More like 'Gilmore School addition'
Narrow Results By
Decade
- 2020s 99
- 2010s 46
- 2000s 535
- 1990s 451
- 1980s 444
- 1970s 1048
- 1960s 304
- 1950s
- 1940s 477
- 1930s 386
- 1920s 452
- 1910s 519
- 1900s 204
- 1890s 33
- 1880s 52
- 1870s 5
- 1860s 3
- 1850s 2
- 1840s 1
- 1830s 1
- 1820s 1
- 1810s 2
- 1800s 2
- 1790s 2
- 1780s 2
- 1770s 2
- 1760s 2
- 1750s 2
- 1740s 2
- 1730s 2
- 1720s 2
- 1710s 2
- 1700s 2
- 1690s 2
- 1680s 2
- 1670s 2
- 1660s 2
- 1650s 2
- 1640s 2
- 1630s 2
- 1620s 2
- 1610s 2
- 1600s 2
- 1590s 1
- 1580s 1
- 1570s 1
- 1560s 1
- 1550s 1
- 1540s 1
- 1530s 1
- 1520s 1
- 1510s 1
- 1500s 1
- 1490s 1
- 1480s 1
Subject
- Advertising Medium 2
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards 7
- Aerial Photographs 8
- Agricultural Tools and Equipment 3
- Agriculture - Farms 19
- Agriculture - Fruit and Berries 1
- Animals - Horses 1
- Arts - Paintings 1
- Buildings 2
- Buildings - Agricultural 1
- Buildings - Agricultural - Barns 6
- Buildings - Agricultural - Greenhouses 5
Helen 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark591
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Geographic Access
- Hastings Street
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 12771
- Enactment Date
- 19/04/2010
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Heritage Value
- While the building here is of some importance as the former North Burnaby municipal office, its primary importance is its delightful neon sign that has become a North Burnaby landmark. Helen Arnold opened Helen’s Childrens Wear shop in the building next door to the old Municipal offices in 1948. In 1955, when North Burnaby moved out, she moved into the vacated building. As part of the renovations, Helen enlisted the assistance of her good friend Jimmy Wallace, owner of Vancouver’s Wallace Neon Company, to create a new sign for her expanded business. One of the company’s designers, Reeve Lehman, created the swinging neon girl that was installed in 1956. Designed in two parts, one section of the sign is cloud shaped and reads ‘Helen’s’ while the other section is a moving representation of a little girl on a swing. The sign is nine feet six inches high and nine feet wide, and the lower section is animated with an internal motor and gears. It immediately became a landmark on Hastings Street, and recently the sign’s design fame has spread far and wide as one of the best surviving examples of kinetic neon art in North America.
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Willingdon Heights Area
- Community
- Burnaby
- Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear
- Street Address
- 4142 Hastings Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34680
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.0 cm mounted on cardboard
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a crane lifting a large pipe on or off a truck at the Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. A number of other pipes are piled at the left side of the photograph.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.0 cm mounted on cardboard
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 092-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a crane lifting a large pipe on or off a truck at the Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. A number of other pipes are piled at the left side of the photograph.
- Names
- Dominion Bridge Company
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Graphic Industries Limited
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"
- Printed on back of cardboard "GIL: Graphic Industries Ltd. / Vancouver's Most Complete Photographic Service / 54 West Hastings, Vancouver 4, B.C. / Phone Pacific 4174 File No: 3850-4"
- Geographic Access
- Henning Drive
- Street Address
- 3880 Henning Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34681
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the fabrication of large construction industry components inside a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 092-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the fabrication of large construction industry components inside a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building.
