Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

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…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (m4a) (118 min., 39 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (115 min., 20 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Interviewees: Prem Kaur Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence on Warwick Avenue in Burnaby Interview Date: November 11, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:58:39) Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of an oral history interview with Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill and their daughter, Prem Kaur Gill conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep. The interview is conducted in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. The three members of the Gill family share their ancestral background, their personal experiences immigrating to Canada, living in Burnaby and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants. 00:00 – 27:34 Santokh “Gurmail” Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill share their migration stories and experiences living and working in British Columbia as South Asian immigrants and their eldest child, Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences as a child of South Asian immigrants and growing up in British Columbia as a South Asian Canadian. Gurmail Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar and Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in Hoshiapur of the Indian state of Punjab. Gurmail describes how he moved from India to England with his family in 1957, immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, married his wife Mohinder in England in 1968 and brought his family (parents and two siblings) to Canada from England in 1970 and other relatives including his wife’s family in the 1970s and 1980s. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill recollect their arranged marriage in England in 1968, their immigration process and explain how they arrived in Burnaby residing with a cousin at 4649 Georgia Street until they were able to purchase their own home after a few years. Gurmail shares names and connections to the relatives that came to British Columbia before him. Gurmail and Mohinder tell how they lived in the basement of the house and rented out the upper floor to save money. The couple recall what they brought with them when they immigrated to Canada and Mohinder Kaur Gill tells of how before leaving India, she and her mother made a special rajai for her to take with her. Mohinder describes the process of making a rajai (a quilted blanket that was made by hand). Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced as new immigrants including not being fluent in English, the cold weather and not having very many family or friends nearby to provide support. They attended the Gurdwara on Ross Street or Akali Singh Sikh Society Gurdwara on Skeena in Vancouver. They explain how there was limited access to grocery stores that supplied Punjabi and Indian spices and other cooking supplies. They talk about how they used a food mill and mortar and pestle to grind their own spices and flour and how Mohinder often made traditional sweets like barfi and laddo and pakoras using pea flour when they couldn’t get Besan flour. 27:35 – 36:11 Gurmail provides more details on his family’s immigration story, including names of relatives, how his six siblings and parents all immigrated to British Columbia in 1970 and how in the early 1970s and mid 1980’s Gurmail and his family sponsored approximately 70 friends and relations from India (including Mohinder’s family) to immigrate to Canada. When Mohinder’s family arrived they lived with them in their house until they were able to purchase property next door and build their own home. Children in the families all attended elementary and high school in Burnaby which now amounts to three generations. 36:12 – 59:28 Gurmail and Mohinder Gill talk about their experiences of racial discrimination. Gurmail recalls members of the South Asian community, Dr. Hari Prakash Sharma, Harinder Mahil and Charan Gill starting the British Columbia Organization to Fight Racism. Gurmail tells of how he got involved contributing some of his union dues as a member of CAIMAW (Canadian Association of Industrial Mechanical and Allied Workers Union- Local 15) and as a friend of Charan Gill and Raj Chouhan of the Canadian Farm Workers Union. Gurmail Gill explains how he was a founding member of CAIMAW and treasurer until the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union (in 1991). Mohinder and Gurmail tell of how people from the South Asian community were discouraged from wearing Punjabi dresses or head coverings for fear of being yelled at with racial slurs and how it was often scary to go outside. Many from their community often avoided attending the Akali Singh Gurdwara since a head covering was required and people were afraid of being a target. Gurmail provides details about his work with A1 Steel, how different unions were formed pertaining to various skillsets and jobs per company and how he became a member of CAIMAW Local 15 (foundry workers). Mohinder recollects her experiences as a mother, the daily tasks involved and friends that she made who’d also emigrated from Punjab. Mohinder describes how she designed and sewed many Punjabi dresses using her electric sewing machine and how she learned English by attending adult classes at a church on Commercial Drive. Mohinder and her mother attended the classes for two hours per day for six years at a cost of twelve dollars for ten weeks. Once Mohinder could speak a little English, she started working and was able to practice more. 59:29 – 1:06:08 Mohinder, Gurmail and Prem talk about some of their favourite traditional foods including corn roti and spinach curry and how they grow many of their own vegetables including peppers, eggplant, saag (spinach), onions, garlic, cilantro, zucchini, squash and fenugreek. Mohinder reflects on how access to Punjabi clothing and fabric stores in Vancouver has changed and that ready made food is now more available. Traditional foods were previously made from scratch with women gathering together and cooking for hours and now it’s gotten easier but more expensive and less of a community feel. 1:06:09- 1:55:20 Mohinder and Gurmail Gill discuss and share their perspectives and experiences on raising a family in the past versus today. Gurmail imparts that all of his siblings became educated and secured professional careers while he continued to work in the trades. Prem Kaur Gill shares her own experiences growing up and attending school in Burnaby. Gurmail and Mohinder Gill recall the type of suitcase that they brought with them when they immigrated and how they recently they got rid of it. Gurmail and the group reflect and discuss the confusion with racial identity terms that have been used in this country. They comment that South Asians were referred to as “Hindu” and “East Indian” and Indigenous peoples were referred to as “Indian” and the controversy and racism behind some of these terms. The group discusses the impact of the caste system and other discriminatory experiences and compare their experiences of living in England to living in Canada. Prem comments on how it’s just recently that South Asian customs, celebrations and practices have been recognized and celebrated here in Canada, like Diwali and yoga. They comment on how much of the language, culture and customs have been retained in Surrey where many can still communicate in Punjabi and don’t need to be fluent in English. The group discusses how many South Asians immigrants first lived and worked in Vancouver but with rising property prices many moved to Surrey expanding and establishing a much larger South Asian community with resources. The group discusses and compares the differing travel routes that many of them and their relatives took when immigrating and travelling between India and Canada. The group talks about Rajdeep’s ancestral village in India which is near the Gill village of Firozpur. Gurmail explains the origins and details behind his family name that was changed from “Shergill” to “Gill” and the name “Santokh” from his maternal side.

