From Fuki to Ofuro: Japanese Canadians in Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription17535
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
7 Oct. 2021
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (84 min., 20 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 29 fps
Scope and Content
Item consists of a video recording of a live Zoom webinar on the Burnaby Village Museum Facebook page on October 7, 2021. The webinar was hosted by Burnaby Village Museum Community Engagement Coordinator, Christina Froschauer and presented by Raymond Nakamura. The webinar is titled "From Fuki to O…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Burnaby Neighbourhood Speaker Series series
Subseries
Neighbourhood Speaker Series - Fall 2021 subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (84 min., 20 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 29 fps
Material Details
Presenter: Raymond Nakamura
Host: Christina Froschauer
Date of Presentation: October 7, 2021
Total Number of tracks: 1
Total Length of all tracks: 84 min., 20 sec.
Recording Device: Zoom video communication and Facebook platforms
Recording Note: Film was edited from it's original recorded version (97 min., 37 sec.) to edited version (84 min., 20 sec.) for public viewing on Heritage Burnaby.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a video recording of a live Zoom webinar on the Burnaby Village Museum Facebook page on October 7, 2021. The webinar was hosted by Burnaby Village Museum Community Engagement Coordinator, Christina Froschauer and presented by Raymond Nakamura. The webinar is titled "From Fuki to Ofuro: Japanese Canadians in Burnaby". In this webinar, Raymond Nakamura shares his own Japanese family history (Yamashita and Nakamura families) in British Columbia; provides insight into the Fuki plant (also known as butterbur) which was used by Japanese Canadians as a special culinary plant; describes the customs behind the ofuro (Japanese bathhouse) at Burnaby Village Museum and shares some of his research on Japanese Canadians who lived in Burnaby prior to the internment of Japanese Canadians in World War II. The title slide of Raymond's presentation reads "Japanese Canadians in Pre-War Burnaby". Raymond's presentation is supported with his own illustrations along with historical photographs from personal and public archival collections including the Nikkei National Museum, The City of Burnaby Archives and the Burnaby Village Museum. Japanese families highlighted in Raymond's talk include the Nakamuras; Yamashitas; Yasuis; Kokuryos; Kojimas; Shimotakaharas; Kariatsumaris; Ibatas; Marie Karamoto family and Dr. Taihei Kuzuhara. Many historical references regarding Burnaby residents come from Burnaby publications; "In the Shadow by the Sea : recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village" and "Pioneer Tales of Burnaby". During breaks in the presentation, Christina and Raymond take questions from webinar participants on zoom as well as viewers from the live recording on Burnaby Village Museum's Facebook page. Resource links shared during presentation include: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre https://centre.nikkeiplace.org/res.../search-the-collection/ Landscapes of Injustic Archive https://loi.uvic.ca/archive/ Raymond's Brain https://www.raymondsbrain.com/ In the Shadow by the Sea : recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/museumlibrary5173
History
Raymond Nakamura was born and raised in Toronto, and has lived most of his adult life in Vancouver. Holding a PhD in Marine Sciences from University of Toronto, Raymond’s study specializing in the hydrodynamics of sand dollars. More recently, he has been recognized for his research work on Japanese Canadians, leading to fact and fiction writing, co-hosting podcasts and delivering creative presentations on the subject –one of which we are honoured to see today. Raymond has worked collaboratively with cultural centers across the Greater Vancouver Region, including Science World, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Nikkei National Museum, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, to name a few.
Subjects
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Social Issues - Racism
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Plants
Names
Shimotakahara, Hideko
Yasui, Harding
Yasui, Sukegoro
Kokuryo, Hideko
Karamoto, Marie
Nakamura, Raymond
Yamashita family
Kuzuhara, Dr. Taihei
Froschauer , Christina
Burnaby Village Museum
Kojima family
Accession Code
BV021.31.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
7 Oct. 2021
Media Type
Moving Images
Notes
Title based on contents of video recording
Images
Video

