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Interview with David Skulski

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19606

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, at…

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: David Skulski Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 6 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 80 min., 38 sec. 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 Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, attending school in New Westminster and Burnaby and Hebrew school in Vancouver. David recalls his early experiences in music, instruments that he played and describes some of his Jewish family traditions. 00:22:23 – 00:49:57 David talks about his experiences studying music at university and following his passion as a musician and oboist. He recalls his experiences of working with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the CBC Orchestra, Vancouver Society for Early Music, the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra, other musical ensembles and venues where he’s performed. 00:49:58 – 01:00:00 David talks about living in Burnaby in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. David describes some his experiences playing traditional music from different countries. 01:01:01 – 01:14:15 David comments on the changes that he’s seen in Burnaby over the years, some of his favourite places, activities, cultural amenities and development on the Fraser River. David talks about the Jewish community in Burnaby, his involvement with the Peretz Centre and examples of Jewish cuisine. 01:14:16 – 01:20:38 David talks about Yiddish being his first language, his language studies in Lithuania, the roots of the language and provides some examples of speaking Yiddish.

History: Interviewee biography: Murray "David" Skulski was born in 1942 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved to British Columbia with his parents in 1948. Skulski and his family settled in New Westminster before moving to Burnaby in the late 1950's. Skulski took piano lessons at an early age and began playing obo while attending junior high school in New Westminster. In 1960 at the age of 17 years, Skulski began performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as solo English horn and is the youngest player to ever be employed with the VSO. In 1991, Skulski started playing with the Vancouver Folk Orchestra and was the conductor between 1997 and 2004. Skulski has been the principal oboe player in many orchestras. In 1968, Skulski founded the Hortulani Musicae; in 1970, he founded the Vancouver Society for Early Music and in 1983 he founded Harmonie, an ensemble concentrating in classical wind music. In 2003, Skulski became president of the Pertez Centre for Secular Jewish Culture. In 2005, Skulski became principal oboist of the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra and between 2009 and 2019 he was the principal oboist for the Pilgrim Orchestra under Pilwon Suk. David has served as president of the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture and since 2022, he’s served on the board of the Vancouver Chamber Music Society. Skulski has taught summer courses in Renaissance music in Austria (1972-1979), has been a music resident at Simon Fraser University (1973-1976), has lectured on the history of musical instruments at SFU and UBC and in 2008 began teaching at the Pacific Coast School of Music, Richmond School of Music and Oakridge Music Studios. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Foods; Music; Musical Instruments; Occupations - Musicians; Performances - Concerts; Persons - Jewish Canadians; Religions - Judaism

Names: Burnaby Symphony Orchestra; Burnaby South High School; Burquest; Skulski, Murray "David"; Vancouver Symphony Orchestra; Vancouver Society for Early Music; Peretz Centre

Responsibility: Damer, Eric

Geographic Access: Deer Lake; Deer Lake Park

Accession Code: BV023.16.10

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available

Documents

2023_0016_0010_004

Audio Tracks

Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/Hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0010_003.mp3

Personal material

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82732

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1910-1978]

Collection/Fonds: Hazel Simnett collection

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 9 paintings : colour print, 2 photographs : b&w, and 1 folder of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of application for a driver's license, Kingsway Driving School report card, driver's examination receipt and a letter addressed to Hazel Simnett from the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. Also included is an immigration inspection card of Fred Simnett aboard the S.S. Lake Champlai…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1910-1978]

Collection/Fonds: Hazel Simnett collection

Series: Simnett personal papers series

Physical Description: 9 paintings : colour print, 2 photographs : b&w, and 1 folder of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: MSS167-008

