SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bob Atchison RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1976-03-05 SUMMARY: Bob Atchison first started work in 1932 at the St. Mungo Cannery, one of the second or third earliest canneries on the Fraser River. Used four-spindle machinery, a type of seaming equipment used with sanitary cans. Prior to WWI, St. Mungo made its own cans. Describes canning process, and skill of Chinese workers. Discusses different machines used. Discusses living conditions and different nationalities of workers at the canneries. Canneries had nurseries. Paid by the hour, except when filling cans by hand, which was paid by the tray. There were 36 cans on a tray. He worked for 15 cents an hour in 1926, on machinery. Describes the exact canning process of salmon in the early 1900s. Talks about the sailing ships that were tied up on the Fraser River. In those days the canneries always supplied their own fish boats. In those days it was a 25 foot double ended sailing boat with a set of big oars and a man would row it. These boats brought in great amounts of fish because there were terrific amounts in the Fraser River. The collecting of fish was usually done by a tugboat pulling a scow around. The early boats didn't range so far. The first cannery in B.C. was the Annieville in Gunnerson Slough. Explains the story behind the name of the Annieville Cannery. Didn't notice any discrimination in those days, the Japanese were fishermen, the Chinese were shore workers, everyone got along fine. The better the machinery got the more people were employed because there was more fish processed. Discusses cannery output. Discusses unions. Believes the canneries didn't object to the unions coming in because it settled an awful lot of labour problems. Discusses the labour problems before the War. No fixed hours of work, poor working conditions, unfavourable living conditions. Some of the boats were pretty crude and there weren't any facilities on them. Companies welcomed the coming of unions. Remembers working at St. Mungo Cannery for $60.00 a month with board, with no overtime.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Bob Smith RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-01-22 SUMMARY: Bob Smith was born on Lulu Island at Steveston Hwy. Near the golf course in 1906. His father was a fisherman and also worked for Imperial Cannery in the net loft. He started fishing in the Rivers Inlet in 1926 with Wallace Fisheries, as wharfman, then to the Balmoral Cannery on the Skeena River in 1933. Lots of fish in those days. Worked in canneries all over Queen Charlottes, up the Skeena, Canadian Fish and B.C. Packers. Converted a sailboat on the Skeena into a gillnetter with a Chev engine. Took 16 days to come from the Skeena to the Fraser River. Fished with it for 4 or 5 years. Describes the conversion of the sailboat into a gillnetter. Returned to cannery work. Built another boat at Nelson ship yards, a bigger one (31 feet) at the time of the return of the Japanese. Nets these days are more efficient (tape become inaudible). Catches have become smaller, problem of conservation, not enough fish to catch. 12 mile limit is not enough. Long hours fishing in the old days, pulling the net by hand until drums were used. He stays mostly in the river now. Was a union member from the start. Talks of early union organizing difficulties. Talks of Japanese internment, too bad they had to; lose their nets, gradually they returned to the coast. There was not much discrimination between Indians and Japanese and whites. Housing conditions described. Housed were improved in 1926-1927 for Japanese, Indians, and whites. Safety measures improved with union. Bookkeepers were the first-aid men. American Can replaced canning by hand. There's more independence from the canneries now. Fraser River has changed a lot. Pollution affects the fingerlings, especially dog-salmon. Fishing regulations are a help but the fisheries department needs more money for its programs. Salmon enhancement programs have been worthwhile. Buy-back program has not been successful, too many seiners now. Future of fishing is ok if there is more money put into it and the 200 mile limit is enforced.

