Showing 1687 results

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1920s, Vancouver. Portrait of unidentified man who photo was found in the archives of the Wongs Benevolent Association.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1930, Vancouver. Photo of two young, Asian women identified simply as Kay and Lena.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1928, Vancouver. Photo of Soo Wing Chor who came to Canada in 1923 and paid the $500 head tax. About three months after he arrived, the Federal Government introduced the Chinese Exclusion Act, which essentially barred further immigration by Chinese. He was 17 at the time. He went on to operate the Golden Goose Restaurant in Campbell River from the 1950s until he sold it and passed away in 1976.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early 1930s, Vancouver. Hand painted photo of two Chinese men. The man standing if Quan Chung Fune who owned a restaurant in Kamloops. The other man is unidentified.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1941, Vancouver. Portrait of PC Quon. He went on to open the Ho Ho Chop Suey Restaurant.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1942, Vancouver. Hand colourized full photo of Quan Chung Fune sitting on a chair. He was a close friend of Yucho Chow and his personal album contains several photos of Yucho with Fune's family. Fune owned with his three brothers a restaurant in Kamloops called The Rose Garden. This photo must have been taken when he was visiting in Vancouver. The family believes that the photo and colourization was done for free as a gift from Yucho.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1910, Vancouver. Portrait of Ng Lin Kee. Came for the CPR and afterwards became the first Chinese merchant in Ashcroft operated a general store and market garden. Ng also created its first scandal. He had 9 wives: 3 of them Chinese, and the other 6 were local native [Indigenous] women. Altogether he had 40 children. It is rumoured that in one week he became a father three times. He did not live with his wives but provided for all of them and his children. He died July 17, 1923 and was buried in Kamloops Cemetery.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1930s, Vancouver. Photo of a man named Poon Chew Ying. The inscription reads ‘To Mr. Chew Lip. Gift from younger brother, Poon Chew Ying.’ This photo was found in the archives of Ming Wo Cookware (formerly known as Ming Wo Hardware.)”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1939, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Neil Fong Mah. Neil was born in 1915 on farm in Richmond, British Columbia. The farm was later expropriated to make way for the Vancouver International Airport. He would one day marry Ella Lee. On the day this portrait was taken, another full-length photo was shot with Neil standing. It is unknown what occasion Neil was celebrating when he had these photos taken.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1939, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Neil Fong Mah. Neil was born in 1915 on farm in Richmond, British Columbia. The farm was later expropriated to make way for the Vancouver International Airport. He would one day marry Ella Lee. On the day this portrait was taken, another full-length photo was taken with Neil standing. It is unknown what occasion led to these photos.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1930, Vancouver. Full length portrait of Emily Mah, born 1915.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1930, Vancouver. Full length portrait of Polly Mah, born 1917.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1930s, Vancouver. Photo of a Mak Fo. He is [in] a smart overcoat with his fedora hat to one side and holding a[n] unlit cigarette. The inscription reads ‘To paternal aunt Ju Sau to keep and commemorate. Humbly from nephew Mak Fo.’ This photo was found in the archives of Ming Wo Cookware (formerly known as Ming Wo Hardware).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1920s, Vancouver. Portrait of Luk Hung Fan, who was one of the founders of the Mon Keong Chinese School which operated above the Wongs Benevolent Association. This photo was found in the archives of the Wongs Benevolent Association.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1949, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Fred Lowe (aka Chun). He was a businessman who owned Vancouver Packaging, and then in the 1950s owned Krispee Potato Chips. In the mid-1950s he married Rosemary Louie. The family changed their name from Chun to Lowe.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1949, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Rosemary Louie. She was born in Revelstoke. She married Fred Lowe who owned the Krispee Potato Chip Factory, so was later known as Rosemary Lowe.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Vancouver. Circa late 1920s. Ming (Tommy) Lum can to Canada in June 1922. He was a paper son: He posed as the son of his real-life brother. Consequently, Ming had to say he was younger than he really was. He was 18 when he arrived in Canada, but his head tax certificate recorded him as being only 13. He arrived in Canada in 1922 and on his Head Tax Certificate his name was recorded as Lim Joe Ming. Ming at first worked with his brother selling groceries from a horse and cart in Chinatown. In 1927 he opened Canada Produce. Ming died in 1987.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1920s, Vancouver. Portrait of two young Asian women. On the right is Lew Hoy Moy Sue (also known as Mrs. Ging Lew) soon after she arrived in Canada. She was born February 10, 1900, and came to Canada in February 1920. The woman on the left is unidentified but likely a relative.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1940s, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Anita Low. The photo is addressed to Frankie, who was a girlfriend of Anita's. The same photo, but colourized, was presented to Norm (who later became Anita's husband).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1920s, Vancouver. Head and shoulders Portrait of Lim Butt Sun (October 1889 - October 16, 1950). He was a herbalist and doctor from China. He opened a store, Kwong Chai Tong, at 92 East Pender St.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early to mid-1930s, Vancouver. Head and shoulders of Bill Lim sent to Harry Lee (owner of On Wo Tailors).”).

