More like '50 Years of Blacksmithing at BVM'

100 records – page 1 of 5.

Blacksmith at work

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3339
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
July 1, 1983 (date of original)
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. photocopy ; 16 x 23.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the blacksmith's shop at Burnaby Village Museum taken just as the blacksmith strikes his hammer, causing sparks to fly towards the camera.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. photocopy ; 16 x 23.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the blacksmith's shop at Burnaby Village Museum taken just as the blacksmith strikes his hammer, causing sparks to fly towards the camera.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Drive
Accession Code
BV004.35.1
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
July 1, 1983 (date of original)
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Photographer
Low, Richard
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 (framed) duplicate col. photocopy accompanying
Images
Less detail

Blacksmith in blacksmith shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16583
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1976]
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a blacksmith working at an anvil inside the Burnaby Village Museum Blacksmith Shop while a group of children and other visitors look on from behind a rope at the entrance. Photograph was cropped from original negative for use in promotional materials.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a blacksmith working at an anvil inside the Burnaby Village Museum Blacksmith Shop while a group of children and other visitors look on from behind a rope at the entrance. Photograph was cropped from original negative for use in promotional materials.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Persons - Children
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.4.940
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1976]
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
See also BV020.607; BV020.1146; BV020.4.572:BV020.4.591
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
21-May-2021
Scale
100
Photographer
GM Studios
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph is a cropped print from original negative BV020.4.939
Images
Less detail

Blacksmith in blacksmith shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16584
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1976]
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 18 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a blacksmith working at an anvil inside the Burnaby Village Museum Blacksmith Shop while a group of children and other visitors look on from behind a rope at the entrance. Photograph was created for use in promotional materials.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 18 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a blacksmith working at an anvil inside the Burnaby Village Museum Blacksmith Shop while a group of children and other visitors look on from behind a rope at the entrance. Photograph was created for use in promotional materials.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Persons - Children
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.4.942
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1976]
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
See also BV020.607; BV020.1146; BV020.4.572:BV020.4.591;BV020.4.939:BV020.4.943
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
21-May-2021
Scale
100
Photographer
GM Studios
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
photograph print is a cropped print from original negative BV020.4.939
Images
Less detail

Blacksmith on Lubbock Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35865
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (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 John Lubbock working as the farm blacksmith on the Lubbock farm.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (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.
204-724
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Lubbock working as the farm blacksmith on the Lubbock farm.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Lubbock, John
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph.
A note with this photograph indicated the old address of the farm was 1 Arbor Lane.
Geographic Access
Grandview Highway
Canada Way
Burris Street
Street Address
7803 Burris Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
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Blacksmith shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription80223
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940 (date of original), copied November 1976
Collection/Fonds
Yanko family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy print ; 11.5 x 7.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Ivan Yanko standing outside a blacksmith shop while dressed in protective clothing. John made the blacksmith press that is visible in the doorway.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940 (date of original), copied November 1976
Collection/Fonds
Yanko family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w copy print ; 11.5 x 7.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
545-248
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2012-09
Scope and Content
Photograph of John Ivan Yanko standing outside a blacksmith shop while dressed in protective clothing. John made the blacksmith press that is visible in the doorway.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Yanko, John Ivan
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph housed inside envelope on p. 14 of album
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Black / Smithy Shop / 1940 / Dad made Blacksmith Press"
Images
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Blacksmith shops

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

Blacksmith Shop with Jeff Chenatte

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12344
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1998 (date of original), digitized in 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 videocassette (32 min., 59 sec.) : VHS, 29 fps, col. , sd.
Scope and Content
Film, titled "Blacksmith Shop with Jeff Chenatte" is an instructional training video about the fundamentals of Blacksmithing taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum. The film is narrated by experienced Blacksmith Jeff Chenatte who provides historic background in the art of blacksmithing and demo…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum film collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 videocassette (32 min., 59 sec.) : VHS, 29 fps, col. , sd.
Material Details
Film opens with SMPTE colour bars
Scope and Content
Film, titled "Blacksmith Shop with Jeff Chenatte" is an instructional training video about the fundamentals of Blacksmithing taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum. The film is narrated by experienced Blacksmith Jeff Chenatte who provides historic background in the art of blacksmithing and demonstrates detailed step by step instructions in how to use the forge and various tools and machinery in the Village Museum’s Blacksmith Shop.
Creator
Kroon, Morgan H.
Chenatte, Jeff
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Museums
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Chenatte, Jeff
Guibord, Maurice
Kroon, Morgan H.
Responsibility
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.4.34
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1998 (date of original), digitized in 2020
Media Type
Moving Images
Photographer
Kroon, Morgan H.
Notes
Transcribed title from film
Film credits read: “Directed Shot & Edited / by Morgan H Kroon / Written by / Jeff Chenatte / Thanks to / Jeff Chenatte / Maurice Guibord / Shadbolt Centre / Cineworks / Burnaby Village Museum”; “Burnaby Village Museum / Education Dept 1998”
Images
Video