PERIOD COVERED: ;1899;-;1901 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1969-06-26 SUMMARY: E.K. "Ned" DeBeck is introduced by the president of the B.C. Historical Association. Mr. DeBeck recalls his experiences at the Canadian Scottish Cannery at Steveston, and related events during the years 1899 to 1901.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Celina Starr RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-02-26 SUMMARY: Celina Starr discusses travelling to Terrace for a wedding. The burning of Port Essington in about 1960. Describes Port Essington and three canneries. The evacuation of Japanese people during the War. Cans shipped to Port Essington by steamer. Discusses Port Essington and businesses that were there. Names and discusses different people of the community. Describes the process of canning.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Charlie Gillespie RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1973-02-23 SUMMARY: Charlie Gillespie was born in 1916 in Vancouver. His dad started in a cannery in 1910, and worked his way up to manager. Lived on Sea Island his whole life. When three canneries joined together to make B.C. Packers in 1928, his father was made the manager of the Fraser River District. Remembers going to Star Cannery and looking out the window at the boats going out on a Sunday night. The boats had sails in those days, and they fished both night and day. More boats now (1976). Worked in the net loft one summer when he was young. Helped fill the net needles so the men could make the nets. Three years later in 1932, started work in the Great Northern Cannery in North Vancouver for 3 years. Worked in the boiler, and on the lines, then was night watchman for a while. All cannery machinery was owned by American Can Co., canneries only leased them. Discusses wages. When to the Skeena River for two years, and worked for Oceanic Cannery on Smith Island. Looked after the retort machine and the oil and gas shed. In 1937 came back down to Steveston to work in the Imperial Cannery, pipe fitting and working with the engineer, also did carpenter work. Worked in a reduction plant one winter doing odd jobs. Then went to warehouse for 2 or 3 years. No fork lifts in those days, salmon moved by hand. Bought a gillnetter, and went fishing with his dad one season. Didn't catch much fish that year, and only fished one season. After that he went to work in the stores department at Imperial. All canneries had their own stores where they sold all supplies to the fishermen. When the store closed in 1965 he moved to the stock room. Discusses the work of Chinese workers in canneries. Canning fish by hand. Describes canning. Discusses company houses. Japanese workers. Unions. Discusses employment by canneries, month to month, and season to season.

RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1975 SUMMARY: [No content summary available for this interview.];

CALL NUMBER: T2623:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the black community PERIOD COVERED: 1917-1960 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dorothy Nealy discusses: childhood in Manitoba; racial background; move to Strathcona in 1944. Description of the area: ghetto for blacks. Describes: Fountain Chapel; racism in jobs; housing; fights in neighbourhood caused by white kids slumming. TRACK 2: More on fights in neigbourhood and 'black-baiting'. Bootleg joints. Shake-ups. Prostitution. Network of Madames across Canada. Blacks move out in 1950s. CALL NUMBER: T2623:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the black community PERIOD COVERED: 1925-1977 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-28 & 05-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dorothy Nealy discusses: bootlegging; violence in the neighbourhood; drug use; work with U.F.A.W.U. 1963 strike; workers in fishing industry -- women, Chinese, Japanese, East Indians. TRACK 2: Dorothy Nealy discusses: lack of discrimination in neighbourhood; changes in neighbourhood; why she has stayed in the neighbourhood; arrival of Natives; Natives as cannery workers; Native attitude to Mackenzie pipeline; neighbourhood reaction to redevelopment plans; SPOTA. CALL NUMBER: T2623:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the black community PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1950 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dorothy Nealy discusses: community meetings; SPOTA; Vancouver Resources Board; first redevelopment survey 1945; multi-racial qualities of the neighbourhood; poultry business; work in Visco Poultry Packing House; blacks and Italians in the neighbourhood; New Delhi club and other entertainment; drinking habits in '40s and '50s. TRACK 2: Mrs. Nealy discusses: liquor laws; drug usage in the neighbourhood. CALL NUMBER: T2623:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the black community PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1950 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: black migration from prairies in '30s; work at Chicken Inn and Cliff House; gypsies in Strathcona. (End of interview)

