45 records – page 1 of 3.

Bill and Jackie Martin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66712
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1933 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2011
Collection/Fonds
William Martin family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Bill and his younger brother Jackie Martin, each pushing their own wheelbarrow.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1933 and 1940] (date of original), copied 2011
Collection/Fonds
William Martin family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
525-018
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2011-11
Scope and Content
Photograph of Bill and his younger brother Jackie Martin, each pushing their own wheelbarrow.
Subjects
Agricultural Tools and Equipment
Names
Martin, Dr. Bill
Martin, Dr. Jackie
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Martin, William
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Spruce Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Less detail

Blacksmith shops

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1947
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[194-?] (date of originals), copied [1971]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w composite ; 26 x 30.5 cm, mounted on cardboard 32 x 39 cm
Scope and Content
Composite photograph of various aspects of unidentified blacksmith shops including interiors, equipment and exteriors.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w composite ; 26 x 30.5 cm, mounted on cardboard 32 x 39 cm
Material Details
Composite is comprised of ten photographs
Scope and Content
Composite photograph of various aspects of unidentified blacksmith shops including interiors, equipment and exteriors.
Subjects
Buildings - Industrial
Tools and Equipment
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV000.18.8
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[194-?] (date of originals), copied [1971]
Media Type
Photograph
Arrangement
Record appears to be a part of the Burnaby Centennial Committee or the Century Park Museum Associaton. Jon Newby was a board member of either of these committees.
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
1/8/2010
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bulldozer

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34152
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 23, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified man standing beside a small John Deere bulldozer described as the "supply machine" at the Willingdon Heights subdivision site. Piles of lumber can be seen in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 23, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Alfred Bingham subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.2 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
010-069
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified man standing beside a small John Deere bulldozer described as the "supply machine" at the Willingdon Heights subdivision site. Piles of lumber can be seen in the background.
Subjects
Occupations - Labourers
Construction Tools and Equipment
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bulldozer clearing a Forested Hill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription11
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[194-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.8 x 11.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man operating a bulldozer clearing a forested hill. There appears to be a backhoe on the other side of the hill of fallen and upturned trees. This may be the site of the Willingdon Heights subdivision. Stamped on back of photograph: "342X."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.8 x 11.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man operating a bulldozer clearing a forested hill. There appears to be a backhoe on the other side of the hill of fallen and upturned trees. This may be the site of the Willingdon Heights subdivision. Stamped on back of photograph: "342X."
Subjects
Land Clearing
Occupations - Labourers
Construction Tools and Equipment
Names
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Accession Code
HV971.12.79
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[194-]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Willingdon Heights Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-21
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bulldozer clearing a lot

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[194-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 6.8 x 11.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified man operating a bulldozer and clearing the lot. This may be the site of the Willingdon Heights subdivision. Stamped on back of photograph: "345L."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 6.8 x 11.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified man operating a bulldozer and clearing the lot. This may be the site of the Willingdon Heights subdivision. Stamped on back of photograph: "345L."
Subjects
Land Clearing
Occupations - Labourers
Construction Tools and Equipment
Names
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Accession Code
HV971.12.81
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[194-]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Willingdon Heights Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-21
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bulldozer operator

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34141
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 18, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.4 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of bulldozer operator, Mr. Chapman seated in a bulldozer at the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 18, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Alfred Bingham subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.4 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
010-057
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of bulldozer operator, Mr. Chapman seated in a bulldozer at the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.
Subjects
Construction Tools and Equipment
Occupations - Labourers
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Charles Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34181
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
May 20, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Charles Street where a man is using machine to dig a ditch; the side of the truck reads, "Alfred Horie Construction Co. Ltd." Houses under construction can be seen in the background. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
May 20, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Alfred Bingham subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
010-098
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Charles Street where a man is using machine to dig a ditch; the side of the truck reads, "Alfred Horie Construction Co. Ltd." Houses under construction can be seen in the background. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.
Subjects
Industries - Construction
Geographic Features - Ditches
Construction Tools and Equipment
Names
Alfred Horie Construction Company Limited
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Charles Street
Images
Less detail