Accession Number: 2013-22

Scope and Content: File consists of application for a driver's license, Kingsway Driving School report card, driver's examination receipt and a letter addressed to Hazel Simnett from the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. Also included is an immigration inspection card of Fred Simnett aboard the S.S. Lake Champlain from Liverpool and a letter from the Office of the Mayor addressed to Mary Ann Simnett for her ninetieth birthday. Also included is a photograph (see item 559-001). Also included are newsclippings regarding Robert Burnaby and the "Bygones of Burnaby" book, a programme of the Robert Burnaby Commemorative Dinner, a photocopy of "The Argus" (Burnaby South High School's newspaper) from 1938, a programme from Madys Pridmore Brown's Variety Programme, "The Buzzer" Volume 40 Issue 16 advertising Vancouver street cars, New Vista Society certificate addressed to Hazel Simnett, an envelope of Fenwick Lansdowne bird prints from 1957 and a print of the Royal Family found in a cardboard envelope postmarked 1972.

Subjects: Arts - Paintings; Documentary Artifacts - Newspapers; Documentary Artifacts - Photographs; Performances - Concerts; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Personal Symbols - Certificates; Transportation; Persons - Royalty

Names: Simnett, Hazel; Simnett, Frederick "Fred"; Simnett, Mary Ann; Lansdowne, James Fenwick

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph; Graphic Material

Notes: Title based on note accompanying file on folder ; The Argue was stapled together; Simnett personal papers series

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Clinton-Glenwood Area

Air force cadet singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55553

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of fifteen air force cadets performing on stage at a show in Calgary, Alberta. John Shaw was a part of this musical group and he has written on the back of the picture: "The Captain looks a little nervous in this one, he's biting his lip. Sgt. Moody, leaning on the piano, takes the scrip…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-028

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of fifteen air force cadets performing on stage at a show in Calgary, Alberta. John Shaw was a part of this musical group and he has written on the back of the picture: "The Captain looks a little nervous in this one, he's biting his lip. Sgt. Moody, leaning on the piano, takes the script. Syd Bending is violinist, darn good too."

Subjects: Clothing - Military Uniforms; Occupations - Military Personnel; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Bending, Syd; Moody, Sgt.

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

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

Images

Air force cadet singing group, [1941] thumbnail

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55563

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of eleven men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "Another informal one of the quartette. Cap's playing the accordion this time. The other …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-038

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of eleven men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "Another informal one of the quartette. Cap's playing the accordion this time. The other Salvation Army guy is just an old fuss bag."

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

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

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55564

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of ten men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The octet singing 'The West, A Nest and You.' We look kinda sick, I figure. Note the wedge…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-039

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of ten men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The octet singing 'The West, A Nest and You.' We look kinda sick, I figure. Note the wedge in my pants - hasn't faded, even after two months." John is third from the right, looking down at the music sheet.

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

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

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55565

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of twelve men - most in uniform - and one woman, performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: ""Yours truly" relaxing over a cigarette during the interviews." …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-040

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of twelve men - most in uniform - and one woman, performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: ""Yours truly" relaxing over a cigarette during the interviews." John can be seen near the right of the photograph leaning against the piano with a cigarette in his hand.

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

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

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55566

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph shows a group of 12 men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta, and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The octet doing a bit of a number accompanied by Cap on at the accordion." A …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-041

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph shows a group of 12 men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta, and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The octet doing a bit of a number accompanied by Cap on at the accordion." A caption on the envelope written by a previous archivist reads, "Pictures of John Shawn in Air Force WWII - In singing group - Calgary, Alberta."

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

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

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55570

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of fourteen men - most in uniform - performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The Captain (at the mike) looks a bit nervous in this one. Syd Bending is th…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-045

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of fourteen men - most in uniform - performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The Captain (at the mike) looks a bit nervous in this one. Syd Bending is the violinist. Sergeant Moody, script man is leaning on the piano. We had a civilian pianist that night."

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Bending, Syd; Moody, Sgt.; Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

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

Images

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.