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Edith Christiansen RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1976-01-12 SUMMARY: Edith Christiansen started working in canneries in 1941 and was paid 25 cents per hour. Some health hazards. Fish all hand filled. Indians were washing fish then. Everybody got the same wages. Some herring were being produced. Fillers were paid by the tray on top of the 25 cents per hour. The faster you worked the more you were paid. Working conditions have greatly improved in the cannery -- they had no lunchroom or washroom facilities and it was so cold that the girls would stand in paper bags to keep warm. Women worked two weeks on a day shift, two weeks on a night shift, from January to April. They then filleted sole and cod, sometimes salmon. The fillets were then packaged and put in the frozen fish department. The work was very heavy for the women, especially filleting halibut. Recounts the details of filleting six-foot halibuts. Union appeared in the winter of 1942. Recounts the details of the first strike in B.C. Packers in 1942 and the eventual pay raise to 42 cents an hour. The strike lasted 8 hours. Couldn't get work in the cannery until the war era. Bunkhouses were provided for the Indians who were recruited from the North. About 12 people lived in one bunkhouse. Chinese men worked on the heading machines. During the war era there were Chinese and white foremen. The Chinese foremen were more influential. Seniority system used. Those who had worked the longest usually got paid the most as they got to work more hours. Housing provided along the dyke for people who came from any distance.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Edna Tremeer RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1976-01-08 SUMMARY: Edna Tremeer worked on Quadra Island in 1932 and came to Steveston in 1948. In 1932, every job was done by hand except can cutting. Kids were tied to their mother's backs. Worked from 7 am to 12 am at night, no overtime. Better quality of fish then. No day-care. Describes "steam-box" a vacuum packer. Describes the steps in processing the fish from tallyman to packing, took about 4 hours to complete and cans had to be lacquered. Women paid less than men. Non-Indians get a guaranteed income. Whites and non-whites kept separate. Piecework was more profitable, no quota set. Had dances in the net loft. The internment of Japanese during WWII allowed the native people to make more money.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Elsie Ono RECORDED: Steveston (B.C.), 1976-01-21 SUMMARY: Elsie Ono started working in canneries in 1938 and worked mostly in summer for B.C. Packers and Nelson Brothers. Was never paid overtime wages in early years. Her first job was washing fish, which can be a tiring job. In 1937 they were only processing salmon. The can filling was done by hand then. There were extra benefits. Before Elsie's time, the children of cannery workers were babysat by one of the cannery workers (they took turns) in a building provided by the company. The person who was babysitting was paid about the same amount she would have made in the cannery. This babysitting practice stopped during the War. B.C. Packers used to be called Imperial. A new machine that skins fish. Salmon is easier to work with than some of the different fish they are now processing. Herring was canned before the war for food. It was not processed for roe. It was packed by hand by women. The ladies worked about 8 hour shifts when they were working on herring. Before the War, there was some Chinese people working in the cannery. She lived in a 3 bedroom house provided by the company before the War. All those company houses have been torn down. The Chinese were hired by contract. The contractor would get a certain percentage of the profits accumulated by the workers. There used to be a fishermen's co-op store at the end of No. 2 Road. There were less women working in the cannery in 1937. She worked in piecework filling cans and was paid by the tray, i.e., 24 tins to the tray. She was never injured at the cannery. There never used to be a lunchroom, so the ladies ate wherever there was a space. There were no coffee breaks in 1937. The ladies would start working at 8 and work until noon with no coffee break.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Eva Vaselenek RECORDED: Surrey (B.C.), 1976-01-13 SUMMARY: Eva Vaselenek began work in 1943 at the Phoenix Cannery because her little girl was sick; washed and then inspected fish as they went into the cans, got paid thirty-five cents an hour. There was no union at the time. Next season she went to the Gulf of Georgia plant to work on herring. Then later to Imperial Cannery. Couldn't count on hours, depended upon whether the fish were in or not. You could sit around all day and not get paid. That changed with the union. Worked at Imperial Cannery filleting for one year. Next year became a supervisor. Describes the first organization of the union at the Imperial Cannery. Began holding meetings with management. Cannery workers became part of the U.F.A.W.U. but negotiations remained separate. Advantages of union. The return of Japanese fishermen after the War. Discusses Indian women who chose to remain outside the union, they joined the Native Brotherhood. Finally she did sign the Indian women to the union. She describes the company's reaction to her organizing attempts, and confrontation. She had to fight for every wage increase. Safety features slowly improved. Remained at the Imperial plant until 1968. Different species of fish described. She describes the changes in mechanization in the plant and dangers in the fresh fish part and the fish and chip line. Used to be a big difference in men's and women's wages, but that has changed. Describes early incident of discrimination against women. Describes the living conditions of cannery workers. Houses were rented to the workers, social conditions, dances, Christmas party, children's conditions -- no day care. Steveston is described as a "real bad place". Her children came to the cannery so she could keep an eye on them. Was laid off at 65. Her five children are all well educated now (1976). Story of being threatened by a hammer-wielding captain. Describes hectic union meetings and her ability to control them. Comments on drinking problems and liquor licenses during prohibition.

