184 records – page 1 of 10.

At a Barber Shop - Tracey Fedorchuck, Barber and Al Principe

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59064
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a woman, identified as Tracey Fedorchuk, in period costume with a man identified as Al Principe, who sits in an old barber's chair. The sign next to them reads "1906 Prices / Haircuts 35 / Childrens Haircut 25". They appear to be inside a shopping mall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1470
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a woman, identified as Tracey Fedorchuk, in period costume with a man identified as Al Principe, who sits in an old barber's chair. The sign next to them reads "1906 Prices / Haircuts 35 / Childrens Haircut 25". They appear to be inside a shopping mall.
Subjects
Occupations - Actors
Occupations - Barbers
Clothing - Costumes
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Battistoni, Peter
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto reads: "Tracey Fedorchuk - Barber / Al Principe"
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Page B-5 / Burnaby / Today / PMT 100%"
Images
Less detail

People at a Tea Social Event

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59130
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 20.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of four individuals drinking or serving tea in period costume. The note on the verso of the photograph notes that this relates to "Burnaby beautification."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 20.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1473
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of four individuals drinking or serving tea in period costume. The note on the verso of the photograph notes that this relates to "Burnaby beautification."
Subjects
Clothing - Costumes
Events
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Hodge, Craig
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Page 1 / Burnaby / Today / PMT / 110% / Burnaby beautification"
Images
Less detail

An elderly couple, joined by people dressed up in old fashioned clothing

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59153
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an elderly couple surrounded by people dressed in period costume.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1487
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of an elderly couple surrounded by people dressed in period costume.
Subjects
Persons - Seniors
Clothing - Costumes
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on verso reads: "page A-7 / Burnaby / PMT / 90%"
Images
Less detail

Impromptu Dance - Joan Harbord-Harbord; Don Copan; Merilynn Darbey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59174
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1982
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 22.5 x 20.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of three individuals in period costume at an "Impromptu Dance."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1982
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 22.5 x 20.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1498
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of three individuals in period costume at an "Impromptu Dance."
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Dancing
Clothing - Costumes
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Battistoni, Peter
Notes
Title based on caption
Caption on recto reads: "Impromptu Dance - Joan Harbord-Hardbord / Don Copan / Merilynn Darbey"
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "PMT 100% / page 7 / Burnaby Today"
Images
Less detail

Diane and Rex Turlington

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58956
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1985
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 14.5 x 10 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a couple in period costumes. Other people in similar costumes and a set are visible in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1985
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 14.5 x 10 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1401
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a couple in period costumes. Other people in similar costumes and a set are visible in the background.
Subjects
Clothing - Costumes
Occupations - Actors
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto reads: "Burnaby Today A-5 / Diane Rex Turlington / ? Size / 100%"
Images
Less detail

Interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19346
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides in…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Nadeem Parmar Location of Interview: Residence of Nadeem Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: October 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:51:51 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides information on; his ancestral background, his education, his employment background, his experiences of racial discrimmination as a South Asian immigrant, saw mills established by South Asian relations in Paldi (Vancouver Island), in North Vancouver and Burnaby, family relations in the South Asian Canadian community and in regions in Punjab, the caste system, his literary works, locations of family homes in Burnaby, the architectural design of his house, personal stories and anecdotal information as a South Asian Canadian living and working in Canada. 00:00 – 01:45 The framework and purpose of the interview is explained to interviewee Nadeem Parmar by interviewers Rajdeep and Anushay Malik. The interviewers explain how the information from this interview can be drawn on for Burnaby Village Museum’s future exhibits and also how researchers will learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby through residents’ stories. Interview begins with Nadeem providing his full name "Kulwant Singh Parmar". He clarifies that his name was given to him by his grandfather who was a civil engineer and that his father also worked as a civil engineer. Nadeem expresses that he was born with a “silver spoon in his mouth” as a descendent of his maternal grandfather who was a successful landlord. Nadeem explains that when the Partition of India came into effect, (1947) he was 11 years old. He and his family left the partitioned side, his native village was located in Punjab and his forefathers were located in Rajasthan. 3:20 – 4:57 Nadeem explains further about his forefathers who came from Rajasthan. He shares information about his ancestor on his father’s side, named Vijay Singh who was friends with Emperor Jahangir. When fighting began against Jahangir he left the area to head to the middle of central India, then to the Punjab area with small states. As a clan, as a Parmar, he conveys there were about eleven or twelve villages with the same name. Interviewer, Anushay helps Nadeem to clarify the time period of this information. Nadeem refers to the time period being similar to the epic historical film “Moghal-e-Azam” and Anushay confirms the time period being the 1600s when they left Rajasthan. 4:58 – 10:59 Interviewer Anushay asks Nadeem to about his migration to Canada. Nadeem conveys that his first ancestor on his in-laws side of the family migrated around 1889. Further discussion ensues about reading Punjabi and how interviewer Rajdeep can read Punjabi and that she comes from the village of "Lakhpur" in Punjab. Rajdeep notes that “Lakhpur” is near "Phagwara". Nadeem clarifies that his village is "Panchat" and this family used to live in "Phagwara". and Nadeem and Rajdeep compare their familiarity and memories of the area. Nadeem conveys some of his comments in Punjabi and then changes to English. Nadeem recollects when the Japanese bombarded Shillong, he was around seven years old and attended missionary school. The only languages that were taught were English and Persian. Nadeem conveys that his mother had hopes of Nadeem becoming an army officer and moving up the ranks but Nadeem wasn’t interested. Nadeem attended college, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, BSC with Physics and Chemistry, followed by another Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and finally a degree in his favourite subject in the language of Urdu. He completed these degrees in Punjab in Doaba College, Jalandher. Nadeem recollects how he started teaching but wasn’t getting paid very well. When he was at college, with encouragement from his professor, Veer Pankalia [sic] he began writing poetry and short plays. His professor also introduced him to a famous poet of Punjab, Mila Ram Offa [sic] and he gave him the name of Nadeem. Nadeem explains the meaning of the name “Nadeem” “…the one who know about it, inside out…” even though we generally think of the meaning being “friend” it’s not just about friend. 11:00 -24:48 Nadeem provides background information on how he ended up marrying his future wife who was born in India and immigrated to Canada with her family. Nadeem explains how the marriage was arranged through family relations that were already established in Punjab over a century ago. One of his wife’s ancestors, head of the family called “baniye” (traders) immigrated to Canada in [1899]. This relation returned to Punjab where he had nephews, the youngest of the nephews was Nadeem’s father (Lashman Singh Manhas) in law’s father (Sher Singh Manhas). He expresses that his wife’s ancestor couldn’t bring Nadeem’s father in law’s father since he was only 12 or 13 years old but he brought three of the nephews back to Canada with him. The nephews were named, Pola Singh, Ginaya Singh and Doman Singh (also named Dolmans). He describes how the group left India but it took them two to three years before they arrived in Canada. The group travelled to Burma, Indonesia and Hong Kong before landing in San Francisco. From San Francisco they walked and worked on the rail line before entering Canada and arriving in Grand Forks. The men got work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and eventually made their way to the lower mainland. Nadeem conveys that the younger brother of Ginaya Singh, Maya Singh joined the others in Canada taking the same route, arriving in Bridal Falls where they were working at a saw mill and in CP rail construction. He describes Maya Singh as business minded and since he was too young to work in the mill, he began working as a cook and then began growing potatoes on land that he leased from a Dutch land owner. The local mill at Bridal Falls was facing bankruptcy and Maya Singh arranged to lease the mill, eventually buying it. From there the group moved their business to Strawberry Hill in Surrey and when the sale of logs declined, they moved over to Vancouver Island and established a sawmill with Doman Singh in the community of Paldi (originally known as Mayo Lumber) near Duncan. He explains further how the South Asian community helped each other like they did back home. He clarifies that his father in law’s father is the youngest cousin of Ginaya and Doman Singh and when he died, his father in law’s younger brother started Kashmir Lumber. Eventually his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) and the rest of the whole family including cousins and nephews were sponsored by their relations and immigrated to