist ideas.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1898-1952

Collection/Fonds: Ernest Winch fonds

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS129-004

Accession Number: 2010-06

Scope and Content: File consists of correspondence from Ernest Winch sent from Canada to his mother and sister Carolyn (Carrie) in England. As well, correspondence from Ernest to his brothers Alfred and Walter, containing many of Ernest's early Socialist ideas.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file

The Holy Bible, containing the Old and New Testaments : translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by His Majesty's special command : appointed to be read in churches

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2601

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1899

Call Number: 220 HOL

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: HV975.140.14

Call Number: 220 HOL

Place of Publication: New York

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Publication Date: 1899

Printer: J.J. Little & Co.

Physical Description: 1 v. (multiple pagings) : maps ; 20 cm.

Inscription: "Mrs. N.P Nerry, [could also read W.P. Werry] Cedarvill. Ont." [Handwritten in black ink on front flyleaf] "To Mother: with best wishes of Father and Ella, for a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year Xmax 1899" [Handwritten in black ink on front flylleaf]

Library Subject (LOC): Bible; Bible. New Testament; Bible. Old Testament

Interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell 24-Jun-75 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory50

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1899-1923

Length: 0:08:23

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne's childhood years living in Burnaby, through her first years of marriage.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne's childhood years living in Burnaby, through her first years of marriage.

Date Range: 1899-1923

Photo Info: Leer family; Ethel Leer Lewarne is standing on the far right, 1911. Item no. 204-052

Length: 0:08:23

Subjects: Occupations - Grocers

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Interviewer: Bradbury, Dr. Bettina

Interview Date: 24-Jun-75

Scope and Content: Recording is a taped interview with Ethel (Leer) Lewarne and Beverley (Lewarne) Burrell by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury June 24, 1975. Major theme discussed is: the Depression. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: Ethel Cecilia Leer was born in 1899 in London, England to George Frederick and Sarah Ann Leer. In 1908, the Leer family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. George Frederick Leer began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Ethel’s younger brother George Leer was born about this time. A third child was born but unfortunately did not live past infancy. The Leers arrived in Burnaby in 1911 and bought two lots in Alta Vista at the corner of Portland and McGregor. George Frederick and Sarah Ann were active members of the All Saints Anglican Church on Royal Oak. Ethel went to Dundonald school from 1911 to 1913 with Miss Bowell as her teacher, then on to Britannia High School from 1913 to 1915. Ethel’s father, George Frederick Leer died March 23, 1919 at the age of forty-one. Ethel Cecilia Leer married Alfred Lewarne on December 26, 1921 in Burnaby. Alfred was born February 9, 1893 in Cornwall, England. Before marriage he worked for a creamery in Vancouver. After marriage, Alfred began his own ice cream business in Burnaby. The Lewarnes bought a lot along Nelson Avenue and built a house. Their first child Patricia "Tricia" (later McCleod) was born in 1923, their second was Beverley “Bev” (later Burrell). Their third child, William A. “Bill” Lewarne was born in 1926. Bill grew up to become one of the most popular Mayors in Burnaby’s history, serving from 1981 to 1987. He also served as a member of Council from 1973 to 1975 and 1977 to 1981. After Alfred Lewarne’s death on May 5, 1962 at the age of sixty-nine, Ethel continued living in the family home. Ethel’s mother, Sarah Ann Leer died May 11, 1963 at the age of eighty-seven.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:00:59

Interviewee Name: Lewarne, Ethel Leer; Burrell, Beverley "Bev" Lewarne

Interviewer Bio: Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: None

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

Leer family; Ethel Leer Lewarne is standing on the far right, 1911. Item no. 204-052 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-13/100-13-13_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Harry Royle June 20, 1975 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory111

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1898-1919

Length: 0:06:06

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Harry Royle's early life beginning at Gibraltar, through the war years.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Harry Royle's early life beginning at Gibraltar, through the war years.