History: Interviewees' biographies: Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married his wife, Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Clothing; Foods; Indigenous peoples; Buildings - Religious - Temples; Food Processing Tools and Equipment; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Migration; Occupations; Organizations - Unions

Names: Gill, Prem Kaur; Gill, Mohinder Kaur; Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh

Responsibility: Rajdeep; Malik, Anushay

Accession Code: BV022.29.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1957-2022] (interview content), interviewed 11 Nov. 2022

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcript available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum; Indian Family System Reference notes: Baba = informal way to say grandfather; old man Bibi = informal way to say grandmother; old woman Dada= paternal grandfather Dadi= paternal grandmother Dadke= paternal family members; paternal side (Various spellings might exist for the following terms) Thaiyya= father’s elder brother (uncle) Thaiyyi= father’s elder brother’s wife (aunt) Chacha= father’s younger brother (uncle) Chachi= father’s younger brother’s wife (aunt) Bua= father’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Phuphar= father’s sister’s husband (uncle) Nana= maternal grandfather Nani= maternal grandmother Nanke/nanka= maternal family members; maternal side Mama= mom’s brother (older or younger) (uncle) Mami= mom’s brother’s wife (aunt) Maasi= mom’s sister (older or younger) (aunt) Maasard= mom’s sister’s husband (uncle)

Audio Tracks

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0002_002.mp3

Model TW1625 Sta-fresh applicator

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14796

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [29 Feb 1972]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a "Model TW1625 STA-Fresh Applicator". This machine was a low volume wax applicator specifically formulated for fruits such as citrus.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a "Model TW1625 STA-Fresh Applicator". This machine was a low volume wax applicator specifically formulated for fruits such as citrus.

Subjects: Food Processing Tools and Equipment; Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Accession Code: BV019.6.10

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [29 Feb 1972]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Applicator - Low Vol. Wax"; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Feb 29 1972"; Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads:; Sticker in upper right corner of photograph reads: "MODEL TW1625 STA-FRESH APPLICATOR / 24" Width Tranverse Type with WP 1812 Pump Pack"; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Model TW1625 Sta-fresh applicator, [29 Feb 1972] thumbnail

Business course graduates at Bayshore Inn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19197

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1971

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

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Class photograph of students who finished a business course at the Sales Training Institute in Vancouver. The photo is taken at the Bayshore Inn by Hannay's Portrait Studio. Jimmy Chow is identified standing on the far left in the second row. Six students in the front row are holding trophies.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