Canada. Nadeem explains how in 1959, his brother in law returned home to Punjab to get married, bringing his family with him. He tells of how during this time period, a marriage was arranged by his parents for him to marry his future wife. Nadeem recollects how this came to be. Nadeem and his wife Surjeet married in Punjab in December 1960, Nadeem was 24 years old and his wife was 18 years old. 24:49 – 39:42 Nadeem describes how he obtained his teaching degree from Ramgarhia College in Phagwara (located in the Kapurhtala district of Punjab) and after a disagreement with a teacher at home, he decided to go to England. He explains how he joined his brother who had moved to England and was working as a labourer. Nadeem tells of the difficulties he faced applying for a teaching job in England and how he had to go back to school to help with his English pronunciation. Nadeem explains that after taking this course, he got work teaching Grade two students which he felt was below his qualifications (he mentions that while living in Punjab, he was a Secondary School teacher) and the pay was very low. He discovered that his brother was making more money working as a labourer so Nadeem became discouraged and quit. When Nadeem couldn’t find work as a labourer, his brother advised him to shave off his beard. Nadeem conveys how difficult it was for him to shave off his beard and how once he was clean shaven he got work as a sweeper in a factory. He shares his experience of working in the factory and of how with his former education he got himself promoted to a more technical position. With encouragement from his employer, Nadeem enrolled in technical courses which lead to him obtaining an HNC Engineering Degree. He completed the course work in two years, obtaining skills in microwave communication becoming the senior test engineer at the factory. While working in this position, Nadeem shares how he suffered discrimination when he was passed over for a senior chief engineer position at the factory by a less educated and experienced employee. 39:43 – 53:38 Nadeem recollects how things changed for him in the 1970s. It began with his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) passing away in 1970 while he and his family were living on 18th Street in Burnaby. His father in law had been working at the saw mill, Kashmir Lumber Company in North Vancouver that was owned by his father in law’s younger brother (Kashmir Singh Manhas). The mill had burnt down and many of the workers lost everything. Nadeem confides that during this time, his wife was suffering from depression and wanted to be with her mother back in Canada now that her father had passed away. Nadeem emphasizes how his wife’s family (over 300 relatives) in Canada often get together every year on July 1st in Paldi near Duncan. In 1972, Nadeem arrived in Canada on his own to find work but was unsuccessful so he and his wife made plans to move to Uganda where he was offered a job. In 1973, when his visa didn’t come through for Uganda, Nadeem, his wife and two children decided to come to Canada. Nadeem describes that after several unsuccessful experiences to find skilled work in Canada, he eventually found work at Canadian National Telecommunications. During this time, Nadeem and his family lived with his father in law’s family at 5216 Pandora Street in Burnaby and in 1974, Nadeem purchased a house at 131 Fell Avenue in Burnaby. Nadeem provides further details of when the families lived at these different addresses and how in 1983 he had a house built on Woodsworth Street where he is still living now. He conveys some of the history of the lot where his current house resides including details on the lot subdivision, lot ownership and the cost of building his new house. Nadeem tells of how he designed his home with help from his son who was working as an apprentice with architect Arthur Erikson at the time. He describes the architectural interior as an open concept design, in an “L” shape in honour of his father “Lakhmir Singh”. Nadeem shares information on his mother’s name which was Jamna (prior to her marriage) and became Davinder Kaur after she was married. (Note: Jamna was her name before marriage. Traditionally after a woman is married, her husband’s family changes her first name because she is now considered a part of a new family). 53:39 – 58:56 Nadeem provides information on his career working as CNCP technician working with CPIC systems and how he was promoted to a new position. Nadeem inserts a quote from a Punjabi poem which he translates to English as “Somebody asked the blind people. What do you need? He said, do you need two eyes?, he said, what else do I need?”. Nadeem conveys how in 1986 his mother passed away so he went back home to the village of Lakhpur where his father and younger brother were living. His father and younger brother were on their own and in 1986 they decided to demolish the family home. He explains that there’s a college there now and that a library was built at this location in the name of his grandfather. 58:57 – 1:04:38 Nadeem shares how he suffered a heart attack in 1990 during the marriage ceremony of his son in Williams Lake. Nadeem talks about the complicated relations of the South Asian families and the saw mill owners in Paldi and comments on the problems with the caste system that provokes discrimination within the South Asian community. Nadeem refers to disputes that arose amongst mill owners and investors that included Kapoor Singh Siddoo, Mayo Singh, Gurdial Singh Teja and Ginaya Singh which caused problems amongst his family and also lead to Kapoor Singh selling his portion of the mill. Nadeem spells “Ginaya” Singh’s name and explains that this name is the nickname for “Krishna”. Nadeem provides his insight into the joint ownership of the saw mills located in Paldi and how the the joint ownership was dissolved in 1952. Nadeem clarifies that Ginaya Singh also left Paldi and that Ginaya Singh’s wife is his mother in law’s aunt and that he also moved to Burnaby. Nadeem explains the proper name spelling of mill owner “Mayo Singh” and that the correct spelling is actually “Mayan Singh” but he changed it to “Mayo” when it was mis-pronounced. Nadeem also comments on the problems that he encountered in 1970 on the pronunciation of his own name while living in England and at one point his employer referred to him as “Paul”. 