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Strathcona Project collection Canada--Emigration and immigration
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Gloria Harris interview

CALL NUMBER: T2800:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Jewish community PERIOD COVERED: 1909-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gloria Harris discusses background: father emigrated from Russia via Germany, mother from Budapest in 1909 &1911; met and married in Vancouver. Immigrant observations on Montreal St: Strathcona a melting pot; details of neighbours' music, religious practices, help in times of illness. Learning English. Discrimination. Depression: helping the young unemployed off the freights; father's difficulties in getting work; cases of poverty. TRACK 2: Jewish organizations helping immigrants in '20s and later. Religious life: holiday rituals, Schara Tzedeck synagogue, Friday night hom ritual. McLean Park and United Church summer programs. School incident involving anti-Semitism. Seen as 'foreign' when trying to get work. Strathcona School: teachers, school nurse, eye tests. World War II for the Chinese and Japanese. CALL NUMBER: T2800:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Jewish community PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Describes local gangs giving local girls protection. Brothel next door in late '40s and how she got it closed. Meeting prostitutes while working in bottle shop at age 13. Other brothels on Union Street. Views on prostitution. Bootlegging: frequency of; social functions of; European custom; first visit to local bootlegger; bootlegging to finance children's' higher education. Russian loggers boarding at friend's house. Russian and Ukrainian music. Russian and Ukrainian halls. TRACK 2: Discusses: school May Day at Powell Street grounds; riot on Hastings Street; 1939 Declaration of War; radio newscasts and newspaper extras; radio programs of the '40s; Italian boys in Canadian Army; Anglicization vs. retaining heritage; stereotypes of Jews. CALL NUMBER: T2800:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Jewish community PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gloria Harris discusses neighbourhood characters: Mrs. Cibular, Mr. Marino, retarded men, teacher Miss Sutherland. Bootlegging to finance education. Degeneration of neighbourhood ca. 1949; neighbours moving out. Immigrants of '50s. Inter-racial relations and jobs according to nationality. Importance of education. TRACK 2: Discusses: burial practices; Rabbi Pastinsky; and importance of radio in daily life. (End of interview)

Elda Battistoni Venturato interview

CALL NUMBER: T2617:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : Italian-Canadians PERIOD COVERED: 1910-1920 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-01-20 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: arrival from Italy, 1910; family members; Strathcona School -- teachers, Bessie Johnston; social life -- evenings on porch; kids games; school concert; skating on False Creek; Miss Greggs buying her shoes; chores; Dr. McKay; brother's accident; successful members of the community. TRACK 2: More on Dr. McKay. Discusses: World War I; house on Union St.; washing floors; Smith and Salter woodyard; bakery oven; tram trip in 1910; hole in Peter's stocking. CALL NUMBER: T2617:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : Italian-Canadians PERIOD COVERED: 1910-1945 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: first home at 565 Union St. (1910); chores; how father started bakery; mother's accident 1929; mother's background and character; father's family; father's death, 1931. Italian stores on Union: Miniciello's, Tosi's, Benny's, Juriatto's. Uncle's stores. Mr. Tosi. Joe Tosi. Branca store. Places to play. Animals in yard. Old houses torn down. TRACK 2: More on old houses. No ethnic friction at school. Mrs. Johnston. Gypsies. Black families. Fountain Chapel. Japanese and Omai. Italian reaction to Japanese evacuation. Italians interned. Sacred Heart Church. Italian funerals. Christmas. Depression shantytown. Panhandling. Purse snatching. Italian reaction to city redevelopment. CALL NUMBER: T2617:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : Italian-Canadians PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1977 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses Italians moving out of neighbourhood and Chinese buying in. In early days, the streets were livelier. Continuation of purse-snatching story. Chinese stay at home. Country customs in her youth. Parents speaking Italian. Secretary for Vancouver Italian-Canadian society. Function of Vancouver Italian-Canadian society. (End of interview)

Dr. So Won Leung interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community -- health care PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-11-05 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Dr. Leung discusses background: born 1916 in Canton; arrived 1922 with father (Methodist missionary); trained as doctor at University of Toronto (Chinese not allowed to enter law and pharmacy; but could enter medicine). Discusses: health problems in mid 1940s had to do with community being composed largely of elderly males, few families; some sanitation problems but communal living quarters were very clean; World War II in Toronto; then joined army as officer, served in Terrace, then at Shaughnessy Hospital; records fear of Japanese attack, details of war effort at Terrace. Getting franchise: Foon Sien's efforts; post-war Chinese population composed of families, many more people. Use of herbs in Chinese medicine, mainly to prevent illness; herbalists in stores well-trained but he is skeptical of benefits of herbs. (End of interview);