Date Range: 1898-1919

Photo Info: Harry Royle smiling, in a suit and tie, photographed by Chidwich Studio [193-]. Item no. BV005.20.20

Length: 0:06:06

Interviewer: McLeod, Ross S.; Bradbury, Dr. Bettina

Interview Date: June 20, 1975

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Harry Royle by Ross S. McLeod (and Bettina Bradbury) June 20, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression and the running of a grocery store. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: Harry Royle was born in Gibraltar in 1898 to a Spanish mother and an English father (all of the Royle children except for one were born in Gibraltar). Harry's father served in the army for twenty-one years and because of that, the family moved regularly. While Harry was still a young baby, the Royle family moved to Ireland for six years, where he began his first years of schooling at the age of four. His dad retired from the army in 1907 and was sent to Canada with the BC Electric Company (the London General Army Buses Company). The rest of his family followed two years afterward in 1909 and settled in South Vancouver. Harry and his three brothers joined the army and were sent overseas as part of the second division. Luckily, they all returned home to Vancouver in 1919. Harry worked at the Hudson's Bay Company "counter jumping" before opening his own store in 1924 at 5527 Hastings Street and Ellesmere Avenue, a confectionery and general hangout for neighbourhood children."Harry's" was only twenty-five foot square and carried groceries obtained mainly from Kelly Douglas wholesalers. Most of Harry's customers worked at the mill at Barnet. Those that worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway were the few that still held jobs during the Depression. The store continued to serve the people of Capitol Hill throughout the Depression and war years, until Harry closed shop in 1945.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:01:43

Interviewee Name: Royle, Harry

Interviewer Bio: Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.

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

Harry Royle smiling, in a suit and tie, photographed by Chidwich Studio [193-]. Item no. BV005.20.20 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Harry Royle

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-12/100-13-12_Track_1.mp3

Interview with John Burton by Lynda Maeve Orr - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory221

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1860-1932

Length: 0:08:48

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's description of the Linotype machine, as well as the history of his grandfather, John Foley, founder of the Orangeville Sun newspaper.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's description of the Linotype machine, as well as the history of his grandfather, John Foley, founder of the Orangeville Sun newspaper.

Date Range: 1860-1932

Photo Info: Burton family home, [1945]. Item no. 216-002

Length: 0:08:48

Names: Foley, John

Subjects: Printing Tools and Equipment; Documentary Artifacts - Newspapers

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with John Burton at his residence in Surrey by Lynda Mauve Orr, August 24, 1989. This interview focuses on the history of newspaper and printing presses in Canada.

Biographical Notes: John Burton was born in 1912 in New Westminster. He went to Second Street School, then Edmonds, then Saint Anne's Convent, and St. Louis College and Connaught before graduating from Burnaby South School in 1930. While at High School, John worked at Cowan's Music Store at 716 Columbia Street in New Westminster on Saturdays and after school. John Burton's grandfather John Foley was the founder of the Orangeville Sun newspaper in Orangeville, Ontario, established in 1861. He ran the paper until his death in 1882, when his son, John Foley Jr. took over as editor and publisher at the age of sixteen. Two of his daughters were involved in the newspaper; Margaret Foley was a regular contributor to the paper, and John Burton's mother was a typesetter. When John Burton was a teenager, he went to Orangeville to learn the trade from his uncle. Unfortunately, he was only there eighteen months when his uncle died December 21, 1932. The family was unable to hold on to the business and the paper amalgamated with the Orangeville Banner newspaper in 1933.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 0:58:44

Interviewee Name: Burton, John

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

Burton family home, [1945]. Item no. 216-002 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with John Burton by Lynda Maeve Orr

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-001-4/MSS137-001-4_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Norman Dowad