From Fuki to Ofuro: Japanese Canadians in Burnaby, 7 Oct. 2021

From Fuki to Ofuro: Japanese Canadians in Burnaby, 7 Oct. 2021

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2021_0031_0001_003.mp4
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Interview with Toki Miyashita by Rod Fowler February 27, 1990 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory522
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1930-1990
Length
00:13:56
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Toki Miyashita’s memories of the internment, separation of her father from the family to work on road camps, where she was born in Richmond at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, confiscation of home in 1942, eventual Redress, and lingering feelings of fear and dis…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Toki Miyashita’s memories of the internment, separation of her father from the family to work on road camps, where she was born in Richmond at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, confiscation of home in 1942, eventual Redress, and lingering feelings of fear and distrust in her family. She also talks about visiting Hiroshima on her trip to Japan in 1980
Date Range
1930-1990
Length
00:13:56
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Persons - Japanese Canadians
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
February 27, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Toki Miyashita, conducted by Rod Fowler. Toki Miyashita was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Toki Miyashita’s family’s internment during WWII, her awakening interest in Japanese culture after the war, her subsequent interest in teaching others about Japanese crafts and arts, and becoming a helpful intermediary between Burnaby and visitors from Japan. The interview explores her interest in the Ainu of Japan and their possible link to the aboriginals of BC, her impressions of the Ainu carver Nuburi Toko, and her involvement in the events surrounding the creation of the sculpture “Playground of the Gods” for Burnaby Mountain. The interview also contains interesting details about the art of Japanese flower-arranging. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Toki Miyashita was born in Richmond B.C., ca. 1935, at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, a second generation Canadian descended from the Oikawa family who settled on Don and Lion Islands (Oikawa-shima). In 1942 the Japanese Canadians in BC were forcibly moved from the coast and their belongings confiscated. Toki Miyashita, her parents, two brothers, and grandparents were first taken to Hastings Park where her father was separated from the family to work in road camps, and the rest of the family were interned in New Denver. Her resourceful grandmother moved the family to land outside the internment camp, growing a large garden from seeds brought with her. In 1946 the family moved to Kamloops and in 1958, after finishing high school, Toki Miyashita moved to Montreal to be with relatives and a small Japanese community. At this time she became interested in Japanese culture and took a Japanese language course at age 22. She learned about Japanese flower-arranging (Ikebana), paper folding (Origami), silk doll making (from a Russian Jew), and how to wear a kimono. She began demonstrating these arts in schools and to other groups, which she continued doing when she, her husband and two young children moved to Burnaby in 1969. Toki Miyashita has been called an unpaid “ambassador” of Japanese culture to the Lower Mainland. She has acted as liaison between Burnaby and her sister city Kushiro in Japan, which involved her in the creation of the Ainu sculpture “Playground of the Gods” on Burnaby Mountain for Burnaby’s Centennial. Toki Miyashita is a recognized Master in Ikebana Sogetsu, a school of flower-arranging, and has served on the board of the Vancouver Ikebana Association. She also served on Burnaby’s Family Court in the 1980s.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
01:34:10
Interviewee Name
Miyashita, Toki
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with Toki Miyashita

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booklet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39857
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV999.17.32
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV999.17.32
Description
Table of War Gases - Booklet -- [1942]. Short informative booklet about war gases, how to recognize them, what to do when gassed and first aid treatment. The booklet was compiled by the Scientific Adviser on Chemical Warfare for the Office of the Director of Civil Air Raid Precautions in accordance with the Minister of Pensions and National Health. The pamphlet was printed by Edmond Cloutier "Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty" in 1942. The booklet measures 13cm x 21.5cm.
Object History
Item was referred to by Harry Charles Cutress who was a volunteer with the Burnaby Air Raid Precautions unit in South Burnaby during the 1940s.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Instructional Documents
Object Term
Book, Instruction
Measurements
13cm x 21.5cm.
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
Ontario
Site/City Made
Ottawa
Publication Date
1942
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Names
Cutress, Harry Charles
Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.)
Images
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booklet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39858
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV999.17.33
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV999.17.33
Description
Air Raid Precautions for Animals - Booklet -- [1942]. Booklet 5, part of the Air Raid Precautions House Hold Series; 23 p.; stapled spine. The booklet provides information on what to expect if an air raid occurs and how to care for both urban and agricultural animals during an attack. The booklet was published by the authority of Hon. J.A. MacKenzie, Minister of Pensions and National Health in accordance with the Civil Air Raid Precautions. The booklet issued under the direction of Hon. R. J. Manion, Director of Civil Air Raid Precaustions and was printed in Ottawa by Edmond Cloutier "Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty" in 1942.
Object History
Item was referred to by Harry Cutress who was a volunteer with the Burnaby Air Raid Precautions in South Burnaby during the 1940s.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Instructional Documents
Object Term
Book, Instruction
Measurements
11.5cm x 15.5cm.
Maker
Edmond Cloutier
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
Ontario
Site/City Made
Ottawa
Publication Date
1942
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
Animals
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Names
Cutress, Harry Charles
Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.)
Images
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armband

