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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

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20285
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser M…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewees: Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy Location of Interview: Residence of Harry Toy Interview Date: September 25, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:01:13 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants’ Association and Harry's daughters, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy's memories of growing up in Burnaby. 00:00:00 – 00:23:53 Harry Toy shares biographical information about himself and his ancestors. Harry provides information about his migration to Canada and his life in Manitoba, attending school, working at the family restaurant and teaching high school. 00:23:53 – 00:41:16 Harry talks about moving his family to Burnaby and his experiences owning and operating the Canada Way Food Market. 00:41:17 – 00:54:19 Harry talks about his involvement with the Fraser Merchants Association (FMA) and provides some history about the organization. 00:54:20 – 1:22:44 Harry talks about running the Canada Way Food Market and the alterations that he made to the store over the years. Harry and his daughters comment as they look through photographs of Harry and his store and the Fraser Merchants Association. 1:22:45 – 2:01:14 Beverley and Christina talk about their early childhood in Manitoba and growing up in Burnaby. They recall what it was like growing up and working in the family owned store.
History
Interviewee biography: Harry Wee Koon Toy was born in February 9, 1936 in Taikong, Toisan county, Guangdong, China. Harry's father William Toy came to Canada in the early 1920s when he was ten years old. Harry arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 9, 1950. After staying in Vancouver for one night, he joined his father in Neepawa, Manitoba where the family operated a cafe business (Royal Cafe). Harry grew up in Neepawa and graduated from the University of Manitoba and teacher's college. He became a high school teacher and worked at schools in Minnedosa and Gladstone, Manitoba teaching various subjects including, science, business, geography, history and physical education. Harry and his wife, had three daughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina who were all born in Neepawa. When the family decided to move to the west coast, Harry was introduced to the grocery store business through an uncle who was a store operator. Around 1970, Harry purchased a grocery store at 4694 Canada Way in Burnaby which he named "Canada Way Food Market" and Harry and his daughters made their home at the back of the store. Harry owned and operated the store for approximately 40 years between 1970 and 2010. Around 1986, Harry purchased the butcher shop next door (4692 Canada Way) which was no longer in operation, expanding his store and adding a second storey to use a residence. Harry's children helped him operate the store throughout their childhood. In the early 1970s, corner stores were threatened by the spread of small chain-operated convenience stories from Eastern Canada to Vancouver. Formed in April 1972, the Fraser Merchants’ Association was established to protect the rights of corner store operators. With no paid legal help, the association was incorporated in Victoria, BC for the cost of 56 cents. The benefits of being a member of the association included warehouse and group purchasing, common advertising and other advantages of being part of an association. Founded by Gary Lee Ling and five others, Fraser Merchants’ Association’s first member was Graham Grocery. By 1978, the association represented over 200 corner stores in the Lower Mainland (Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Coquitlam, and New Westminster) and Fraser Valley. The association remained active into the 1980s and 1990s. Harry has served as President of the Fraser Merchants' Association from 1992 to present. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Migration
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Grocers
Organizations
Organizations - Business Associations
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Toy, Christina
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Babey, Beverley
Canada Way Food Market
Fraser Merchants' Association
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4694 Canada Way
Accession Code
BV023.16.19
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also: BV023.25 - Harry Toy fonds
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

