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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 Surjeet Kaur Parmar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19350
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 32 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 32 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar conducted by interviewer Anushay Malik. The interview is conducted in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. During the interview Surjeet Kaur Parmar provides information on; her ancestral background, family relations in India and…
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) (75 min., 32 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 32 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Anushay Malik Interviewee: Surjeet Kaur Parmar Language of Interview: Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi Location of Interview: home of Surjeet Kaur Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: December 6, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of tracks: (1:15:32) Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar conducted by interviewer Anushay Malik. The interview is conducted in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. During the interview Surjeet Kaur Parmar provides information on; her ancestral background, family relations in India and Canada, her personal experiences and her ancestors’ stories as South Asian immigrants, reflections on and personal experiences of racial discrimination as a South Asian immigrant, her places of residence, her employment background, her cultural practices and traditions including food, clothing and craft. The interview begins with introductions from interviewer Anushay Mailik. Surjeet Kaur Parmar imparts her own family’s migration story beginning with her very first elders that immigrated to Canada from India. A relative (unnamed) immigrated to Canada first and a few years later (around 1905) returned to India and brought back three cousins that included; Ginaya Singh (Ghania Singh Manhas) and Doman Singh . Mayo Singh (Ghania Singh’s younger brother) came in 1906 on his own to join them. Surjeet’s grandfather (Shair/Sher Singh Manhas) also wanted to immigrate at this time, but he was too young and weak to manage such a long trip. Surjeet conveys that while living in British Columbia, Mayo and Ginaya Singh worked together at saw mills. With their knowledge and understanding of mill work they ended up owning and operating a mill in Paldi near Duncan on Vancouver Island. At this time, most of the men from Surjeet’s family region in Punjab were abroad and with no men living at home. Mayo Singh’s father (Bhulla Singh) looked after her father (Lashman Singh Manhas) and paternal uncle (Kashmir Singh Manhas) back in Punjab. When Mayo’s father died, Mayo Singh adopted her paternal uncle (Kashmir Singh) and brought him to Canada in 1926. Surjeet describes her ancestors’ immigration journey from India to Canada. They all travelled by ship and if someone ran out of money en route, they could work on the ship. Surjeet explains that both Mayo and Ginaya Singh are Surjeet’s grandfather’s first cousins and her father’s second cousins. Surjeet recollects her grandfather (Shair/Sher Singh Manhas) saying “now that you’ve arrived there, take one cousin from each side with you”. Surjeet explains that the cousins were all from the same village in Punjab and her great grandfather wanted someone to go abroad, so he sent a few and had them bring more as the years went on. Surjeet says that she’s uncertain as to why they chose Canada rather than America but thinks that they did some form of research and determined that it was a good place to come to. Surjeet admits that she doesn’t know the name of her paternal grandfather or other elders since she never met them. Surjeet shares that it was a traditional practice to mark pots and pans with family names and imparts that she discovered her father’s name “Lashman Singh” written on the bottom of a glass. Surjeet expresses that she’s marked her own pots and pans with her name to identify which ones are hers when she gets together with family or does catering. Surjeet refers to a kohl bottle that she has and how she’d like to offer it to the museum. She explains how the kohl bottle is no longer in use but was used by her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas) and daughter and her grandchildren. Surjeet describes a blanket that she made called a “phulkari”, now on display in a small museum in Coquitlam, a wedding shawl, that her daughter now owns and a silk sari with embroidery. Surjeet and Anushay discuss the possibility of donating the kohl bottle and the sari to the museum. Surjeet explains how the kohl is used and how her mother used to make kohl. She describes how you rub the kohl with your hands, put cardamom in it, one or two other ingredients and fill the kohl bottle up with water. Surjeet says that she used kohl as eyeliner when living in India. The interviewer asks Surjeet more about Ginaya Singh. Surjeet conveys that Ginaya Singh ended up leaving the mill on Vancouver Island and moved to Vancouver. After Ginaya Singh died from a heart attack (in 1953) his family moved from Vancouver to Burnaby. Surjeet recalls that following the death of Ginaya Singh’s youngest son, her family didn’t celebrate “Lohri” (a winter festival celebrating newborns and newly married people) for three years. She shares that she was very young at this time but remembers there being beautiful photographs of young children all dressed up and displayed in her family home. She expresses that dressing up for photos has changed over time and adds that suits didn’t really come into fashion until after the 1970s or 1980s. Surjeet conveys that her uncle named Kashmira Singh first worked at the mill in Paldi near Duncan then moved to Vancouver and opened up his own mill in North Vancouver. Surjeet’s father, Lashman Singh Manhas arrived in 1953. Surjeet expresses that Kapoor Singh was educated and worked as a manager at the mill on Vancouver Island. Surjeet recollects meeting Mayo Singh, his wife and eldest son in 1952 when they travelled to India for a cousin’s wedding. Surjeet remembers that Mayo Singh’s