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19638

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information …

1 document 1 audio

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 recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Norman Dowad Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: August 14, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:14:37 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 Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information about his grandfather Samuel Dowad's immigration to Canada and his father Wilfred Dowad's military service and successes as a property developer. 00:14:39 – 00:17:26 Norm provides background information on his mother’s side of the family. 00:17:27 – 00:31:36 Norm talks about his childhood, growing up in the Deer Lake neighbourhood, his early education in Burnaby and sports that he played. 00:31:37 – 00:39:59 Norm talks about his educational experiences attending Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall law school and information regarding his law career. 00:40:00 – 00:45:03 Norm reflects on his childhood growing up in Burnaby and on his experiences and relationships as a student and in his career as a lawyer. 00:45:04 – 01:01:37 Norm talks about his siblings and shares information about family property development projects as well as career and business successes. In closing he talks about research that he’s done through Archives Canada on his grandfather Sam Dowad and father Wilfred Dowad.

History: Interviewee biography: Norm Dowad was born in Burnaby, December 1948 to parents Wilfred “Wilf” (1925-2011) and Cherry Dowad. His father, Wilfred (1925-2011) was born in Winnipeg to parents Samuel “Sam” (Salim in Arabic) Esper Dowad (1895-1969) and Martha (Shaheen) Dowad (1894-1955). Sam and Martha Dowad were both born in a province of the Ottoman Empire which is now present day Lebanon. In 1912, while trying to immigrate to Canada, several of Sam’s relatives including his mother died tragically as steerage passengers on the ill fated Titanic. In 1913, at the age of 18 years, Sam immigrated to Canada to join other family members who'd already arrived here safely. As a new immigrant in Canada, Sam worked with other Labanese immigrants in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the United States. In December 1921, Sam's wife, Martha immigrated to Canada arriving by ship in St. John, New Brunswick. Sam and Martha established their home in Winnipeg where they began to start a family. Their first two children died in infancy and son Wilfred was born in 1925 and daughter Kathleen was born in 1926. While living in Winnipeg, Sam worked as a grocer and in the 1930’s he got work as a farmer in a nearby town. In 1943, Wilf joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCVNR) and served as a gunner on merchant ships during World War II. In 1945, while Wilf was away serving, his parents, Sam and Martha moved to Burnaby. After discharge in 1945, Wilf joined his parents in Burnaby, began working at Fraser Mills and commenced his studies in construction and drafting. In 1949, with his father’s help Wilf acquired a lot next door to his parents’ home and built his first apartment block. After Martha died in 1954, Sam moved to Kelowna where he bought an orchard. Sam remarried in 1957 to Naomi “Mamie” (David) Dowad (1899-1978) who was also from a Lebanese family. Sam and Mamie lived in Kelowna until the mid 1960s when they moved to White Rock. While living in Burnaby, Wilf met and married Cherry Piggott and the couple had six children; Norm, Bruce, Michael, Kathie, Phil and Tom. In 1955, Wilfred Dowad established "W. Dowad Ltd." and over the years he was successful in developing and subdividing land to build housing and commercial developments in Burnaby, New Westminster and Vancouver. Wilf was the first president of the Burnaby Winter club and was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce holding office at the local, provincial and national level. In 1970, Wilf purchased 238 acres of land bordering the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh River and relocated there the following year. While living in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Wilf became actively engaged in local business and community affairs. Wilf was later remarried to Grethe Dowad and he died in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in 2011.Wilf's six children are the sole owners of "W.Dowad Ltd." and his daughter, Kathie Smillie is the president and CEO. While growing up in Burnaby, Norm Dowad attended Schou Street School, Douglas Road School, Kensington School and graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School. Following graduation from high school, Norm attended Simon Fraser University for one year, travelled in Europe, attended University of British Columbia and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall at York University. Norman has been practicing law for 49 years and has his own law practice that he operates out of Vancouver. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Education; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Migration; Sports; Sports - Football; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Dowad, Norman W. "Norm"; Dowad, Samuel Esper "Sam"; Dowad, Wilfred "Wilf"; Dowad, Naomi "Mamie" David; Dowad, Martha Elias Shaheen; Dowad, Kathleen "Kay"; Rideout, Dr. John Anthony; Burnaby Central Secondary School; Douglas Road School; W. Dowad Limited