Blacksmith Shop with Jeff Chenatte, 1998 (date of original), digitized in 2020

Blacksmith Shop with Jeff Chenatte, 1998 (date of original), digitized in 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2020_0004_0034_001.m4v
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bumper

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact89937
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV019.4.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV019.4.1
Description
Replica Wagner bumper made by blacksmiths at BVM
Object History
This is a replica of a Wagner bumper. Frank Wagner patented his Triple Spring Bumper for automobiles and attempted to interest one of the major automobile manufacturers in purchasing his patent. He manufactured some bumpers and sold them locally.
Category
07. Distribution & Transportation Artifacts
Classification
Land Transportation T&E - - Land Transportation Accessories
Object Term
Fender, Vehicle
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Wagner, Frank
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Governor General Roland Michener at Heritage Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46306
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 19, 1971
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 18.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Governor General Roland Michener handing a horseshoe to the farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) at the opening of Heritage Village (later renamed Burnaby Village Museum). A horse's hind legs are visible in the foreground.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 19, 1971
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 18.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1194
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Governor General Roland Michener handing a horseshoe to the farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) at the opening of Heritage Village (later renamed Burnaby Village Museum). A horse's hind legs are visible in the foreground.
Subjects
Events - Openings
Officials - Governor Generals
Animals - Horses
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Michener, Daniel Roland "Roland"
Burnaby Village Museum
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto of photograph reads: "Roland Michener"
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Street Address
6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
Less detail

Governor General Roland Michener at Heritage Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46307
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 19, 1971
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 23 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Governor General Roland Michener watching intently as the farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) puts new shoes on the rear hooves of a horse at the opening of Heritage Village (later renamed Burnaby Village Museum). Only the horse's hindquarters are visible in the photograph.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 19, 1971
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 23 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1195
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Governor General Roland Michener watching intently as the farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) puts new shoes on the rear hooves of a horse at the opening of Heritage Village (later renamed Burnaby Village Museum). Only the horse's hindquarters are visible in the photograph.
Subjects
Events - Openings
Officials - Governor Generals
Animals - Horses
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Michener, Daniel Roland "Roland"
Burnaby Village Museum
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto of photograph reads: "At Heritage Village - Gov. General watched smithy Roy Jeffrey shoe 'skittish' horse (who was allergic to flashbulbs)"
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Street Address
6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
Less detail

Hand forging

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7499
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
British Columbia Department of Education
Publication Date
1978
Call Number
682 BCE VR
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Moving Images
Accession Code
BV020.5.707
Call Number
682 BCE VR
Author
British Columbia Department of Education
Contributor
McKay, Doug
Lyske, George
Moffett, Jim
Erickson, Don
Motut, Bernard
Hall, Raymond
Place of Publication
British Columbia
Publisher
A PEMC Production
Publication Date
1978
Physical Description
1 film reel (14 min., 14 sec.) : polyester, positive, col. , sd. ; 16 mm
Library Subject (LOC)
Blacksmithing
Forging
Tools
Subjects
Animals - Horses
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
McKay, Doug
Burnaby Village Museum
Notes
Summary: Hand forging by constant hammering of red hot metal is contrasted with modern stamp forging where the metal is shaped by a stamp and die method of precision. Bob Marshall is a ferrier who's come to make new shoes for "Bonnie" a horse on a farm. Bob Marshall provides background on his work as a ferrier. He works on hand forging horseshoes for the horse and describes the blacksmithing process as he goes. Footage also includes scenes of blacksmiths at work in blacksmith shops including; Burnaby's Heritage Village and Mariner Shipbuilders and Canadian Chain and Forge Co. Ltd. Jim Moffett narrates and describes the blacksmithing process and tools that are used.
Contact Burnaby Village Museum to view film
Images
Less detail

Interior of a blacksmith shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1138
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[before 1921]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 12 x 17.5 cm mounted on board 18 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of a blacksmith shop. A man in a long jacket is moving next to the furnace at the front of the shop and a farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) is holding the reins of a horse. The horse appears to be agitated and is kicking out with his hind leg. A third man is visi…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 12 x 17.5 cm mounted on board 18 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of a blacksmith shop. A man in a long jacket is moving next to the furnace at the front of the shop and a farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care) is holding the reins of a horse. The horse appears to be agitated and is kicking out with his hind leg. A third man is visible walking through the doorway wearing protective equipment of some kind.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Animals - Horses
Accession Code
BV992.45.21
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
[before 1921]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
01-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

