Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Photograph of the assistant director of traffic engineering at the City of Burnaby examining a piece of equipment installed in Dover Street as part of a pilot project for new crosswalk lights. A school crosswalk sign and passing vehicle are visible in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2000]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 535-2540

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of the assistant director of traffic engineering at the City of Burnaby examining a piece of equipment installed in Dover Street as part of a pilot project for new crosswalk lights. A school crosswalk sign and passing vehicle are visible in the background.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Roads; Geographic Features - Sidewalks; Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in a July 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata: "Burnaby's assistand director of traffic engineering examines the new crosswalk lights, installed as a pilot project, on Dover, between Royal Oak and Nelson."

Geographic Access: Dover Street; Nelson Avenue; Royal Oak Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Marlborough Area

Images

Dover Street crosswalk lights, [2000] thumbnail

Downtown New Westminster

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription78687

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: November 12, 1995

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 22 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a street view of New Westminster's downtown.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: November 12, 1995

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 22 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 535-0048

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No reproduction permitted

Accession Number: 2012-11

Scope and Content: Photograph of a street view of New Westminster's downtown.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Roads; Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note in black ink on recto of photograph reads: "11/12 Bby p.1 118% Mario NW 2941 D"; Trim marks and/or reproduction instructions on recto (scan is cropped)

Images

Downtown New Westminster, November 12, 1995 thumbnail

Edith Clayton Outside Burnaby Lake Store

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38882

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1913]

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 8.2 x 12.5 cm on page 14 x 17.5 cm (pasted in album)

Scope and Content: Photograph of Edith Clayton standing on the boarded sidewalk outside the Burnaby Lake Store. The photograph was taken looking along Douglas Road (later, Canada Way), towards New Westminster. Edith is dressed in a winter coat with scarf, mittens and hat.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1913]

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Series: Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 8.2 x 12.5 cm on page 14 x 17.5 cm (pasted in album)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 477-201

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2007-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of Edith Clayton standing on the boarded sidewalk outside the Burnaby Lake Store. The photograph was taken looking along Douglas Road (later, Canada Way), towards New Westminster. Edith is dressed in a winter coat with scarf, mittens and hat.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks; Geographic Features - Roads

Names: Burnaby Lake Store; Clayton, Edith

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on caption accompanying photograph

Geographic Access: Sperling Avenue; Douglas Road; Canada Way

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

Edith Clayton Outside Burnaby Lake Store, [1913] thumbnail

Men riding bicycles

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3101

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1914]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 16.4 x 21.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a paved road lined with electric poles on both sides and a wood plank sidewalk on one side of the road. There are two men in suits and bowler hats riding bicycles and another man in suit and bowler hat standing on the sidewalk. The sun is casting long shadows from the left side of the…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 16.4 x 21.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a paved road lined with electric poles on both sides and a wood plank sidewalk on one side of the road. There are two men in suits and bowler hats riding bicycles and another man in suit and bowler hat standing on the sidewalk. The sun is casting long shadows from the left side of the photograph. An earlier catalogue record from 1988 conjectures that the photograph may be of Kingsway in Burnaby, possibly near Gilley looking east towards Griffiths Avenue. The record also dates the negative, ca. 1914.

Subjects: Transportation - Bicycles; Geographic Features - Roads; Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Geographic Access: Kingsway; Griffiths Avenue

Accession Code: HV972.11.15

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1914]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Kingsway-Beresford Area

Scan Resolution: 300

Scan Date: 14/8/2006

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w contact print accompanying negative

Images

Mickey McGuire and Jack Nichols

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38149

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1940 and 1944] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 4.2 cm print on contact sheet 20.6 x 26.8 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mickey McGuire (back) and Jack Nichols (front) on the 4000 block Kingsway (later renumbered the 4500 block) at McKay Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1940 and 1944] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 4.2 cm print on contact sheet 20.6 x 26.8 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-736

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mickey McGuire (back) and Jack Nichols (front) on the 4000 block Kingsway (later renumbered the 4500 block) at McKay Avenue.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks; Geographic Features - Roads