Responsibility: Damer, Eric

Geographic Access: Buckingham Avenue; Deer Lake

Street Address: 5533 Buckingham Avenue

Accession Code: BV023.16.16

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available

Documents

2023_0016_0016_003

Audio Tracks

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0016_002.mp3

Jane Ann Rollason

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82545

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1860-1900]

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 9.5 x 6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of a woman identified as Jane Ann Rollason.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1860-1900]

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Series: Hill family and Vidal family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 9.5 x 6 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 550-119

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2013-03

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of a woman identified as Jane Ann Rollason.

Names: Hill, Jane Sophia Ann Rollason

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on note accompanying photograph; Note in pencil on album page reads: "____ Berkeley / (Marian (Berkeley) Hill's mother)"; Photograph stamp on recto reads: "William Heath / 24 George Street / Plymouth"

Images

Mrs. Hill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66179

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1885]

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of Mrs. Jane Hill (nee Rollason), the mother of Claude and Bernard Hill.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1885]

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Series: Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 6 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 477-928

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2007-12

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of Mrs. Jane Hill (nee Rollason), the mother of Claude and Bernard Hill.

Names: Hill, Jane Rollason

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

The New Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ : translated out of the original Greek : and with the former translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty's special command

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary2712

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1893

Call Number: 225.52 BRI

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: HV974.63.14

Call Number: 225.52 BRI

Place of Publication: London

Publisher: British and Foreign Bible Society

Publication Date: 1893

Printer: Oxford University Press

Physical Description: 240 p. ; 15 cm.

Inscription: Front endpaper: "Caroline Shyrme her book. Feb. 11th 1894" [written in black ink]

Library Subject (LOC): Bible. New Testament; Christianity; Bible

Object History: Book belonged to donor's mother.

Notes: "appoined to be read in churches" -- t.p.

Pioneer Days interviews September 22, 1971 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory266

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1891-1955

Length: 0:05:35

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Lillian May (Davies) Jones's memories of her family life during the early days of Burnaby, mentioning her family home as well as the home of Reeve Shaw. Lillian is being interviewed in front of an audience at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum).

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Lillian May (Davies) Jones's memories of her family life during the early days of Burnaby, mentioning her family home as well as the home of Reeve Shaw. Lillian is being interviewed in front of an audience at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum).

Date Range: 1891-1955

Length: 0:05:35

Historic Neighbourhood: East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Second Street Area

Interview Date: September 22, 1971

Scope and Content: Recording is of interviews with Lillian May (Davies) Jones, Ada Evelyn (Lewis) Groves, Lillian Frederica (Lewis) Porter, and Elsie Wilson during the Pioneer Days celebration at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) on September 22, 1971. Major themes discussed are: personal memories and occupations of interviewees family members.