CALL NUMBER: T0547:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Life in Alert Bay, 1909-29, and Telegraph Cove, 1929-74 PERIOD COVERED: 1909-1974 RECORDED: Telegraph Cove (B.C.), 1974-08-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Fred Wastell describes: early life in Alert Bay; description of Alert Bay, ca. 1910; prominent families in Alert Bay, 1910-20; sawmill and Indian village at Alert Bay; potlatches at Alert Bay; visitors' accommodation at Alert Bay, 1920s; cannery and fish hatchery in Alert Bay and Nimpkish area. Description of Alert Bay, 1910-20: settlers around Nimpkish Valley, 1912; Tracey & Garland Logging Co; Hand logging Operations, 1920s; sawmill operation and Beaver Cove, 1918. TRACK 2: Fred Wastell discusses: labour problems at Alert Bay; problems with sawmill organization at Alert Bay, ca. 1920; Wood and English mill at Englewood, 1924-25; description of Mr. Wood and Mr. English; Telegraph Cove sawmill operation, 1929-74; saltery operation and problems at Telegraph Cove, 1929-37 Japanese business practices, 1930s; cannery influence on government policy, 1920-40; labour supply at Telegraph Cove mill, 1920-74.

CALL NUMBER: T0547:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Life in Telegraph Cove, 1929-74 PERIOD COVERED: 1899-1974 RECORDED: Telegraph Cove (B.C.), 1974-08-01 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Life in Telegraph Cove. Personnel and Jobs. Building of the road to Telegraph Cove. Advantages of a large mill operation over a small mill. Sointula Finnish commune settlement. Social conditions in Telegraph Cove. The naming of Telegraph Cove. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.]

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-02-25 SUMMARY: [No content summary available for this interview.];