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1936, Vancouver. Studio portrait of a standing Albert WK Lee (18 years old).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1930s, Vancouver. Portrait of Jack Joe Lee. Born was May 16, 1894 in Kwangtung, China. He made a living as a tailor and worked for many years at Modernize Tailors when it was located at 1 West Pender St. Vancouver, B.C. It appears Jack also ran his own shop for a period of time as one of his tailoring books is stamped: Lee the Tailor, 295 Pender St. E[ast] Vancouver, B.C. Besides making clothes for paying customers, Jack also made clothes for his family. One nephew recalled that the family could not afford clothes so the only new garments they ever owned were made by Jack. Jack was remembered as a generous man. Every week he took to take his grandchildren to the grocery store and bought them Life Savers or penny candy. He also loved to take the extended family out for dim sum and allowed the grand children to select whatever items they wanted. Jack never spoke much English. Near the end of his life he moved in with one of his children and their family, and enjoyed sitting in his rocking chair. He passed away in Vancouver on May 28, 1973.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1951, Vancouver. Portrait of Jack Joe Lee taken at Yucho Chow Studio located at 512 Main Street. The sons of Yucho Chow (either Peter or Philip Chow) would have taken this photo. Jack Joe Lee was May 16, 1894 in Kwangtung, China. He made a living as a tailor and worked for many years at Modernize Tailors when it was located at 1 West Pender St. Vancouver, B.C. It appears Jack also ran his own shop for a period of time as one of his tailoring books is stamped: Lee the Tailor, 295 Pender St. E[ast] Vancouver, B.C. Besides making clothes for paying customers, Jack also made clothes for his family. One nephew recalled that the family could not afford clothes so the only new garments they ever owned were made by Jack. Jack was remembered as a generous man. Every week he took to take his grandchildren to the grocery store and bought them Life Savers or penny candy. He also loved to take the extended family out for dim sum and allowed the grand children to select whatever items they wanted. Jack never spoke much English. Near the end of his life he moved in with one of his children and their family, and enjoyed sitting in his rocking chair. He passed away in Vancouver on May 28, 1973.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Mid-1940s, Vancouver. Full length studio portrait of Lai Tin Yew. Tin Yew originally worked in sawmills. But in the 1970s opened and ran the successful Yip Hong Yuen Bakery in the heart of Chinatown until his retirement in 1987.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1940s, Vancouver. Black and white portrait of Lee Kung Mei (also known by his English name Lee Yuk). He was the owner of Sun Yuen shoes and repair store at 535 Main Street. There he made custom logging boots. He arrived in Vancouver in 1912 when he was 20 years old. And he passed away in 1959.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1962, Vancouver. Kee Mon Law (also known as Low Mon Gee). Was born June 12, 1922 New Westminster Chinatown, BC.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1936, Vancouver. Hand-painted full length portrait of Grace Kwan, the Chinese Jubilee Queen. Photo was been taken outside the studio. Kwan was one of several jubilee queens crowned in the year that the City of Vancouver celebrated its 50th anniversary. Grace Kwan was 18-years-old when she was crowned Miss Chinese Jubilee Queen. It was 1936 and was celebrating its 50th birthday. Chinatown joined in the festivities by creating a fair ground complete with gates and pagoda. Grace was crowned local queen in a colourful ceremony at WK Gardens Chop Suey Restaurant. Later, she would go on to marry one of the owners of the WK Gardens, Harold Lim. She died at age 29.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1939, Vancouver. Photo of Mrs. Mary (Jang) Fung. The photo was cropped from a larger family photo showing three generations. In this photo the background has been removed. Mary died at the age of 39 on November 11, 1939. She and her husband Harry Fung had seven children together owned a produce store -- H. Ping Market -- on Kingsway in Vancouver.