- Names
- Dominion Bridge Company
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Graphic Industries Limited
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"
- Printed on back of cardboard "GIL: Graphic Industries Ltd. / 54 West Hastings, Vancouver 4, B.C. / Phone Pacific 4174 File No: 2844 1"
- Stamped and annotated on back of cardboard, "Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. / Vancouver, B.C. / Neg./Print #55-DB-3-32" and "Jan. /56"
- Geographic Access
- Henning Drive
- Street Address
- 3880 Henning Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34682
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 25, 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building. Three men are working on a large pipe. Two signs read, "Danger / X-Ray Operating / Keep Out."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 25, 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.4 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 092-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building. Three men are working on a large pipe. Two signs read, "Danger / X-Ray Operating / Keep Out."
- Names
- Dominion Bridge Company
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"
- Stamps on back of photograph read, "Dominion Bridge Company, Limited" and "Jan 25 1957"
- Geographic Access
- Henning Drive
- Street Address
- 3880 Henning Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34683
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building with a piece of machinery with a plate reading, "Dominion Premier" on it.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.4 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 092-004
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building with a piece of machinery with a plate reading, "Dominion Premier" on it.
- Names
- Dominion Bridge Company
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"
- Stamp on back of photo reads, "Dominion Bridge Co., Ltd. / Vancouver, B.C. / Neg./Print # 57-329"
- Geographic Access
- Henning Drive
- Street Address
- 3880 Henning Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Extension of McPherson Park School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36489
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the A.J. Keel house with excavation for the extension of the McPherson Park School.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Keel family subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 279-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1992-09
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the A.J. Keel house with excavation for the extension of the McPherson Park School.
- Names
- McPherson Park School
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Rumble Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
Extension of McPherson Park School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36490
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the A.J. Keel house with a close-up of the excavation for the extension of McPherson Park School.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1959
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Keel family subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 279-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1992-09
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the A.J. Keel house with a close-up of the excavation for the extension of McPherson Park School.
- Names
- McPherson Park School
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Rumble Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
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
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track one of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman
Track one of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-025/MSS171-025_Track_1.mp3J. Engelland Fuels truck
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35759
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1950 (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a J. Engelland Fuels truck loading gravel at Stride pit. John Engelland began hauling gravel when the fuel business declined as people began using oil and electricity over wood, coal and sawdust.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1950 (date of original), copied 1986
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Pioneer Tales subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 204-617
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1988-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a J. Engelland Fuels truck loading gravel at Stride pit. John Engelland began hauling gravel when the fuel business declined as people began using oil and electricity over wood, coal and sawdust.
- Names
- J. Engelland Fuels
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Planning Study Area
- Stride Hill Area
Images
Demolition debris at Douglas Road School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38645
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of demolition debris outside the Douglas Road School.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Douglas Road School subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 471-006
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2005-3
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of demolition debris outside the Douglas Road School.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Schools
- Construction
- Names
- Douglas Road School
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Gordon, Ethel
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4861 Canada Way
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Douglas Road School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38642
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 10 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the partially demolished building at the Douglas Road School site.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Douglas Road School subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 10 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 471-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2005-3
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the partially demolished building at the Douglas Road School site.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Schools
- Construction
- Names
- Douglas Road School
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Gordon, Ethel
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph.
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4861 Canada Way
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Douglas Road School renovation
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38647
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a the Douglas Road school under renovations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Douglas Road School subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 15 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 471-008
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2005-3
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a the Douglas Road school under renovations.
- Subjects
- Construction
- Buildings - Schools
- Names
- Douglas Road School
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Gordon, Ethel
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4861 Canada Way
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
Edmonds School trustees with architect and inspector
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36578
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1952 and 1956]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 19.5 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of six men consulting blueprints outside in the snow at the site of the Edmonds Street School addition under construction. Standing in a row are;Trustee W. Maxwell, Architect Davies, Inspector Fredrickson, School Board Secretary Durkin, Trustee Samuel Norman Noble, and Principal Davis.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1952 and 1956]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 19.5 x 24 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 302-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1992-43
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of six men consulting blueprints outside in the snow at the site of the Edmonds Street School addition under construction. Standing in a row are;Trustee W. Maxwell, Architect Davies, Inspector Fredrickson, School Board Secretary Durkin, Trustee Samuel Norman Noble, and Principal Davis.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Schools
- Construction
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Handwritten note on verso of photograph identifies the individuals in the photograph and comments on them
- Copyright note: Images provided on this website are intended for research purposes only. Further use of any image is subject to the terms of the Copyright Act of Canada.