Harry Con interview

CALL NUMBER: T2799:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community PERIOD COVERED: 1922-1977 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Harry Con discusses background: born 1922 in Canada; went to China as a boy; returned to Vancouver in 1934 and went to Strathcona School where he learned English; mother was Canadian-born; father immigrated at age 15, worked on railroad, then in sawmills; father Chinese foreman at Capilano Timber (Hastings Park area); conditions of work for father. Con served in WW II; after discharge in 1945, he worked for "Chinese Times", then as principal of Chinese Community School (run by Chinese Freemasons); father a Freemason, as is Harry; relates functions of organization pre and post WW II. Discusses: sending bones back to China; Chinese emigration; discrimination; integration; history of Freemasons as a political organization supporting Sun Yat-sen. Begins narration of urban renewal crisis in Strathcona during '60s; formation of Chinese Property Owners Association under wing of Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA). TRACK 2: Urban renewal crisis (cont'd). Phase I and II of urban renewal. Organization meeting for SPOTA in late '68 where he was elected co-chairman. Discusses his candidacy for School Board in 1968, and political tactics of Chinese Community and of SPOTA. SPOTA's legitimacy as spokesman for Chinese community, 4th level of government on Strathcona Rehabilitation Committee (SRC). Other workers in SPOTA and his resignation. Issue of narrowing roads led to his resignation. Sien Lok Conference in Calgary, Robert Andras & brother Ron Con. Ron's work in Toronto. Freeway and Columbia Connector debates: part played by CBA and by SPOTA and CCC (Chinese Cultural Centre); Reasons for SPOTA's success.

CALL NUMBER: T2799:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1965 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-09-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Harry Con discusses: his return to Canada in 1934 and practice of detaining immigrants in Immigration Building; living conditions in 1920s for Chinese in Chinatown; father's work as labour contractor at Capilano Timber; Chinese Empire Reform Association vs. Dr. Sun; split between Freemasons and Nationalists after Republic established; Freemasons no longer a political organization. Wong Foon Sien: head of CBA and head of Hoysun Ningyung Districts Association; spokesman for Chinatown. Discusses: the threat to close Chinese school in 1930s; learning to speak English; retaining Chinese culture; strong family system of traditional culture. TRACK 2: Discusses World War II: joining up to press for full citizenship rights; service in Southeast Asia in Secret Service (British). 1963-64 revitalization of Chinatown: protest over Quebec connector; money of new Hong Kong immigrants; Chinese Cultural Centre; Chinatown Historical Planning Committee. (End of interview);

Fred Soon interview

CALL NUMBER: T3132:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community PERIOD COVERED: 1908-1960 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Fred Soon discusses background: born Canton 1908; immigrated 1921 on CPR boat with relatives; paid $ 500 head tax; held in Immigration Building for 3 weeks; Chinese 'a political football' prior to 1947. Early life for Fred Soon in B.C.: jobs limited to labour work in mills, on farms, in laundries, etc; sister-in-law not accepted into nurse's training in B.C. in 1950; attended Strathcona School to learn English; then Britannia; father made him take one year commercial course at John Oliver so he could run his own business; first lived in 'community house'; help clan associations offered Chinese. TRACK 2: More on Soon's life in Strathcona neighbourhood: grocery store during Depression then shipyard work at Burrard Shipyards building Liberty ships during WW II (considered a good job;); post-war grocery store then shingle mill work; active in IWA union as Chinese organizer; unions discriminatory in early days, but later changed mind.; CALL NUMBER: T3132:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community PERIOD COVERED: 1921-1968 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses the expropriation of his house on Pender Street for urban renewal: he refused to sell to City Hall because they would not give him replacement value only market value (unfair because area had been designated for clearance so property values had dropped); refused to go to arbitration; had to move out due to stress on wife but he never completely abandoned house; house was demolished without his consent on morning in 1967; went through three lawyers, none of whom could help him. TRACK 2: More on expropriation of house: third lawyer that represented him settled for Fred Soon without telling him first; Soon refused to accept money which was kept in trust by lawyer until just before his death when Fred Soon had to take it. Soon was active in early formation of SPOTA; labels ;urban renewal 'urban destruction'; points out basic errors in City Hall's program. Describes Depression jobs and how labour contractors worked. (End of interview)

Max Jaffe interview

CALL NUMBER: T2716:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Lithuanian-Jewish immigrants in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1933-1942 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Max Jaffe discusses background: coming to Strathcona neighbourhood in 1933 at the age of 10; family, including religious grandparents, lived near synagogue; immigrated from Lithuania in 1933; first jobs of father and family members. Describes childhood in Strathcona: playing around Hobo jungle in the Depression; school days and teachers; different ethnic groups; relations of different ethnic groups in school yard; learning English. TRACK 2: Discusses: differences with parochial school children; neighbourliness; childhood activities; bootlegging; prostitution; crime; Hastings Street in the '30s; May Day parades and the Clarion; local Japanese-Canadians.