History: Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Industries - Logging/lumber; Industries - Forestry; Foods; Migration; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Organizations - Unions; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Performances; Performances - Dramatic Performances; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Binning, Dr. Sadhu; Binning, Gurmaje Kaur; Binning, Jit Singh; Binning, Jagdish; Sangha, Darshan Singh; Canadian Farmworkers Union; Hundal, Sukhwant; Sangra, Harjinder; Singh, Dhana; Vancouver Sath

Responsibility: Petrusa, Kate; Malik, Anushay

Accession Code: BV022.29.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Documents

2022_0029_0003_005

Audio Tracks

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3

5th Burnaby Brownie concert

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4825

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1948

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of 5th Burnaby Brownie Concert with 5th Burnaby Brownies, 5th Burnaby Guides, 1st North Burnaby Cubs and Scouts, Vancouver Sea Rangers, Brown Owl, Mrs. K. Hebron, Area Commissioner Miss R. McArthur, onstage at Gilmore Avenue School Auditorium.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Girl Guides fonds

Series: Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of 5th Burnaby Brownie Concert with 5th Burnaby Brownies, 5th Burnaby Guides, 1st North Burnaby Cubs and Scouts, Vancouver Sea Rangers, Brown Owl, Mrs. K. Hebron, Area Commissioner Miss R. McArthur, onstage at Gilmore Avenue School Auditorium.

Subjects: Performances - Concerts

Names: Girl Guides of Canada; 5th Burnaby Brownie Pack; Hebron, Kathleen Billingham

Accession Code: BV015.35.175

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1948

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: March 8, 2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; This photograph is similar to photograph BV015.35.156.11 but includes people on the left side of the stage.; Handwritten annotations above photograph reads: "5th Burnaby Brownie Concert with 5th Burnaby Brownies, 5th Burnaby Guides, 1st North Burnaby Cubs and Scouts, Vancouver Sea Rangers, Brown Owl, / Mrs. K. Hebron (below right), Area Commissioner Miss R. McArthur, onstage / at Gilmore Avenue School Auditorium...opening...Feb 25th"; Photograph is a part of original scrapbook "5th Brownie Pack" 1948-1965 Item BV015.35.156

Images

5th Burnaby Brownie concert, 1948 thumbnail

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18947

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 13, 2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:07:37 min)

Scope and Content: Track 1: This portion of the recording pertains to Cice Brown talking about growing up in West Burnaby near Central Park, between West Burnaby and McKay tram station. Cice describes the area in which she lived; talks about attending school at Kingsway West and highschool at Burnaby South. Interview…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:07:37 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Cice Brown Date of interview: May 13, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 7 Total length of all Tracks: 0:40:19

Scope and Content: Track 1: This portion of the recording pertains to Cice Brown talking about growing up in West Burnaby near Central Park, between West Burnaby and McKay tram station. Cice describes the area in which she lived; talks about attending school at Kingsway West and highschool at Burnaby South. Interviewer asks about the types of activities she was involved while growing up. Cice recalls being a member of the school choir at Kingsway West, the music teacher and winning a competition. Cice talks about attending Burnaby South highschool at the start of World War II, her involvement with cadets as well as the "Hi-Y" club and playing outside in the Central Park neighbourhood.

History: Recording of an interview with Cice Brown, interviewed by Tom Gooden on May 13 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1930s and 40s.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Organizations - Adolescents' Societies and Clubs; Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Organizations - Choirs

Names: Brown, Cice Chandler; Kingsway West School; Burnaby South High School; Central Park

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Accession Code: BV017.45.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 13, 2005

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Audio Tracks

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 1, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 13, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0003_001.mp3

Copies of photographs from Esther (Love) Stanley albums

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10003

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1915-1950] (date of originals), copied 1989

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 36 photographs : b&w negatives ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photographs copied from various photograph albums including; Albert Paker, George Love, Gordon Love and Esther (Love) Stanley. Content includes: Love family in front of the piano inside parlour; Love family members with musical instruments inside parlour; Ben Brandrith and Robert Love in uniforms; …