J. Campbell's Market Horseshoeing and Repair Shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription438
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-] (date of original), copied 1979
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of three men in work clothes standing in the doorway to a shop building with a sign that reads: "J. Campbell / The Market / Horseshoeing & Repair Shop." The accession register identifies the man in the centre as Bill Dundas' father who worked as a blacksmith.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of three men in work clothes standing in the doorway to a shop building with a sign that reads: "J. Campbell / The Market / Horseshoeing & Repair Shop." The accession register identifies the man in the centre as Bill Dundas' father who worked as a blacksmith.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Names
Market Horseshoeing and Repair Shop
Accession Code
HV979.35.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-] (date of original), copied 1979
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-09-12
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Images
Less detail

John Burkman at his blacksmith shop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1378
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[193-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of John August Burkman at his blacksmith shop in Port Arthur, Ontario.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of John August Burkman at his blacksmith shop in Port Arthur, Ontario.
Subjects
Occupations - Blacksmiths
Buildings - Industrial
Names
Burkman, John August
Accession Code
BV999.8.92
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
[193-]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
08-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Grampa [sic] Burkman at his blacksmith shop in Port Aurther [sic]"
Images
Less detail

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…
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
Less detail

RCMP officers saluting with firefighters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14750
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
12 May 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpg) : col. ; 144 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of three RCMP officers and firefighter in the parking lot of Burnaby General Hospital. The three RCMP officers are saluting to healthcare workers.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpg) : col. ; 144 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of three RCMP officers and firefighter in the parking lot of Burnaby General Hospital. The three RCMP officers are saluting to healthcare workers.
History
Photograph was taken by Richard Liu on May 12, 2020 around 7:00pm. Richard helped organize a 'stick-tap' to salute front line health care workers at the Burnaby Hospital. The Vancouer Canuck's mascot "Fin", Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, MLA Anne Kang and MLA Katrina Chen, MP Peter Juilan, the RCMP Chief, the Fire Chief and Transit Police Chief were in attendance. These 'salutes' to health care workers were common in April and May during the earliest and most uncertain months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many local neighbourhoods across Burnaby, the Lower Mainland and the Province began regularly gathering at 7:00pm to bang pots and pans, honk horns, and generally celebrate and acknowledge the work of health care professionals. The presence of "Fin" was added because the Vancouver Canuck and NHL were not playing, so Fin was available to make the rounds. His visits were often surprises. Fin played the Canucks goal horn through the Fin Mobile roof speakers, with green and blue flashing lights. Fin visited six hospitals, as well as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Hospitals
Occupations - Civic Workers
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Occupations - Police Officers
Occupations - Nurses
Occupations - Physicians
Pandemics - COVID-19
Names
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Burnaby Fire Department
Burnaby General Hospital
Geographic Access
Ingleton Avenue
Street Address
3880 Ingleton Avenue
Accession Code
BV020.18.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
12 May 2020
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Photographer
Liu, Richard
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Stick tap salute at Burnaby General Hospital

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14751
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
12 May 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col. ; 72 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby General Hospital with RCMP cars, RCMP officers and healthcare workers out in front. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Vancouver Canucks' mascot "Fin", Richard Liu and another man are dressed in Vancouver Canucks hockey jerseys and are standing near the front of the hospital holding h…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : col. ; 72 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby General Hospital with RCMP cars, RCMP officers and healthcare workers out in front. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, Vancouver Canucks' mascot "Fin", Richard Liu and another man are dressed in Vancouver Canucks hockey jerseys and are standing near the front of the hospital holding hockey sticks. They are giving a stick tap salute in appreciation to the healthcare workers.
History
Photograph was taken by Richard Liu on May 12, 2020 around 7:00pm. Richard helped organize a 'stick-tap' to salute front line health care workers at the Burnaby Hospital. The Vancouer Canuck's mascot "Fin", Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, MLA Anne Kang and MLA Katrina Chen, MP Peter Juilan, the RCMP Chief, the Fire Chief and Transit Police Chief were in attendance. These 'salutes' to health care workers were common in April and May during the earliest and most uncertain months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many local neighbourhoods across Burnaby, the Lower Mainland and the Province began regularly gathering at 7:00pm to bang pots and pans, honk horns, and generally celebrate and acknowledge the work of health care professionals. The presence of "Fin" was added because the Vancouver Canuck and NHL were not playing, so Fin was available to make the rounds. His visits were often surprises. Fin played the Canucks goal horn through the Fin Mobile roof speakers, with green and blue flashing lights. Fin visited six hospitals, as well as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Hospitals
Occupations - Civic Workers
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Occupations - Police Officers
Occupations - Nurses
Occupations - Physicians
Public Services - Health Services
Pandemics - COVID-19
Names
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Burnaby Fire Department
Burnaby General Hospital
Hurley, Mike
Liu, Richard N.
Vancouver Canucks
Geographic Access
Ingleton Avenue
Street Address
3880 Ingleton Avenue
Accession Code
BV020.18.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
12 May 2020
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Photographer
Liu, Richard N.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Stick tap salute at Burnaby General Hospital