CALL NUMBER: T2716:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Lithuanian-Jewish immigrants in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1940 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-07-06 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: tendency of Strathcona inhabitants to leave area once they rise above poverty; praise to Strathcona School teachers; help for new arrivals from Council of Jewish Women, Arduth Credit Union; local characters- coal man, Chinese vegetable man; hard work and leisure activities in Stanley Park; crime and poverty; gypsies on Main Street. (End of interview)

Mary Lee Chan and Shirley Chan interview

CALL NUMBER: T3170:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. Chan discusses: her family background; life of her grandfather; 1907 Vancouver Chinatown riots as experienced by her mother; grandfather's desire to be part of the gold rush; life of her father, various jobs he held including wood cutter, gardener, farm work; being born on Slocan Street; memories of Chinatown in the 1920s; role of women in Chinese society. Mrs. Chan then discusses her family's return to China in 1922-23 because they were so poor: family's dissatisfaction with return to China and difficulties adjusting to it; Mrs. Chan went to a co-ed school in China, rare at the time; medical services in China were limited, but all of Mrs. Chan's siblings were straightforward deliveries. TRACK 2: More about Mrs. Chan's memories in China: burglar anecdote; becoming a teacher for a government school; marriage. In 1947, Mrs. Chan returns to Canada due to help from money sent over by her sisters. Discusses: changes in Vancouver Chinatown; arrival of her husband to Canada in 1949 (daughter Shirley is 1 year old at this point); being a Chinese teacher in New Westminster; family store; growth of Chinese community; other neighbours in Strathcona area. Mrs. Chan starts to discuss her interest in stopping the urban renewal campaign of City Hall. Shirley not involved until she was a university student. More discussion about the campaign to stop the city from demolishing Strathcona community.; CALL NUMBER: T3170:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-23 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: More discussion about SPOTA and the campaign to stop urban renewal. Role of Mary's husband in SPOTA: failing health, but still chaired first meeting. Mrs. Chan is only founding member of SPOTA still on board. Mrs. Chan's plans to build Cultural Centre, another united Chinese community effort. Discusses how SPOTA achieved success. (End of interview);

Garson and Yip Ting Yuen interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-12-14 SUMMARY: In this three-tape interview, Yip Tong Yuen discusses life as an early Chinese-Canadian in the Strathcona neighbourhood. In particular, he discusses his family's background, Strathcona neighbourhood anecdotes, and the Mount Shasta restaurant. Yip Tong Yuen's son Garson Yuen talks about growing up in Strathcona, and also translates many of his father's comments.

Peter Battistoni interview

CALL NUMBER: T2616:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathconca neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1950 RECORDED: Surrey (B.C.), 1977-01-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Peter Battistoni discusses his background. He was born in 1912 in Vancouver; parents' emigration from Italy. Talks about music in Strathcona neighbourhood. Discusses: conscription in WW I; his father's bakery- location, building, Peter's work there, design for new bakery, Peter's work delivering for the bakery, delivery route. TRACK 2: Describes: deliveries by horse and wagon; Sunday social gatherings; more about delivering for the bakery; ups and downs at the bakery; making pizza; mother's cooking; activities at False Creek; Hogan's Alley. CALL NUMBER: T2616:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathconca neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1950 RECORDED: Surrey (B.C.), 1977-01-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Stories about Lungo of Hogan's Alley. Comments on family photos. Hogan's Alley. Bootlegging. Italian stores. Italian funerals. Use of Italian language. Mother's and brother's hospital stays and other stories about family health problems. Bakery fuel, equipment. Bakery sites. Jews on Princess. TRACK 2: Schara Tzedeck Synagogue. Immigrants moving out of and into the neighbourhood. Strathcona School. Sports and youthful activities. 1918 flu epidemic. Insularity of the district. A few memories of the Depression. Longshoremen's demonstration. Horse stories. More about Lungo. Bootlegging. Kids' games. CALL NUMBER: T2616:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathconca neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1929-1950 RECORDED: Surrey (B.C.), 1977-01-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses Strathcona neighbourhood: prostitution in the 1930s; lack of crime among youth; boarding houses; loggers' sprees; WW I veterans; Hobo jungle in the 1930s; effects of World War II, especially on the Japanese; Chinese tong wars; opium dens and the police; Jewish junkmen. TRACK 2: Discusses: p.m. curfews; street vendors; Depression -- foraging in boxcars; winemaking grapes; food; home remedies and tonics; Coughlan Shipyard fire; fire in bakery (late 1940s); fire in box factory next door. CALL NUMBER: T2616:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathconca neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1940 RECORDED: Surrey (B.C.), 1977-02-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: Old MacDonald (contractor) who built homes along Atlantic Crescent; Branca's car; first car ride to Coquitlam; streetcar routes; burials, funeral processions; Easter celebrations -- eggs, dress, mood; his uncle, a tailor; dances at Orange Hall and Parish Hall; Angelo Calori forms the Sons of Italy. TRACK 2: Discusses: Giulletti boys; musicians; music in home; Strathcona School; -- Bessie Johnston, Cairn sisters, discipline; curfew; McLean Park; boarders in home; mother's knowledge of medicine; speechmaking.; CALL NUMBER: T2616:0005 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathconca neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1940 RECORDED: Surrey (B.C.), 1977-02-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Comments on old photographs of neighbourhood: theatres; Pini's café; Woodward's; Avenue Theatre; Imperial Theatre; London Hotel; Shaw's drugstore; recollections as a child of listening to music from Fountain Chapel; selling peanuts and chocolate bars at Italian society dances. TRACK 2: Discusses: radio; washing floors -- layout of houses and how space was used; games; words in dictionary; -- health, herbs, gardens; Tosi family -- Joe Tosi and his racing cars. (End of interview)