Construction of the Westminster Rollerway

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37111
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1949
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm print + 6 p.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the construction of the Westminster Rollerway at 660 Edmonds Street (renumbered 7850 Edmonds Street). A "Commercial Truck Co. Ltd." construction crane is in the foreground.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1949
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Joe Russel subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm print + 6 p.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
320-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1995-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the construction of the Westminster Rollerway at 660 Edmonds Street (renumbered 7850 Edmonds Street). A "Commercial Truck Co. Ltd." construction crane is in the foreground.
Subjects
Construction Tools and Equipment
Occupations - Labourers
Names
Westminster Rollerway
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Electric power transmission tower construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1618
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[194-?] (date of original), copied 1976
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the construction of electric power transmission towers. There are two trucks and a few unidentified men working on the construction, and a tent is put up in front of trees to the right side of the photograph. Also to the right is a BC Electric Railyway company car, with a sign above t…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the construction of electric power transmission towers. There are two trucks and a few unidentified men working on the construction, and a tent is put up in front of trees to the right side of the photograph. Also to the right is a BC Electric Railyway company car, with a sign above the rear window that reads, "B.C. Electric Ry.Co." and "1252" on the door. A man in a suit is standing by driver's door. The people and location are unidentified.
Subjects
Energy Production Tools and Equipment
Occupations - Labourers
Construction
Names
British Columbia Electric Railway Company
Accession Code
HV976.251.23
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[194-?] (date of original), copied 1976
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
300
Scan Date
22/8/2006
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Erecting power line poles

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1617
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[194-?] (date of original), copied 1976
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6 x 9.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a power generator / station in the woods. A wire fence is put up around, and there are few unidentified men working on replacing or re-erecting older power line poles, using heavy machinery. There is a man in a suit watching over the operation. The people and location are unidentified…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6 x 9.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a power generator / station in the woods. A wire fence is put up around, and there are few unidentified men working on replacing or re-erecting older power line poles, using heavy machinery. There is a man in a suit watching over the operation. The people and location are unidentified, but it is likely that the photograph is taken in Burnaby.
Subjects
Energy Production Tools and Equipment
Occupations - Labourers
Accession Code
HV976.251.22
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[194-?] (date of original), copied 1976
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
300
Scan Date
22/8/2006
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Garage and mushroom house

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77192
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[before 1969] (date of original), digitally copied 2013
Collection/Fonds
Stiglish family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy-print ; 9 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the garage where Jack Stiglish repaired machinery and housed his tools, and the mushroom house beside it. A sign propped up between the two buildings reads "manure" with an arrow pointing to the right.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[before 1969] (date of original), digitally copied 2013
Collection/Fonds
Stiglish family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy-print ; 9 x 9 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
552-006
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2013-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of the garage where Jack Stiglish repaired machinery and housed his tools, and the mushroom house beside it. A sign propped up between the two buildings reads "manure" with an arrow pointing to the right.
Subjects
Agricultural Tools and Equipment
Agriculture - Farms
Names
Stiglish, F.J. "Jack"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "view of father's garage where his tools were + he repaired the machinery / sign saying bags of manure this way / mushroom house next to garage"
Original spelling of surname was "Stiglich"
Geographic Access
Keswick Avenue
Street Address
3782 Keswick Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cameron Area
Images
Less detail

George and Dorothy Easthope gardening

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97778
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of George and Dorothy Easthope harvesting vegetables from their backyard garden at 6711 Halifax Street. Dorothy sits on a chair separating the greens from a wheelbarrow of carrots as George stands next to her, holding out a cabbage to the camera.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Easthope family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
451-015
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2003-06
Scope and Content
Photograph of George and Dorothy Easthope harvesting vegetables from their backyard garden at 6711 Halifax Street. Dorothy sits on a chair separating the greens from a wheelbarrow of carrots as George stands next to her, holding out a cabbage to the camera.
Subjects
Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Gardening Equipment
Names
Easthope, George Jr.
Easthope, Dorothy May Parkes
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black pen on verso reads: "Dorothy May (Parkes) Easthope (b.1903) and George Easthope (b. 1905). Back yard at residence, 6671 Halifax St., Burnaby B.C.
Geographic Access
Halifax Street
Street Address
6671 Halifax Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
Less detail