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14752
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
12 May 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpg) : col. ; 144 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Mayor, Mike Hurley (left), "Fin" the Vancouver Canucks' mascot and Richard Liu (right) with hockey sticks. The three are gathered in the parking lot outside of Burnaby General Hospital in a stick tap salute of appreciation to the healthcare workers. Mike Hurley is dressed in a…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpg) : col. ; 144 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Mayor, Mike Hurley (left), "Fin" the Vancouver Canucks' mascot and Richard Liu (right) with hockey sticks. The three are gathered in the parking lot outside of Burnaby General Hospital in a stick tap salute of appreciation to the healthcare workers. Mike Hurley is dressed in a Vancouver Canucks hockey jersey. Members of the Burnaby RCMP and Burnaby Fire Department are standing in the background along with police cars and a fire truck.
History
Photograph was taken by Richard Liu on May 12, 2020 around 7:00pm. Richard helped organize a 'stick-tap' to salute front line health care workers at the Burnaby Hospital. The Vancouer Canuck's mascot "Fin", Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, MLA Anne Kang and MLA Katrina Chen, MP Peter Juilan, the RCMP Chief, the Fire Chief and Transit Police Chief were in attendance. These 'salutes' to health care workers were common in April and May during the earliest and most uncertain months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many local neighbourhoods across Burnaby, the Lower Mainland and the Province began regularly gathering at 7:00pm to bang pots and pans, honk horns, and generally celebrate and acknowledge the work of health care professionals. The presence of "Fin" was added because the Vancouver Canuck and NHL were not playing, so Fin was available to make the rounds. His visits were often surprises. Fin played the Canucks goal horn through the Fin Mobile roof speakers, with green and blue flashing lights. Fin visited six hospitals, as well as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Hospitals
Occupations - Civic Workers
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Occupations - Police Officers
Occupations - Nurses
Occupations - Physicians
Pandemics - COVID-19
Names
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Burnaby Fire Department
Burnaby General Hospital
Hurley, Mike
Liu, Richard N.
Vancouver Canucks
Geographic Access
Ingleton Avenue
Street Address
3880 Ingleton Avenue
Accession Code
BV020.18.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
12 May 2020
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Photographer
Liu, Richard N.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Stick tap salute to healthcare workers at Burnaby General Hospital

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14755
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
12 May 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (00 min., 7 sec.) : digital, 30 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
Item consists of a short film clip created by Richard Liu documenting the 'stick-tap" salute to front line healthcare workers outside of Burnaby General Hospital. Members of the Burnaby RCMP, Burnaby Fire Department and healthcare workers have gathered for the event. Mayor Mike Hurley, the Vancouve…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (00 min., 7 sec.) : digital, 30 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
Item consists of a short film clip created by Richard Liu documenting the 'stick-tap" salute to front line healthcare workers outside of Burnaby General Hospital. Members of the Burnaby RCMP, Burnaby Fire Department and healthcare workers have gathered for the event. Mayor Mike Hurley, the Vancouver Canucks' mascot "Fin" and two other men are tapping hockey sticks on the ground. A row of Burnaby RCMP police cars are parked in the parking lot. Fire truck and police car sirens are audible during the event.
History
This event was recorded by Richard Liu on May 12, 2020 around 7:00pm. Richard helped organize a 'stick-tap' to salute front line health care workers at the Burnaby Hospital. The Vancouer Canuck's mascot "Fin", Mayor of Burnaby Mike Hurley, MLA Anne Kang and MLA Katrina Chen, MP Peter Juilan, the RCMP Chief, the Fire Chief and Transit Police Chief were in attendance. These 'salutes' to health care workers were common in April and May during the earliest and most uncertain months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many local neighbourhoods across Burnaby, the Lower Mainland and the Province began regularly gathering at 7:00pm to bang pots and pans, honk horns, and generally celebrate and acknowledge the work of health care professionals. The presence of "Fin" was added because the Vancouver Canuck and NHL were not playing, so Fin was available to make the rounds. His visits were often surprises. Fin played the Canucks goal horn through the Fin Mobile roof speakers, with green and blue flashing lights. Fin visited six hospitals, as well as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Creator
Liu, Richard
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Hospitals
Occupations - Civic Workers
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Occupations - Police Officers
Occupations - Nurses
Occupations - Physicians
Pandemics - COVID-19
Names
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Burnaby Fire Department
Burnaby General Hospital
Hurley, Mike
Liu, Richard N.
Vancouver Canucks
Geographic Access
Ingleton Avenue
Street Address
3880 Ingleton Avenue
Accession Code
BV020.18.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
12 May 2020
Media Type
Moving Images
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Photographer
Liu, Richard N.
Notes
Title based on contents of film
Images
Video