Interview with America Bianco, Elisa Negrin, and Dora Trono

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1910-1937 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-05-09 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Interviewees introduce themselves: both Mrs. Bianco and Mrs. Negrin born in Vancouver (1911 and 1917 respectively). Mrs. Trono born in Italy in 1895. (Mrs. Trono does not speak much on the tape). Mrs. Bianco's father, Piccolo, emigrated with pregnant wife in 1910-11: first two houses lived in on Prior St; dispute with neighbour McDonald over empty lot used as garden; boccia in back alley; poker-playing for days at a time; story of woman who put glass in sandwiches. Mrs. Negrin's father, Martini, a born traveller, emigrated to North America after trips to other countries: first home in stable on Union Street; later moved to Grove (Atlantic); six girls in family, mother took in boarders; father used empty lot to raise cows and chickens; dairying in 1925; court case over stolen chickens; minimal social welfare available; kids' chores. Mrs. Bianco's jobs helping mother with milk and cheese sales -- dairies stepped in (1935-36) to stop them from keeping cows. Mrs. Negrin was herdswoman on Flats. Mrs. Bianco recalls men loitering on Flats, chasing lost cows. Saturday night bootlegging and dancing with men. TRACK 2: Mrs. Negrin recalls Barnum and Bailey Circus on Flats, ca. 1926, when Italians made a lot of money selling their wine to circus crews, and Italian kids got into circus free. Mrs. Bianco recalls fight in their house in late '20s. Father started bootlegging as longshoremen take up wine drinking; friends wanted some, invited to house, wanted more, ended up buying drinks. Story of getting arrested for bootlegging when sister was 19, she was 25: she took rap for sister; wore new dress to trial; judge's quick retort. Trains coming in would sell booze off flats. 1918 flu epidemic: many neighbours died. Mrs. Negrin recalls bodies 4-5 feet high in Hogan's Alley. Mrs. Negrin recalls helping mother as midwife. Gathering stray cows before going to dance; herding route; pound man; barn on Atlantic Street. Depression: men coming up from flats for food and water.

Raymond J. Culos interview

CALL NUMBER: T2621:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1910-1950 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-03-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Raymond Culos discusses: family background in Italy; immigration of family to Vancouver, ca. 1910; problems of Italian immigrants; father as a dairy farmer in Coquitlam; mother's family worked on B.C. Electric; father's family in hotel work, catering and cleaning. Adjustment of first generation immigrants. Problems of being an Italian from the east end of Vancouver. Family life. Britannia High School. Jobs and sports. TRACK 2: Life of east end kids: entertainment; False Creek characters. Feelings about the neighbourhood as a newspaper boy and streetwise youth. Anglo-Saxons in the area. Sacred Heart School and attitudes and ambitions of local children. Literature at home. CALL NUMBER: T2621:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1977 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-03-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Preoccupations of pioneer parents. Children from many ethnic groups. Learning about prejudice. Examples of success and failure. Hogan's Alley. Bootlegging. Hardships in the Depression. His father's life as an athlete and businessman. Relations of Italians to events in Italy, especially during World War II. TRACK 2: Leaders in Italian community. Story of uncle's immigration to Canada. His mother and father as a unifying force in Italian organizations. Other local Italian families. Wally Wallace story. Anecdotes about his own family and other Italians in America. Additional memories of Sacred Heart School. His present activities. CALL NUMBER: T2621:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-25 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses his grandfather's grocery business. Comments on photos of family members and of the Strathcona area. More on Sacred Heart School. (End of interview)