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39844
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV999.17.19
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV999.17.19
Description
Armband. White canvas with "ARP" stamped in blue. ARP = Air Raid Precautions. WWII Civilian defence group.
Object History
The ARP armband belonged to Harry Cutress who was a volunteer with the Burnaby Air Raid Precautions. The Burnaby ARP wore armbands such as these.
Reference
See City of Burnaby Archives photograph 028-001 "Burnaby Air Raid Patrol"
Category
03. Personal Artifacts
Classification
Clothing - - Clothing Accessories
Object Term
Insignia
Marks/Labels
"ARP" stamped in blue.
Subjects
Personal Symbols
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Names
Cutress, Harry Charles
Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.)
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
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Interview with Norman Dowad

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19638
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Norman Dowad Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: August 14, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:14:37 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information about his grandfather Samuel Dowad's immigration to Canada and his father Wilfred Dowad's military service and successes as a property developer. 00:14:39 – 00:17:26 Norm provides background information on his mother’s side of the family. 00:17:27 – 00:31:36 Norm talks about his childhood, growing up in the Deer Lake neighbourhood, his early education in Burnaby and sports that he played. 00:31:37 – 00:39:59 Norm talks about his educational experiences attending Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall law school and information regarding his law career. 00:40:00 – 00:45:03 Norm reflects on his childhood growing up in Burnaby and on his experiences and relationships as a student and in his career as a lawyer. 00:45:04 – 01:01:37 Norm talks about his siblings and shares information about family property development projects as well as career and business successes. In closing he talks about research that he’s done through Archives Canada on his grandfather Sam Dowad and father Wilfred Dowad.
History
Interviewee biography: Norm Dowad was born in Burnaby, December 1948 to parents Wilfred “Wilf” (1925-2011) and Cherry Dowad. His father, Wilfred (1925-2011) was born in Winnipeg to parents Samuel “Sam” (Salim in Arabic) Esper Dowad (1895-1969) and Martha (Shaheen) Dowad (1894-1955). Sam and Martha Dowad were both born in a province of the Ottoman Empire which is now present day Lebanon. In 1912, while trying to immigrate to Canada, several of Sam’s relatives including his mother died tragically as steerage passengers on the ill fated Titanic. In 1913, at the age of 18 years, Sam immigrated to Canada to join other family members who'd already arrived here safely. As a new immigrant in Canada, Sam worked with other Labanese immigrants in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the United States. In December 1921, Sam's wife, Martha immigrated to Canada arriving by ship in St. John, New Brunswick. Sam and Martha established their home in Winnipeg where they began to start a family. Their first two children died in infancy and son Wilfred was born in 1925 and daughter Kathleen was born in 1926. While living in Winnipeg, Sam worked as a grocer and in the 1930’s he got work as a farmer in a nearby town. In 1943, Wilf joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCVNR) and served as a gunner on merchant ships during World War II. In 1945, while Wilf was away serving, his parents, Sam and Martha moved to Burnaby. After discharge in 1945, Wilf joined his parents in Burnaby, began working at Fraser Mills and commenced his studies in construction and drafting. In 1949, with his father’s help Wilf acquired a lot next door to his parents’ home and built his first apartment block. After Martha died in 1954, Sam moved to Kelowna where he bought an orchard. Sam remarried in 1957 to Naomi “Mamie” (David) Dowad (1899-1978) who was also from a Lebanese family. Sam and Mamie lived in Kelowna until the mid 1960s when they moved to White Rock. While living in Burnaby, Wilf met and married Cherry Piggott and the couple had six children; Norm, Bruce, Michael, Kathie, Phil and Tom. In 1955, Wilfred Dowad established "W. Dowad Ltd." and over the years he was successful in developing and subdividing land to build housing and commercial developments in Burnaby, New Westminster and Vancouver. Wilf was the first president of the Burnaby Winter club and was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce holding office at the local, provincial and national level. In 1970, Wilf purchased 238 acres of land bordering the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh River and relocated there the following year. While living in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Wilf became actively engaged in local business and community affairs. Wilf was later remarried to Grethe Dowad and he died in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in 2011.Wilf's six children are the sole owners of "W.Dowad Ltd." and his daughter, Kathie Smillie is the president and CEO. While growing up in Burnaby, Norm Dowad attended Schou Street School, Douglas Road School, Kensington School and graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School. Following graduation from high school, Norm attended Simon Fraser University for one year, travelled in Europe, attended University of British Columbia and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall at York University. Norman has been practicing law for 49 years and has his own law practice that he operates out of Vancouver. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Migration
Sports
Sports - Football
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Dowad, Norman W. "Norm"
Dowad, Samuel Esper "Sam"
Dowad, Wilfred "Wilf"
Dowad, Naomi "Mamie" David
Dowad, Martha Elias Shaheen
Dowad, Kathleen "Kay"
Rideout, Dr. John Anthony
Burnaby Central Secondary School
Douglas Road School
W. Dowad Limited
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Geographic Access
Buckingham Avenue
Deer Lake
Street Address
5533 Buckingham Avenue
Accession Code
BV023.16.16
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0016_002.mp3
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Interview with Shirley Cohn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19597
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (16 min., 57 sec.) (50 min., 36 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (50 min., 36 sec.)