Stick tap salute to healthcare workers at Burnaby General Hospital, 12 May 2020

Stick tap salute to healthcare workers at Burnaby General Hospital, 12 May 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2020_0018_0006_001.m4v
Less detail

Interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19346
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides in…
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
2 sound recordings (wav) (111 min., 51 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (111 min., 51 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik, Rajdeep Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Nadeem Parmar Location of Interview: Residence of Nadeem Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: October 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:51:51 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar conducted by interviewers, Anushay Malik and Rajdeep with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. During the interview Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar discusses and provides information on; his ancestral background, his education, his employment background, his experiences of racial discrimmination as a South Asian immigrant, saw mills established by South Asian relations in Paldi (Vancouver Island), in North Vancouver and Burnaby, family relations in the South Asian Canadian community and in regions in Punjab, the caste system, his literary works, locations of family homes in Burnaby, the architectural design of his house, personal stories and anecdotal information as a South Asian Canadian living and working in Canada. 00:00 – 01:45 The framework and purpose of the interview is explained to interviewee Nadeem Parmar by interviewers Rajdeep and Anushay Malik. The interviewers explain how the information from this interview can be drawn on for Burnaby Village Museum’s future exhibits and also how researchers will learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby through residents’ stories. Interview begins with Nadeem providing his full name "Kulwant Singh Parmar". He clarifies that his name was given to him by his grandfather who was a civil engineer and that his father also worked as a civil engineer. Nadeem expresses that he was born with a “silver spoon in his mouth” as a descendent of his maternal grandfather who was a successful landlord. Nadeem explains that when the Partition of India came into effect, (1947) he was 11 years old. He and his family left the partitioned side, his native village was located in Punjab and his forefathers were located in Rajasthan. 3:20 – 4:57 Nadeem explains further about his forefathers who came from Rajasthan. He shares information about his ancestor on his father’s side, named Vijay Singh who was friends with Emperor Jahangir. When fighting began against Jahangir he left the area to head to the middle of central India, then to the Punjab area with small states. As a clan, as a Parmar, he conveys there were about eleven or twelve villages with the same name. Interviewer, Anushay helps Nadeem to clarify the time period of this information. Nadeem refers to the time period being similar to the epic historical film “Moghal-e-Azam” and Anushay confirms the time period being the 1600s when they left Rajasthan. 4:58 – 10:59 Interviewer Anushay asks Nadeem to about his migration to Canada. Nadeem conveys that his first ancestor on his in-laws side of the family migrated around 1889. Further discussion ensues about reading Punjabi and how interviewer Rajdeep can read Punjabi and that she comes from the village of "Lakhpur" in Punjab. Rajdeep notes that “Lakhpur” is near "Phagwara". Nadeem clarifies that his village is "Panchat" and this family used to live in "Phagwara". and Nadeem and Rajdeep compare their familiarity and memories of the area. Nadeem conveys some of his comments in Punjabi and then changes to English. Nadeem recollects when the Japanese bombarded Shillong, he was around seven years old and attended missionary school. The only languages that were taught were English and Persian. Nadeem conveys that his mother had hopes of Nadeem becoming an army officer and moving up the ranks but Nadeem wasn’t interested. Nadeem attended college, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, BSC with Physics and Chemistry, followed by another Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and finally a degree in his favourite subject in the language of Urdu. He completed these degrees in Punjab in Doaba College, Jalandher. Nadeem recollects how he started teaching but wasn’t getting paid very well. When he was at college, with encouragement from his professor, Veer Pankalia [sic] he began writing poetry and short plays. His professor also introduced him to a famous poet of Punjab, Mila Ram Offa [sic] and he gave him the name of Nadeem. Nadeem explains the meaning of the name “Nadeem” “…the one who know about it, inside out…” even though we generally think of the meaning being “friend” it’s not just about friend. 