Interview with Lorne and Rosie Bezubiak and Ed and Hannah Polowy

CALL NUMBER: T3130:0001
SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : Ukrainian-Canadians
PERIOD COVERED: 1897-1950
SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Rosie Bezubiak: parents immigrated 1897 from Ukraine; took up farming in Alberta; farm lost during Depression; Rosie, her husband and daughter Hannah move to Vancouver 1929. Rosie did housework for 25 cents an hour in Shaughnessy and Dunbar; her husband worked as a logger. Jobs were scarce, and there were 5 children in all. Discusses poverty, many moves, and relief. The Polowys (Ed's parents and 3 children) moved from Edmonton to Vancouver in 1930; his father began first delicatessen east of Main Street and made his own Ukrainian sausage; family lived in back of store; hard times but always enough to eat; details of store work, making sausages. Ukrainian Hall had many musical concerts. Discussion of musicians in Buzubiak family. TRACK 2: Princess St. house for Bezubiaks: room, rent, neighbours, bootlegging across street and raids. Safe neighbourhood for women. Details of local gangs, their behaviour. Describes a local fight with U.S. Marines, making revenge and visits to Kerrisdale. Life in Strathcona neighbourhood: street games; zoot-suiters; differences between Strathcona and Seymour school gangs; Ed courting Hannah; many kids around Bezubiak home; organized athletics; Pro-Rec program in schools and local halls and churches; Lorne's childhood paper route; hop-picking at Sardis.

CALL NUMBER: T3130:0002
SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : Ukrainian-Canadians
SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Life in Strathcona neighbourhood: more on hop-picking in summers as children; Camp Alexander at Crescent Beach; Hannah and sisters working at Carnegie Public Library; Ed's paper route along waterfront and float-house camp; swimming and fishing at foot of Heatley; Japantown -- bigger than Chinatown; Hannah's visit to Japanese Church; Japanese evacuation -- Hastings Park, selling possessions; blackouts and Air Raid Wardens (Lorne was one); ethnic slur words learned at Britannia; discrimination at Templeton and Britannia against East End kids, ethnic minorities; longshoremen's strike -- Polowy store invaded by police horse; role of Ukrainian Hall in 1938 Unemployment March and occupation of post-office; wounded cared for by Dr. Telford; Hall originally "Ukrainian Labourers and Farmers Temple", part of national organization, closed down by government in 1944 for 4 years; ties with Russians, Finns, and Yugoslavs. TRACK 2: Strathcona neighbourhood: Christmas in neighbourhood; beginning of CCF Party -- the Winches, meetings at Powell Street grounds, May Day parades; Andrew Roddan; Father Cooper of St. James; St. James work among youth, Reverend Whitehead, Mrs. Jane; Welfare Office and day care; evictions in neighbourhood and how neighbours helped; characters of the area -- Sam Barrett, junk men, ice man, Crazy Mary, a major, Frenchie, Mr. Zanata. Dr. Fox a good neighbourhood doctor; Yucho Chow the portrait maker. [End of interview]

Abe Gurevich and Rita Goldberg interview

CALL NUMBER: T3134:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Jewish community PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1945 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Abraham Gurevich discusses background: born 1901 in Russia; came to Canada at age 24 to join other family members; skilled locksmith and gunsmith but found job only washing dishes. Daughter Rita Goldberg: attended Strathcona School, 1936; recalls Miss Schooley and one other teacher. Gurevich in cattle business in 1930, went broke, peddled junk by horse and wagon. No job, no money but family never on relief; he made enough to eat. Discussion of: Hobo jungles on False Creek; Rabbi Pastinsky; Kosher butcher shops on Georgia; Sabbath day customs; mother's non-automatic washer; home-made pickles and sauerkraut. TRACK 2: Gurevich was a good wine maker- sold it for Passover. Peddling with horse. Buying Model T truck and going into fruit and vegetable vending. Second Hand store for 28 years, bought for $46.00. Strathcona in 1924 mostly Jewish; as more immigrants came, Jews moved out, synagogue moved to 19th Street. Gurevich family did not leave until 1944, when homes were getting run down and drinking problems were more evident. Italians bootlegging but good neighbours. Weekly outings to Stanley Park, lunch in suitcases, then later by truck. Violin found while junk peddling; gave to Rita; Rita's sister took music lessons at Ukrainian Hall. Tough black kids in area. Live chickens from Chinatown. Wood and coal furnace, then sawdust. Gurevich for 42 years member of Jewish Burian Society: dresses bodies, keeps vigil; discusses Jewish burial customs. CALL NUMBER: T3134:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Jewish community PERIOD COVERED: 1930-1950 RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discussion of the Zionist organization in neighbourhood on Hastings Street that was really a youth group. World War II does not affect family. [TRACK 2: blank; end of interview.]