Names: McGuire, Mickey; Nichols, Jack

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area; Marlborough Area

Images

Mickey McGuire and Jack Nichols

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38150

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1940 and 1944] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.1 x 2.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.6 x 26.8 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mickey McGuire (back) and Jack Nichols (front) on the 4000 block Kingsway (later renumbered the 4500 block) at McKay Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1940 and 1944] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.1 x 2.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.6 x 26.8 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-737

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mickey McGuire (back) and Jack Nichols (front) on the 4000 block Kingsway (later renumbered the 4500 block) at McKay Avenue.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks; Geographic Features - Roads

Names: McGuire, Mickey; Nichols, Jack

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast; Caption at bottom of photograph reads, "Mickey McGuire and Jack Nichols"

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area; Marlborough Area

Images

Roads and sidewalks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35180

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-] (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 dirt roads and sidewalks in Burnaby in the 1920s. George Pearson supervised cement sidewalk building throughout Burnaby during the Great Depression. St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church may be in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-037

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of dirt roads and sidewalks in Burnaby in the 1920s. George Pearson supervised cement sidewalk building throughout Burnaby during the Great Depression. St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church may be in the background.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks; Geographic Features - Roads; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Roads and sidewalks, [192-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Interview with Mary Lumby by Kathy Bossort January 8, 2016 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory672

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1983-2003

Length: 0:10:08

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mary Lumby talking about living in the Forest Hills community, the location of the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail in Forest Hills, and the Forest Grove community and school. She explains why parents were hesitant to let children play in the conservation area uns…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mary Lumby talking about living in the Forest Hills community, the location of the Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail in Forest Hills, and the Forest Grove community and school. She explains why parents were hesitant to let children play in the conservation area unsupervised. She tells a story about her children selling pop to the golfers on the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course.

Date Range: 1983-2003

Length: 0:10:08

Names: Burnaby Mountain Urban Trail; Burnaby Mountain Golf Course

Subjects: Geographic Features - Trails; Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Persons - Children

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Planning Study Area: Lake City Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 8, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Mary Lumby conducted by Kathy Bossort. Mary Lumby was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mary Lumby’s experience living in Forest Hills, raising her children there, and her involvement in community groups and advocating for improved community services in the Forest Hills and Forest Grove neighbourhoods, and her later move to UniverCity. She talks about the history of the Forest Hills subdivision and what she liked about living there, its links with Forest Grove, and challenges facing both communities as a result of their isolation. Her description of living in UniverCity provides an interesting comparison in how community is created. Mary Lumby also talks about her teaching career, her volunteer activities especially related to the environment, the relationship Trans Mountain tank farm had with adjacent neighbourhoods when she lived in Forest Hills, and what the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area means to her.

Biographical Notes: Mary Lumby was born in Vancouver B.C. She moved to Burnaby and the Parkcrest area in 1977, and then to the new Forest Hills subdivision. Later she moved into another developing community, UniverCity, at the top of Burnaby Mountain and adjacent to the Simon Fraser University campus. Mary has been an active community member, volunteer and community advocate. She has been particularly interested in environmental issues, as a teacher, volunteer coordinator for civic events, and citizen representative on Burnaby’s Environment Committee. She continues to be active in community affairs and enjoys living on Burnaby Mountain.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:31:47

Interviewee Name: Lumby, Mary M.

Interview Location: Mary Lumby's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Mary Lumby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-016/MSS196-016_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Mary Lumby by Kathy Bossort January 8, 2016 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory673

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1983-2003

Length: 0:11:05

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mary Lumby talking about the link between the communities of Forest Hills and Forest Grove, about Forest Grove Elementary School, and about how residents advocated for community services, particularly parks for children. She talks about how neighbourhood desig…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Mary Lumby talking about the link between the communities of Forest Hills and Forest Grove, about Forest Grove Elementary School, and about how residents advocated for community services, particularly parks for children. She talks about how neighbourhood design balances protecting the natural environment with needed community services, and the problem of isolation for the communities.