11:00 -24:48 Nadeem provides background information on how he ended up marrying his future wife who was born in India and immigrated to Canada with her family. Nadeem explains how the marriage was arranged through family relations that were already established in Punjab over a century ago. One of his wife’s ancestors, head of the family called “baniye” (traders) immigrated to Canada in [1899]. This relation returned to Punjab where he had nephews, the youngest of the nephews was Nadeem’s father (Lashman Singh Manhas) in law’s father (Sher Singh Manhas). He expresses that his wife’s ancestor couldn’t bring Nadeem’s father in law’s father since he was only 12 or 13 years old but he brought three of the nephews back to Canada with him. The nephews were named, Pola Singh, Ginaya Singh and Doman Singh (also named Dolmans). He describes how the group left India but it took them two to three years before they arrived in Canada. The group travelled to Burma, Indonesia and Hong Kong before landing in San Francisco. From San Francisco they walked and worked on the rail line before entering Canada and arriving in Grand Forks. The men got work on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and eventually made their way to the lower mainland. Nadeem conveys that the younger brother of Ginaya Singh, Maya Singh joined the others in Canada taking the same route, arriving in Bridal Falls where they were working at a saw mill and in CP rail construction. He describes Maya Singh as business minded and since he was too young to work in the mill, he began working as a cook and then began growing potatoes on land that he leased from a Dutch land owner. The local mill at Bridal Falls was facing bankruptcy and Maya Singh arranged to lease the mill, eventually buying it. From there the group moved their business to Strawberry Hill in Surrey and when the sale of logs declined, they moved over to Vancouver Island and established a sawmill with Doman Singh in the community of Paldi (originally known as Mayo Lumber) near Duncan. He explains further how the South Asian community helped each other like they did back home. He clarifies that his father in law’s father is the youngest cousin of Ginaya and Doman Singh and when he died, his father in law’s younger brother started Kashmir Lumber. Eventually his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) and the rest of the whole family including cousins and nephews were sponsored by their relations and immigrated to Canada. Nadeem explains how in 1959, his brother in law returned home to Punjab to get married, bringing his family with him. He tells of how during this time period, a marriage was arranged by his parents for him to marry his future wife. Nadeem recollects how this came to be. Nadeem and his wife Surjeet married in Punjab in December 1960, Nadeem was 24 years old and his wife was 18 years old. 24:49 – 39:42 Nadeem describes how he obtained his teaching degree from Ramgarhia College in Phagwara (located in the Kapurhtala district of Punjab) and after a disagreement with a teacher at home, he decided to go to England. He explains how he joined his brother who had moved to England and was working as a labourer. Nadeem tells of the difficulties he faced applying for a teaching job in England and how he had to go back to school to help with his English pronunciation. Nadeem explains that after taking this course, he got work teaching Grade two students which he felt was below his qualifications (he mentions that while living in Punjab, he was a Secondary School teacher) and the pay was very low. He discovered that his brother was making more money working as a labourer so Nadeem became discouraged and quit. When Nadeem couldn’t find work as a labourer, his brother advised him to shave off his beard. Nadeem conveys how difficult it was for him to shave off his beard and how once he was clean shaven he got work as a sweeper in a factory. He shares his experience of working in the factory and of how with his former education he got himself promoted to a more technical position. With encouragement from his employer, Nadeem enrolled in technical courses which lead to him obtaining an HNC Engineering Degree. He completed the course work in two years, obtaining skills in microwave communication becoming the senior test engineer at the factory. While working in this position, Nadeem shares how he suffered discrimination when he was passed over for a senior chief engineer position at the factory by a less educated and experienced employee. 39:43 – 53:38 Nadeem recollects how things changed for him in the 1970s. It began with his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) passing away in 1970 while he and his family were living on 18th Street in Burnaby. His father in law had been working at the saw mill, Kashmir Lumber Company in North Vancouver that was owned by his father in law’s younger brother (Kashmir Singh Manhas). The mill had burnt down and many of the workers lost everything. Nadeem confides that during this time, his wife was suffering from depression and wanted to be with her mother back in Canada now that her father had passed away. Nadeem emphasizes how his wife’s family (over 300 relatives) in Canada often get together every year on July 1st in Paldi near Duncan. In 1972, Nadeem arrived in Canada on his own to find work but was unsuccessful so he and his wife made plans to move to Uganda where he was offered a job. In 1973, when his visa didn’t come through for Uganda, Nadeem, his wife and two children decided to come to Canada. Nadeem describes that after several unsuccessful experiences to find skilled work in Canada, he eventually found work at Canadian National Telecommunications. During this time, Nadeem and his family lived with his father in law’s family at 5216 Pandora Street in