Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.

History: Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Agriculture - Farms; Education; Buildings - Schools; First Nations reserves - British Columbia

Names: Chow, Josephine; Glenwood Elementary School; McPherson Park Junior Secondary School; ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Related Material: See also BV017.36*

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 12/3/2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3

Elgin Avenue farmhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35034

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1920 and 1925] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of the exterior of an Elgin Avenue farmhouse and surrounding property. The farmhouse is at the left side of the photograph, and a chicken barn is at the right side. This may be 6389 Elgin Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1920 and 1925] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Chamberlain family subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 179-005

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-27

Scope and Content: Photograph of the exterior of an Elgin Avenue farmhouse and surrounding property. The farmhouse is at the left side of the photograph, and a chicken barn is at the right side. This may be 6389 Elgin Avenue.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Agricultural - Barns; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Elgin Avenue

Street Address: 6389 Elgin Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Windsor Area

Images

Elgin Avenue farmhouse, [between 1920 and 1925] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Fernhurst Game Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35394

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of Canada geese and goslings at the Fernhurst Game Farm. Fernhurst was operated by Charles R. Gillmore who later introduced Canada geese into New Zealand. This later became the site of Maywood Elementary School at 4567 Imperial Street.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-251

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Canada geese and goslings at the Fernhurst Game Farm. Fernhurst was operated by Charles R. Gillmore who later introduced Canada geese into New Zealand. This later became the site of Maywood Elementary School at 4567 Imperial Street.

Subjects: Animals - Poultry; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Fernhurst Game Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Imperial Street

Street Address: 4567 Imperial Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Fernhurst Game Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35396

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large pond for ducks and geese at Fernhurst Game Farm, operated by Charles R. Gillmore near Imperial Street and Dow Avenue. This later became the site of Maywood Elementary School at 4567 Imperial Street.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-253

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large pond for ducks and geese at Fernhurst Game Farm, operated by Charles R. Gillmore near Imperial Street and Dow Avenue. This later became the site of Maywood Elementary School at 4567 Imperial Street.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds; Animals - Poultry; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Fernhurst Game Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Imperial Street

Street Address: 4567 Imperial Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Phillips Dairy Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35657

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

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

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of dairy cows on the Phillips farm leased by the family. The farm covered 500 acres at the foot of Byrne Road near Mandeville in the Big Bend area of South Burnaby.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

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

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-515

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of dairy cows on the Phillips farm leased by the family. The farm covered 500 acres at the foot of Byrne Road near Mandeville in the Big Bend area of South Burnaby.

Subjects: Animals - Cows; Agriculture - Farms

Names: J.E. Phillips Victory Dairy

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Pioneer Tales describes the amount of land leased as 100 acres

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Street Address: 5670 Byrne Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Images

Phillips Dairy Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35661

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

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

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of Phillips dairy farm at 515 Byrne Road (later renumbered 5670 Byrne Road). The dairy and barn are shown with Norman Phillips (son of John and Lily Phillips).

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

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

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-519

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Phillips dairy farm at 515 Byrne Road (later renumbered 5670 Byrne Road). The dairy and barn are shown with Norman Phillips (son of John and Lily Phillips).

Subjects: Buildings - Industrial - Dairies; Agriculture - Farms

Names: J.E. Phillips Victory Dairy; Phillips, Norman

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Byrne Road

Street Address: 5670 Byrne Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Images

Brown Family and Home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35673

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Brown family feeding chickens. From left: Alex Brown (brother, later to become MD), Janet Brown (sister), and Janet Mackintosh Macfarlane Maclean (grandmother). This photograph was taken in back of the Brown family home, 3846 Triumph, Vancouver Heights. The house was owned by t…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-531

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Brown family feeding chickens. From left: Alex Brown (brother, later to become MD), Janet Brown (sister), and Janet Mackintosh Macfarlane Maclean (grandmother). This photograph was taken in back of the Brown family home, 3846 Triumph, Vancouver Heights. The house was owned by the grandmother.

Subjects: Animals - Poultry; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Brown, Alex; Maclean, Janet Mackintosh Macfarlane; McLeod, Janet Brown

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Triumph Street

Street Address: 3846 Triumph Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Images

Brown Family and Home, 1920 (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Cram family fruit stand

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35703

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Cram roadside fruit stand on Kingsway with Mary Cram in front. The Cram family sold fruit, produce, honey, and cottage cheese from their farm at Kingsway and what is now 6515 Denbigh Avenue. The stand was located directly in front of the Cram-Tidball family home.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-561

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Cram roadside fruit stand on Kingsway with Mary Cram in front. The Cram family sold fruit, produce, honey, and cottage cheese from their farm at Kingsway and what is now 6515 Denbigh Avenue. The stand was located directly in front of the Cram-Tidball family home.