Scope and Content
File consists of two recordings of oral history interviews with Shirley Cohn conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. The first interview was conducted on April 14, 2023 and the second interview was conducted on September 6, 2023. Summary of interview conducted on …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (16 min., 57 sec.) (50 min., 36 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (50 min., 36 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Shirley Cohn Location of Interviews: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Dates: April 14, 2023 and September 6, 2023 Total Number of Tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 67 min., 33 sec. Digital master recording (wav) recording of second interview (50 min., 36 sec.) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
File consists of two recordings of oral history interviews with Shirley Cohn conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. The first interview was conducted on April 14, 2023 and the second interview was conducted on September 6, 2023. Summary of interview conducted on September 6, 2023: 0:00 – 16:09 Shirley Cohn shares background information about her parents who immigrated to Detroit from Hungary in the 1930’s. Shirley recalls what it was like for her parents being Jewish during World War II and how many of their relations were killed in the Holocaust. Shirley talks about her Jewish Hungarian heritage, what it was like growing up in Detroit, the Jewish community in Detroit and the Jewish holidays and traditions that her family celebrated. Shirley recalls her high school and University education and experiences, starting her career in social work and how she met her future husband, Theodore “Ted” Cohn. 16:10 – 18:27 Shirley shares the story about her father in law, Dr. Daniel E. Cohn who was Harry Houdini’s doctor at the time of his death in Detroit on Oct. 31, 1926. Shirley explains that she donated some of Dr. Daniel E. Cohn’s original documents pertaining to this event to the New York Public Library. 18:28 – 26:04 Shirley describes her experiences living and working in London Ontario while her husband was a professor at University of Western Ontario and Shirley worked as a social worker in family services. Shirley recalls experiences of anti-Semitism while living in London. Shirley talks about moving to Burnaby in 1977 after her husband took a job as a professor at Simon Fraser University. Shirley describes her experiences living in Burnaby, raising a family and working as a social worker at Burnaby General Hospital. 26:05 – 26:18 Shirley talks about her interests outside of work, her family’s involvement in the Burquest Jewish Community Association and being a member of Temple Shalom. Shirley conveys information about other Jewish synagogues in Greater Vancouver, describes Reform Judaism at Temple Shalom and some Jewish cultural practices that her family has been involved with. 26:19 – 33:12 Shirley describes her family’s experiences living in the Garden Village nieghbourhood in Burnaby, her involvement sharing Jewish cultural traditions at her children’s school and recalls her children’s experiences attending school in Burnaby. 33:13 – 40:46 Shirley conveys the career paths that her children took and talks about what she likes about living in Burnaby including; the walking and hiking trails, the cultural and art performances and her involvement in local politics. Shirley talks about her and her husband’s involvement in the SFU retirees association and the SFURA walking and hiking group. Shirley reflects on her husband’s academic career, experiences teaching at SFU and the role of the Hillel Jewish Students Association at the Simon Fraser University. Shirley talks about the difficulties of discussing political views about the State of Israel. Shirley describes some traditional Jewish foods, the roles that they play and a local bakery that carries Jewish bake goods. 40:47 – 50:36 Shirley describes her current daily life in Burnaby; working one day a week as a social worker, gardening, her involvement at Temple Shalom and the Jewish Community Centre and how she travels in Burnaby. Shirley recalls the changes that she’s encountered in Burnaby and in her career over the years, shares a story about her husband losing his thesis and describes what Burnaby was like while she was raising her family. Shirley shares what she thinks about the areas of development in Burnaby and conveys the importance of having parks and affordable housing. In closing, Shirley reflects on what is like to be a Jewish person living in Burnaby.
History
Interviewee biography: Shirley Tanner was born in Detroit in 1947. Her parents were both Jewish. Her mother fled Hungary as a refugee in 1939, while her father emigrated from there in 1934. Shirley attended public schools in Detroit, and then studied social work at the University of Michigan. After marriage, Shirley and Ted Cohn moved to Ontario where Ted had a faculty appointment at the University of Western Ontario in political science. Six years later they moved to Burnaby for Ted’s teaching position in political science at Simon Fraser University. While living in Burnaby, Shirley took care of a growing family while also practicing social work, mainly at Burnaby Hospital. The family enjoyed Burnaby’s libraries and parks. Shirley helped out at her children’s schools, became a Block Watch captain, and the family joined Burquest Jewish Community Association. The Cohns later became members of Temple Sholom Synagogue in Vancouver, while remaining in Burnaby. Beginning in 2009, Ted started an informal hiking group for retired Simon Fraser University staff. This group has been open to others, so now has a wide variety of members. Shirley has also helped lead hikes in the region. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Recreational Activities - Hiking
Organizations
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Migration
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Religions - Judaism
Social Issues - Racism
Social Issues
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Cohn, Dr. Daniel E.
Cohn, Shirley
Cohn, Theodore H. "Ted"
Burquest
Hillel Jewish Students Association
Simon Fraser University
SFURA walking and hiking group
Simon Fraser University Retirees Association "SFURA"
Temple Shalom
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Accession Code
BV023.16.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of file
Summary, recording and transcript of second interview available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Shirley Cohn, [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023