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

Series: Jimmy Chow family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Class photograph of students who finished a business course at the Sales Training Institute in Vancouver. The photo is taken at the Bayshore Inn by Hannay's Portrait Studio. Jimmy Chow is identified standing on the far left in the second row. Six students in the front row are holding trophies.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Children

Names: Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"

Accession Code: BV022.21.57

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1971

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-03

Photographer: Hannay, John Henry

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Photo Taken "P19356-3" (in ink) / HANNAY'S PORTRAIT STUDIO / 2287 W. Broadway, Vancouver B.C."; Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.

Images

Business course graduates at Bayshore Inn, 1971 thumbnail

Interview with Howe Lee, 2019

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10266

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: February 20, 2019

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (01:18:41 min)

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Howe Lee conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong. Mr. Lee describes growing up in Armstrong in the 1930s and 1940s, leaving to attend university, and becoming a teacher in Burnaby. He discusses his community involvement and the creation of the Chinese Canadian Militar…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (01:18:41 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Howe Lee Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 20, 2019 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 1:18:41

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Howe Lee conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong. Mr. Lee describes growing up in Armstrong in the 1930s and 1940s, leaving to attend university, and becoming a teacher in Burnaby. He discusses his community involvement and the creation of the Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society. 00:00 – 20:39: Mr. Lee describes his family’s origins in China. Denise shows him a photograph of Armstrong and he uses it to show the location of his family’s property and other landmarks. He talks about his family’s life in Armstrong, their farm’s place in the Chinese produce supply system of the time, and the presence and life of Chinese people in British Columbia generally. Mr. Lee also relates how the Interior Vegetable Marketing Board’s policies affected the farm and his future prospects. 20:39 – 32:40: This portion of the recording pertains to Mr. Lee’s involvement with the Chinese Cultural Centre and how he developed an interest in commemorating and honouring Chinese pioneers and military veterans. He recalls his education in Armstrong and at U.B.C. and the community of Chinese students which first drew him to Vancouver’s Chinatown. 32:40 – 51:24: Mr. Lee describes his family and the Chinese community in Armstrong, using the photo to show the locations of the businesses. He recalls his involvement with youth groups, particularly the Cadets, and with local sports, noting that he faced very little discrimination there. Denise asks about the family’s farm and Mr. Lee identifies the family’s house in a drawing. 51:24 – 1:02:18: This portion of the recording pertains to Mr. Lee’s education and career. He describes his enjoyment of being a leader in various groups and activities, and his interest in the local Chinese community. He explains the structure and operation of the cadets and shares his perspective of its value in leadership training. 1:02:18 – 1:18:46: Mr. Lee recalls how he became involved with veterans and with the Chinese Cultural Centre in Vancouver. He talks about bringing his parents to Burnaby to live. Mr. Lee describes how he persuaded some veterans to reorganize their group under the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada. He discusses the importance of documenting and passing on the legacy of the Chinese veterans’ contribution and tells how he convinced some of them to create The Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society. Mr. Lee relates how his involvement with the local society led to involvement with a national group.

History: Howe Lee has worked in education, business, military and within the community. He has taught Science and Mathematics in several Burnaby Secondary Schools and was head of the Science Department and Edmonds Secondary School. Lee was appointed Honorary Colonel in 2012. He has been active within the Chinese-Canadian community including working with the Chinese Canadian Military Museum, Vancouver Chinatown Memorial Square, Asian Heriage Month Society and the Chinatown Revitalization. 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: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Veterans

Names: Lee, Howe; Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Accession Code: BV019.15.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: February 20, 2019

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Interview with Howe Lee, 2019, February 20, 2019

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2019_0015_0001_001.mp3

Interview with Ken Yip May 9, 2005 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4533

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1950s & 1960s (interview content), interviewed May 9, 2005

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:07 min)

Scope and Content: Track 3: This portion of the recording continues with Ken’s band activities, and then pertains to the games Ken played with his brother and friends. Ken discusses how the school band’s repertoire and performances were designed to complement the school’s events throughout the year. He describes the …

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Growing Up in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:07 min)

Material Details: Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Ken Yip Date of interview: May 9, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 5 Total length of all Tracks: 0:62:00

Scope and Content: Track 3: This portion of the recording continues with Ken’s band activities, and then pertains to the games Ken played with his brother and friends. Ken discusses how the school band’s repertoire and performances were designed to complement the school’s events throughout the year. He describes the concert the band was invited to play on the lawn of Ceperley House on their return from Expo 67. Ken recalls the games he and his brother played, and the two neighbor boys they played with. He describes playing on the North American Peat property adjacent to theirs, in the peat trenches and in the bush. He talks of roaming as far as New Westminster and the Fraser River.