George Easthope tilling

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97777
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 cm x 11 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of George Easthope tilling the soil on the Easthope property at 6711 Halifax Street.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Easthope family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 cm x 11 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
451-014
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2003-06
Scope and Content
Photograph of George Easthope tilling the soil on the Easthope property at 6711 Halifax Street.
Subjects
Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Cultivators
Names
Easthope, George Jr.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black pen on verso reads: "George Easthope 6671 Halifax St."
Geographic Access
Halifax Street
Street Address
6671 Halifax Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
Less detail

Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34112
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
March 27, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.6 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road with a car parked at the side of the road and two men with surveying equipment. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
March 27, 1947
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Alfred Bingham subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.6 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
010-028
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road with a car parked at the side of the road and two men with surveying equipment. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.
Subjects
Industries - Construction
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Construction Tools and Equipment
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Gilmore Avenue
Douglas Road
Images
Less detail

Hickory Dickory Dock-What is the time on the clock?

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9679
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
2016
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (14 min., 47 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
In this short film, Yasmin Jamal declares her passion for clocks and fancy watches, but confesses that she has a troubled relationship with them! From her kitchen clock that does not tell the correct time, to her collection of beautiful wrist watches that refuse to do their job, she is beginning to…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
Series
Elders Digital Storytelling project series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (14 min., 47 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
In this short film, Yasmin Jamal declares her passion for clocks and fancy watches, but confesses that she has a troubled relationship with them! From her kitchen clock that does not tell the correct time, to her collection of beautiful wrist watches that refuse to do their job, she is beginning to question this strange relationship. Why does she hold such a love and passion for time pieces that are too stubborn to keep time? She is aware that her attraction to timepieces is about more than needing to know the time. Her touching mediation on the reasons for her attachment reminds her audience that time is a treasure and we should make the most of every moment.
History
Yasmin Jamal immigrated from Kenya over 44 years ago. She came to pursue her undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University. She is a long-time resident of Coquitlam. However, she has always been employed in the Burnaby District. She presently works as a librarian at Burnaby Public Library. Prior to that, she was employed at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby campus. She loves Canada, but still treasures the fond memories of her childhood in Kenya. Yasmin visits Kenya every 8-10 years to feel the warm waters & white sands of the tropical beaches.
Creator
Jamal, Yasmin B.
Other Title Information
title supplied by film maker
Subjects
Timekeeping Tools and Equipment
Names
Jamal, Yasmin B.
Accession Code
BV016.37.10
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
2016
Media Type
Moving Images
Notes
Transcribed title
Images
Video

Hickory Dickory Dock-What is the time on the clock?, 2016

Less detail

Hugh Pontifex

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37915
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
January 1948 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.8 x 2.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 26.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Hugh Pontifex with a camera in his hand, standing on Sperling Avenue near Sprott Street. The photograph was taken looking north.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
January 1948 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Image Bank subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.8 x 2.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 26.3 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-503
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of Hugh Pontifex with a camera in his hand, standing on Sperling Avenue near Sprott Street. The photograph was taken looking north.
Subjects
Photographic Tools and Equipment - Cameras
Names
Pontifex, Hugh
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Negative has a pink cast
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Sprott Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Images
Less detail