Interview with Shirley Cohn, [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0001_003.mp3
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At Vimy Ridge monument

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1841
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1945
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of uniformed soldiers scattered on a field around the Vimy Ridge monument in France. The soldier marked with an "X" is Frank Battersby (who has stopped to wait while "Tommy" lights his pipe).
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm
Material Details
Photograph has scalloped edges
Scope and Content
Photograph of uniformed soldiers scattered on a field around the Vimy Ridge monument in France. The soldier marked with an "X" is Frank Battersby (who has stopped to wait while "Tommy" lights his pipe).
Subjects
Monuments - War Memorials
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Occupations - Military Personnel
Wars - World War, 1914-1918
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Battersby, Frank
Accession Code
BV004.104.136
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1945
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "stopped while Tommy lite [sic] his pipe"
Note in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "Vimy Ridge, France 1945 Frank Battersby is marked by 'X'. "
Images
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Billy Bishop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55575
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1941 and 1945]
Collection/Fonds
John Shaw fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 25 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Billy Bishop, World War One pilot, standing next to a plane. The photograph has been autographed by Billy Bishop.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1941 and 1945]
Collection/Fonds
John Shaw fonds
Series
Military series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21 x 25 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
485-050
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2005-15
2006-01
2007-18
Scope and Content
Photograph of Billy Bishop, World War One pilot, standing next to a plane. The photograph has been autographed by Billy Bishop.
Subjects
Occupations - Military Personnel
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Transportation - Air
Wars - World War, 1914-1918
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Bishop, Air Marshal William A. "Billy"
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Signature on recto
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Billy Bishop - First World War Pilot - This Picture Belonged to John Hoarce Shaw"
Images
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lapel pin with card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact22065
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV976.73.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV976.73.2
Description
Lapel pin and card. Pin is round, gold-plated sterling silver. Wide white enamel border has gold "WOMENS WAR WORK" in upper part, "C.R.C.S." at bottom, and thin gold inner and outer borders. Centre of pin is pebbled gold ground with red enamelled cross, gold border. Reverse of pin has locking pin back, and raised lettering "STERLING", 'S' in oval beside it. Back is tarnished, gold-coloured. Front has some soiling and wear.
Object History
Donation on behalf of South Burnaby United Church Women. Likely from their thrift shop.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Personal Symbols
Object Term
Insignia
Marks/Labels
"WOMENS WAR WORK / C.R.C.S.", in raised letters in white border or pin. "STERLING" with a sideways "S" in an oval, in raised letters on the back of the pin.
Measurements
Dia: 1.8 cm
Subjects
Adornment
Adornment - Lapel Pins
Occupations - War Worker
Organizations
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Canadian Red Cross
Images
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Interview with Bob Lowe 2005 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4497
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:11 min)
Scope and Content
Track 5: This portion of the recording pertains to changes to Burnaby since Bob’s childhood. The track begins in mid-sentence and the first comment may relate to a previous topic or one lost in editing, as Bob refers to bitterness and notes that there were jobs for everyone when the Second World Wa…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:11 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Bob Lowe Date of interview: May 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 6 Total length of all Tracks: 0:43:36
Scope and Content