History: Recording of an interview with Ken Yip recording by Tom Gooden on May 9, 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s and 60s.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Children; Education; Organizations - Bands

Names: Yip, Ken

Accession Code: BV017.45.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1950s & 1960s (interview content), interviewed May 9, 2005

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Interview with Ken Yip May 9, 2005 - Track 3, 1950s & 1960s (interview content), interviewed May 9, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0005_003.mp3

Yuen Sun Toy with grandaughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20351

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [197-]

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Yuen Sun Toy standing together with her grandaughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina Toy outside of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Sign for International Meat Market is visible in the background.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Series: Harry Toy photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Yuen Sun Toy standing together with her grandaughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina Toy outside of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Sign for International Meat Market is visible in the background.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Persons - Children; Buildings - Commercial - Stores

Names: Canada Way Food Market; Babey, Beverley; Toy, Christina; Toy, Yuen Sun

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.25.12

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [197-]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy; For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-01

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Yuen Sun Toy with grandaughters, [197-] thumbnail

Acceptance of invitation to Chinese Export Commodities Fair

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14800

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1979

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page form titled "Acceptance of Invitation" from Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1979 Kwangchow.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page form titled "Acceptance of Invitation" from Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1979 Kwangchow.

Creator: Chinese Export Commodities Fair

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Exhibitions - Fairs

Accession Code: BV019.6.20

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1979

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: January 20, 2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Acceptance of invitation to Chinese Export Commodities Fair, 1979 thumbnail

Alfred's Fountain Pen

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9684

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 2016

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 40 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: The video depicts the challenges of film maker Alfred Woo’s physical, social, and cultural transformation to a foreign country. Sentimentally prior to departing Hong Kong in 1954, Alfred was presented a fountain pen by some of his grade two classmates, a souvenir that he has cherished all these yea…

1 image 1 video

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection

Series: Elders Digital Storytelling project series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 40 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: The video depicts the challenges of film maker Alfred Woo’s physical, social, and cultural transformation to a foreign country. Sentimentally prior to departing Hong Kong in 1954, Alfred was presented a fountain pen by some of his grade two classmates, a souvenir that he has cherished all these years despite losing contact with them long ago. In his seniority, he muses poignantly about the symbolism of this writing instrument and shares his wonderment about the destiny of these childhood benefactors.

History: Immigrating from Hong Kong to Canada as a child, Alfred Woo easily assimilated into the Canadian way of life at an early age and has enjoyed the best of both worlds. A law graduate, his professional career included service as a Crown Counsel, securities administrator, corporate executive, and as private practitioner. He also served in the Canadian Army (Reserve Force) as a legal officer and an artillery officer before being honorably discharged at the rank of Major. A Burnaby resident for over 30 years, and now retired, he continues to volunteer helping seniors, a community service club, and a veterans group.

Creator: Woo, Alfred

Other Title Information: title supplied by film maker

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Woo, Alfred

Accession Code: BV016.37.15

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 2016

Media Type: Moving Images

Notes: Transcribed title

Images

Video

Alfred's Fountain Pen, 2016

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2016_0037_0015_001.mp4

Chan Kow Hong harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4262

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Chan Kow Hong standing in a field, harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm. Chan Kow Hong is wearing a beige cap and a white T-shirt. White greenhouse and trees in background.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Chan Kow Hong standing in a field, harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm. Chan Kow Hong is wearing a beige cap and a white T-shirt. White greenhouse and trees in background.