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19347
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share the…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Interviewees: Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence on Warwick Avenue in Burnaby Interview Date: November 11, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:58:39) Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share their ancestral background, their personal experiences immigrating to Canada, living in Burnaby and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants. 00:00 – 27:34 Santokh “Gurmail” Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill share their migration stories and experiences living and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants and their eldest child, Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences as a child of South Asian immigrants and growing up in British Columbia as a South Asian Canadian. Gurmail Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar and Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in Hoshiapur of the Indian state of Punjab. Gurmail describes how he moved from India to England with his family in 1957, immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, married his wife Mohinder in England in 1968 and brought his family (parents and two siblings) to Canada from England in 1970 and other relatives including his wife’s family in the 1970s and 1980s. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill recollect their arranged marriage in England in 1968, their immigration process and explain how they arrived in Burnaby residing with a cousin at 4649 Georgia Street until they were able to purchase their own home after a few years. Gurmail shares names and connections to the relatives that came to British Columbia before him. Gurmail and Mohinder tell how they lived in the basement of the house and rented out the upper floor to save money. The couple recall what they brought with them when they immigrated to Canada and Mohinder Kaur Gill tells of how before leaving India, she and her mother made a special rajai for her to take with her. Mohinder describes the process of making a rajai (a quilted blanket that was made by hand). Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced as new immigrants including not being fluent in English, the cold weather and not having very many family or friends nearby to provide support. They attended the Gurdwara on Ross Street or Akali Singh Sikh Society Gurdwara on Skeena in Vancouver. They explain how there was limited access to grocery stores that supplied Punjabi and Indian spices and other cooking supplies. They talk about how they used a food mill and mortar and pestle to grind their own spices and flour and how Mohinder often made traditional sweets like barfi and laddo and pakoras using pea flour when they couldn’t get Besan flour. 27:35 – 36:11 Gurmail provides more details on his family’s immigration story, including names of relatives, how his six siblings and parents all immigrated to British Columbia in 1970 and how in the early 1970s and mid 1980’s Gurmail and his family sponsored approximately 70 friends and relations from India (including Mohinder’s family) to immigrate to Canada. When Mohinder’s family arrived they lived with them in their house until they were able to purchase property next door and build their own home. Children in the families all attended elementary and high school in Burnaby which now amounts to three generations. 36:12 – 59:28 Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about their experiences of racial discrimination. Gurmail recalls members of the South Asian community, Dr. Hari Prakash Sharma, Harinder Mahil and Charan Gill starting the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism. Gurmail tells of how he got involved contributing some of his union dues as a member of CAIMAW (Canadian Association of Industrial Mechanical and Allied Workers Union- Local 15) and as a friend of Charan Gill and Raj Chouhan of the Canadian Farm Workers Union. Gurmail Gill explains how he was a founding member of CAIMAW and treasurer until the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union (in 1991). Mohinder and Gurmail tell of how people from the South Asian community were discouraged from wearing Punjabi dresses or head coverings for fear of being yelled at with racial slurs and how it was often scary to go outside. Many from their community often avoided attending the Akali Singh Gurdwara since a head covering was required and people were afraid of being a target. Gurmail provides details about his work with A1 Steel, how different unions were formed pertaining to various skillsets and jobs per company and how he became a member of CAIMAW Local 15 (foundry workers). Mohinder recollects her experiences as a mother, the daily tasks involved and friends that she made who’d also emigrated from Punjab. Mohinder describes how she designed and sewed many Punjabi dresses using her electric sewing machine and how she learned English by attending adult classes at a church on Commercial Drive. Mohinder and her mother attended the classes for two hours per day for six years at a cost of twelve dollars for ten weeks. Once Mohinder could speak a little English, she started working and was able to practice more. 59:29 – 1:06:08 Mohinder, Gurmail and Prem talk about some of their favourite traditional foods including corn roti and spinach curry and how they grow many of their own vegetables including peppers, eggplant, saag (spinach), onions, garlic, cilantro, zucchini, squash and fenugreek. Mohinder reflects on how access to Punjabi clothing and fabric stores in Vancouver has changed and that ready made food is now more available. Traditional foods were previously made from scratch with women gathering together and cooking for hours and now it’s gotten easier but more expensive and less of a community feel. 1:06:09- 1:55:20 Mohinder and Gurmail Gill discuss and share their perspectives and experiences on raising a family in the past versus today. Gurmail imparts that all of his siblings became educated and secured professional careers while he continued to work in the trades. Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences growing up and attending school in Burnaby. Gurmail and Mohinder Gill recall the type of suitcase that they brought with them when they immigrated and how they recently they got rid of it. Gurmail and the group reflect and discuss the confusion with racial identity terms that have been used in this country. They comment that South Asians were referred to as “Hindu” and “East Indian” and Indigenous peoples were referred to as “Indian” and the controversy and racism behind some of these terms. The group discusses the impact of the caste system and other discriminatory experiences and compare their experiences of living in England to living in Canada. Prem comments on how it’s just recently that South Asian customs, celebrations and practices have been recognized and celebrated here in Canada, like Diwali and yoga. They comment on how much of the language, culture and customs have been retained in Surrey where many can still communicate in Punjabi and don’t need to be fluent in English. The group discusses how many South Asians immigrants first lived and worked in Vancouver but with rising property prices many moved to Surrey expanding and establishing a much larger South Asian community with resources. The group discusses and compares the differing travel routes that many of them and their relatives took when immigrating and travelling between India and Canada. The group talks about Rajdeep’s ancestral village in India which is near the Gill village of Firozpur. Gurmail explains the origins and details behind his family name that was changed from “Shergill” to “Gill” and the name “Santokh” from his maternal side.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married his wife, Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Clothing
Foods
Indigenous peoples
Buildings - Religious - Temples
Food Processing Tools and Equipment
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Migration
Occupations
Organizations - Unions
Names
Gill, Prem Kaur
Gill, Mohinder Kaur
Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh
Responsibility
Rajdeep
Malik, Anushay
Accession Code
BV022.29.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcript available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Indian Family System Reference notes: Baba = informal way to say grandfather; old man Bibi = informal way to say grandmother; old woman Dada= paternal grandfather Dadi= paternal grandmother Dadke= paternal family members; paternal side (Various spellings might exist for the following terms) Thaiyya= father’s elder brother (uncle) Thaiyyi= father’s elder brother’s wife (aunt) Chacha= father’s younger brother (uncle) Chachi= father’s younger brother’s wife (aunt) Bua= father’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Phuphar= father’s sister’s husband (uncle) Nana= maternal grandfather Nani= maternal grandmother Nanke/nanka= maternal family members; maternal side Mama= mom’s brother (older or younger) (uncle) Mami= mom’s brother’s wife (aunt) Maasi= mom’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Maasard= mom’s sister’s husband (uncle)
Audio Tracks