Track 5: This portion of the recording pertains to changes to Burnaby since Bob’s childhood. The track begins in mid-sentence and the first comment may relate to a previous topic or one lost in editing, as Bob refers to bitterness and notes that there were jobs for everyone when the Second World War started. He continues to describe his relationship with his Ukrainian neighbors, and how he felt about such discrimination as he experienced. He discusses the entrepreneurial opportunities which existed for children and youth, recalls that everyone had private enterprises to help pay for necessities of life, and notes that most of his classmates went to work full time after finishing elementary school. Bob contrasts the general affluence of the present day with the pervasive poverty of his childhood. He notes that discipline at the time was physical, and that authority was not questioned. He comments on physical changes to Burnaby.
History
Recording of an interview with Bob Lowe recording by Tom Gooden in 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1930s and 40s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Children
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Lowe, Robert "Bob"
Accession Code
BV017.45.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Audio Tracks

Interview with Bob Lowe 2005 - Track 5, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 2005

Interview with Bob Lowe 2005 - Track 5, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0006_005.mp3
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Basic training for A. R. P. workers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5106
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
1940
Call Number
358.3 SUN
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Textual Record
Accession Code
BV988.47.15
Call Number
358.3 SUN
Place of Publication
Vancouver
Publisher
Sun Pub. Co.
Vancouver Sun
Publication Date
1940
Library Subject (LOC)
Canada--Civil defense
World War, 1939-1945--Canada
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Images
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blazer crest

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact85528
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV014.33.4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV014.33.4
Description
Royal Canadian Air Force Veteran's Blazer or Pocket crest. The crest is embroidered on to heavy felt with a canvas backing. The crest features an eagle in flight surrounded by the RCAF motto "PER ARDVA AD ASTRA" and the "ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE" embroidered below. At the top of the crests is the King's crown. On the back of the patch are three stud pins for affixing to a blazer pocket.
Object History
Thomas "Tom" Charles Mark was born in 1923 and grew up in New Westminster where his father operated a Shell gas station at 402 6th St. He went to High School at Oak Bay in Victoria. Mr. Mark joined the Canadian Air Force in World War Two and was a Corpral - Air Frame Mechanic. He met his wife Joan Patricia (Dunne) Mark (1924-1987) in England and married her in 1945 before they returned to Canada. Their son was born in 1947. Mark was an active community volunteer and awarded the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the Year in 1995.
Category
03. Personal Artifacts
Classification
Personal Symbols - - Status Symbols
Object Term
Insignia
Measurements
w: 9.5 cm h: 9.5 cm
Subjects
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Personal Symbols
Personal Symbols - Badges
Names
Royal Canadian Air Force
Mark, Thomas "Tom"
Images
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card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact4318
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV988.47.14
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV988.47.14
Description
A.R.P. - Card -- [194-]. Small card for Vancouver ARP District 6A. The card measures 10cm x 12.5cm
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Cards
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Images
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card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact85544
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV014.33.20
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV014.33.20
Description
Queen Mary - card -- [1946]. Message from the Captain of the R.M.S. Queen Mary. The front of the card has an illustration of the Cunard White Star ship the R.M. S. Queen Mary. The reverse has a message from the captain " QUEEN MARY / I send you my best wishes for your happiness and good fortune in your new life in the great Dominion, the country of your adoption"
Object History
See donor record for Mr. Mark's personal history. Active community volunteer and awarded the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the Year in 1995
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Memorabilia
Object Term
Commemorative Card
Measurements
w: 16 cm h: 10 cm
Subjects
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Documentary Artifacts
Names
Royal Canadian Air Force
Mark, Thomas "Tom"
Images
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envelope and form