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): George MacKay RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-02-10 SUMMARY: George MacKay started working in the cannery at age seven in 1910. In 1913 he worked in a net loft for 5 cents an hour. Discusses the Chinese kids who worked in the cannery. In 1921-1922 he worked for the Gulf of Georgia on collect boats. At that time the Gulf of Georgia was also referred to as the Desbrisary Canning Company because it was owned by the Desbrisary Brothers. Explains the operation of collect boats. Says all the canneries at that time had collect boats with white tallymen. Most of the fishermen were Japanese. In 1923 he took a trade to become a machinist. Worked for Ross & Windburn for 10 years. Explains cannery machinery, and making of cans. Discusses the exploitation of Chinese labour and the deplorable living conditions. Talks about the Indians and discusses the Indian living conditions in the cannery owned houses. Talks about the Indian graves that the canneries bulldozed over for buildings. They were mostly children's graves that had died of disease. Indians generally discriminated against. Speaks of the 1913 "big salmon run" after which there was a slide at Hell's Gate and the fish dropped in numbers. Fishermen were limited to 200 sockeye a boat at 5 cents a piece. His father, David MacKay, built the Brunswick Cannery in 1893. Grandfather was manager of the Atlas cannery for years. Also ran the reduction plan called the "Oilery" on MacMillan Island. Talks about working for B.C. Packers and moving the oyster beds. No strikes during the War. Linemen and machine men were getting $150.00 a month and board during the 1930s. During the war, workers got a lot more work. Went back to cannery 1942-1969. Thinks union is good but may be going a little too far. Discusses early union organization and union benefits. In 1913 his uncle and Captain Gus were running the Steveston cannery, they had no Iron Chink, they butchered by hand and cleared a profit of $10,000 each. Discusses different canneries. Gas engines came in 1913. Different jobs performed over time.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-01 & 02 SUMMARY: Gillette Chipps, a hereditary chief of the Nitinat, discusses his early life and his experiences in fishing. He also recalls some traditional Nitinat stories, including some about the first encounter between the Nootka people and Captain Cook, as well as the Spanish explorers of that era. He recounts a creation myth and discusses his experiences in World War I.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Helen Zesko RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1976-01-09 SUMMARY: Helen Zesko started working for B.C. Packers in 1940 at age 16, washing fish, filleting fish and running machines. New filling machines installed in 1942. Work conditions tough in 1948 (cold, etc.) Canning done by hand (salmon and herring). Many women employed then but less women now (1976) due to machinery. Describes "hand filling". Started work at $0.20 /hour in 1940. No compensation in 1940. Used to be more men than women due to heavy work. Work has improved in canneries -- safety regulations, heating. There were bunkhouses in 1940. Camps were made of regular houses. No children under age 16 working for B.C. Packers in 1940. All people (Japanese, whites, Indians) paid same rate except pieceworkers who made more. Women made 20 cents and hour while men made 30 cents. Describes a machine called the "gang knives" used for the 1/4 lb. cans. Oysters and clams began to be processed in 1950 and ended in 1960. Cannery work went on normally but busily during the War. Cannot remember any unusual or interesting events in cannery history since 1940. Some of the work in the cannery is demanding depending on what you are doing. Work in the canneries has improved 100%. Has enjoyed working in the cannery.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-02-05 SUMMARY: Hugh Montgomery was born in Ireland and came to Steveston in June 1913, the year of the good salmon run in the Fraser River. He started work in the cannery at age 7. The fish were so plentiful and the canneries were so short of help that they hired at any age. Put empty cans on trays and ten took them to the women so they could can the salmon. That paid two and a half cents an hour. Became a journeyman, worked up along the coast. Namu was one of the major plants of the coast where he became chief machinist and can maker for nine seasons. Got married and went to the Queen Charlottes as foreman of the plant. Went to Canadian Fish Cannery at Skeena River as assistant-foreman for five years. The accommodations were rough: just wooden shacks, but the cookhouse always had lots to eat, and good food. Worked long hours 6 am - 12 am because there was no refrigeration at cannery or on boats so fish had to be processed right away. Straight labour was paid by the hour but filling cans was paid by piecework. The key men in the plant such as mechanics, tallyman, and net supervisors were paid monthly. There was no overtime but if it was a good season sometimes received a bonus around $100.00. In those days the average wage of the key men was around $150-200 a month, and that included board and your fare up and down the coast. During the War worked from 6 am to 12 midnight with two half-hour breaks 6 days a week until the union came in. Believes the union was badly needed. Japanese evacuation during the War, and their poor treatment. Talks about changes in the cannery brought on by the health department, which he says was a lot tougher than the unions. Struggle to get union started. In Steveston before the big fire there were 23 canneries. Recalls the big fire in Steveston, 1928. Believes machinery put a lot of canneries out of business. Strike in Rivers Inlet in 1930. Remarks on fishing department. Processed herring during the War. Superintendent at Gulf of Georgia plant.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Inez and Kaarlo Huovinen RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-02-05 SUMMARY: Both Inez and Kaarlo Huovinen have their own gillnetters. They began living in the Vancouver area in 1928, fished on the Skeena River and came to Finn Slough area in 1930. Bought $125.00 boat and put a model-T Ford engine in the boat. Came from Finland in 1924. Worked at logging in Ontario, then on the railway, then on the prairies harvesting, then logged when he first came to B.C. The Depression conditions. 1932 River was too low and lots of fish died at Hell's Gate. Fished 5 days a week. Modern gear is too efficient. Inez started fishing all on her own. Kaarlo owned 2 boats, and he wanted to sell one so she took it over with her son. So he put a high-speed motor in her boat and she caught as much as the men "Fish, you know, don't know who's in the boat, you see, as long as your net is right in the water". Discusses the strikes at Rivers Inlet 1930s. 1945 union included the cannery workers. He fished for the Phoenix Cannery on the Fraser. Names other canneries. There was a co-op cannery in Ladner. Lived in a fishermen's shack for 16 years at the present (1976) Crown Zellerback site. Moved to their present (1976) house in 1947. Japanese treatment during WWII as opposed to treatment of the Finns (Finland fought against the Allies), no government discrimination. Kaarlo tried to learn to speak Japanese but didn't. Discusses B.C.'s Finnish populations. Discusses nets. Inez fishes mostly in the river to "make ends meet" and operates the boat mostly by herself. Discusses the river. Discusses different unions. Discusses fishing seasons and sports fishing. Oscar Niemi lived on the Crown Zellerback site, and it was said that Oscar knows all the stumps and snags in the river from New Westminster to the mouth of the river. Discusses wildlife in Richmond, and its replacement with development. Discuss big changes in cannery work, used to be lots of people, now few people and lots of machines. The buy-back program is discussed and criticized.

CALL NUMBER: T0447:0001 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1964 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Nelson talks about his father [Nels Christian Nelson] coming from Norway to homestead and fish at Whonnock in 1885. He discusses his life working in the fishing industry; types of boats; building boats; canneries; early Whonnock; types of salmon; logging; steamships; Glen Valley; Bill Miner; other incidents; Probert family; fishing; the market for fish; scow houses; the fisherman's ;life; Collingwood and Steveston. TRACK 2: Mr. Nelson talks about the commercial fishing industry; sturgeon fishing; early canneries along the Fraser River; Chinese cannery workers; Steveston; the Nelson Brothers Cannery; the fish inspector; procedures involved in setting nets.;

CALL NUMBER: T0447:0002 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1964 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Nelson talks about the Japanese working in the fishing industry; the Norwegians; other ethnic groups along the Fraser River; Nass River fishing; the Reverend Collison; Indians working in ;the fishing industry; types of salmon and nets; fishing equipment; changes in fishing methods; differences between gillnetting and seining; fishing locations; weather. [TRACK 2: blank.]