History: Josephine Hong was born to Sui Ha Hong and Chan Kow Hong. The Hong Family had seven children, oldest to youngest: Pauline, Josephine, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene, and Marlene. The family runs Hop-On Farm on Marine Drive in Burnaby. Many Hong family members worked on the farm including Josephine Hong's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong, and uncles. Her great-grandfather was Sui Wing Hong

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Hop On Farms; Hong, Chan Kow

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV017.36.13

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Related Material: See Oral History Interview-BV020.6.1

Scan Resolution: 800

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Images

Chan Kow Hong harvesting cauliflower at Hop-On Farm, [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017 thumbnail

Chinese Export Commodities Fair identification tag

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14794

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1978

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 identification tag

Scope and Content: Item consists of a circular cardboard "CECF" tag that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 identification tag

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a circular cardboard "CECF" tag that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Identification Tags; Personal Symbols - Ribbons

Names: Western Commodities Limited

Accession Code: BV019.6.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1978

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Badge includes a silk ribbon (BV019.6.7) that was pinned to the top of the tag as an identifier for the Chinese Export Commodities Fair; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Chinese Export Commodities Fair identification tag, 1978 thumbnail

Chinese Export Commodities Fair ribbon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14793

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1978

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 ribbon

Scope and Content: Item consists of a pink silk ribbon that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 ribbon

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a pink silk ribbon that was used by "Western Commodities Ltd." as part of an identification tag to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Identification Tags; Personal Symbols - Ribbons

Names: Western Commodities Limited

Accession Code: BV019.6.7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1978

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Ribbon includes a "CECF" tag (BV019.6.8) that was pinned to the top of the ribbon as an identifier for the Chinese Export Commodities Fair; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Chinese Export Commodities Fair ribbon, 1978 thumbnail

Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14792

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1978

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of an invitation for "Western Commodities Ltd." to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (folded)

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of an invitation for "Western Commodities Ltd." to attend the Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, jointly sponsored by The National Foreign Trade Corporations of China, to be held April 15 to May 15, 1978.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Invitations

Names: Western Commodities Limited

Accession Code: BV019.6.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1978

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Spring) 1978, 1978 thumbnail

Community Hero: Recalling a Strathcona Story

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9681

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 2016

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (7 min., 9 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: The digital video tells the story of Gee Lam’s childhood experience of growing up in the Vancouver’s East End neighbourhood known as Strathcona. His story revolved around his father’s friend Harry Con who was a community activist in the Strathcona neighbourhood, as well as a volunteer “spy” for the…

1 image 1 video

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection

Series: Elders Digital Storytelling project series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (7 min., 9 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: The digital video tells the story of Gee Lam’s childhood experience of growing up in the Vancouver’s East End neighbourhood known as Strathcona. His story revolved around his father’s friend Harry Con who was a community activist in the Strathcona neighbourhood, as well as a volunteer “spy” for the Canadian Armed forces in World War 2. Gee shares his personal life lessons learned from “uncle Harry” regarding the importance of standing up and fighting for what is right. Harry’s community contribution had embodied Martin Luther King’s social activist principles: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In the eyes of Gee, Harry Con was an exemplary who modeled an old Chinese proverb: “Each generation will reap what the former generation has sown. To enjoy the benefits of the hard work of one’s predecessors.” Harry’s life of selfless contributions in shaping the Vancouver Chinese community will impact generations to come. This is a story that needs to be told to the next generation to encourage them to respect and remember that the benefits of a thriving community is derived from both past and present continuous collaborations for paving long term beneficial outcomes for everyone.

History: Gee Lam immigrated from Hong Kong and grew up in the Strathcona neighbourhood that was adjacent to Vancouver’s Chinatown. He is a long-time resident of Burnaby. He has lived in North Burnaby with his wife since 1985. He attended Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Burnaby campus and graduated in 1983. He obtained his M.Ed. in 2013 from SFU. He worked as a research assistant and workshop facilitator on the Elders’ Digital Storytelling project. He currently works at SFU’s Teaching and Learning Centre on top of Burnaby Mountain.