Date Range: 1983-2003

Length: 0:11:05

Names: Forest Grove Elementary School; Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Geographic Features - Parks; Persons - Volunteers

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Forest Grove Drive

Planning Study Area: Lake City Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 8, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Mary Lumby conducted by Kathy Bossort. Mary Lumby was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mary Lumby’s experience living in Forest Hills, raising her children there, and her involvement in community groups and advocating for improved community services in the Forest Hills and Forest Grove neighbourhoods, and her later move to UniverCity. She talks about the history of the Forest Hills subdivision and what she liked about living there, its links with Forest Grove, and challenges facing both communities as a result of their isolation. Her description of living in UniverCity provides an interesting comparison in how community is created. Mary Lumby also talks about her teaching career, her volunteer activities especially related to the environment, the relationship Trans Mountain tank farm had with adjacent neighbourhoods when she lived in Forest Hills, and what the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area means to her.

Biographical Notes: Mary Lumby was born in Vancouver B.C. She moved to Burnaby and the Parkcrest area in 1977, and then to the new Forest Hills subdivision. Later she moved into another developing community, UniverCity, at the top of Burnaby Mountain and adjacent to the Simon Fraser University campus. Mary has been an active community member, volunteer and community advocate. She has been particularly interested in environmental issues, as a teacher, volunteer coordinator for civic events, and citizen representative on Burnaby’s Environment Committee. She continues to be active in community affairs and enjoys living on Burnaby Mountain.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:31:47

Interviewee Name: Lumby, Mary M.

Interview Location: Mary Lumby's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Mary Lumby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-016/MSS196-016_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory654

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:09:51

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the families and the vineyard and apple orchard on Aubrey Street. She tells stories about picking wild blackberries near Aubrey and raspberries grown on her parent’s farm, and about her mother’s large garden and kale grown for chicken…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the families and the vineyard and apple orchard on Aubrey Street. She tells stories about picking wild blackberries near Aubrey and raspberries grown on her parent’s farm, and about her mother’s large garden and kale grown for chicken feed.

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:09:51

Subjects: Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Geographic Features - Gardens; Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Geographic Access: Aubrey Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lochdale Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 13, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 2:35:58

Interviewee Name: Seim, Reidun

Interview Location: Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Reidun Seim

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_5.mp3

North Burnaby from Hythe Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34931

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1949]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph taken looking west from Hythe Avenue towards north Burnaby. Burrard Inlet is also visible.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1949]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Marjorie Coe subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.6 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 161-006

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1986-11

Scope and Content: Photograph taken looking west from Hythe Avenue towards north Burnaby. Burrard Inlet is also visible.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Geographic Features - Inlets

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Items no. 161-004, 161-005 and 161-006 join to form a panorama

Geographic Access: Hythe Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Capitol Hill Area

Images

North Burnaby from Hythe Avenue, [1949] thumbnail

Oral history interview with Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19146

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 29 Jun. 2022

Collection/Fonds: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (02:06:53 min) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (02:06:53 min)

Scope and Content: Item consists of an audio recording of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos conducted by Denise Fong with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview, Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos discuss; their ancestral background, childhood, pla…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds

Series: Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos interview series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 3 sound recordings (wav) (02:06:53 min) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (02:06:53 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewees: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos Location of Interview: Home of Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos on Victory Street, Burnaby Date of interview: June 29, 2022 Total Number of Tracks: 3 Total length of all Tracks: 02:06:53 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto 3 separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of an audio recording of an oral history interview with Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos conducted by Denise Fong with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview, Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos discuss; their ancestral background, childhood, places of residence, education, career history, how they met, Jimmy's experience working in the film industry, their home in Burnaby and their neighbourhood, their political activism in Burnaby, Robin Chung Dip's work in Vancouver’s' Chinatown, the gambling scene in Vancouver prior to legalized forms of gambling and their memories of supper clubs in Vancouver. 00:00 - 5:57 Opening introductions where Jimmy Chow and Donna Polos provide information on their full names, their birth places and their ancestral background. Jimmy clarifies that his birth name is Hipman Chow but that he was given the English name “Jimmy” by his father when he came to Canada. Jimmy shares that he was born in 1948, in the Village of Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China and immigrated to British Columbia with his mother, Gim Gee Chow in 1950 to escape the Communist Regime and to join his father who had already immigrated to Canada. Jimmy imparts that many Chinese immigrated to British Columbia in search of a better life, referring to it as “Gold Mountain” and that even though they faced extreme racial discrimination that many stayed since they felt that it was better than returning. Donna Polos shares ancestral information on both her maternal and paternal sides of the family. Donna’s mother’s family came from Helsinki, Finland. Donna’s paternal grandmother emigrated from Ukraine to Argentina and then to Winnipeg. Donna’s paternal grandfather, James Kostopolus (renamed Polos) emigrated as a 12 year old orphan from Sparta, Greece to the United States but was denied entry so ended up going to Halifax and eventually made his way to Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, he became a restaurant proprietor and over the years, he owned and operated three restaurants in Vancouver, including; “Jimmy’s Café” (next door the Astoria Hotel); “Home Apple Pie Café” (Princess Avenue & Hastings Street) and a restaurant that was located on Alma Street. 05:58 - 13:28 Jimmy recollects in further detail, the many places that his family lived over the years. Jimmy’s father Robin Chung Dip Chow immigrated to Vancouver at the age of 14 years and worked and lived in Victoria and Vancouver. In 1950, Jimmy and his mother fled China, first to Hong Kong and then to Vancouver to join his father. Soon after arriving in Vancouver, for the next four years, he and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec City where his father, Robin had work in restaurants and hotels. Jimmy attended school while the family lived in these different places and began to learn English. After four years, the family returned to Vancouver, first living in areas of Chinatown and Strathcona before settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. Jimmy shares his memories of growing up in Strathcona and the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, schools that he attended and the friendships that he made. Jimmy recollects details about the old Bethlehem Lutheran Church that he attended and describes the demands of the education required to become a Lutheran minister. 13:29 - 15:47 Jimmy tells of how his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow had to pay the Chinese Head Tax of $500 when he arrived in Vancouver at 14 years of age (1921) and how his father had to work hard pay off the head tax over the years. Denise Fong and Jimmy Chow, talk about the origin of a photograph portrait of Jimmy Chow that was taken around 1954 and speculate whether it might have been taken by well known portrait photographer, Yucho Chow. 15:48 - 19:33 Donna Polos recollects the many locations that her family lived while she was growing up in Vancouver. First residing at various locations in the downtown east side of Vancouver before moving to a home near Joyce Station where she lived until 21 years old. After 21 years of age, Donna moved in with roommates in Vancouver before moving in with Jimmy in North Burnaby in 1972. In 1976 Donna and Jimmy purchased their home on Victory Street. Both Donna and Jimmy talk about their careers after high school. Jimmy talks about how he worked at the Supervalu grocery store near his house. Jimmy planned to use his savings from his job to travel but instead he used his savings for a down payment on a house with Donna. Donna imparts that after obtaining her teaching degree she began working in Burnaby schools, eventually teaching at Burnaby South. 19:34 - 32:08 Both Jimmy and Donna share their educational background and experiences growing up. Jimmy first attended Florence Nightingale elementary in Strathcona, then Mount Pleasant Elementary and later high school at 24th Avenue and Main Street. Donna lists the schools that she attended including; elementary school in Strathcona, Carlton Elementary School at Kingsway and Joyce, Windermere High School, Vancouver City College (Langara) and the University of British Columbia. Donna and Jimmy reflect on public transportation that was available during the time they were growing up. Donna recollects her childhood growing up in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station, the freedom that she experienced playing outside in nature and what inspired her to become a teacher. Jimmy reflects on some of his mentors and about his first experience seeing movies as a young child at a cinema in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Donna communicates her own experiences of sexism throughout her high school, college and university education (1968-1972). 