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Isamu Matsuzaki RECORDED: Richmond (B.C.), 1976-03-18 SUMMARY: Isamu Matsuzaki was born in 1902 in Courtenay, Vancouver Island. His father was a coal miner in the Cumberland Mine. He has no recollection of Cumberland. His father fished until 1927. They lived at Steveston where the B.C. Packers, Imperial Plant is now (1976). They had a big company house with some single fishermen boarders. His mother died when he was 14, he had 2 sisters and a brother. His father returned to Japan in 1927. His brother went to UBC and then returned to Japan to work. Lists canneries and describes Japanese community in Steveston as 2,000 people strong. Only fished one year when he was 17, then became a skipper in a packer boat. At age 19 he built his own packer and was skipper on it. Was a cash buyer for 2 seasons, working mostly for B.C. Packers. When the War came the government took his boat and sent it to the east coast. He also lost his house and property. He was sent to Castlegar near Nelson and worked in a mine there for 10 years. Returned to the coast in 1952 and went back to running a packer. He did not get adequate compensation for the loss of his house and property. Worked for B.C. Packers and then ran his brother-in-law's packer. Discusses improvements in equipment and packers, as well as current (1976) fishing industry. Japanese women worked filling cans by hand, and Chinese men lived in a big bunkhouse. Indians, Japanese and Whites got along fairly well, but lived in segregated houses. Discusses old community events in Steveston. One hour to Steveston from Vancouver by tram. He went to a Methodist Church as a child. Most of the Japanese remained Buddhist. Japanese Hospital was operated by the Japanese Fishermen's Association. Conflict between Japanese and White unions. Lots of farming by the Japanese as well. Recalls the Steveston opera house and hotels. The decline of farming in Steveston. The state and future of the fishing industry, and the impact of pollution in the Fraser River.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jack Anderson RECORDED: Burnaby (B.C.), 1976-02-16 SUMMARY: Jack Anderson was born in Iowa and came to B.C. in 1919. Went to the Peace River County with his brother to farm, at about 15 years old. Tried logging and trapping, and moved to Rivers Inlet. Became a fisherman and cannery worker, started at Brunswick Cannery. Discusses canneries and Canada Fish Co. Very difficult during the Depression, discusses fish prices. Sailboats were used in the 1920s. Over 100 boats were based out of Brunswick Cannery. Licenses issued for each district, with Japanese confined to specific districts. Bought a converted boat in 1925 with at Easthope engine, used it for 12 years. $1000.00 a year at that time was considered good money. Trapping was a tough and lonely business. Started logging as a hand logger, and used a Gilchrist Jack to get the logs in the water. Quit logging in 1950 and gillnetted until 1970. Stayed at Rivers Inlet. Heart attacks are common for fishermen, with many dying in the 50s. Net loft boss got paid the most. Logging, canneries and fished are now mechanized. Fish are stored in brine and shipped to Vancouver or Prince Rupert. Fishing used to employ thousands of people, but not now (1976). The licensing of boats, to limit their numbers, resulted in basically eliminating Indian fishermen. Catches have gone down, as the gear is more efficient. Discusses strikes at Rivers Inlet. Discusses the switch from pay per piece to pay per pound and the need for a union, to improve prices. Recommends two Ministers of Fisheries, one for each coast. Fishing has become more competitive. Talks about different people and shares anecdotes about them.