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Jesse Love farmhouse series

Subseries: Love family photographs subseries

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 36 photographs : b&w negatives ; 35 mm

Scope and Content: Photographs copied from various photograph albums including; Albert Paker, George Love, Gordon Love and Esther (Love) Stanley. Content includes: Love family in front of the piano inside parlour; Love family members with musical instruments inside parlour; Ben Brandrith and Robert Love in uniforms; unidentified Asian man in field with hoe and young trees behind him; wedding cake from Frank Charles Stanley and Esther Love's wedding; land clearing for Love farmhouse; Jesse Love feeding chickens; Jesse and Hannah (Girlie) Love in hats outside on Love farm; large picnic on grass; four generations of Love family members; gatherings of Love family members outside; Love family posed in a car inside a studio (Will, Sarah, George, Phoebe and Martha); Leonard Love dressed as a boy scout; Martha (Dot) with children; Love family members celebrate centennial; Jesse Love and Martha (Dot) Love outside Love farmhouse; Love farmhouse with porch and garden; swing at Love farmhouse; Parker family in living room and view of the Love farmhouse from the front.

Subjects: Buildings - Heritage; Plants - Flowers; Plants - Trees; Musical Instruments - Pianos

Names: Stanley, Esther Love; Love Family

Geographic Access: Cumberland Street

Street Address: 7651 Cumberland Street

Accession Code: BV018.41.184

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1915-1950] (date of originals), copied 1989

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Cariboo-Armstrong Area

Scan Date: 4-Mar-2019

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 36 b&w copy prints accompanying

Interview with Eleanor Dricos by Eric Damer October 15, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory319

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1961

Length: 0:08:48

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Eleanor (Toebeart) Dricos' memories of her early years in Burnaby, from the age of nine, when her interest in music first began.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Eleanor (Toebeart) Dricos' memories of her early years in Burnaby, from the age of nine, when her interest in music first began.

Date Range: 1947-1961

Length: 0:08:48

Subjects: Musical Instruments - Pianos

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 15, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Eleanor (Toebeart) Dricos conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 15, 2012. Major themes discussed are: music students and music teachers.

Biographical Notes: Born in Vancouver in 1947 Eleanor Toebaert (later Dricos) and her parents came to the new Parkcrest neighbourhood of Burnaby nine years later. While at Sperling Elementary, Eleanor took group piano lessons with June Perry and began her career studying, playing, and teaching piano. Eleanor finished her schooling at Kensington Junior High and North Burnaby High Schools. During the mid-nineteen-sixties Eleanor often attended concerts at North Burnaby community halls to listen to her fiance’s band play. After getting married, Eleanor (Toebaert) Dricos and her husband settled in Port Coquitlam where she continues to teach private piano lessons.

Total Tracks: 3

Total Length: 0:27:47

Interviewee Name: Dricos, Eleanor Toebeart

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

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Eleanor Dricos

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-008/MSS171-008_Track_1.mp3

John and Mike Yanko playing musical instruments

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77772

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1947

Collection/Fonds: Yanko family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Ivan Yanko and his brother Mike Yanko playing musical instruments. One brother is playing the concertina and the other is playing a guitar in a field in Kelliher, Saskatchewan.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1947

Collection/Fonds: Yanko family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5 cm

Material Details: Secured to album page with photo corners

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 545-038

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2012-09

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Ivan Yanko and his brother Mike Yanko playing musical instruments. One brother is playing the concertina and the other is playing a guitar in a field in Kelliher, Saskatchewan.

Subjects: Musical Instruments

Names: Yanko, John Ivan; Yanko, Mike

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note written on album page reads: "Kelliher 1947"; Note in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "Dad / Mike / Sask '47 / concertina"

Images

John and Mike Yanko playing musical instruments, 1947 thumbnail

John Ivan Yanko playing a guitar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77765

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1949

Collection/Fonds: Yanko family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Ivan Yanko standing in a field in Kelliher, Saskatchewan, playing a guitar.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1949

Collection/Fonds: Yanko family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 6 cm

Material Details: Secured to album page with photo corners

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 545-034

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2012-09

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Ivan Yanko standing in a field in Kelliher, Saskatchewan, playing a guitar.