32:09 - 36:18 Donna talks about her career history and some of her major turning points. Donna recollects starting out as a Chemistry lab assistant, marking math papers before working as a teacher on call and eventually being hired as a teacher at Clinton Elementary School where she taught for nine years. Donna shares a memory of her first experience working as a teacher on call at Gilmore Elementary School and the fire that occurred there. After starting a family (Jimmy and Donna had three children) Donna worked part time teaching while Jimmy worked full time in film. Donna, shares that in 1991, after a near death experience, she became interested in fine art and took drawing and watercolour painting classes. With this experience, Donna experimented with different painting techniques on paper and fabric. Donna tells of how she retired from teaching in 2008 but continued to participate in the schools as an Artist in Residence. 36:19 - 58:18 Jimmy talks about his work and career history. He shares memories of his experiences as a young boy delivering newspapers, working at a local pharmacy, stocking shelves at the local supermarket, and his experience working with troubled youth and of how he thought that he might like to become a social worker. Jimmy tells of how he was uncertain of what to do until he got a job with the CBC in 1973 which eventually launched his career as a property master in the film industry, becoming a member of IATSE and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures. Jimmy describes in detail what it means to be a property master and the work that is entailed in the film industry. 58:19 - 1:07:45 Donna Polos describes her art practice and her connection to Burnaby. Donna recollects how she first started working with textiles and fabrics from a young age and how this later inspired her to develop her own watercolour techniques of painting on paper, canvas and fabrics. Donna describes how she first got started by taking art classes in Burnaby and now has over 31 years of experience working in watercolour. Donna has worked as an Artist in Residence in Burnaby schools, been a member of the Burnaby Arts Council, had her first show in 1997 and has been involved in many art projects over the years. Donna describes the style of her work, first starting with more figurative work, social commentary and still life and that now most of her work is landscape based. Donna coveys that as a political activist in Burnaby, she was an active participant in the development of a tree bylaw, has petitioned to protect renters from demo-evictions and the impacts of future development on the local environment. 1:07:46 - 1:07:59 Background discussion between Denise Fong and Kate Petrusa re interviews. 1:08:00 - 1:26:36 Jimmy provides information on his connection to the local film industry and the changes that have occurred over the years. Jimmy describes the first studios on the North Shore and the eventual establishment of Bridge Studios on Boundary Road. Jimmy shares that in 1988, he and some of his colleagues in the film industry put a proposal together to buy the Bridge Studios but it didn't go through. Since the Bridge Studios and other film studios have been established in Burnaby and Vancouver, the industry has grown exponentially. Jimmy became the 54th member of the local IATSE union. Jimmy describes some of his experiences working on various productions including "Seven Years in Tibet", provides a description of what a film studio is, how it is used and the differences between working in the film industry in the United States and British Columbia. 1:26:37 - 1:32:46 Jimmy and Donna recollect how they first met, buying a house in Burnaby, getting married and starting a family. The two share memories of their wedding in White Rock and Jimmy talks about the Chinese hair cutting ceremony in recognition of their first born child that took place in Chinatown in Vancouver. Jimmy tells of how his parents had hopes of him marrying a Chinese woman and his mother began introducing him to a few young Chinese women from the time he was 16 years old. Jimmy mentions that his parents rarely used Western Medicine and relied on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Donna and Jimmy talk about Jimmy's parents, when they died and how happy his parents were to have grandchildren. 1:32:47 - 1:40:13 Jimmy and Donna talk about their house on Victory Street which they purchased in 1976. They share information on the history of the house, how it was built in 1939 by Norm Clark, how they fell in love with the design of the house and the neighbourhood. 1:40:14 - 1:58:31 Jimmy and Donna share information on their family life in Burnaby, their neighbourhood and favourite places in Burnaby. Donna lists the schools that their three children attended including; Nelson Avenue School, Burnaby South High School and Burnaby Central High School. Both Donna and Jimmy convey that all of their children played soccer and the benefits that the sport provided them. Donna and Jimmy talk about how the neighbourhood has changed over the years, the benefits of where they live, their fondness for built heritage and the many parks and trees in Burnaby. 1:58:32 - 2:02:50 Jimmy begins to share information on his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow's employment history. Jimmy recalls that his father, Robin worked in a variety of jobs over the years and as a young child, Jimmy was uncertain of what his father's job was but thought that he worked in accounting. He mentions that his father stopped working at 45 years of age due to a problem with his Achilles tendon. Jimmy describes his father as an intellectual who worked at gambling houses in Vancouver's Chinatown where people played mah-jong and fan-tan. Jimmy recollects that these were large clubs with lots of employees. His father never gambled but he was good with money so he worked on the management side. Jimmy mentions that while working in the film industry, his father took him and some of his film colleagues into some of the gambling houses in Chinatown to assist them with a production that they were working on. 2:02:51 - 2:06:58 Donna shares her own family history regarding gambling. She mentions that her uncle worked as a high end "bookie" in Vancouver and how in 1968, her uncle was arrested but got let go with just a small fine. Jimmy describes what gambling was like in those days with various sweepstakes, not under the jurisdiction of the government like it is today. Both Donna and Jimmy recollect the popularity of supper clubs their memories of Vie's Chicken and Steak House that was located in Hogan's Alley. Jimmy laments the destruction of Hogan's Alley and the other proposals that were brought forward that would change Chinatown and Strathcona.