RECORDED: [location unknown], [1976-05?] SUMMARY: [No content summaries available for this interview.];

CALL NUMBER: T3719:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jessie Lam Ross : Chinese at work in B.C. : The Hong Wo Store and the Richmond Gardens Farm PERIOD COVERED: 1890-1930 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1980-07-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Family arrived in B.C. in the 1890s. Her father, Ling Lam, arrived and worked first in Victoria then settled in Steveston. Hong Wo Store started in Steveston, 1895. Ling Lam died 1939. By 1939 he owned a mixed farm, general store and operated a fish contracting business to hire labour for the canneries. Jessie and her brother John bought-out other family members in the business after 1939. The company had contracts with vegetable/fruit canneries such as Empress Factories, Grower's Canneries (Royal City Brand), and to some wholesalers in Vancouver Chinatown. The farm hired full-time Chinese workers who lived on the farm and Japanese women and their families as day labourers. Description of Chinese farm workers' living and working conditions on the farm. Details of father and mother's family background prior to immigration to Canada. Description of second store after the first store burnt in 1904. Store built on stilts over water, and warehouse on wharf over deep waters for boats/fishermen to shop and pick-up supplies. Location of farm. Description of father as a "gentleman farmer" wearing three-piece serge blue suit. TRACK 2: Discusses veg/cannery contract with Empress Factories. Description of their farm's Chinese foreman and his sons who worked on the farm all their lives. Ling Lam did not permit swearing or gambling on the farm, or by any family members. Details of Ling Lam's children's education. Description of farm workers' meals. Ling Lam's invention of cucumber grader and his introduction of the Utah green celery to the area. Ling Lam was head of the Chinese Growers' Association, the group against B.C. Coast Marketing Board. Making boxes for farm produce.

CALL NUMBER: T3719:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jessie Lam Ross : Chinese at work in B.C. : The Hong Wo Store and the Richmond Gardens Farm PERIOD COVERED: 1900s-1960s RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1980-07-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Farm produce on consignment to wholesalers up until the 1960s. Ling Lam supplied all Occidental and Oriental labourers to the Phoenix Cannery (ABC) until the 1930s; then just Oriental labourers. Ling Lam was active with the clan organization the Lum Association. Jessie Lam comments on the difficulties of her contemporaries in finding professional jobs after receiving post-secondary education. Describes some neighbouring farms. The credit/accounting system with farm workers on wages. Jessie Lam's summer vacation work experience on the farm. Shipping/transportation of pickles by railway to Eastern Canada. Chinese women day labourers working on the farm in the 1950s. The end of the fish contracts with B.C. Packers (Phoenix) in 1968. Sugar rationing during WW II. [TRACK 2: blank.]

CALL NUMBER: T3719:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jessie Lam Ross : Chinese at work in B.C. : The Hong Wo Store and the Richmond Gardens Farm PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1973 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1980-07-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mother had Caucasian cleaning ladies to help with the household. Jessie Lam went to chaperoned parties/social functions during her teens. Talks of the soup kitchens in Vancouver Chinatown during the 1930s Depression. Marriage of brother John and sister Mary. Talks of the family motorcar holiday trip to Oregon in 1928. Recalls mother's prized baking, and father's vegetable competition at the PNE. An anecdote of father's temperament. Refers to the community of Eburne on Sea Island. Attending church on Sundays at the Methodist Chinese Church in Vancouver Chinatown. Describes her typical Sunday activities with her family. Going to Chinese language school after regular school day. Jessie Ross was "Miss China" during WW II as part of the Allied countries effort to raise money for the troops. Helped sell government bonds during the war. Involved with the Chinese community's effort to raise funds for the "Rice Bowl" campaign. Chinese professionals in B.C. could only attract Chinese clientele in the 1920s-50s. TRACK 2: Chinese vegetable and fish peddlers in Jessie Lam's neighbourhood (as a child) and Jewish junkmen. Milk delivered by horse and carriage until WW II. Speaks of various prominent Chinese families in Vancouver during her youth. Refers to Chung Chuck, Delta farmer who fought with her father against the B.C. Coast Marketing Board (to the Privy Council). Problems farmers, especially the Chinese, had with the Board. The closure of the farm and store in 1971 and liquidation of the property and business in 1973. Lists of goods sold at the store. Anecdote of Jessie Ross and brother John rowing out to Steveston Island.