family had a very large house in India. She describes the house as a very opulent two story house with indoor plumbing for a bathtub, a kitchen with a woodstove, coloured mirrors, bejeweled curtains, a motor room to park cars, a buffalo and more. Surjeet refers to Nand Singh, a younger brother of Mayo Singh, who travelled from India to San Franciso and spent a year wandering around before deciding to return to India. She describes him as living in Bombay with his wife Vishan Kaur and having a transport business. Nand had two kids that came to Canada. Surjeet recollects the tragic death of Ganda Singh (Ginaya Singh) who died of a heart attack on someone’s doorstep, they thought that he was drunk so didn’t open the door. Surjeet conveys that Mayo Singh’s wife, Mission Kaur (Saradani Bishan Kaur) died while visiting India (in 1952) and that some of Mayo’s sons were married in Canada and one in India. Surjeet expresses that it was hard for Mayo’s sons to have one of their parents die in India and one die in Canada (Mayo Singh died in B.C. in 1955). Surjeet describes the hospital that Mayo built in the village of Paldi. She mentions that there were festivals and functions that took place there, there were many nurses and doctors. She recalls there being a school where their land was. She recalls that if they got headaches they were treated with medicine and that it didn’t cost much, only a six pence. Surjeet talks about her arranged marriage to Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar. Surjeet explains that her father and brother immigrated to British Columbia first (1953) and after a few months they brought Surjeet and her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas). She recollects that when she was in Grade 10 and around 17 years of age, her family made plans to travel to India to attend a family wedding. During this time, her father suggested that it would be a good opportunity to take Surjeet with them to find her a husband in India to marry. After meeting and marrying Nadeem Parmar in India, Surjeet and Nadeem moved to England. Surjeet recollects that in order to immigrate to Canada, each family member had to pass a medical exam and how difficult it was. Her two sisters, mother and brother all had to take the test in Delhi. Surjeet recalls living in England with Nadeem. While living in England, Nadeem worked during the day and studied engineering at college in the evening. Surjeet expresses that she liked living in England and was sad to leave. While living there, they enjoyed a close knit Punjabi community and they all lived in the same area. Surjeet states later in her interview that living in Canada was different from living in England. In England, family and friends lived closer together whereas in Canada places were further apart. Surjeet says that while living in England she could walk to do her shopping. While living in England, after her children were a bit older, she worked as a seamstress in a shirt factory for a few years before coming to Canada. Surjeet imparts that her father (Lashman Singh Manhas) died of a heart attack in 1970 and her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas) died in 1998. Her father and her family first lived in North Vancouver and then her parents bought a house on Eton Street in Burnaby, near the Ocean. After her father died, her brother and mother bought a house and moved to the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in Burnaby. In 1973, Surjeet, Nadeem and their two children immigrated to Canada and moved in with her brother and mother. Surjeet includes that her paternal aunt (Koshali Kaur Manhas) and cousins also moved to Burnaby and that her aunt and some of her cousins were sponsored by her son who came earlier. Surjeet recalls that after arriving in Canada she got work sewing in a factory located on Water Street in Gastown. Surjeet recollects travelling to her job by bus. Surjeet shares that she brought saris and quilted blankets “rijai”, not household items, in her suitcase when she came to Canada from England. Surjeet explains that the “rijai” (quilted blankets) were made from cotton from her home village in India. The blankets were made by women and then brought back to her to quilt on her sewing machine. Surjeet recalls that when she returned to Canada (in 1973 with her husband and children) they first lived with her mother and brother on Capitol Hill in Burnaby before moving to a house on Fell Avenue and then to their current home in 1982. In 1981, she worked at “Canadian Window Covering” factory making window coverings. The factory was located in the Brentwood area of Burnaby. Surjeet recalls how the factory became unionized and of how she left the factory and found union work at the Labatt’s brewery (Winery and Distillery Workers Local 300). Surjeet describes the work that she did while working at Labatt’s brewery which was located next to the Royal Columbian Hospital in Burnaby. Around 1995, when the Labatt’s factory closed down in Burnaby, she got union work as a bottle sorter for BDL Brewers Distributor Limited, where bottles were gathered for distribution at Braid Station. Surjeet left this job in 2000. Surjeet talks about traditional foods like bindi, sabji, aam and karela and where she’s shopped to find traditional ingredients for South Asian cuisine. She recollects how at first she could only find traditional ingredients at stores in Gastown, Chinatown and on Main Street in Vancouver but now they are more readily available at major grocery stores. Surjeet expresses that traditional spices and dry goods have been hard to find, apart from stores like, Famous Foods and Patels when it was located on Commercial Drive. Surjeet talks about using ingredients such as green pea flour and Besan flour to make pakoras and kahdri. Surjeet states that many immigrants didn’t wear their traditional clothing until she came later. She expresses that many South Asian immigrants didn’t wear their clothes “because there were no rights, we had to try to become like them”. Surjeet conveys that even though some were able to purchase property (she provides an example of family members in Duncan who faced discrimination by the owner/seller of a piece of property they were purchasing) that they had