Burnaby and in 1974, Nadeem purchased a house at 131 Fell Avenue in Burnaby. Nadeem provides further details of when the families lived at these different addresses and how in 1983 he had a house built on Woodsworth Street where he is still living now. He conveys some of the history of the lot where his current house resides including details on the lot subdivision, lot ownership and the cost of building his new house. Nadeem tells of how he designed his home with help from his son who was working as an apprentice with architect Arthur Erikson at the time. He describes the architectural interior as an open concept design, in an “L” shape in honour of his father “Lakhmir Singh”. Nadeem shares information on his mother’s name which was Jamna (prior to her marriage) and became Davinder Kaur after she was married. (Note: Jamna was her name before marriage. Traditionally after a woman is married, her husband’s family changes her first name because she is now considered a part of a new family). 53:39 – 58:56 Nadeem provides information on his career working as CNCP technician working with CPIC systems and how he was promoted to a new position. Nadeem inserts a quote from a Punjabi poem which he translates to English as “Somebody asked the blind people. What do you need? He said, do you need two eyes?, he said, what else do I need?”. Nadeem conveys how in 1986 his mother passed away so he went back home to the village of Lakhpur where his father and younger brother were living. His father and younger brother were on their own and in 1986 they decided to demolish the family home. He explains that there’s a college there now and that a library was built at this location in the name of his grandfather. 58:57 – 1:04:38 Nadeem shares how he suffered a heart attack in 1990 during the marriage ceremony of his son in Williams Lake. Nadeem talks about the complicated relations of the South Asian families and the saw mill owners in Paldi and comments on the problems with the caste system that provokes discrimination within the South Asian community. Nadeem refers to disputes that arose amongst mill owners and investors that included Kapoor Singh Siddoo, Mayo Singh, Gurdial Singh Teja and Ginaya Singh which caused problems amongst his family and also lead to Kapoor Singh selling his portion of the mill. Nadeem spells “Ginaya” Singh’s name and explains that this name is the nickname for “Krishna”. Nadeem provides his insight into the joint ownership of the saw mills located in Paldi and how the the joint ownership was dissolved in 1952. Nadeem clarifies that Ginaya Singh also left Paldi and that Ginaya Singh’s wife is his mother in law’s aunt and that he also moved to Burnaby. Nadeem explains the proper name spelling of mill owner “Mayo Singh” and that the correct spelling is actually “Mayan Singh” but he changed it to “Mayo” when it was mis-pronounced. Nadeem also comments on the problems that he encountered in 1970 on the pronunciation of his own name while living in England and at one point his employer referred to him as “Paul”. 1:04:39 – 1:18:50 Nadeem relays that when he emigrated from India and to Canada that he carried his personal possessions in a small suitcase made from cardboard since the weight limit on the airplane was just three pounds. He conveys that many of his relations have all suffered from heart problems including Ginaya Singh and his children. Nadeem shares that Ginaya Singh’s three sons all lived in Burnaby. Nadeem conveys that many South Asians lived in Burnaby and many worked at saw mills in North Vancouver and in the L&K sawmill near Pemberton. Nadeem explains further about the how the disagreements came to be between Mayo Singh and Kapoor Singh. He describes how each had a different business strategy in harvesting lumber and that there were feuds amongst the families. Nadeem provides further details on the root of the family feuds. Nadeem provides definitions for certain Punjabi terms that he’s using including “Mehta”(meaning lowest class of farmers, foreigner as well head as a title given to people of a clan living in the area) and ‘Panchat”, the name of his family village that was built and founded by five brothers and one nephew (Panj- meaning five and the sound “cht” meaning six). Nadeem explains that these terms were given to people from his own clan living in the area because it was small. Nadeem explains further about status that is based on money and the Punjabi terms “Parsu”, “Parsa” and “Pasaram” that are often used to describe a person. When you are poor the term “Parsu” is used and when you become rich the term “Pasaram” is used. Nadeem refers to Mayo Singh as a Pasaram as the second most successful millner in British Columbia, second to Frederick John Hart. Nadeem mentions that Ginaya Singh, elder brother to Mayo Singh helped provide the finances to start the mill and when there was a disagreement, Ginaya Singh left the mill business, moved his family to Burnaby and began working in insurance. Nadeem shares the sad story of Ginaya Singh’s sudden death (in 1953). Nadeem states that many of the people who left the mills at Paldi went to work at the Kapoor Mill in Burnaby and some relocated to the Interior of British Columbia. Nadeem mentions that his father in law (Lashman Singh Manhas) was able to purchase a house on 18th Street in along with other residences that he bought with his hard earned money working in the farms and mills, 16 hours