Subjects: Musical Instruments

Names: Yanko, John Ivan

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

John Ivan Yanko playing a guitar, 1949 thumbnail

Edmonds Baptist Church Choir

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1930

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1940 and 1945]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 8 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Edmonds Baptist Church Choir standing in three rows in front of the church building. A sign posted by the church door reads, "Edmonds Baptist Church/ SERVICES/ CHURCH SCHOOL 9:45 AM/ MORNING SERVICE 11AM/ EVENING SERVICE 7:30PM/ WORSHIP WITH US" The women are wearing matching robe…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 8 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Edmonds Baptist Church Choir standing in three rows in front of the church building. A sign posted by the church door reads, "Edmonds Baptist Church/ SERVICES/ CHURCH SCHOOL 9:45 AM/ MORNING SERVICE 11AM/ EVENING SERVICE 7:30PM/ WORSHIP WITH US" The women are wearing matching robes with collars and are holding their psalm books in their hands. The men are dressed in suits. Standing in the back row are; Jim Davies, Bille Haines, Mr. Smithson, Bill Bennett, Angus Haines, Ray Bell and Ernie Aldersley. Standing in the middle row are; Gwen Bennett (later Stewart), Thelma Mower (later Hueskin), Nora Palmer (later Coulter) and Olive Day (later Martin). Standing in the back row are; Orpha Scott (later Davies), Elenor Taylor, Mildred Bennett, Gertrude Mower, Jean Smithson and Peggy Urquhart (later Fredericks).

Subjects: Organizations - Choirs

Names: Edmonds Baptist Church; Davies, Jim; Haines, Bill; Smithson, Mr.; Bennett, Bill; Haines, Angus; Bell, Ray; Aldersley, Ernie; Stewart, Gwen Bennett; Hueskin, Thelma Mower; Coulter, Nora Palmer; Martin, Olive Day; Davies, Orpha Scott; Taylor, Eleanor; Bennett, Mildred; Mower, Gertrude; Smithson, Jean; Frederick, Margaret "Peggy" Urquhart

Accession Code: BV005.35.17

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Date: [between 1940 and 1945]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 11-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "BACK ROW Jim Davies, Bille Haines, Mr. Smithson, Bill Bennett Angus Haines, Ray Bell, Ernie Aldersley / Middle Row Gwen Bennett (Mrs. Stewart), Thelma Mower (Mrs Hueskin) Nora Palmer (Mrs. Coulter), Olive Day (Mrs. Martin)/ FRONT ROW Orpha Scott (Mrs. J. Davies), Elenor Taylor Mildred Bennett, Gertrude Mower Jean Smithson, Peggy Urquhart (Mrs. Fredericks)"

Images

Edmonds Baptist Church Choir, [between 1940 and 1945] thumbnail

Interview with Charmaine Bayntun by Eric Damer October 22, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory294

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1929-2012

Length: 0:09:03

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun's father and the influence he had on her in her enjoyment of school as well as on her decision to become an educator herself. She discusses her family's interest in music and gardening, and how it is closely tied to being members o…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun's father and the influence he had on her in her enjoyment of school as well as on her decision to become an educator herself. She discusses her family's interest in music and gardening, and how it is closely tied to being members of the Ukrainian Community.

Date Range: 1929-2012

Photo Info: Charmaine Yanko (later Bayntun) nursing a goat from a bottle, [1969]. Item no. 549-015.

Length: 0:09:03

Names: Yanko, John Ivan

Subjects: Education; Occupations - Musicians

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 22, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 22, 2012. Major themes discussed are: education and family heritage.