Subjects: Agriculture - Fruit and Berries; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Vogt, Mary Cram

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Denbigh Avenue

Street Address: 6515 Denbigh Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Windsor Area

Images

Cram family fruit stand, 1920 (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Price Strawberry farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35946

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.6 x 12.7 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Price Strawberry farm at 5220 Royal Oak Avenue. Oakalla Prison Farm can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1920 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.6 x 12.7 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-806

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Price Strawberry farm at 5220 Royal Oak Avenue. Oakalla Prison Farm can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

Price Strawberry farm, 1920 (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Ernest and Frank Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36072

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1920 and 1925]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 6 x 11 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ernest Street and his son Frank feeding the animals at the family farm on Cumberland Street.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1920 and 1925]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Helen Street subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : col. ; 6 x 11 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 217-004

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1989-6

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ernest Street and his son Frank feeding the animals at the family farm on Cumberland Street.

Subjects: Animals - Cows; Animals - Poultry; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Street, Ernest; Street, Frank

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 col. copy negative accompanying

Geographic Access: Cumberland Street

Historic Neighbourhood: East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Cariboo-Armstrong Area

Images

Ernest and Frank Street, [between 1920 and 1925] thumbnail

Keel farm house

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36488

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the A.J. Keel farm house and orchard, at 5387 Rumble Street. A.J. Keel bought this property, which went from Rumble to Walting, in 1920.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Keel family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 279-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1992-09

Scope and Content: Photograph of the A.J. Keel farm house and orchard, at 5387 Rumble Street. A.J. Keel bought this property, which went from Rumble to Walting, in 1920.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Rumble Street

Street Address: 5387 Rumble Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Clinton-Glenwood Area

Images

McKenzie family home and farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37042

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-?] (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.7 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the McKenzie family home and farm on Laurier Street (now Halligan Street).

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-?] (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.7 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 315-505

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1994-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the McKenzie family home and farm on Laurier Street (now Halligan Street).

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Houses; Agriculture - Farms

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Halligan Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

McKenzie family home and farm, [192-?] (date of original), copied 1992 thumbnail

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12338

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some …

1 image 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Julie Lee Location of Interview: Home of Julie and Cecil Lee Interview Date: February 6, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:53:46