Biographical Notes: Lillian May Davies was born June 28, 1891 to George and Rachel (Mills) Davies. She was one of four children. George Davies married Rachel Mills September 12, 1888 in Winnipeg and headed west to make their home. George’s brother Richard Davies had already bought property at the corner of 16th Street and 3rd Avenue (now 12th Avenue) when Rachel and George moved in and built a house next door. George Davies went to work for Gilley Bros. Logging Co. in Burnaby. Lillian May Davies married John Henry Jones on July 29, 1909 at the Methodist Church in Burnaby which had opened only a few weeks before (the Joneses were the first couple to be married there). Their reception was held in the Davies’ family garden. On June 3, 1910, Lillian and John’s first child, Arnold Jones was born. In 1919 they adopted their second child, John Sheldon Jones whose birth parents had died of influenza. John and Lillian built a home on the lot next to Lillian’s parents and lived there for forty-eight years. After her husband’s death in 1956, Lillian moved one lot over and remained living there for over twenty years. Lillian May (Davies) Jones died in Surrey on June 24, 1981 at the age of eighty-nine for over twenty years. Lillian May (Davies) Jones died in Surrey on June 24, 1981 at the age of eighty-nine. Ada Evelyn Lewis was born on September 11, 1899. She was one of nine Lewis children. Ada's father came to Victoria BC from San Francisco. He met his wife in Victoria and moved to New Westminster where he was a typesetter on the first edition of the Columbian newspaper. He continued to work for the Columbian until his retirement. Her family owned the East Burnaby Fruit Farm at 17th Avenue between 2nd and 4th Street where they harvested apples, plums and pears. Ada attended East Burnaby School in 1905 and remembers being a pupil of Miss Draper. Ada E. Lewis married and became Mrs. Ada Evelyn Groves. Lillian Frederica “Lillie” Lewis was born in 1896 to William Henry and Emma (Smith) Lewis at the family farm at 4th Street and 18th Avenue. The family grew to nine, eldest to youngest; Albert, Lizzie, Minnie, Walter, Ernest, Lillie and Evelyn. Lillie’s mother, Emma (Smith) had the distinction of being the first girl of European descent to be born at Fort Victoria. Lillie’s father, William Henry Lewis helped to print the very first edition of the Vancouver Province in 1898. Lillie attended Douglas Road School and remembers being a pupil of Ellen Lister. Lillian Frederica “Lillie” Lewis married Bertie Blaine Porter at Lulu Island on November 7, 1918. They lived in Vancouver for a short time before returning to Burnaby to raise their four children. For most of his working life Bert operated a steam roller for the municipality. Lillian Frederica (Lewis) Porter died May 18, 1988 at the age of ninety-two. Elsie Wilson was born August 16, 1898 to Annie and her second husband William Wilson. Annie’s first husband Samuel W Walmsley died December 20, 1895 at the age of thirty-five, leaving Annie a widow at twenty-seven with two young children Annie age four and Samuel age six. Annie Walmsley married her second husband William Wilson on April 17, 1897. Elsie attended West Burnaby public school (later Kingsway West elementary) and remembers picking raspberries at various Burnaby farms for seven seasons.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:24:19

Interviewee Name: Jones, Lillian May Davies; Wilson, Elsie; Porter, Lillie Lewis; Groves, Ada Evelyn Lewis

Interview Location: Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: None

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.

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of Pioneer Days interviews

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-020/MSS137-020_Track_1.mp3

Pioneer Days interviews September 22, 1971 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory267

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1899-1905

Length: 0:06:43

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Ada Evelyn (Lewis) Groves memories of her family life during the early days of Burnaby. She mentions the East Burnaby Fruit Farm (her family's farm) and the George Leaf General Store. She also talks about her brothers and her father, the first typesetter for t…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Ada Evelyn (Lewis) Groves memories of her family life during the early days of Burnaby. She mentions the East Burnaby Fruit Farm (her family's farm) and the George Leaf General Store. She also talks about her brothers and her father, the first typesetter for the Columbian newspaper. Ada is being interviewed in front of an audience at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum).

Date Range: 1899-1905

Length: 0:06:43

Names: George Leaf General Store; Columbian newspaper

Geographic Access: 12th Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Edmonds Area

Interview Date: September 22, 1971

Scope and Content: Recording is of interviews with Lillian May (Davies) Jones, Ada Evelyn (Lewis) Groves, Lillian Frederica (Lewis) Porter, and Elsie Wilson during the Pioneer Days celebration at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) on September 22, 1971. Major themes discussed are: personal memories and occupations of interviewees family members.