very little rights and they were all living in fear. She expresses that she herself didn’t experience this but in the beginning when people settled here (in B.C.) that it was very difficult. Surjeet says that when she goes to the Gurdwara and to work, she wears a sari and conveys that while working at the factory, she was encouraged to wear a sari, it was accepted then. She brought printed saris to work and her co workers said that they’d wear them to parties. Surjeet reflects on her own experiences of racism and discrimination and expresses that her generation “has learned how to stand up in front, then they got scared of saying anything”. “The people who came here first were afraid because they were alone, they had to settle down here and make a home from scratch, but the ones who came after had everything already built and made”. She explains how they helped one another when they came (to British Columbia). She describes how the Gurdwara was located on 2nd Street and all of the ships went there (new immigrants?), people would gather, get water, help one another and there would be a place for all people. Surjeet shares a personal experience of helping members of her husband’s family to immigrate to Canada. She tells of the complications of some being left behind in India and that some came to Canada as refugees that she and her husband sponsored. Surjeet expresses their struggles with raising a family, working and trying to pay for their own house while also trying to assist and support family members. Surjeet describes in detail how her husband Nadeem went back to India after his mother died to help his father, sister and her family immigrate. She explains that the immigration process took about four years and his father had to apply as a refugee. Nadeem’s sister came with her children but had to return to India so Surjeet and her family had to look after Nadeem’s sister’s child/children. Surjeet expresses that during this time she continued to work at Canadian Window Coverings, working an afternoon shift and sometimes taking her son with her. She expresses that this as a very hectic time, working the whole day, making food for everyone, grocery shopping, looking after a her sister in law’s younger child at night and getting no rest. Surjeet describes the time when she was working and her children were attending the local school. She expresses the challenges of working long days and often arriving home after her children. She recollects a time when there was a snow storm and how she was worried about her children making it home and being alone while she was at work, there were no cell phones in those days but they had phone numbers of her brother and sister. Surjeet tells of how they tried to help the rest of the Nadeem’s family immigrate including his brother who was a soccer player in India. They were able to buy a house for the whole family to live but expresses after several months Nadeem’s brother decided to stay in India. Surjeet expresses the complications and frustrations of trying to bring all family members to Canada.
History
Interviewee biography: Surjeet Kaur Parmar was born in Punjab, India in 1942 to parents Lashman Singh Manhas (1913-1970) and Budhan Kaur Manhas (1906-1998). Surjeet’s ancestors, Ghania Singh Manhas, Doman Singh and Mayo Singh immigrated to British Columbia in 1905 and 1906. The group got work in saw mills and soon began owning and operating their own saw mills, first in Chilliwack and Rosedale districts and later in 1920 on Vancouver Island near Duncan (Paldi) (known as the Mayo Lumber Company). In 1927, Surjeet’s paternal uncle, Kashmir Singh Manhas left Paldi, Punjab at the age of 18 years with Mayo Singh Manhas and after months of travel they arrived at Paldi on Vancouver Island. In 1953, Surjeet’s father, Lashman Singh Manhas and her two brothers immigrated to Canada and soon after brought her and her mother, Budhan Kaur Manhas. After immigrating, her father began working at “Kashmir Lumber Company” in North Vancouver which was owned by his brother Kashmira Singh Manhas. Surjeet, her parents and two brothers first made their home in North Vancouver and the 1960s they moved to 3824 Eton Street in Burnaby. In 1959, Surjeet and her family returned to India for her brother’s wedding. During this time a marriage was arranged for Surjeet to marry Nadeem Parmar and they were married in 1960. Following their marriage, Surjeet and Nadeem moved to England where they began raising their two children. While living in England, Surjeet worked as seamstress at a factory. In 1973, following the death of Surjeet’s father who died in 1970, Surjeet and Nadeem decided to immigrate to British Columbia. For the first few years, Surjeet, Nadeem and their two children lived with her mother and brother in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Burnaby before purchasing their own home on Fell Avenue. While living in Burnaby Surjeet has worked as a seamstress for Canadian Window Covering, Labatt's Brewery and BDL Brewers Distributor Limited which she left in 2000. In 1982, Surjeet and her family moved into a new home that they had built on Woodsworth Street where they still live today. 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
Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills
Clothing
Crafts
Employment
Migration
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Occupations - Labourers
Occupations - Millworkers
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Names
Parmar, Surjeet Kaur
Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
Manhas, Ghania Singh
Singh, Mayo
Manhas, Kashmir Singh
Manhas, Sher Singh
Manhas, Budhan Kaur
Manhas, Lashman Singh
Accession Code
BV022.29.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also BV022.29.1 - interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription of interview translated to English from Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to English created by Rajdeep
Transciption available on Heritage Burnaby
Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar, [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar, [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0005_003.mp3
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Welcome back to Bonsor