CALL NUMBER: T3719:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Jessie Lam Ross : Chinese at work in B.C. : The Hong Wo Store and the Richmond Gardens Farm RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1980-07-17 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: [No content summary available for this tape.] TRACK 2: blank.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Joe Yarmish RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-01-19 SUMMARY: Joe "Wind-Jo" Yarmish started fishing in 1926 as a boat puller with a Japanese fellow. Worked in the Imperial Cannery, unloading fish off packers, throwing it into the elevator and feeding them to the; "Iron Chink". Describes the "Iron Chink" as a great improvement. Worked for twenty cents and hour, 12-14-16 hours a day. Hours not regular; Chinese contractor hired Chinese, whites, and Indians who all worked together with no problems. Worked in cannery every summer while attending school. Worked at brick plant "Steveston Sandline Products". 1930 went fishing with his brother-in-law up north. In 1938 he got his own boat. No facilities on his old boat, just a stove for coffee. Fished five days a week at the mouth of the river. Discusses changes in equipment and the river. Regulations are a necessary evil, he's in favour of conservation and critical of the federal buy-back program. There are more boats now (1976) than before. Should license the man and not his boat. Joined union. Unions made considerable difference in prices. Comments on Japanese internment. Story about submarines off the west coast of Vancouver Island, one that ripped his net when it started to dive. There was more involvement with the company in the old days, fishermen have become more independent. Future of the industry: problems of overcrowding, over-fishing and depleted fish stocks. Story about a dangerous fire; he had on the boat. Fishermen are less helpful nowadays with each other -- in the old days you always helped somebody out. Never been in herring fishery. Describes halibut fishery. Early days in the Imperial Cannery. He used to write for "The Fishermen" under the name of "Wind-Jo". Story about how he got the name from the Vancouver waterfront. None of his family went into the fishing industry. Talks of fishing with his son.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): John Turner RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1976-03-07 SUMMARY: [No content summary available for this interview.];

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): John Turner : tallyman and boat rigger RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1976-03-22 SUMMARY: John Turner came to B.C. from Scotland in 1920. Worked at Fraser Saw Mill, then got a job with the Union Steamship Co. on the "Camosun" in 1922. Went to work at Wadhams Cannery as a fireman for the first year. Then he went to Imperial Cannery to help with the fall fishing. He packed fish from Kitsilano to the Gulf of Georgia Plant. There was a big Indian population which lived in the shacks on the dyke close to the cannery. During the season, White people lived in better and more permanent houses away from the water. The Japanese also lived on the water in company houses. Bunk houses for the Chinese men who were fed only two meals a day. They got mostly rice and dried fish and they were "tickled to death" to be working in these conditions. They worked for the C.P.R. in the winter. The Indians were only there for the summer season. The Japanese were permanent residents. Discrepancy of wages according to race. Retired at age 75 the head rigger at Canadian Fish Co. Describes the machine that cuts the heads off of salmon. During the Depression one year he got only 6 weeks of work. Discusses pulp mill at Swanson Bay.

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Ken Elston RECORDED: [location unknown], 1976-02-10 SUMMARY: Ken Elston started in B.C. Packers as a brine man in 1942. The fish were cut and immersed in a brine tank for 15 or 20 minutes then bailed out and canned. He then became a tallyman. Fish weren't weighed as much then as some were just counted. He worked as a tallyman until 1936 (?). The cannery houses were on both sides of the dyke all the way from the western extremity of Steveston to east of Number Two Road. Each camp had a cluster of houses. Mostly Japanese people lived in cannery houses. The houses were taken down in the late 1940s and early 1950s. There used to be many more Chinese people working in the canneries. There used to be a Chinese contractor who hired the cannery employees except key-people. There was no overtime then. When the union came in the contractors began to disappear. The internment of the Japanese people disturbed the fishing industry more than the canning industry. Native people have become scarce as cannery employees in the 30 years he has been working. He attributes this lack of Native people to the lack of suitable housing. Cannery employees' term of employment has gotten longer. The machinery in the canneries is far different from when he started 30 years ago. Discusses the "steam box" which was a method of extracting the air out of tins. Discusses another machine called the "can unscrambler" which sorted the cans and fed the filling tables. He says that the economy of the canning industry necessitated its centralization. In 1935-1936 B.C. Packers was also operating a pet food operation. In the early years B.C. Packers did not have a very diversified line of products. Crab is now (1976) becoming more scarce.

RECORDED: [location unknown], 1969 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. Regnery (nee Rudge) recounts her birth at Sandspit in 1908; her early life; her family's work in the canneries; her impressions of the West Coast; the family home; coming back to the is;lands after being away for twenty years; the hospital; a prediction of the islands sinking; effects of the Alaska tidal wave; being a fisherman's wife; and gillnetting. TRACK 2: Mrs. Regnery continues speaking about the fishing season and the fishing fleet; weather conditions and storms; a fishing boat disaster; winter in the islands; Queen Charlotte City and residents.