1:04:39 – 1:18:50 Nadeem relays that when he emigrated from India and to Canada that he carried his personal possessions in a small suitcase made from cardboard since the weight limit on the airplane was just three pounds. He conveys that many of his relations have all suffered from heart problems including Ginaya Singh and his children. Nadeem shares that Ginaya Singh’s three sons all lived in Burnaby. Nadeem conveys that many South Asians lived in Burnaby and many worked at saw mills in North Vancouver and in the L&K sawmill near Pemberton. Nadeem explains further about the how the disagreements came to be between Mayo Singh and Kapoor Singh. He describes how each had a different business strategy in harvesting lumber and that there were feuds amongst the families. Nadeem provides further details on the root of the family feuds. Nadeem provides definitions for certain Punjabi terms that he’s using including “Mehta”(meaning lowest class of farmers, foreigner as well head as a title given to people of a clan living in the area) and ‘Panchat”, the name of his family village that was built and founded by five brothers and one nephew (Panj- meaning five and the sound “cht” meaning six). Nadeem explains that these terms were given to people from his own clan living in the area because it was small. Nadeem explains further about status that is based on money and the Punjabi terms “Parsu”, “Parsa” and “Pasaram” that are often used to describe a person. When you are poor the term “Parsu” is used and when you become rich the term “Pasaram” is used. Nadeem refers to Mayo Singh as a Pasaram as the second most successful millner in British Columbia, second to Frederick John Hart. Nadeem mentions that Ginaya Singh, elder brother to Mayo Singh helped provide the finances to start the mill and when there was a disagreement, Ginaya Singh left the mill business, moved his family to Burnaby and began working in insurance. Nadeem shares the sad story of Ginaya Singh’s sudden death (in 1953). Nadeem states that many of the people who left the mills at Paldi went to work at the Kapoor Mill in Burnaby and some relocated to the Interior of British Columbia. Nadeem mentions that his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) was able to purchase a house on 18th Street in along with other residences that he bought with his hard earned money working in the farms and mills, 16 hours per day, seven days a week. 1:18:51 – 1:32:04 Nadeem explains why he thinks that most South Asian people worked in the mills in the earlier days. Nadeem conveys that since Sikh men wore beards and turbans they encountered discrimination and were unable to get work in the business community. Nadeem shares his own personal experiences of wearing a turban and the discrimination he’s encountered while living in Scotland and Canada. Nadeem mentions that a defense committee was formed to protect the Gurdwaras and people’s homes from being vandalized due to racial discrimination. Nadeem describes some of the troubles that he’s encountered in his own neighbourhood when he had to call the police. Nadeem shares a personal experience just after 9/11 where he was the target of racial discrimination in the parking lot of Burnaby Lake. Nadeem emphasizes that he has experienced many incidents of racial discrimination, especially in the workplace and that this was not unusual for him. 1:32:05 – 1:36:19 Nadeem talks about his interest in writing and his many literary works including 12 novels that he’s written in Punjabi. Nadeem highlights a few books that he’s written including a book titled “Rape” and another one titled “Sponsorship” which conveys the complex nature of people immigrating to Canada. Nadeem mentions a particular book about AIDS, titled “Wide Net” that he’s been trying to get published. Nadeem speaks to the challenges and high costs of trying to get his works published. Nadeem provides a brief synopsis of his book “Wide Net”. Nadeem relays that this is a personal account of a gay couple that he knew where one of the partners died of AIDS and that the couple gave Nadeem permission to tell their tragic story. 1:36:20 – 1:51:51 Nadeem talks about his children and compares their experiences to his own as a South Asian immigrant. Nadeems talks about the accomplishments of his son, his daughter and grandchildren including their education and careers. Nadeem says that his children are well educated and well established in their careers. Nadeem’s children attended Capitol Hill Elementary School and North Burnaby High School in Burnaby. Nadeem shares specifics of his son’s career history. Nadeem expresses that he still considers Canada to be the best country for opportunities and that he prefers to live in Burnaby rather than Surrey and shares some personal anecdotes. Nadeem lists some local places that he’s shopped for South Asian groceries and spices rather than travelling to Surrey. He mentions shopping at Kelly Douglas, stores in Chinatown, small grocers on Capitol Hill, Patel’s on Commercial Drive and Main Street. As an aside Nadeem mentions that he worked as a security guard and the wages that he earned. Nadeem comments that he has been awarded various certificates and certifications from his education and career over the years, including a Bachelor of Science. The interviewers further express their interest in seeing the cardboard case that Nadeem brought with him when immigrating to Canada. In closing Nadeem states that his favourite food from back home was kheer (rice pudding).
History
Interviewee biography: Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (India before 1947) to parents Lakhmir Singh Parmar and Davinder Kaur Jamana Parmar. Nadeem grew up in the village of Panchat in the northern region of Punjab, India. Nadeem married his wife Surjeet in Punjab in 1960. After marrying the couple immigrated to England where Nadeem was already working. While living in England, Nadeem and Surjeet had two children. After Surjeet's father died in Canada in 1972, Nadeem, Surjeet and their two children immgrated to Canada, joining Surjeet's family who were living in Burnaby. After Nadeem immigrated to Burnaby in 1973 he worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. Nadeem holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.) and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills
Buildings - Industrial - Factories
Education
Employment
Industries - Logging/lumber
Migration
Occupations - Engineers
Occupations - Millworkers
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Writers
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Names
Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
Kapoor Sawmills Limited
Siddoo, Kapoor Singh
Teja, Gurdial Singh
Parmar, Surjeet Kaur
Manhas, Ghania Singh
Singh, Mayo
Manhas, Kashmir Singh
Manhas, Sher Singh
Manhas, Budhan Kaur
Manhas, Lashman Singh
Responsibility
Malik, Anushay
Rajdeep
Geographic Access
Woodsworth Street
Accession Code
BV022.29.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Capitol Hill Area
Related Material
See also BV022.29.5 - Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate
Interview is conducted in English with various segments of discussion in Punjabi
Transcript of interview available upon request
Audio Tracks
Less detail