per day, seven days a week. 1:18:51 – 1:32:04 Nadeem explains why he thinks that most South Asian people worked in the mills in the earlier days. Nadeem conveys that since Sikh men wore beards and turbans they encountered discrimination and were unable to get work in the business community. Nadeem shares his own personal experiences of wearing a turban and the discrimination he’s encountered while living in Scotland and Canada. Nadeem mentions that a defense committee was formed to protect the Gurdwaras and people’s homes from being vandalized due to racial discrimination. Nadeem describes some of the troubles that he’s encountered in his own neighbourhood when he had to call the police. Nadeem shares a personal experience just after 9/11 where he was the target of racial discrimination in the parking lot of Burnaby Lake. Nadeem emphasizes that he has experienced many incidents of racial discrimination, especially in the workplace and that this was not unusual for him. 1:32:05 – 1:36:19 Nadeem talks about his interest in writing and his many literary works including 12 novels that he’s written in Punjabi. Nadeem highlights a few books that he’s written including a book titled “Rape” and another one titled “Sponsorship” which conveys the complex nature of people immigrating to Canada. Nadeem mentions a particular book about AIDS, titled “Wide Net” that he’s been trying to get published. Nadeem speaks to the challenges and high costs of trying to get his works published. Nadeem provides a brief synopsis of his book “Wide Net”. Nadeem relays that this is a personal account of a gay couple that he knew where one of the partners died of AIDS and that the couple gave Nadeem permission to tell their tragic story. 1:36:20 – 1:51:51 Nadeem talks about his children and compares their experiences to his own as a South Asian immigrant. Nadeems talks about the accomplishments of his son, his daughter and grandchildren including their education and careers. Nadeem says that his children are well educated and well established in their careers. Nadeem’s children attended Capitol Hill Elementary School and North Burnaby High School in Burnaby. Nadeem shares specifics of his son’s career history. Nadeem expresses that he still considers Canada to be the best country for opportunities and that he prefers to live in Burnaby rather than Surrey and shares some personal anecdotes. Nadeem lists some local places that he’s shopped for South Asian groceries and spices rather than travelling to Surrey. He mentions shopping at Kelly Douglas, stores in Chinatown, small grocers on Capitol Hill, Patel’s on Commercial Drive and Main Street. As an aside Nadeem mentions that he worked as a security guard and the wages that he earned. Nadeem comments that he has been awarded various certificates and certifications from his education and career over the years, including a Bachelor of Science. The interviewers further express their interest in seeing the cardboard case that Nadeem brought with him when immigrating to Canada. In closing Nadeem states that his favourite food from back home was kheer (rice pudding).
History
Interviewee biography: Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar was born June 9, 1936, Chuck 138 in Lyalpur (India before 1947) to parents Lakhmir Singh Parmar and Davinder Kaur Jamana Parmar. Nadeem grew up in the village of Panchat in the northern region of Punjab, India. Nadeem married his wife Surjeet in Punjab in 1960. After marrying the couple immigrated to England where Nadeem was already working. While living in England, Nadeem and Surjeet had two children. After Surjeet's father died in Canada in 1972, Nadeem, Surjeet and their two children immgrated to Canada, joining Surjeet's family who were living in Burnaby. After Nadeem immigrated to Burnaby in 1973 he worked various jobs before working with CN/CP Telecommunications. Nadeem holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching from Punjab University and a diploma from the London Board of Education (L.B.E.) and a P.Eng. from Lancaster. He has seven books published in Punjabi, three in Urdu and is published in eight anthologies. He is fluent in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi. 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
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills
Buildings - Industrial - Factories
Education
Employment
Industries - Logging/lumber
Migration
Occupations - Engineers
Occupations - Millworkers
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Writers
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Names
Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
Kapoor Sawmills Limited
Siddoo, Kapoor Singh
Teja, Gurdial Singh
Parmar, Surjeet Kaur
Manhas, Ghania Singh
Singh, Mayo
Manhas, Kashmir Singh
Manhas, Sher Singh
Manhas, Budhan Kaur
Manhas, Lashman Singh
Responsibility
Malik, Anushay
Rajdeep
Geographic Access
Woodsworth Street
Accession Code
BV022.29.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1600-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Oct. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Capitol Hill Area
Related Material
See also BV022.29.5 - Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate
Interview is conducted in English with various segments of discussion in Punjabi
Transcript of interview available upon request
Audio Tracks
Less detail

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