- Geographic Access
- 18th Avenue
- Street Address
- 7651 18th Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Edmonds Area
Images
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.
- 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
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
- 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
- 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.mp3Watson Cedar Products Ltd.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34595
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1950]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Watson Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Two men are working inside.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1950]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 065-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Watson Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Two men are working inside.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Occupations - Labourers
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment - Logging Machinery
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Stride, Charles Edgar
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Stamped on back of photograph: "Photo by The Stride Studios / 657 Columbia Street / New Westminster, B.C." and "#7049[C or G]"
- Geographic Access
- Willard Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Big Bend Area
Images
Watson Cedar Products Ltd.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34596
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1950]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Watsons Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Men are working inside. A box reads, "Optional Kolor Plan / Factory Stained Pryme - Shakes / (Genuine red cedar scored shakes)." Two other boxes read, "Zephers."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1950]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 065-004
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Watsons Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Men are working inside. A box reads, "Optional Kolor Plan / Factory Stained Pryme - Shakes / (Genuine red cedar scored shakes)." Two other boxes read, "Zephers."
- Subjects
- Buildings - Industrial - Mills
- Occupations - Labourers
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment - Logging Machinery
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Stamped on back of photograph: "Photo by The Stride Studios / 657 Columbia Street / New Westminster, B.C." and "#7049F"
- Geographic Access
- Willard Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Big Bend Area
Images
Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory538
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1950-1990
- Length
- 00:06:16
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s description of Burnaby’s growth and business development along Kingsway and Hastings, the Lake City Industrial Park, and the purchase of property in 1958 for the Heritage Park and Art Gallery.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s description of Burnaby’s growth and business development along Kingsway and Hastings, the Lake City Industrial Park, and the purchase of property in 1958 for the Heritage Park and Art Gallery.
- Date Range
- 1950-1990
- Photo Info
- Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
- Length
- 00:06:16
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial
- Buildings - Civic
- Buildings - Industrial
- Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
- Lake City Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- Kingsway-Beresford Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- April 4, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
- Total Tracks
- 10
- Total Length
- 00:56:44
- Interviewee Name
- Morin, Severin "Sev"
- Interviewer Bio
- Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Transcript Available
- Transcript available
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track two of interview with Sev Morin
Track two of interview with Sev Morin
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-021/MSS187-021_Track%202.mp3Bonsor Hall
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37282
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Bonsor Hall (formerly the Kingsway West School). A note on the back of the photograph reads: "The Old Bonsor Hall - Formerly Kingsway W. School as in Burnaby Courier." The photograph was taken by the Burnaby Courier newspaper ca. 1958.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Norah Code subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 345-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1997-05
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Bonsor Hall (formerly the Kingsway West School). A note on the back of the photograph reads: "The Old Bonsor Hall - Formerly Kingsway W. School as in Burnaby Courier." The photograph was taken by the Burnaby Courier newspaper ca. 1958.
- Names
- Bonsor Hall
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Code, Norah
- Notes
- Title based on caption.
- Photographs in this collection were taken and compiled by Norah Code, former editor of the "Burnaby Courier" newspaper during the course of her work for the newspaper.
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 4800 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
Images
Old Bonsor Hall
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37281
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1958
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the old Kingsway West school building which also served as the Bonsor Hall.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1958
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Norah Code subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 345-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1997-05
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the old Kingsway West school building which also served as the Bonsor Hall.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Code, Norah
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Photographs in this collection were taken and compiled by Norah Code, former editor of the "Burnaby Courier" newspaper during the course of her work for the newspaper.
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 4800 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area