Scope and Content: Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some information about her father Puy Yuen Chan. 0:00- 01:47 Julie Lee provides background information on her families’ connection to Burnaby and conveys how her maternal grandparents farmed a five acre lot at Still Creek and Douglas Road. Her grandparents grew vegetable produce and operated a piggery at this location. Her mother, Suey Ying Jung (Laura) was the middle child between two older sisters, Maida and Annie and her two younger brothers Gordon and Harry. They were all born at home and educated at Edmonds Elementary School. 01:48- 11:47 Julie provides some background information about her mother, the friendships she made growing up, when she got married and places that she lived. She tells of her mother marrying in 1942 at age 30 years, moving to Fraser Mills and then onto Maillardville in 1958. There was easy access to the Interurban tram so her mother was able to have a social life with others in Vancouver’s Chinatown. She says that many of the only existing photographs of the family living on the farm at Still Creek and Douglas Road can be attributed to her mother’s friend Lil Mau [sic] who owned a camera. The farm was sold around 1949 when her grandparents moved to East Vancouver. While operating the farm, her grandparents only hired Chinese workers who spoke the same language and ate the same foods as them. Despite this, her grandparents made friends with the Collin’s family who assisted them in adjusting to the Canadian way of life. Julie tells that her mother’s sister Maida and brother in law lived with them at Fraser Mills. Her mother’s sister Maida had nine children so Julie’s mother helped her in raising them. 11:48 – 16:53 - Julie talks about racial prejudice towards the Chinese in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She says that for the most part, her mother’s family had a very insular life on the farm and mainly socialized only within the Chinese community. Julie tells of how she recently became aware of a memoir “The Way it Was”, written by Burnaby resident, Fannie Waplington. The memoir is held as part of the Burnaby Village Museum collection. In the memoir, Fannie Waplington tells of how she was forbidden from visiting Julie’s mother on their farm due to her ethnic background. Julie conveys that it seems like it was a missed friendship for both her mother and Fannie. 16:54 – 22:30 Julie describes what school life was like for her mother and what she may have done outside of school. Her mother attended Edmonds School in the 1920s up to Grade 7 or Grade 8. Julie explains that Asian girls were never offered the opportunity to pursue higher education while her mother’s brothers continued with their education attending Vancouver Technical School. Her mother continued to work on the farm until she was married cooking for workers and helping her mother. Outside of school, she may have helped with looking after nieces and nephews, played cards and mahjong. She says that her mother continued to play cards with her own children and was a skilled knitter into her 80s. 22:31 – 30: 53 Julie tells of what she knows about the Chinese workers on the farm and Fraser Mills and what they did on the weekends. She figures that many may have played card games to pass the time and at Fraser Mills gambling occurred. Fishing was a highlight for her father and she recalls him fishing sturgeon. Single workers may have gone into Vancouver on the weekends. Julie says that her parents had a hobby farm while living at Fraser Mills and that they grew enough garlic to sell in Chinatown. She thinks that before living at Fraser Mills, her mother must have went to Chinatown quite a bit, assisting with banking and enjoying a social life. Julie shares that her father, Puy Yuen Chan came to Canada from China at twelve years of age but working as a shingle packer, he never learned to speak English. She figures that her parents must have met at Fraser Mills while her mother was visiting her sister Maida. 30:54 – 37:33 Julie describes her mother as the cook, caregiver and the “one man show”. She says that her mother enjoyed cooking traditional Chinese recipes. Julie talks of her own cooking and gardening skills which she may have inherited from her parents including her large patch of garlic. 37:34- 40:23- Julie is asked as to whether her mother attended Chinese school and says that she had some Chinese schooling. She could read and write a little but didn’t attend a formal school as far as she knows. Julie shares some background information on her own husband Cecil, who grew up in East Vancouver. She shares that Cecil’s family went back to China from 1931 until 1939 when they returned to Queensborough. Cecil attended Chinese school in New Westminster. 40:24 – 42:19 Julie speaks briefly about what type of medical care her mother and her family had. She relates that all births took place at home and they accessed a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Hospitals were accessed in 1950s—1960s. The family did use Western doctors that were insured under the medical system. She recalls growing up and having to drink a particular herbal brew at least once a month to stay well. 42:20- 46:47 Julie describes how her parents stayed connected with their families in China. She says that her mother’s family didn’t stay in touch with relatives in China and that her uncles rejected anything to do with the past. On her father’s side they maintained a connection with cousins. She recalls that her father, Puy Yuen Chan supported some of his relatives back home in China and stayed in touch with some. Her mother, Laura travelled to China in 1991 and 1992 and connected with some relations on Julie’s father’s side. 46:48- 53:46 In this segment, Julie speaks of her mother’s character being very self-assured, independent and goal oriented. She feels that her mother valued being surrounded by her family and friends and felt very comfortable growing up in Burnaby and with the relationships that she had. She feels that her mother adapted to her roles being the last of four children on the farm and that she was very self-sufficient and determined.

History: Interviewee biography: Julie Lee (nee Chan) is the daughter of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan. Her mother's family owned and operated a vegetable and piggery farm on Douglas Road near Still Creek in the early 1900s. Their farm was located in front of the Douglas Road interurban tram station. Her mother had two older sisters named Maida and Annie and two younger brothers Harry and Gordon. Her mother was born in 1912 and left the farm for Fraser Mills when she was married in 1942. Julie grew up with her parents and siblings on the Fraser Mills site during the 1940s and 1950s. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Agriculture - Farms; Education; Buildings - Schools

Names: Lee, Julie Cho Chan; Chan, Puy Yuen; Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"; Wong, Suey Fong "Maida" Jung; Jung, Suey Cheung "Harry"; Jung, Suey Yook "Gordon"; Jung, Gee Shee; Jung, Chung Chong; Jong, Suey Kin "Annie" Jung

Responsibility: Fong, Denise

Geographic Access: Douglas Road

Accession Code: BV020.6.2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Related Material: See also BV018.16.1

Scan Resolution: 1000

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 96

Notes: Title based on contents of interview; Photograph info: Suey Ying (Laura) with produce baskets [between 1940 and 1942]. BV017.24.27

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0002_001.mp3

E.W. Nicholson at his farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38240

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of E.W. Nicholson, haying on his farm at Boundary Road and the Canadian National Railway tracks with his horse "Holly."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Margaret McCallum subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 375-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-42

Scope and Content: Photograph of E.W. Nicholson, haying on his farm at Boundary Road and the Canadian National Railway tracks with his horse "Holly."