Tadao Wakabayashi interview

CALL NUMBER: T3175:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Japanese community RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Tadao "Tad" Wakabayashi recalls his father's arrival from Japan in 1892. Mother was a "picture bride". House on Powell Street; father's bean cake shop. Parents stressed education; attended both public school and Japanese school. Father worked at Hasting Sawmill. As a boy, Tad nearly drowned on log boom. Fishing in Burrard Inlet. Strathcona School. Rivalry with Chinese and Italian boys. Dances at Fuji Chop Suey. Asahi Baseball Team. Activities at local gymnasium. Judo club. TRACK 2: More on Japanese School. Tad graduated in 1931. Stories about, and comparison of, Japanese and Strathcona schools. High school. Strathcona: teachers, celebrations, playground, games. Buddhist and other churches in the area. Health care for Japanese. CALL NUMBER: T3175:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Japanese community RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-02-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Allowance spent on streetcar fare and afternoon snacks. Commercial training at Grandview High School. Worked for father's friend's fruit and vegetable wholesale business; long hours. Other jobs: hotel bellhop, fish market. Details of his work for vegetable wholesaler. The Depression: hobo jungle on the flats; Ballantyne Pier riot described. Post Office riot. Food for transients. Minister; begging for bread. Two-room workers' cabins on Powell Street. Visited Japan in 1936 with parents. TRACK 2: Impressions of pre-war Japan. Impact of the Japanese-Canadian internment, including positive aspects. Loss of house in Vancouver and subsequent court case. Japanese reaction to the war and restrictions. Friend who joined Japanese Army. Discrimination against the Japanese. Tad's anger. Camp conditions at Hastings Park. Worked on project to build and operate sawmill at Blind Bay, but it failed. His family's living condition at Lemon Creek camp in the Slocan Valley. Sold sawdust as fuel in Kamloops. Worked cutting logs for a portable tie mill. Stories about discrimination in the interior.

Marino Culos interview

CALL NUMBER: T2718:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Italian-Canadians in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1907-1930 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Marino Culos discusses: document on Sons of Italy formation; Angelo Calori and the Europe Hotel; the Culos family migrates to Vancouver 1907; the Italian community in Vancouver; work of Italians in construction industry; Ferrara Court; family work at the Klondike Hotel café; other prominent Italians and their professions; chores at the Klondike Hotel. TRACK 2: More description of the Klondike Hotel. Cordova St. meeting hall. Meeting father at train station. Italians in World War I. Early residences and a childhood accident. Strathcona school days. Ethnic groups and relations in the schoolyard. Language barrier. Boarders. Leisure activities among Italian immigrants. Sculptor Fabri. 1927 Marathon race. CALL NUMBER: T2718:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Italian-Canadians in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1904-1930 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: History of the local Sons of Italy organization. Father aided by Sons of Italy after accident. His work for Carrelli and the Klondike Hotel. Other activities of the Sons of Italy. Constitution of the Sons of Italy. Description of funerals provided by Sons of Italy. Sons of Italy costumes and behaviour. TRACK 2: Dress in the '30s. Geography of the neighbourhood. Description of Union St. Shanties under the Georgia viaduct. Ravine at Hawks and Union. [Deletion.] Bootlegging. CALL NUMBER: T2718:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Italian-Canadians in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1917-1945 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-24 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: [Deletion] First jobs: Klondike Hotel; farm and grocery jobs; bought own store; other grocery and bakery jobs. Study to become an accountant. First Honourary Life Member of the Sons of Italy.; Other Italian organizations. TRACK 2: Effects of World War II on the Italian community: persecution and internment. Role as President of the Sons of Italy during the war. Conditions of internment at Petawawa. (End of interview)

Irma and Ramon Benedetti interview

CALL NUMBER: T2678:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1945 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-03-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: A discussion of Ramon's Italian background: his parents' emigration from Italy in 1920s; Alphonso Benedetti's store at Union and Princess (Benny's Market). TRACK 2: Social life in the neighbourhood: winter sports; local animals; picnics; foods; kids' games; roller skating; ethnic rivalries. CALL NUMBER: T2678:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1928-1950 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-03-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discussion of: McLean Park summer programs; Boccia; Strathcona School; Japanese evacuation during WW II; other ethnic groups; prostitution. TRACK 2: Discussion of: bawdy houses and prostitution; more about teachers and students at Strathcona School; music; Italian societies; Sacred Heart Church; dubious improvements of urban renewal. CALL NUMBER: T2678:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1977 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-03-28 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Movement of Italians out of community. New immigrants. Main Street shopping area. Geography of area. Sewer problems. (End of interview)

Chow Yin Wong interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Chinese community RECORDED: [location unknown], 1978-01-13 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Wong discusses background: born 1896; moving to Canada, 1911; what Vancouver was like in the early years of the twentieth century; living on Keefer Street; brother's laundry business; Chinatown; going back to China in 1919, but returning to Canada 1921. Mr. Wong and his brother built a new, bigger laundry business. Describes laundry business. Discusses what life was like for early Chinese in Vancouver. Few women in early Chinatown. Flu epidemic of 1918. TRACK 2: Discusses: medicines used by Chinese herbalists; the Depression -- hard times for many Chinese businesses; his opinion of urban renewal; Chinatown on Carrall St. in 1911; Chinese opera house. (End of interview);