History: Interviewees biography: Hipman "Jimmy" Chow was born in Lin Pong Lee, Hoiping, China in 1948. In 1950, Jimmy Chow immigrated to Vancouver from China with his mother, Gim Gee Chow to join his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow who'd immigrated to Canada at 14 years of age in 1921. For the first four years after immigrating, Jimmy and his parents lived in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec before returning to Vancouver around 1954. Jimmy and his family then lived and worked in Vancouver eventually settling in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant. In the early 1970s, Jimmy met his future wife Donna Polos and they married in 1981. Donna Polos was born in 1949 to Donald James Polos and Mayme "May" Helen Tilikana Polos and grew up in Vancouver. Between the age of 5 and 21 years, Donna lived in the neighbourhood of Joyce Station. In 1976, Jimmy and Donna purchased and moved into a house on Victory Street in Burnaby where they still live today. While living on Victory Street, they've raised their three children. Donna received her teaching degree and taught in elementary schools for many years. In 1991, after a near death experience, Donna developed an interest in drawing and painting and began experimenting with water colour painting on fabric. Donna has since exhibited her work widely, participated as an Artist in Residence in Burnaby schools and is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Jimmy entered the film industry in 1973, gaining experience and recognition as a property master and has worked on many films over a 45 year career. 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: Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants; Buildings - Residential; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Education; Geographic Features - Parks; Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Government - Local Government; Industries - Film; Migration; Occupations; Occupations - Artists; Occupations - Grocers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Teachers; Persons - Chinese Canadians; Social Issues - Racism; Sports - Soccer