Biographical Notes: At the age of twenty, John Ivan Yanko met his future wife Leida Doria "Lillian Doris" Carman while visiting relatives in Burnaby. Lillian received a rail pass because of her dad’s employment with the CPR and at fourteen had gone to visit her Godmother in Burnaby. John Ivan Yanko and Lillian Doris (Carman) Yanko were married October 16, 1948 in Nelson, British Columbia and moved into the basement of John’s sister’s house on Union Street. Lillian began working at the downtown Woodward’s store as a cashier in 1948. In 1950, the young couple bought property at 7385 (later renumbered 7391) Broadway in Burnaby and began constructing a house as they could afford it. Knowing she’d be let go if she was pregnant, when Lillian was expecting her first child, Jenny sewed her several versions of the same outfit; they all used the same material, but each was a little bit larger than the last to accommodate her expanding girth. Rhonda, born in 1953 and Charmaine, born in 1955, grew up in the Broadway home. They attended school at Sperling Elementary, and later at Burnaby North high school. Lillian left her job to be a stay-at-home mom when Rhonda was born, but that changed in 1963 when John and Charmaine were in a car accident that left John temporarily unable to work. John Yanko later returned to work, establishing his own tile setting business and working until age eighty-two. John and Lillian lived out the rest of their married lives on the Broadway property. John Ivan Yanko passed away in 2010; his wife Lillian Doria Leida (Carman) Yanko passed away in 2011. Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun completed her schooling in Burnaby and became a teacher for twenty-two years, followed by ten years as a Burnaby elementary school principal.

Total Tracks: 5

Total Length: 0:47:24

Interviewee Name: Bayntun, Charmaine "Sherrie" Yanko

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

Charmaine Yanko (later Bayntun) nursing a goat from a bottle, [1969]. Item no. 549-015. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Charmaine Bayntun

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-002/MSS171-002_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20285

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser M…

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewees: Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy Location of Interview: Residence of Harry Toy Interview Date: September 25, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:01:13 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants’ Association and Harry's daughters, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy's memories of growing up in Burnaby. 00:00:00 – 00:23:53 Harry Toy shares biographical information about himself and his ancestors. Harry provides information about his migration to Canada and his life in Manitoba, attending school, working at the family restaurant and teaching high school. 00:23:53 – 00:41:16 Harry talks about moving his family to Burnaby and his experiences owning and operating the Canada Way Food Market. 00:41:17 – 00:54:19 Harry talks about his involvement with the Fraser Merchants Association (FMA) and provides some history about the organization. 00:54:20 – 1:22:44 Harry talks about running the Canada Way Food Market and the alterations that he made to the store over the years. Harry and his daughters comment as they look through photographs of Harry and his store and the Fraser Merchants Association. 1:22:45 – 2:01:14 Beverley and Christina talk about their early childhood in Manitoba and growing up in Burnaby. They recall what it was like growing up and working in the family owned store.

History: Interviewee biography: Harry Wee Koon Toy was born in February 9, 1936 in Taikong, Toisan county, Guangdong, China. Harry's father William Toy came to Canada in the early 1920s when he was ten years old. Harry arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 9, 1950. After staying in Vancouver for one night, he joined his father in Neepawa, Manitoba where the family operated a cafe business (Royal Cafe). Harry grew up in Neepawa and graduated from the University of Manitoba and teacher's college. He became a high school teacher and worked at schools in Minnedosa and Gladstone, Manitoba teaching various subjects including, science, business, geography, history and physical education. Harry and his wife, had three daughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina who were all born in Neepawa. When the family decided to move to the west coast, Harry was introduced to the grocery store business through an uncle who was a store operator. Around 1970, Harry purchased a grocery store at 4694 Canada Way in Burnaby which he named "Canada Way Food Market" and Harry and his daughters made their home at the back of the store. Harry owned and operated the store for approximately 40 years between 1970 and 2010. Around 1986, Harry purchased the butcher shop next door (4692 Canada Way) which was no longer in operation, expanding his store and adding a second storey to use a residence. Harry's children helped him operate the store throughout their childhood. In the early 1970s, corner stores were threatened by the spread of small chain-operated convenience stories from Eastern Canada to Vancouver. Formed in April 1972, the Fraser Merchants’ Association was established to protect the rights of corner store operators. With no paid legal help, the association was incorporated in Victoria, BC for the cost of 56 cents. The benefits of being a member of the association included warehouse and group purchasing, common advertising and other advantages of being part of an association. Founded by Gary Lee Ling and five others, Fraser Merchants’ Association’s first member was Graham Grocery. By 1978, the association represented over 200 corner stores in the Lower Mainland (Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Coquitlam, and New Westminster) and Fraser Valley. The association remained active into the 1980s and 1990s. Harry has served as President of the Fraser Merchants' Association from 1992 to present. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Migration; Occupations - Teachers; Occupations - Grocers; Organizations; Organizations - Business Associations; Persons - Chinese Canadians; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores

Names: Toy, Christina; Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"; Babey, Beverley; Canada Way Food Market; Fraser Merchants' Association

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.16.19

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Related Material: See also: BV023.25 - Harry Toy fonds

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available

Documents

2023_0016_0019_003

Audio Tracks

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0019_002.mp3

Aperetto "Pirates" Spring performance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97575

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1949

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 11 photographs : b&w

Scope and Content: File consists of photographs of the Aperetto "Pirates" Spring performance from 1949 and cast members portraits taken in costume. File also contains a photographic portrait of Joe Ternent and Elanor Cailes in the Cailes' garden at Roswell

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1949

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Clef Society subseries

Physical Description: 11 photographs : b&w

Description Level: File

Record No.: 142-009

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1985-12

Scope and Content: File consists of photographs of the Aperetto "Pirates" Spring performance from 1949 and cast members portraits taken in costume. File also contains a photographic portrait of Joe Ternent and Elanor Cailes in the Cailes' garden at Roswell

Subjects: Performances - Dramatic Performances; Recreational Activities - Theatre

Names: Burnaby Clef Society

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-1, 142-009-10, and 142-009-11 reads: "Photographed by L.C. Cailes, R.R.1, Boswell, BC Negative No. [blank]".; Negative number "4" is written in black ink on verso of 142-009-10.; Note in pencil written on verso of 142-009-11 reads: "Joe Ternent and Eleanor Cailes in Cailes garden at Roswell".; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-2:142-009- reads: "Pacific Photo Service 2802 McGill Street Residence Phone HA. 2129 M"; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-2. First reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 8". Second reads:; Note in blue ink on verso of 142-009-3 reads: "6"; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-4 reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 5".; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-5 reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 10".; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-6 reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 11".; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-7 reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 7".; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-8 reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 4".; Photographer's stamp on verso of 142-009-9 reads: "Your Flash Photo by F. Fallan HA. 2129 M Reprint Order No. 9".