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15387
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
September 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (2 min., 31 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
City of Burnaby film welcoming the public back to Bonsor Recreation Complex after it was closed following public health restrictions in the spring of 2020. The film provides information to the public regarding the new procedures and protocols that were put in place and how they will be operating at…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (2 min., 31 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
City of Burnaby film welcoming the public back to Bonsor Recreation Complex after it was closed following public health restrictions in the spring of 2020. The film provides information to the public regarding the new procedures and protocols that were put in place and how they will be operating at a reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing and enhanced cleaning.
History
Video taken by the City of Burnaby Marketing Department in 2020. The original intent of the clip was to produce communications about the pandemic and changes throughout the City that residents needed to be aware of.
Creator
City of Burnaby
Subjects
Buildings - Recreational
Buildings - Recreational - Sports
Buildings - Recreational - Swimming Pools
Buildings - Civic - Community Centres
Public Services - Municipal Services
Pandemics - COVID-19
Names
Bonsor Recreation Complex
City of Burnaby
Geographic Access
Bonsor Avenue
Street Address
6550 Bonsor Avenue
Accession Code
BV021.2.4
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
September 2020
Media Type
Moving Images
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Notes
Title based on contents of film
Images
Video

Welcome back to Bonsor, September 2020

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7530 Buller Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98686
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a two-storey house located at 7530 Buller Avenue. The photograph depicts the house at dusk; the house stands behind a wooden fence and is surrounded by trees. The house was constructed in 1924 and was formerly known as "Ryverbrae," the William & Esther Burdick Residenc…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-033
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a two-storey house located at 7530 Buller Avenue. The photograph depicts the house at dusk; the house stands behind a wooden fence and is surrounded by trees. The house was constructed in 1924 and was formerly known as "Ryverbrae," the William & Esther Burdick Residence.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Buildings - Heritage
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/06/30/william-esther-burdick-residence/
Geographic Access
Buller Avenue
Street Address
7530 Buller Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
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Oh! Zhhu Sam

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98681
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the 7500 block of Edmonds Street at dusk. The photograph is taken from across Edmonds Street and depicts two commercial buildings: Oh! Zzhu Sam Korean Restaurant and the European Butcher Boy Delicatessen & Grocery. Oh! Zzhu Sam, located at 7506 Edmonds Street, was constructed in 1976.…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-028
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the 7500 block of Edmonds Street at dusk. The photograph is taken from across Edmonds Street and depicts two commercial buildings: Oh! Zzhu Sam Korean Restaurant and the European Butcher Boy Delicatessen & Grocery. Oh! Zzhu Sam, located at 7506 Edmonds Street, was constructed in 1976. Residential houses border the restaurant and grocery store, and a bus shelter, municipal garbage can, and the restaurant's illuminated neon sign stand in front of the buildings.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/07/29/oh-zzhu-sam/
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7506 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
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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
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Trafalgar Market