Names: Bridge Studios; Chow, Gim Gee Dang; Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"; Chow, Robin Chung Dip; Polos, Donna; Polos, James "Jimmy", 1898-1962; Polos, Donald James; Polos, Mayme "May" Helen Tilikana

Geographic Access: Victory Street

Accession Code: BV022.21.1

Date: 29 Jun. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of recording; Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.

Images

Audio Tracks

Oral history interview with Hipman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0021_0001_004.mp3

Arthur Wirick

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37482

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1917] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.7 x 3.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Arthur Wirick, age 2, standing on a board sidewalk in the backyard of 4361 Oxford Street. His family lived there from 1914 to 1924.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1917] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.7 x 3.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-070

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Arthur Wirick, age 2, standing on a board sidewalk in the backyard of 4361 Oxford Street. His family lived there from 1914 to 1924.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Names: Wirick, Arthur "Art"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying

Geographic Access: Oxford Street

Street Address: 4361 Oxford Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Images

Arthur Wirick, [1917] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Bellinger and Baker children

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37475

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1929 or 1930] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.4 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of five children standing on the board sidewalk in front of 2827 Earl Avenue (later 6296 Pearl Avenue). Left to right: Marion Bellinger, Christine Bellinger, Robert Bellinger, Barbara Baker, and Barbara's sister. Adults are seated on the porch behind them.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1929 or 1930] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.4 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-063

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of five children standing on the board sidewalk in front of 2827 Earl Avenue (later 6296 Pearl Avenue). Left to right: Marion Bellinger, Christine Bellinger, Robert Bellinger, Barbara Baker, and Barbara's sister. Adults are seated on the porch behind them.

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Houses; Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Names: Baker, Barbara; Bellinger, Christine; Bellinger, Marion; Bellinger, Robert "Bob"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bellinger, Bernard

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying

Geographic Access: Pearl Avenue

Street Address: 6296 Pearl Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Windsor Area

Images

Bellinger and Baker children, [1929 or 1930] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Bellinger family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37476

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.1 x 3.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Bellinger family standing on a board sidewalk on Earl Avenue (later renamed Pearl Avenue). At left are Jack and Ellen Bellinger. The Bellinger children were: Bernard, Christine, David, Marion, James and Robert.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.1 x 3.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-064

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Bellinger family standing on a board sidewalk on Earl Avenue (later renamed Pearl Avenue). At left are Jack and Ellen Bellinger. The Bellinger children were: Bernard, Christine, David, Marion, James and Robert.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Names: Bellinger, Bernard; Bellinger, Christine; Bellinger David; Bellinger, Elizabeth Ellen Fraser; Bellinger, Jack; Bellinger, James; Bellinger, Marion; Bellinger, Robert "Bob"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bellinger, Bernard

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying

Geographic Access: Pearl Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Windsor Area

Images

Bellinger family, [193-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Bessie Clark

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36827

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1921 (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 x 12.7 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Bessie Clark at 8 years old. A planked sidewalk is visible in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1921 (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 x 12.7 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 315-285

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1994-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of Bessie Clark at 8 years old. A planked sidewalk is visible in the background.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Names: Homewood, Bessie Annie Clark

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Bessie Clark, 1921 (date of original), copied 1992 thumbnail

Bickerton family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36800

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1911 (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Bickerton family home at 2125 Nelson Avenue (later renumberd 7082 Nelson Avenue) near Victory Street, built in 1905 In front of the home are Edgar and Jane Bickerton, and three of their children: Edward, Nancy and Patricia.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1911 (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 315-257

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1994-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Bickerton family home at 2125 Nelson Avenue (later renumberd 7082 Nelson Avenue) near Victory Street, built in 1905 In front of the home are Edgar and Jane Bickerton, and three of their children: Edward, Nancy and Patricia.

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Houses; Geographic Features - Sidewalks

Names: Bickerton, Edgar "Ed"; Bickerton, Edward "Ed"; Bickerton, Jane; Bickerton, Nancy "Nan"; Bickerton, Patricia "Pat"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Nelson Avenue

Street Address: 7082 Nelson Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Images

Bickerton family home, 1911 (date of original), copied 1992 thumbnail

Burnaby Heights Fountain Square

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96614

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2001]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Scope and Content: Photograph of Teresa Keserich showing her son, Adam, and friend Tommy Branson the newly-unveiled tile mosaic at Burnaby Heights Fountain Square on Hastings Street.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [2001]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : col.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 535-2236

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2018-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of Teresa Keserich showing her son, Adam, and friend Tommy Branson the newly-unveiled tile mosaic at Burnaby Heights Fountain Square on Hastings Street.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Sidewalks; Persons - Families; Events

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bartel, Mario

Notes: Title based on caption; Collected by editorial for use in an April 2001 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader; Caption from metadata: "Teresa Keserich, her son, Adam and friend, Tommy Branson, admire some of the tile mosaic at the Burnaby Heights Fountain Square at Hastings and McDonald, which was officially unveiled on Saturday."