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

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

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

North Burnaby High School Graduates 1954

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription163
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1954
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 36.5 x 58.5 cm mounted on board 76 x 101.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of graduates of North Burnaby High School in 1954 with all names of graduates scripted on mounting board by E.Skrypec. Row 1: L. Fox, S. Johnson, R. Larson, B. Milaney, J. Watson, D. Spring, G. Calder, J. Forester, A. Nash, J. McGiveron, M. Meikle, T. Brooks, J. Meikle, S. Hill, B. Bil…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 36.5 x 58.5 cm mounted on board 76 x 101.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of graduates of North Burnaby High School in 1954 with all names of graduates scripted on mounting board by E.Skrypec. Row 1: L. Fox, S. Johnson, R. Larson, B. Milaney, J. Watson, D. Spring, G. Calder, J. Forester, A. Nash, J. McGiveron, M. Meikle, T. Brooks, J. Meikle, S. Hill, B. Bilson, F. Stewart, M. Slavin, H. Trayling, B. Bourne, M. Mothe, M. Bazylevich, S. Yorston, E. Underwood, S. Sandberg, A. Craig, A. Holzman, M. Cranston, W. Pendygrasse and L. Holland. Row 2: S. Willimas, S. Anderson, G. Burgess, I. Radill, J. Jopling, J. Wong, K. McNicol, D. Gallie, W. Brigden, I. Frank, J. Elliott, P. Wooldard, D. Drummond, E. Murray, K. Nelson, B. Smith, J. Purser, D. Lister, N. Husband, A. Ryder and G. Olafson. Row 3: B. Beaumont, W. Judyski, B. Chamberland, R. Dyck, H. Lunow, R. Morris, N. Trtan, S. Gill, K. Elliott, D. Demchuk, D. Wilson, H. Philbrook, D. Connorton, D. Panton, G. Monk, G. Kubicek, J. Christian, H. Pendygrasse, D. Norman and H. Peterson. Row 4: C. Allen, J. MacDonald, H. Siddoo, G. Boyd, G. Norgard, P. Iannucci, R. McDonnell, B. Mills, R. Ostby, K. Bennett, F. McAuley, G. Topham, G. Clapp, H. Rink, T. Scuffi, B. Dolman, L. Armstrong, W. Cross, E. Matiash and B. Miles. Row 5: V. Cinnamon, T. Saunders, E. Skrypec, S. Bonettemaker, G. Barr, W. Greba, B. Asleson, B. Launder, F. Punko, J. Maxwell, J. McTaggart, D. Allen, W. Plevy, J. Bailey and R. Zacharias.
Subjects
Persons - Students
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Events
Buildings - Schools
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Names
Siddoo, Hardev
Wong, Jessie
Burnaby North High School
Geographic Access
Pandora Street
Street Address
4375 Pandora Street
Accession Code
BV985.30.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1954
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Less detail

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.
History
Interviewee biography: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Industries - Logging/lumber
Industries - Forestry
Foods
Migration
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Organizations - Unions
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Performances
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Names
Binning, Dr. Sadhu
Binning, Gurmaje Kaur
Binning, Jit Singh
Binning, Jagdish
Sangha, Darshan Singh
Canadian Farmworkers Union
Hundal, Sukhwant
Sangra, Harjinder
Singh, Dhana
Vancouver Sath
Responsibility
Petrusa, Kate
Malik, Anushay
Accession Code
BV022.29.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks

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

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

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

Child on a tricycle

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9546
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[ca. 1940]
Collection/Fonds
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; hand-coloured ; 16.5 cm x 11.5 cm
Scope and Content
Studio portrait of an unidentified toddler-age child of Chinese descent. The child is wearing a yellow, collared, two-piece pant suit and brown, closed-toe shoes. The child is seated on a red and white tricycle in front of a green riser and sky blue backdrop. The flooring has a gray and white patte…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. fonds
Series
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co. photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; hand-coloured ; 16.5 cm x 11.5 cm
Material Details
On the front lower right corner of the photograph is an embossed print in Chinese characters "[…]" and "MING NGAD"
Scope and Content
Studio portrait of an unidentified toddler-age child of Chinese descent. The child is wearing a yellow, collared, two-piece pant suit and brown, closed-toe shoes. The child is seated on a red and white tricycle in front of a green riser and sky blue backdrop. The flooring has a gray and white pattern.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Company
Accession Code
BV017.7.356
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[ca. 1940]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
17-Apr-2018
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19194
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1950]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 4.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two year old Jimmy Chow created for Jimmy's immigration documents when he immigrated to Canada.
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 ; 6 x 4.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two year old Jimmy Chow created for Jimmy's immigration documents when he immigrated to Canada.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.40
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1950]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Handwritten notes in blue ink are written in Traditional Chinese on verso of photograph. Notes translated to English and transliterated into Mandarin pinyin read: " "Hipman" (Jimmy Chow's Chinese name), age of two and a half"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow in Stanley Park