Images

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19604

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their p…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah Location of Interview: Nalliah family home Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 68 min., 6 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Ruth (Angela) Nalliah with husband Samuel Nalliah WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this interview (00:40:58 – 00:57:31) regarding the Tamil genocide may be upsetting to some people.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their parentage, place of birth (Sri Lanka), spoken language and education. Sam Nalliah shares details on his education while living in Sri Lanka, his later education in Wales where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and his migration to Halifax in 1978 after obtaining a job at Dalhousie University as a systems analyst. Sam conveys how he decided to relocate from Halifax to Vancouver in 1986 and started his employment with BC Tel. Angela Nalliah shares details on her education and employment after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1986. Angela conveys how she first lived in Ottawa, moved to Toronto in 1989 where she began working for TD bank and moved to Vancouver in 1999. 00:13:31 – 00:20:03 Sam Nalliah talks about how he and his wife Angela first met and married in 1999 and moved to Vancouver. Sam shares information on where his other family members immigrated to and why he decided to immigrate to Canada. Angela shares information on other members of her family who immigrated to Canada before her and how her uncle sponsored them all to come. 00:20:04 – 00:29:30 Sam provides further details regarding his family make up including; his first wife, his daughters (born in 1983 and 1985), his step daughter (born in 1991) and his youngest daughter (born in 2000). Sam tells how he worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Sam provides locations of homes that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver. Sam and Angela describe what they liked about living in Burnaby, where their daughter attended school and where they did their shopping. 00:29:31 – 00:32:11 Angela talks about working for Prospera Credit Union from 2003 after TD bank downsized. Sam describes how they rented out their house in Vancouver and lived in a rental home in Burnaby that was owned by the City of Burnaby. Sam and Angela recollect the time period that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver before deciding to move to Surrey in 2015. 00:32:12 – 00:35:59 Sam and Angela provide details regarding their daughter’s post-secondary education and careers. Angela talks about her social activities, volunteer work and involvement with the Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia, the Women’s Network as well as the Westminster Bible Chapel Church in Burnaby and the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church in Surrey. 00:36:00 – 00:40:57 Sam recalls hearing Prime Minster Pierre Elliott Trudeau speak about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Dalhousie University and the effect that his speech made on him. Sam talks about joining the National Democratic Party when Peter Julian was elected as a Member of Parliament for Burnaby. 00:40:58 – 00:57:31 (WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this portion of the interview may be upsetting to some people) Sam and Angela speak about their involvement with the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC). Angela describes the brutal violence that she witnessed while living in Sri Lanka during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide in the 1980’s. Sam and Angela recollect and discuss their views and actions pertaining to the MV Sun Sea incident where a Thai cargo ship carrying Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to British Columbia were identified as terrorists by the Canadian Government and held in detention facilities. 00:57:32 – 01:08:07 Sam reflects on what he likes about Burnaby. Angela and Sam talk about Hindu temples attended by many Tamil and Sri Lankan people living in Burnaby and the lower mainland. Angela talks about the many cultural events and celebrations that are celebrated within the Tamil and Sri Lankan community including the Pongal Festival. Angela and Sam reflect on how grateful they are to be residents of Canada.

History: Interviewees biographies: Samuel (Sam) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1949. Sam immigrated to Halifax in 1977 after obtaining a position as a systems analyst at Dalhousie University. In 1986, Sam sponsored his parents to come to Canada. In 1986, after being introduced to the milder weather in Victoria, Sam decided to move to British Columbia. He moved to Burnaby in 1990 and began working for BC Tel in Burnaby. Following his job at BC Tel, Sam worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Ruth (Angela) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1964 and immigrated to Canada in 1986. As a Tamil living in Sri Lanka in the 1980’s Angela witnessed first hand the brutal violence during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide. In 1986 Angela was relieved to be able to immigrate to Canada after being sponsored by her uncle. Angela first lived and worked in Ottawa and Toronto before marrying Samuel Nalliah in Ottawa in 1999 and the couple moved to Burnaby. Angela worked for TD bank in both Toronto and Vancouver until it downsized in 2003 and she began working for Prospero Credit Union. While living in Burnaby, Angela attended the Westminster Bible Chapel and after moving to Surrey she became a member of the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church. Sam and Angela Nalliah have four daughters and since moving to British Columbia they’ve lived in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey. Both Sam and Angela are involved with the Tamil Cultural Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) as well as participates in Sri Lankan and Tamil community cultural events. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Events - Festivals; Government; Government - Federal Government; Migration; Occupations; Organizations - Political Parties; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Religions; Religions - Christianity; Religions - Hinduism; Rights; Rights - Human Rights; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Social Issues - Discrimination

Names: Nalliah, Ruth "Angela"; Nalliah, Samuel "Sam"; Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC); Westminster Bible Chapel; Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCSBC)

Responsibility: Binks, James

Accession Code: BV023.16.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum

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Audio Tracks

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0008_003.mp3

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