Annual Picnic

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription402
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[189-?]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8.89 x 12.07 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of 7 unidentified women in white dresses of the turn of the century period. They are all wearing hats, some lavishly decorated with feathers and silk flowers. The five women seated in the front are wearing award ribbons on their chests that say "ANNUAL PICNIC". The rest of the…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8.89 x 12.07 cm
Material Details
The photograph is printed on a postcard paper. The postcard is copyrighted by the Chicago Ferrotype Company, 1911. The photo postcard is likely a reproduction of a ferrotype or a tintype photograph because the image tone is darker than B&W photographs printed on paper. The postcard is enclosed in a green folder with a lion face embossing on the cover.
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of 7 unidentified women in white dresses of the turn of the century period. They are all wearing hats, some lavishly decorated with feathers and silk flowers. The five women seated in the front are wearing award ribbons on their chests that say "ANNUAL PICNIC". The rest of the writing on the ribbon is not decipherable. Two women are standing in the back. There appears to be a buliding and landscaped woods in the background.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Picnics
Accession Code
HV983.42.142
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[189-?]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-12-05
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Woman with glasses on her dress

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription416
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[189-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.24 x 20.32 cm oval mounted on matt 20 x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified woman taken in a photographic studio. She has grey hair that is tied back, and wears turn of the century period dress, dark coloured with pleats on the chest and lace trimming at the neck. She has a brooch at her neck, and on her right chest, there is her glasses hangi…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.24 x 20.32 cm oval mounted on matt 20 x 15 cm
Material Details
inscribed in pencil on the card mount, verso, u.l. "2144 Osler"
Photograph is cut into an oval shape and mounted on a thick brown card
Card is stained throughout
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified woman taken in a photographic studio. She has grey hair that is tied back, and wears turn of the century period dress, dark coloured with pleats on the chest and lace trimming at the neck. She has a brooch at her neck, and on her right chest, there is her glasses hanging by a clip or a pin. She is wearing chains or rosary around her neck.
Subjects
Adornment - Jewelry
Accession Code
HV983.42.156
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[189-]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-12-05
Images
Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory184
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1903-1928
Length
0:08:29
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's schooling as well as memories of her first years of teaching.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's schooling as well as memories of her first years of teaching.
Date Range
1903-1928
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:08:29
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Catherine Rees