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

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3
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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory403
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1945-1979
Length
0:08:43
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of his early years in construction. Ron discusses what it was like to be in construction during the postwar era. He also discusses his father's work as a carpenter and the changes that occurred with the introduction of electric car…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of his early years in construction. Ron discusses what it was like to be in construction during the postwar era. He also discusses his father's work as a carpenter and the changes that occurred with the introduction of electric carpentry tools.
Date Range
1945-1979
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:08:43
Subjects
Construction Tools and Equipment
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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John Shaw

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55541
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1941]
Collection/Fonds
John Shaw fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 4.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Shaw in his air force uniform in front of a pig farm. An empty hay wagon and pig pen full of pigs are both visible in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1941]
Collection/Fonds
John Shaw fonds
Series
Military series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 4.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
485-016
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2005-15
2006-01
2007-18
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Shaw in his air force uniform in front of a pig farm. An empty hay wagon and pig pen full of pigs are both visible in the background.
Subjects
Occupations - Military Personnel
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Agricultural Tools and Equipment
Agriculture - Farms
Animals - Pigs
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Shaw, John Horace "Jack"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on verso reads: "On a farm near Gl[?]"
Images
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John Yanko ploughing a field

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription80221
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied November 1976
Collection/Fonds
Yanko family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy print ; 7.5 x 11.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Ivan Yanko ploughing a field using a team of seven horses in Kelliher, Saskatchewan.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied November 1976
Collection/Fonds
Yanko family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy print ; 7.5 x 11.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
545-246
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2012-09
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Ivan Yanko ploughing a field using a team of seven horses in Kelliher, Saskatchewan.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Fields
Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Plows
Transportation - Horses
Names
Yanko, John Ivan
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph housed inside envelope on p. 14 of album
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Dad + 7 horses"
Images
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45 records – page 1 of 3.