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19187
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1958]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 8.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Jimmy Chow standing outside in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Tall trees are visible behind him.
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 ; 12 x 8.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Jimmy Chow standing outside in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Tall trees are visible behind him.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.33
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1958]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow on rocking horse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19193
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
12 Apr. 1954
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow with his father playing on a rocking horse inside a room. A couch and table with a plant on top are visible behind.
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 ; 8 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow with his father playing on a rocking horse inside a room. A couch and table with a plant on top are visible behind.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.39
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
12 Apr. 1954
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "To - Jimmy / from - Raymond / April 12/1954."
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "MAY 1954"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow posing in suit

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19196
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1954]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph proof of young Jimmy Chow dressed in a suit and posing in the Thams Studio in Saskatoon.
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 ; 10.5 x 7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph proof of young Jimmy Chow dressed in a suit and posing in the Thams Studio in Saskatoon.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.42
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1954]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Photographer
Thams Studio
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Text reading "PROOF" punched through surface of photograph
Red ink stamped on verso of photograph reads: "Photo Proofs / these proofs are the props / of Thams Studio and must / be returned. You under- / stand of course, that these are merely rough / proofs. At best they are merely rough / proofs. At best they only hint at te beauty of the finished photographs....
Notes in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "36045 / 12"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his cousins

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19185
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1950]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow (left) with his two young cousins seated together on a circular riser in the photograph studio of photographer Chen Kwong in Quebec City.
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 ; 7.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow (left) with his two young cousins seated together on a circular riser in the photograph studio of photographer Chen Kwong in Quebec City.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.31
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1950]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Photographer
Kwong, Chen
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Embossment on lower edge of photograph reads: "CHEN KWONG"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his father

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19190
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
24 Aug. 1954
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow with his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow outside of a cafe in Asquith, Saskatchewan.
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 ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow with his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow outside of a cafe in Asquith, Saskatchewan.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Robin Chung Dip
Accession Code
BV022.21.36
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
24 Aug. 1954
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "AUG / 24 /1954"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his father

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19191
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
24 Aug. 1954
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing outside of a cafe in Asquith, Saskatchewan. His father, Robin Chung Dip Chow is looking through the door of the cafe.
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 ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing outside of a cafe in Asquith, Saskatchewan. His father, Robin Chung Dip Chow is looking through the door of the cafe.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Robin Chung Dip
Accession Code
BV022.21.37
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
24 Aug. 1954
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "AUG / 24 /1954"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his father and mother

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19192
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1953]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 8.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow with his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow and his mother, Gim Gee Chow standing outside a building in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Jimmy's father is holding him in his arms. The group are standing in the snow outside of a building.
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 ; 12 x 8.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow with his father, Robin Chung Dip Chow and his mother, Gim Gee Chow standing outside a building in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Jimmy's father is holding him in his arms. The group are standing in the snow outside of a building.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Robin Chung Dip
Chow, Gim Gee Dang
Accession Code
BV022.21.38
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1953]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Handwritten notes in blue ink are written in Traditional Chinese on verso of photograph. Notes translated to English and transliterated into Mandarin pinyin read: " "Niu Guo Tang" (name of a village in Kaiping, Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, China). "A keepsake for maternal grandmother. From maternal grandson Hipman Chow" (Jimmy Chow)
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his father and unidentified man