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34074
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV991.34.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV991.34.1
Description
War Savings Certificates - Envelope, Form -- [1942]. Form that folds into an envelope for Canadian War Saving Certificates. The form was filled out by Iris Murray who was 15 when the form was completed. The front cover of the form has an illustration of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and a Lion with a boiling pot labelled War Savings, over a fire. Mickey Mouse is stirring the post with a flag pole that has the Union Jack on the top. Donald Duck is fueling the fire with logs labelled Loans. There is a caption under the illustration "KEEP THE POT A-BOILIN'!!!". The illustration was provided courtesy of Walt. Disney. Below the illustration is "Serve by Saving". The envelope is pre addressed to The National Chairmen of the War Savings Committee in Ottawa. Inside the form there are illustrated charts describing the economic situation. The form provides space to affix Saving Stamps where Iris has two stamps placed. The form measures 34.5cm x 17.5cm when folded out.
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Forms
Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Exchange Medium
Exchange Medium - Victory Bonds
Images
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military helmet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact19728
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.82.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.82.1
Description
Military helmet, English style, issued during World War II. Issued to local Burnaby Police force. It is painted dark blue and the word "Police" is painted in white on the front. The helmet has webbing and chin strap.
Marks/Labels
"POLICE" painted in large block letters in white paint.
Subjects
Public Services
Public Services - Policing
Clothing
Clothing - Military Uniforms
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
British Columbia Provincial Police
Burnaby Municipal Police
Images
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New instructions on how to fight fire bombs

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5109
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV988.47.20
Call Number
358.3 CAN v.2
Author
Canada. Office of the Director of Civil Air Raid Precautions
Place of Publication
Ottawa
Publisher
Edmond Cloutier
Publication Date
1942
Physical Description
4 p. : ill. ; 21 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Canada--Civil defense
Incendiary bombs
Fire extinction
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Leaflets
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Notes
Version 2 of 2
Images
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pamphlet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact4317
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV988.47.13
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV988.47.13
Description
Traffic Instructions - Pamphlet -- [194-]. Instructional pamphlet for traffic control in Vancouver during World War II. The pamphlet was produced by Civilian Protection Air Raid Precautions, Advisory Council, and the Provincial Civilian Protection Committee. The pamphlet provides information for Busses, Street Cars, and what to do in the event of a blackout, etc. The pamphlet was printed by Wrigley Printing Company Limited in Vancouver. The pamphlet measures 10cm x 15cm.
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Pamphlets
Transportation
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Emergency Measures - Civil Defence
Names
Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.)
Images
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pay book

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact85539
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV014.33.15
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV014.33.15
Description
Service and Pay Book - Booklet -- [1943]. Service and Pay Book from the Royal Canadian Air Force for Thomas Mark. The booklet is bound in red leather with 16 pages inside and a shallow back pocket.
Object History
See donor record for Mr. Mark's personal history. Active community volunteer and awarded the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the Year in 1995
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Other Documents
Object Term
Book
Measurements
w: 10 cm h: 13 cm
Subjects
Wars
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Documentary Artifacts
Names
Royal Canadian Air Force
Mark, Thomas "Tom"
Images
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