Mary Veljacic interview

CALL NUMBER: T2699:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Yugoslavian families in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1912-1935 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mary Veljacic discusses background: born in 1913 on Keefer St. of Yugoslavian (Croatian) parents; father's background; reason parents emigrated; their first impressions of Canada; work done by her father and other immigrants; father's role as interpreter for other immigrants. Describes: stores, banks, libraries in neighbourhood. Her husband, a 1929 immigrant, and his work as a fisherman. ;Problems of Yugoslavian immigrants in World War I. Good relations in neighbourhood. Strathcona School. The synagogue. TRACK 2: Discusses: Jewish neighbours; a Jewish funeral; funerals at Buddhist Church; games and children's' activities; Prior St. neighbours; more about games, youthful activities and holiday festivities; music and traditional stories; family life. CALL NUMBER: T2699:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Yugoslavian families in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1920-1940 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-26 & 06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mrs. Veljacic discusses: childhood activities; anecdotes about neighbours and parents; status of parents as early immigrants in neighbourhood; Woodward's and Spencer's stores; family talks and motherly advice. TRACK 2: Visits to Deadman's Island. The Croatian Fraternal Union. Croatian Hall. Political differences among immigrants. Assimilation of second generation. Preserving Croatian language and culture in her home. Slovenes and Croatians group and family gatherings. Role of Catholic Croatian Church in preserving language and music. Hardships in Yugoslavia. CN station and yards: collecting lumber and watermelons. Omae brothers and the Japanese evacuation. Neighbourhood sharing and mutual help. Dr. Tomsett. CALL NUMBER: T2699:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Yugoslavian families in the Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1918-1950 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-06-02 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Recollections of Dr. Tomsett. The flu epidemic of 1918 and other health problems. Mutual protection among young people. Helpfulness of an East Indian neighbour. Italian neighbours. Movies. Celebrations and festivals. A local madam and comments on prostitution. Owl Drug Store and ice cream sodas. Father and children's injuries. Embroidering and sewing. Gypsies. Fishing boat picnics. (End of interview)

Phyllis Culos interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1905-1940 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-16 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Phyllis Culos discusses: family (Minichiello) background and emigration from Italy; first experiences in Canada; starting a grocery store in 1912; death of baby sister, 1915; detailed description of store; house and store; mother's heavy responsibilities; learning English; school, and Jewish and Chinese friends; Sunday picnics in Stanley Park; father's first car; 1918 flu epidemic; Union St. people; description of store and locality; Italian families on 500 block of Union St.; Jewish families at 700 block Union St.; childhood games and other recreations. TRACK 2: Discusses: lack of prejudice; social life and family life; parents' trip to Italy, 1926; traditions -- Christmas and Easter food and festivities; Sons of Italy and its' Ladies' Auxiliary; activities of Ladies' Auxiliary; Depression memories; never felt deprived; store run by father, then by Marino and Phyllis Culos; family owned Dobson Hotel. (End of interview)

Angelo Branca interview : [Itter & Marlatt, 1977]

CALL NUMBER: T2619:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1896-1920 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-02-14 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Angelo Branca discusses background and childhood: father in gold rush, 1896; father's import business; learning of his background through oral history, 1911, as father returns to Italy briefly; deliveries as child for grocery store; mucky sidewalks at Hastings and Main; games as a child; teachers at school; discipline in the home and at school; sense of humour of teachers; change of his ;vocation to law on father's advice; singing at Italian dinners; sister as a singer. TRACK 2: Discusses: physical work and chores; Italian picnics; lack of existing documentation of Italians in Vancouver; immigrants coming being those who needed new opportunity; Mr. Branca's father's reason for immigrating; story-telling amongst his father's friends; San Carlo opera company coming to Vancouver; the Avenue Theatre; Charles E. Royal players at Empress Theatre; early movie theatres; seeing opera recently in Verona; Italy; Italian banquets in Vancouver; his sister as a talented singer.;

CALL NUMBER: T2619:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1905-1977 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-02-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: Powell St. grounds; Burnaby farm; family; schooling; early success in law profession; assimilation of Italians into Canada; Fathers at Sacred Heart school; description of church interiors at Easter and Christmas; father's import business; speech making; Italian language. TRACK 2: Discusses: philosophical sayings and proverbs in Italian, and the poetry of learning them; discipline in the home; notes changes in parental guidance since WW II; brief history of union of the provinces of Italy; Strathcona residents from Veneto and Udine area; small community problems; community ;pride and jealousy; retention of ethnic customs.;