Creator: Lam, Gee Chung

Other Title Information: title supplied by film maker

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Lam, Gee Chung

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: BV016.37.12

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 2016

Media Type: Moving Images

Notes: Transcribed title

Images

Video

Community Hero: Recalling a Strathcona Story, 2016

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2016_0037_0012_001.mp4

Darlene Hong and Marlene Hong on Hop-On Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4264

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Darlene Hong (L) and Marlene Hong (R) standing in field with rakes on Hop-On Farm.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : colour : copy scan

Scope and Content: Photograph of Darlene Hong (L) and Marlene Hong (R) standing in field with rakes on Hop-On Farm.

History: Josephine Hong was born to Sui Ha Hong and Chan Kow Hong. The Hong Family had seven children, oldest to youngest: Pauline, Josephine, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene, and Marlene. The family runs Hop-On Farm on Marine Drive in Burnaby. Many Hong family members worked on the farm including Josephine Hong's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong, and uncles. Her great-grandfather was Sui Wing Hong

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Hop On Farms; Hong, Darlene; Hong, Marlene

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV017.36.15

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Related Material: See Oral History Interview-BV020.6.1

Scan Resolution: 800

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Images

Darlene Hong and Marlene Hong on Hop-On Farm, [between 1975 and 1979] (date of original), copied 2017 thumbnail

Entry - Exit card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14791

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [197-]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a blank Entry/Exit Card.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Cecil Lee business records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Material Details: Text in both English and Chinese

Scope and Content: Item consists of a blank Entry/Exit Card.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Documentary Artifacts - Forms

Accession Code: BV019.6.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [197-]

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 29-Sept-2020

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on content of item; Item is part of a scrapbook album created by Cecil Lee

Images

Farmer Boy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9678

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 2016

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (6 min., 6 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: This film is created by Lester Gierarch. Part of the Gierach heritage his father instilled in him was the work ethic of “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” This film shares Lester’s happy memories of working on the Y.Y. Sim farm, in Cloverdale, B.C., when he was 1…

1 image 1 video

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection

Series: Elders Digital Storytelling project series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 video recording (mp4) (6 min., 6 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo

Scope and Content: This film is created by Lester Gierarch. Part of the Gierach heritage his father instilled in him was the work ethic of “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” This film shares Lester’s happy memories of working on the Y.Y. Sim farm, in Cloverdale, B.C., when he was 15 years old. He worked hard alongside Chinese men and women who were new immigrants to Canada as he helped to harvest lettuce and celery for 80 cents an hour. Through this experience Lester grew comfortable working with people of another culture who also knew the importance of working hard.

History: Lester Gierach has lived in Burnaby for the past 22 years.

Creator: Gierach, Lester

Other Title Information: title supplied by film maker

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Occupations - Agricultural Labourers; Occupations - Farmers

Names: Gierach, Lester

Accession Code: BV016.37.9

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 2016

Media Type: Moving Images

Notes: Transcribed title; The film was produced in 2016 as part of the Elders Digital Storytelling project. Digital storytelling is a form of narrative that creates short movies using relatively simple media technology. The project began in 2014 funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada (SSHRC) and AGE-WELL NCE grants. In partnership with the City of Burnaby, digital storytelling workshops were offered in Burnaby. The workshops helped older adults create short autobiographical films that tell a special story in their lives, complete with music, photos and narration. This film was produced at one of those workshops.

Images

Video

Farmer Boy, 2016

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2016_0037_0009_001.mp4

Harry Toy at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20353

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [May 1972]

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Store products are visible behind him and hanging over his head.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Series: Harry Toy photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby. Store products are visible behind him and hanging over his head.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Stores; Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Canada Way Food Market; Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.25.14

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [May 1972]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy; For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-01

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Harry Toy at cash register inside Canada Way Food Market, [May 1972] thumbnail

Harry Toy in front of Canada Way Food Market

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20352

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [197-]

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing next to display of fresh flowers outside in front of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Harry Toy fonds

Series: Harry Toy photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Toy standing next to display of fresh flowers outside in front of the Canada Way Food Market located at 4694 Canada Way, Burnaby.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Stores; Persons - Chinese Canadians; Plants; Plants - Flowers

Names: Canada Way Food Market; Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"

Geographic Access: Canada Way

Street Address: 4694 Canada Way

Accession Code: BV023.25.13

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [197-]

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: See also BV023.16.19 - Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy; For associated artifacts from Canada Way Food Market see Accession BV023.17