Less detail

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3054
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1910 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 23 x 18 cm, mounted on card 35 x 30 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dr. Sun Yat-sen taken in Yucho Chow's photographic studio in Vancouver. While traveling the world to raise awareness of, and funding for, the Chinese nationalist movement, Sun Yat-sen stayed in Vancouver on three different occasions for extended periods. This framed photograph hung o…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. fonds
Series
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 23 x 18 cm, mounted on card 35 x 30 cm
Material Details
Photographer's mark on recto of card mount reads: "Yucho Chow Studio, Vancouver"
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dr. Sun Yat-sen taken in Yucho Chow's photographic studio in Vancouver. While traveling the world to raise awareness of, and funding for, the Chinese nationalist movement, Sun Yat-sen stayed in Vancouver on three different occasions for extended periods. This framed photograph hung on the wall inside the original Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company shop in Victoria.
Names
Sun, Yat-sen
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV975.5.60
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1910 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
1/6/2010
15-Jun-2018
Scale
100
Photographer
Yucho Chow Studio
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Squatter's shanty

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35849
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1911] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a squatter's shanty in an area called 'Crabtown' on the Burrard Inlet shoreline, just west of the Shell dock. Some of the shanties were neat and colourful, and provided cheap accommodation until they were eliminated in the post-war period.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1911] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-708
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of a squatter's shanty in an area called 'Crabtown' on the Burrard Inlet shoreline, just west of the Shell dock. Some of the shanties were neat and colourful, and provided cheap accommodation until they were eliminated in the post-war period.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Cabins
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Phillips, James William "Jim"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

George Searby Buxton by a cabin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64638
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1911]
Collection/Fonds
Buxton Family collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Burnaby pioneer George Searby Buxton standing in front of a cabin. George Buxton was born in England and was a carpenter by trade. He and his wife Mary Isabel (nee Nattriss) moved to Canada between 1911 and 1913 and had five children: Clara Violet (1910-1913), Mary (1900-?), Alic…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1911]
Collection/Fonds
Buxton Family collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Item
Record No.
513-010
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2010-05
Scope and Content
Photograph shows Burnaby pioneer George Searby Buxton standing in front of a cabin. George Buxton was born in England and was a carpenter by trade. He and his wife Mary Isabel (nee Nattriss) moved to Canada between 1911 and 1913 and had five children: Clara Violet (1910-1913), Mary (1900-?), Alice Clarissa (Clissie) (1902-?), Bernard (1897-1972) and Leopold (1893-1951).
In 1911, George built the Buxton family home on what is now Buxton Street in Burnaby. The Buxton house remains a heritage landmark to this day. This cabin may have been his residence during the period of construction on the house.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Cabins
Names
Buxton, George Searby
Media Type
Photograph
Geographic Access
Buxton Street
Street Address
4807 Buxton Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

House on Imperial Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36403
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ;16.5 x 12.5 cm, mounted on board 25 x 19.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a house on Imperial Street between Jubilee Avenue and Nelson Avenue. Handwritten on the back of the photorgaph's mount reads the following: "House on Imperial Street, Burnaby, (between Jubliee Avenue and Nelson) built in 1911-1912 for Rev. Hector N. Maclean, (first Minister of Hender…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ;16.5 x 12.5 cm, mounted on board 25 x 19.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
262-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1991-27
Scope and Content
Photograph of a house on Imperial Street between Jubilee Avenue and Nelson Avenue. Handwritten on the back of the photorgaph's mount reads the following: "House on Imperial Street, Burnaby, (between Jubliee Avenue and Nelson) built in 1911-1912 for Rev. Hector N. Maclean, (first Minister of Henderson Presbyterian Church). We, the Maclean family, moved into the new house in early spring of 1912, shortly after the death of the eldest boy Hector (Teddy) on March / 13, 1912. Dr. & Mrs. Maclean & family moved to Victoria in 1914. The family moved to Vancouver in 1923 and Dr. Maclean served on the staff of the Social Services & Evangelism of the Presbyterian (?) [sic] of Canada as Assembly Evangelist. Dr. and Mrs. Maclean & youngest daughter went to New Zeland twice over a period of six years where he had several pastorales. On returning to Canada he returned to West Point Grey. Dr. & Mrs. Maclean had 10 children, 5 boys and five girls. Dr. maclean died on Jan. 20, 1950. / (Victoria - St. Paul's Presbyterian church) This brief account started by the eldest daughter Florence (Mrs. R.F. Mackenzie) and finished by the youngest daughter Marion (Mrs. A.K. Lovick of New Westminister) in August 1991. There is one remaining brother Donald Noble Maclean of Vancouver".
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp on recto of board reads: "Kinnee, Photo"
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