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98665
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the intersection of Imperial Street and Sussex Avenue at night and in the rain. The photograph shows the Trafalgar Market grocery store (located at 4398 Imperial Street; the building was constructed in 1940) on the corner, with a large display of flowers for sale under the awning in f…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-012
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the intersection of Imperial Street and Sussex Avenue at night and in the rain. The photograph shows the Trafalgar Market grocery store (located at 4398 Imperial Street; the building was constructed in 1940) on the corner, with a large display of flowers for sale under the awning in front of the store. The street and traffic lights are reflected in the puddles on the road, and cars and other businesses are visible along Imperial Street.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Geographic Features - Roads
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/02/20/imperial-manor-2/
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Sussex Avenue
Street Address
4398 Imperial Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sussex-Nelson Area
Images
Less detail

3955 Moscrop Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98654
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2021
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a house located at 3955 Moscrop Street. The house was constructed in 1954. The photograph depicts the house at night, with the house's porch light on, and a car is in the driveway in front of the house.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2021
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a house located at 3955 Moscrop Street. The house was constructed in 1954. The photograph depicts the house at night, with the house's porch light on, and a car is in the driveway in front of the house.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Buildings - Residential
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/02/24/moscrop-house/
Geographic Access
Moscrop Street
Street Address
3955 Moscrop Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Images
Less detail

5130 Irving Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98671
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the front steps and the entrance of a three-storey apartment building located at 5130 Irving Street. The photograph depicts the building at night, with the lobby and some of the apartments' windows illuminated from inside. The building was constructed in 1971.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-018
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the front steps and the entrance of a three-storey apartment building located at 5130 Irving Street. The photograph depicts the building at night, with the lobby and some of the apartments' windows illuminated from inside. The building was constructed in 1971.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/05/04/e-just-e/
Geographic Access
Irving Street
Street Address
5130 Irving Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

5130 Irving Street lobby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98672
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance of an apartment building located at 5130 Irving Street. The building was constructed in 1971. The photograph depicts the entrance and the lobby from the exterior at night. The lobby is illuminated and a crest featuring an "E" is on the entrance window.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-019
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance of an apartment building located at 5130 Irving Street. The building was constructed in 1971. The photograph depicts the entrance and the lobby from the exterior at night. The lobby is illuminated and a crest featuring an "E" is on the entrance window.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/05/04/e-just-e/
Geographic Access
Irving Street
Street Address
5130 Irving Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

5990 Irmin Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98685
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of a multi-storey house located at 5990 Irmin Street. The photograph depicts of the exterior of the house at dusk; a light is on in one of the house's rooms and a vehicle is parked in the house's driveway next to a portable garage. A "For Sale" sign on the edge of the property reads: "Fu…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-032
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of a multi-storey house located at 5990 Irmin Street. The photograph depicts of the exterior of the house at dusk; a light is on in one of the house's rooms and a vehicle is parked in the house's driveway next to a portable garage. A "For Sale" sign on the edge of the property reads: "Future Development Land." Another house is visible in the background. The house was constructed in 1923 and is nearby to 7530 Buller Avenue.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Transportation - Automobiles
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/06/30/william-esther-burdick-residence/
Geographic Access
Irmin Street
Street Address
5990 Irmin Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
Less detail

6280 Marlborough Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98673
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the front steps and entry to a three-storey apartment building, located at 6280 Marlborough Avenue. The photograph depicts the building at night and shows the brick building's details, including its lion statues and busts along the stair railings and the curved arches in front of the …
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-020
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the front steps and entry to a three-storey apartment building, located at 6280 Marlborough Avenue. The photograph depicts the building at night and shows the brick building's details, including its lion statues and busts along the stair railings and the curved arches in front of the front windows and door. The building was constructed in 1973.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/05/12/marlborough-ave/
Geographic Access
Marlborough Avenue
Street Address
6280 Marlborough Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

6410 Denbigh Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98667
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a single-storey house located at 6410 Denbigh Avenue, taken from across the street at dusk. The house was constructed in 1949. Lights illuminate the front porch and the interior of one of the house's windows and there is a small amount of snow on the lawn in front of t…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-014
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a single-storey house located at 6410 Denbigh Avenue, taken from across the street at dusk. The house was constructed in 1949. Lights illuminate the front porch and the interior of one of the house's windows and there is a small amount of snow on the lawn in front of the house.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/05/15/denbigh-ave/
Geographic Access
Denbigh Avenue
Street Address
6410 Denbigh Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Windsor Area
Images
Less detail