CALL NUMBER: T2619:0003 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community PERIOD COVERED: 1900-1940 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-02-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: manual labour by first minority groups; discrimination problems; Janet Smith case of 1924; False Creek prior to WW I; maps of area viewed; location of family's home in area; street; cars, hotels and theatres; first Woodward store; Crosetti, Branca and Tosi stores on Main Street; stores at corner of Union and Princess Street; area of Water St., 70 years ago; Europe Hotel; Angelo Calori. TRACK 2: Discusses: sewage outlet at foot of Raymur St.; reclamation of False Creek park; builder of Union Street homes in 1900s; Hogan's Alley; distribution of brothels in area; police control and toleration of them; lack of crime in area; rum running; bootlegging.;

CALL NUMBER: T2619:0004 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Italian community RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mr. Branca discusses: lawyers in '20s and '30s who influenced him; his first car, a Russell-Knight (?); early driving conditions in Vancouver; learning to box from George Paris; boxing in general; his father's business partner, John Crosetti; Branca's father as a colourful character. (End of interview)

Abraham Myer Freedman interview

CALL NUMBER: T2683:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Orthodox Jewish community within Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1910-1930 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-19 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Myer Freedman discusses his Polish background: father's emigration in 1910; father as a peddler and storekeeper. Discusses: other ethnic groups in Strathcona; the first synagogue and Hebrew school; schooling in the neighbourhood; family life; Chinese neighbours; school memories; sounds of the neighbourhood; harsh winters; other comments on neighbourhood buildings, beaches, swimming; blacksmith shop at Keefer and Main. TRACK 2: Blacksmith shop (cont'd). Morris Goldberg's store. Public library, city hall, theatres. Hiking on North Shore, trips to Bowen Island, picnics. Hard work for women. Meat packing houses. Business ethics. Father's store: dealing with logging camps, Chinese. Neighbourliness. Crime: liquor and prostitution. Drug usage. Health conditions. CALL NUMBER: T2683:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): The Orthodox Jewish community within Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1910-1940 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-05-19 & 31 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Discusses: health conditions and home remedies; Kosher stores on Georgia; preparation of chicken and other foods; Sabbath restrictions; Orthodox Jewish community in Strathcona; synagogue; why Jewish people left the neighbourhood; belief in cultural identity. TRACK 2: Growing up as an orthodox Jew in Strathcona neighbourhood: description of orthodox Jewish life; strength and pride in their culture. (End of interview)

Gil Tiveron and Ted Hovi interview

CALL NUMBER: T2680:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1915-1930 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Gil Tiveron: born in Italy, 1909; came to Canada, 1911; first house on Union Street. Ted Hovi: born in Washington state to Finnish parents, 1909; moved to Vancouver, 1922; house on Keefe. Scandinavian boarders; conditions during the Depression; Powell River smokestack job; longshoremen's' strike 1935; Vancouver riot. Tiveron: crowd on Hastings in 1930s. TRACK 2: Tiveron: Hastings St (con;t'd). Hovi: Ballantyne Pier Riot [1935]. Tiveron: memories of Italian community; Strathcona School; Chinese vs. Italians; Chinese and Japanese; teachers and discipline. Hovi: Strathcona teachers and discipline. Hovi and Tiveron: youthful adventures; whore houses; prostitution and bootlegging; street vendors; theatres. CALL NUMBER: T2680:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Recollections of Strathcona neighbourhood PERIOD COVERED: 1915-1930 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1977-04-15 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Hovi and Tiveron: movies and theatres; dances at Silver Slipper and Parish Hall; other ethnic groups- Finns, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, Ukrainians, Poles; neighbourhood characters; leaving the neighbourhood. TRACK 2: Hovi and Tiveron identify pictures: synagogue; Spencer's stable; Pini's Spaghetti House; theatres; Croatian Hall; Hogan's Alley; city market near Westminster Bridge; Morrow's Wood and Coal; False Creek flats. (End of interview)

Mike Harahuc interview

SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Strathcona neighbourhood : the Ukrainian community PERIOD COVERED: 1928-1960s RECORDED: [location unknown], 1977-10 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Mike Harahuc discusses: various jobs on prairies after emigrating from the Ukraine in 1928; starting out with 20 acres and a house near Prince Albert for $100 down; buying a horse; doing well and buying a car; coming to Vancouver 1948; working at Excelsior Paper Stock; buying a crooked house on Union Street; back trouble; returns to prairies; describes operation on stomach without anesthetic; urban renewal in Strathcona in the '60s; joining the Chinese to fight City Hall; canvassing door-to-door. TRACK 2: Discusses: city repairs in area; rehabilitation he undertook in his house; converting from wood and coal stove to gas heat; longshoring in the '50s; getting work without being a union member; loading lumber and grain; dispatching office and how numbers are called; convenience of neighbourhood being close to docks; not being admitted to union; majority Chinese in Strathcona and how that should not lead to reverse discrimination against non-Chinese. (End of interview)