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Occupations - Farmers; Agriculture - Crops; Transportation - Horses; Animals - Dogs; Transportation - Wagons

Names: Nicholson, E.W.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Boundary Road

Street Address: 2550 Boundary Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

E.W. Nicholson at his farm, [1921] thumbnail

Elsie Nicholson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38241

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Elsie Nicholson standing next to the horse named "Holly" at the Nicholson farm in the area of Boundary Road and the C.N.R. rail line. The barns and farm outbuildings can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Margaret McCallum subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 375-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-42

Scope and Content: Photograph of Elsie Nicholson standing next to the horse named "Holly" at the Nicholson farm in the area of Boundary Road and the C.N.R. rail line. The barns and farm outbuildings can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Occupations - Farmers; Agriculture - Crops; Transportation - Horses; Animals - Dogs; Transportation - Wagons

Names: Nicholson, Elsie

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Boundary Road

Street Address: 2550 Boundary Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Nicholson farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38242

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of four men standing alongside a team of horses working in the field at the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson. The house and barns can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Margaret McCallum subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 12.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 375-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-42

Scope and Content: Photograph of four men standing alongside a team of horses working in the field at the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson. The house and barns can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Buildings - Agricultural - Barns; Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Boundary Road

Street Address: 2550 Boundary Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

E.W. Nicholson farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38244

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of cattle grazing in the field on the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson Farm. The Roman Catholic Boys' School can be seen faintly in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1921]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Margaret McCallum subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 x 12.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 375-005

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-42

Scope and Content: Photograph of cattle grazing in the field on the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson Farm. The Roman Catholic Boys' School can be seen faintly in the background.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Animals - Cows

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Boundary Road

Street Address: 2550 Boundary Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Boberg family home and farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35772

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1924

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Boberg family home and farm on Douglas Road. Shown on the back porch, John Boberg (father) and Elin Boberg (mother) holding their only son, John, then 3 years old (born 1921).

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1924

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-630

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Boberg family home and farm on Douglas Road. Shown on the back porch, John Boberg (father) and Elin Boberg (mother) holding their only son, John, then 3 years old (born 1921).

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Names: Boberg, Elin Anderson; Boberg, Johan Gottfried "John"; Boberg, John

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Ardingley-Sprott Area

Images

Boberg family home and farm, 1924 thumbnail

Mrs. Cowan and daughter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription165

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: February 24, 1923

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.1 x 10.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a woman and a girl standing by a chickenwire fence, looking at the geese and chicks. Vegetable gardens and a log building can be seen as well. According to the note in the accession file, the woman is Mrs. Sylvia Cowan, the second wife of Mr. James Cowan since they were married in 1…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.1 x 10.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a woman and a girl standing by a chickenwire fence, looking at the geese and chicks. Vegetable gardens and a log building can be seen as well. According to the note in the accession file, the woman is Mrs. Sylvia Cowan, the second wife of Mr. James Cowan since they were married in 1922, and the girl is one of Mr. Cowan's two daughters from his first marriage. The property depicted in the photograph was at 2930 Gilpin Street (later renumbered 5926 Gilpin Street), where Mr. Cowan purchased two acres of land to build a home in 1919. After settling in Burnaby in 1923 at that property, Mr. Cowan became active in serving the community, eventually earning the honour of having a memorial hall named after him, which later changed to the James Cowan Theatre. An annotation on the back of the photo reads: "2930 Gilpin in 1923/24 / 2 acres, vegetable gardens, chickens, a cow, geese / more info in files / Cowan Property." Stamped on the back of the photo: "0110."

Subjects: Animals - Fowl; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Cowan, Sylvia

Geographic Access: Gilpin Street

Street Address: 5926 Gilpin Street

Accession Code: BV985.31.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: February 24, 1923

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-19

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Mrs. Cowan and daughter, February 24, 1923 thumbnail

Herbert Vidal at a fox farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82646

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1927

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of a man identified as Herbert Vidal, holding a fox.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1927

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Series: Hill family and Vidal family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 9 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 550-199

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2013-03

Scope and Content: Photograph is a portrait of a man identified as Herbert Vidal, holding a fox.

Subjects: Animals; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Vidal, Herbert Penrose

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on note accompanying photograph; Note in pencil on album page reads: "Herbert Vidal 1927 / Fox Farm at Yellowpoint [sic]"; Note in blue pen on verso reads: "1927"

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Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

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Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020

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E.W. Nicholson at his farm

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Nicholson farm

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E.W. Nicholson farm

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Boberg family home and farm

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Mrs. Cowan and daughter

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Herbert Vidal at a fox farm

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