Biographical Notes: Lillian May Davies was born June 28, 1891 to George and Rachel (Mills) Davies. She was one of four children. George Davies married Rachel Mills September 12, 1888 in Winnipeg and headed west to make their home. George’s brother Richard Davies had already bought property at the corner of 16th Street and 3rd Avenue (now 12th Avenue) when Rachel and George moved in and built a house next door. George Davies went to work for Gilley Bros. Logging Co. in Burnaby. Lillian May Davies married John Henry Jones on July 29, 1909 at the Methodist Church in Burnaby which had opened only a few weeks before (the Joneses were the first couple to be married there). Their reception was held in the Davies’ family garden. On June 3, 1910, Lillian and John’s first child, Arnold Jones was born. In 1919 they adopted their second child, John Sheldon Jones whose birth parents had died of influenza. John and Lillian built a home on the lot next to Lillian’s parents and lived there for forty-eight years. After her husband’s death in 1956, Lillian moved one lot over and remained living there for over twenty years. Lillian May (Davies) Jones died in Surrey on June 24, 1981 at the age of eighty-nine for over twenty years. Lillian May (Davies) Jones died in Surrey on June 24, 1981 at the age of eighty-nine. Ada Evelyn Lewis was born on September 11, 1899. She was one of nine Lewis children. Ada's father came to Victoria BC from San Francisco. He met his wife in Victoria and moved to New Westminster where he was a typesetter on the first edition of the Columbian newspaper. He continued to work for the Columbian until his retirement. Her family owned the East Burnaby Fruit Farm at 17th Avenue between 2nd and 4th Street where they harvested apples, plums and pears. Ada attended East Burnaby School in 1905 and remembers being a pupil of Miss Draper. Ada E. Lewis married and became Mrs. Ada Evelyn Groves. Lillian Frederica “Lillie” Lewis was born in 1896 to William Henry and Emma (Smith) Lewis at the family farm at 4th Street and 18th Avenue. The family grew to nine, eldest to youngest; Albert, Lizzie, Minnie, Walter, Ernest, Lillie and Evelyn. Lillie’s mother, Emma (Smith) had the distinction of being the first girl of European descent to be born at Fort Victoria. Lillie’s father, William Henry Lewis helped to print the very first edition of the Vancouver Province in 1898. Lillie attended Douglas Road School and remembers being a pupil of Ellen Lister. Lillian Frederica “Lillie” Lewis married Bertie Blaine Porter at Lulu Island on November 7, 1918. They lived in Vancouver for a short time before returning to Burnaby to raise their four children. For most of his working life Bert operated a steam roller for the municipality. Lillian Frederica (Lewis) Porter died May 18, 1988 at the age of ninety-two. Elsie Wilson was born August 16, 1898 to Annie and her second husband William Wilson. Annie’s first husband Samuel W Walmsley died December 20, 1895 at the age of thirty-five, leaving Annie a widow at twenty-seven with two young children Annie age four and Samuel age six. Annie Walmsley married her second husband William Wilson on April 17, 1897. Elsie attended West Burnaby public school (later Kingsway West elementary) and remembers picking raspberries at various Burnaby farms for seven seasons.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:24:19

Interviewee Name: Jones, Lillian May Davies; Wilson, Elsie; Porter, Lillie Lewis; Groves, Ada Evelyn Lewis

Interview Location: Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: None

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.

Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of Pioneer Days interviews

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-020/MSS137-020_Track_2.mp3

Pioneer Days interviews September 22, 1971 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory269

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1899-1910

Length: 0:03:26

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Elise Wilson's memories of her family life during the early days of Burnaby, mentioning her mother Annie Walmsley Wilson. Elsie is being interviewed in front of an audience at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum). The audience briefly discusses Burnab…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Elise Wilson's memories of her family life during the early days of Burnaby, mentioning her mother Annie Walmsley Wilson. Elsie is being interviewed in front of an audience at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum). The audience briefly discusses Burnaby's early water supply.