6508 Silver Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98678
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the corner and side of the exterior of a concrete low-rise apartment building located at 6508 Silver Avenue. The photograph depicts the building at dusk. Some of the apartment windows are lit up from inside, and plant pots are lined up along the third-floor balcony. A chain link fence…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-025
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the corner and side of the exterior of a concrete low-rise apartment building located at 6508 Silver Avenue. The photograph depicts the building at dusk. Some of the apartment windows are lit up from inside, and plant pots are lined up along the third-floor balcony. A chain link fence surrounds the backyard. The building was constructed in 1966.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/06/30/brutalist/
Geographic Access
Silver Avenue
Street Address
6508 Silver Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

6615 Telford Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98674
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance, including the front steps and ramp, to a low-rise apartment building located at 6615 Telford Avenue. The building was constructed in 1964. The photograph depicts the building at night, and trees and bushes partially obscure the entrance. The building's lobby is illuminat…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-021
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance, including the front steps and ramp, to a low-rise apartment building located at 6615 Telford Avenue. The building was constructed in 1964. The photograph depicts the building at night, and trees and bushes partially obscure the entrance. The building's lobby is illuminated and the apartments' mailboxes are visible through the window.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/06/09/martello-group/
Geographic Access
Telford Avenue
Street Address
6615 Telford Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

6692 Dow Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98662
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a two-storey apartment building located at 6692 Dow Avenue. The photograph depicts the building from across the street at night; the lobby and some of the apartment windows are lit up, with a bunch of balloons in one window, and a car is parked on the street in front o…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-009
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of a two-storey apartment building located at 6692 Dow Avenue. The photograph depicts the building from across the street at night; the lobby and some of the apartment windows are lit up, with a bunch of balloons in one window, and a car is parked on the street in front of the building. The building was constructed in 1959.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Buildings - Residential
Transportation - Automobiles
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/03/01/dow-ave/
Geographic Access
Dow Avenue
Street Address
6692 Dow Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

6700 Dow Avenue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98663
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance to an apartment building located at 6700 Dow Avenue. The photograph depicts the building at night; the lobby and stairs are illuminated by exterior and interior lights. The building was constructed in 1968.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-010
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance to an apartment building located at 6700 Dow Avenue. The photograph depicts the building at night; the lobby and stairs are illuminated by exterior and interior lights. The building was constructed in 1968.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Buildings - Residential
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/03/29/no-pes/
Geographic Access
Dow Avenue
Street Address
6700 Dow Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Canadian Food Market

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98666
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of the Canadian Food Market, taken from across Imperial Street at night. The grocery store is located at 4378 Imperial Street and the building was constructed in 1962. A large display of plants and flowers stands in front of the store and is illuminated by bright lights.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-013
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of the Canadian Food Market, taken from across Imperial Street at night. The grocery store is located at 4378 Imperial Street and the building was constructed in 1962. A large display of plants and flowers stands in front of the store and is illuminated by bright lights.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/02/20/imperial-manor-2/
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Street Address
4378 Imperial Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sussex-Nelson Area
Images
Less detail

Charmwood Apartments

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98661
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance to Charmwood Apartments, a low-rise apartment building located at 6558 Sussex Avenue. The building was constructed in 1964. The photograph depicts the building at night; building's stairwell and lobby are visible from the lights shining through the windows.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-008
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance to Charmwood Apartments, a low-rise apartment building located at 6558 Sussex Avenue. The building was constructed in 1964. The photograph depicts the building at night; building's stairwell and lobby are visible from the lights shining through the windows.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Buildings - Residential
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/03/12/charmwood-apts/
Geographic Access
Sussex Avenue
Street Address
6558 Sussex Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Evergreen Apartments

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98664
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance of Evergreen Apartments, an apartment building located at 6707 Dow Avenue. The building was constructed in 1958. The photograph depicts the building at night. The lobby is illuminated from the inside and a number of signs and decals are stuck to the building's glass door,…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
2022
Collection/Fonds
Disappearing Burnaby collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
634-011
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2022-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of the entrance of Evergreen Apartments, an apartment building located at 6707 Dow Avenue. The building was constructed in 1958. The photograph depicts the building at night. The lobby is illuminated from the inside and a number of signs and decals are stuck to the building's glass door, including an email address.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential
Buildings - Residential - Apartments
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Cheung, Nakita
Notes
Title taken from the associated blog post
Associated blog post: https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com/2022/04/18/evergreen-apt/
Geographic Access
Dow Avenue
Street Address
6707 Dow Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

96 records – page 1 of 5.