Young man in a highlander uniform

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1661
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1914 and 1918] (date of original), copied 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a young man in the uniform of 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. The rank was probably a private, and the period is probably during World War One. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "In uniform of 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Probably World War I (1914-1918).…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.2 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a young man in the uniform of 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. The rank was probably a private, and the period is probably during World War One. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "In uniform of 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. Probably World War I (1914-1918). Probably a private." This photograph was taken in a photographic studio.
Subjects
Clothing - Uniforms
Occupations - Military Personnel
Wars - World War, 1914-1918
Accession Code
HV977.123.44
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1914 and 1918] (date of original), copied 1977
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-25
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Winch family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35714
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1922 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Winch family home, 1230-13th Avenue, East Burnaby. Harold Winch lived here between 1922 and 1929, and Ernie Winch for a longer period. Note the wisteria arbor along the front walk.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1922 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-572
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Winch family home, 1230-13th Avenue, East Burnaby. Harold Winch lived here between 1922 and 1929, and Ernie Winch for a longer period. Note the wisteria arbor along the front walk.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Annotations on top and bottom of photograph read, "Home 1922-29" and "1230-13th Ave Edmonds"
Geographic Access
13th Avenue
Street Address
7376 13th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory185
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1929
Length
0:10:12
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's first year teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's first year teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Date Range
1929
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:10:12
Names
Burnaby South High School
Geographic Access
Southoaks Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Catherine Rees

Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory186
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1929-1964
Length
0:08:19
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's memories of the sports activities and other recreational activities that took place while teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's memories of the sports activities and other recreational activities that took place while teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Date Range
1929-1964
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:08:19
Names
Burnaby South High School
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Southoaks Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Catherine Rees

Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory187
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1929-1964
Length
0:10:03
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's strongest memories of teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's strongest memories of teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Date Range
1929-1964
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:10:03
Names
Burnaby South High School
Geographic Access
Southoaks Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Catherine Rees

Less detail

Burnaby South High School Annual

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64472
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1932
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 booklet
Scope and Content
Item is the 1932 Burnaby South High School Annual. Winnifred Bailey attended Kingsway West School and was a member of class seven in 1932. Her entry in the annual reads: "B is for Bailey- how she loves her Lit. / Through every period she hardly can sit."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1932
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Bailey family subseries
Physical Description
1 booklet
Description Level
Item
Record No.
MSS115-007
Accession Number
BHS1992-55
Scope and Content
Item is the 1932 Burnaby South High School Annual. Winnifred Bailey attended Kingsway West School and was a member of class seven in 1932. Her entry in the annual reads: "B is for Bailey- how she loves her Lit. / Through every period she hardly can sit."
Media Type
Textual Record
Less detail

Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory472
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1934-1942
Length
00:04:58
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s parents’ unsuccessful first attempt to move to British Columbia in 1934 in the Depression, being turned back by the provincial police, and the successful second attempt by bus. The interview continues with description of the family’s difficult…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s parents’ unsuccessful first attempt to move to British Columbia in 1934 in the Depression, being turned back by the provincial police, and the successful second attempt by bus. The interview continues with description of the family’s difficulties, what Lochdale looked like in the 1930s, his father’s work at Kapoor sawmill in Barnet, and Merrill Gordon’s early education.
Date Range
1934-1942
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
Length
00:04:58
Names
Kapoor Sawmill
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 19, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
1:31:44
Interviewee Name
Gordon, Merrill
Interview Location
unknown
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Merrill Gordon

Less detail

184 records – page 1 of 10.