Date Range: 1899-1910

Length: 0:03:26

Names: Wilson, Annie Walmsley

Subjects: Public Services - Utilities

Interview Date: September 22, 1971

Scope and Content: Recording is of interviews with Lillian May (Davies) Jones, Ada Evelyn (Lewis) Groves, Lillian Frederica (Lewis) Porter, and Elsie Wilson during the Pioneer Days celebration at Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum) on September 22, 1971. Major themes discussed are: personal memories and occupations of interviewees family members.

Biographical Notes: Lillian May Davies was born June 28, 1891 to George and Rachel (Mills) Davies. She was one of four children. George Davies married Rachel Mills September 12, 1888 in Winnipeg and headed west to make their home. George’s brother Richard Davies had already bought property at the corner of 16th Street and 3rd Avenue (now 12th Avenue) when Rachel and George moved in and built a house next door. George Davies went to work for Gilley Bros. Logging Co. in Burnaby. Lillian May Davies married John Henry Jones on July 29, 1909 at the Methodist Church in Burnaby which had opened only a few weeks before (the Joneses were the first couple to be married there). Their reception was held in the Davies’ family garden. On June 3, 1910, Lillian and John’s first child, Arnold Jones was born. In 1919 they adopted their second child, John Sheldon Jones whose birth parents had died of influenza. John and Lillian built a home on the lot next to Lillian’s parents and lived there for forty-eight years. After her husband’s death in 1956, Lillian moved one lot over and remained living there for over twenty years. Lillian May (Davies) Jones died in Surrey on June 24, 1981 at the age of eighty-nine for over twenty years. Lillian May (Davies) Jones died in Surrey on June 24, 1981 at the age of eighty-nine. Ada Evelyn Lewis was born on September 11, 1899. She was one of nine Lewis children. Ada's father came to Victoria BC from San Francisco. He met his wife in Victoria and moved to New Westminster where he was a typesetter on the first edition of the Columbian newspaper. He continued to work for the Columbian until his retirement. Her family owned the East Burnaby Fruit Farm at 17th Avenue between 2nd and 4th Street where they harvested apples, plums and pears. Ada attended East Burnaby School in 1905 and remembers being a pupil of Miss Draper. Ada E. Lewis married and became Mrs. Ada Evelyn Groves. Lillian Frederica “Lillie” Lewis was born in 1896 to William Henry and Emma (Smith) Lewis at the family farm at 4th Street and 18th Avenue. The family grew to nine, eldest to youngest; Albert, Lizzie, Minnie, Walter, Ernest, Lillie and Evelyn. Lillie’s mother, Emma (Smith) had the distinction of being the first girl of European descent to be born at Fort Victoria. Lillie’s father, William Henry Lewis helped to print the very first edition of the Vancouver Province in 1898. Lillie attended Douglas Road School and remembers being a pupil of Ellen Lister. Lillian Frederica “Lillie” Lewis married Bertie Blaine Porter at Lulu Island on November 7, 1918. They lived in Vancouver for a short time before returning to Burnaby to raise their four children. For most of his working life Bert operated a steam roller for the municipality. Lillian Frederica (Lewis) Porter died May 18, 1988 at the age of ninety-two. Elsie Wilson was born August 16, 1898 to Annie and her second husband William Wilson. Annie’s first husband Samuel W Walmsley died December 20, 1895 at the age of thirty-five, leaving Annie a widow at twenty-seven with two young children Annie age four and Samuel age six. Annie Walmsley married her second husband William Wilson on April 17, 1897. Elsie attended West Burnaby public school (later Kingsway West elementary) and remembers picking raspberries at various Burnaby farms for seven seasons.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:24:19

Interviewee Name: Jones, Lillian May Davies; Wilson, Elsie; Porter, Lillie Lewis; Groves, Ada Evelyn Lewis

Interview Location: Burnaby Village Museum, Burnaby

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: None

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.

Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of Pioneer Days interviews

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-020/MSS137-020_Track_4.mp3

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