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19183
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1952]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow holding his father Robin Chung Dip Chow's hand and an unidentified young man is standing behind him. The group is standing together on a sidewalk in Asquith Saskatchewan. Two signs reading "7Up" and "GOVERNMENT" are visible on the left and overhead, a pickup truck an…
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 ; 9 x 6.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow holding his father Robin Chung Dip Chow's hand and an unidentified young man is standing behind him. The group is standing together on a sidewalk in Asquith Saskatchewan. Two signs reading "7Up" and "GOVERNMENT" are visible on the left and overhead, a pickup truck and buildings are visible behind them.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Robin Chung Dip
Accession Code
BV022.21.29
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1952]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Photographer
Hillyard, Leonard A.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "...ED BY / ...HILLYARD / SASKATOON"
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his mother and sister

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19184
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[25 May 1950]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 6.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing between his mother, Gim Gee Chow and his older sister Shao Lin Chow on the steps of a building in Hong Kong.
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 ; 8.5 x 6.5 cm
Material Details
bottom left corner of photograph has dark paper and photo corner adhered to surface
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing between his mother, Gim Gee Chow and his older sister Shao Lin Chow on the steps of a building in Hong Kong.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Gim Gee Dang
Chow, Shao-Lin
Accession Code
BV022.21.30
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[25 May 1950]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Handwritten notes in black ink are written in Traditional Chinese on verso of photograph. Notes translated to English and transliterated into Mandarin pinyin read: "Mother, this photo was taken on May(?) 25th at the time of departure. It was photographed at the Pennisula (hotel?)" (the words are written by Jane (Zhen).
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with his mother Gim Gee Chow

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19182
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1952]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Jimmy Chow with his mother Gim Gee Chow (nee Dang) standing togetheroutside in front of car in Churchill, Manitioba. There is snow on the ground.
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 ; 11.5 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Jimmy Chow with his mother Gim Gee Chow (nee Dang) standing togetheroutside in front of car in Churchill, Manitioba. There is snow on the ground.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Gim Gee Dang
Accession Code
BV022.21.28
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1952]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with juke box

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19186
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1953]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing in front of a juke box inside a restaurant in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Stacks of wooden crates to hold glass bottles of pop are standig against the walls next to the juke box.
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 ; 8 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing in front of a juke box inside a restaurant in Asquith, Saskatchewan. Stacks of wooden crates to hold glass bottles of pop are standig against the walls next to the juke box.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.32
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1953]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with mother and aunt

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19189
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1954]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 6.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing with his mother, Gim Gee Chow and his aunt in a residential area of Vancouver. The three are standing in front of a tree with view of street and house behind.
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 ; 6.5 x 6.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing with his mother, Gim Gee Chow and his aunt in a residential area of Vancouver. The three are standing in front of a tree with view of street and house behind.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Chow, Gim Gee Dang
Accession Code
BV022.21.35
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1954]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with young friend

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19188
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1951]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing together with a young unidentified friend in front of a car.
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 ; 12 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of young Jimmy Chow standing together with a young unidentified friend in front of a car.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.34
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1951]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

Hipman "Jimmy" Chow with young friend

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19195
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1950]
Collection/Fonds
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 13.5 x 8.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph proof of young Jimmy Chow (right) seated together with a young friend named Guo Dong [sic], son of Yin. Photograph is taken in an unidentifed photograph studio and is appears to be handcoloured.
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 : col. ; 13.5 x 8.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph proof of young Jimmy Chow (right) seated together with a young friend named Guo Dong [sic], son of Yin. Photograph is taken in an unidentifed photograph studio and is appears to be handcoloured.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Persons - Children
Names
Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
Accession Code
BV022.21.41
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1950]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-03
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Handwritten notes in blue ink are written in Traditional Chinese on lower recto of photograph. Notes translated to English and transliterated into Mandarin pinyin read: "" (right) "Little Min" (The word comes from Jimmy's Chinese name Hip'man'). (left) "Guo Dong(?), the son of Yin" (translates to Silver, the name of a woman).
Hipman "Jimmy" Chow's name in Cantonese is Chow Hipman and in Mandarin is Zhou Xiamin.
Images
Less detail

100 records – page 1 of 5.