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1930s, Vancouver. Young unidentified Chinese woman, wearing a cheongsam, sitting on a piano stool. In the inscription, the woman identifies herself as Fung Wai Man. The inscription reads ‘Younger sister Wong Oy Wah, kindly accept. Gifted by Fung Wai Man.’ The photo was found in a collection of images stored at Ming Wo Cookware store in Vancouver's Chinatown.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Mid-1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Harold Chong.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early 1930s. Location: Vancouver. Portrait of Victor Cumyow. Victor was the son of Won Alexander Cumyow, believed to be the first Chinese person born on Canadian soil. Victor spent his early career working as an entertainer -- a singer -- and performed at the Paramount Club in Shanghai as well as in Vancouver clubs like the Manadarin Gardens. His stage name was Vic Won and he performed with a number of. His first wife, Anne May Wong, died in or around 1935. Later he married a Caucasian woman. Victor gave up his singing career and worked at a radio sales and repair store.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1920s, Vancouver. Full length portrait of Chu Kum Suey. Lived in Nanaimo, BC. Born in Bak Chun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China May 12, 1885. Died in Vancouver, BC November 5, 1957.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1943, Vancouver. Photo of Edith (Woo) Chong.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. early 1930s, Vancouver. Standing portrait of Fannie Lim likely taken before she was married to Shong Buck Chong. November 22, 1913 - August 30, 1967.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa early 1940s. Black and white portrait of Peggy Chong (who later married and became known as Peggy Lee.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. early 1930s. (Left) Shong Buck Chong (July 27, 1911- September 27, 1962). He was the oldest son of Chong Fan Yow. (Right) Dick Sam (originally a Wu). He was often referred to as the Beansprout Man. Photo was taken during the Great Depression when many Chinese lived in poverty. And to save money, people would sometimes pool their money to pay for the photographs. As well, it was common to borrow a suit from a friend. It would appear that Dick Sam's suit is too big for him and may be the reason why he is sitting, rather than standing.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1944, Vancouver. Head and shoulder portrait of teenager Jennie Chin. Writing on the cardboard frame reads ‘To Mae and Hank, Love Jennie.’”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1945, Vancouver. Edith Woo (born 1927). In 1948 married WWII veteran and commercial fisherman, Willie Chong. Together they had three children.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1948, Vancouver. Portrait of Mary Chan who was best known as a community activist in Vancouver's Chinatown and surrounding neigbhourhoods. She and her husband Walter founded SPOTA: the Strathcona Property Owners and Tenants Association. Along with her daughter Shirley, the Chan family organized the neighbourhood and stopped demolition and the building of a freeway through Vancouver's Chinatown.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1907, Vancouver. Photo of Cheng Won. Cheng Won was born April 28, 1858 in China (Kwai May, Sun Wui aka Guimei/Xinhui). He was also known as Jeng Tien Soon. Cheng Won arrived in Canada when the head tax was still $50. He owned Wo Hing General Store in Lillooet BC, until it burned down in 1948. He also had a pig farm, barber shop, dance hall, ‘moving picture room,’ and two restaurants. He was often called ‘Mr. Wo Hing’ because of this store. His son, Hing Dien Cheng was born in Lillooet/ North Bend, B.C., and also ran the store. As well, Hing Dien's cousin, Jim Cheng, was brought over from China to help work in the store, barber shop and other family businesses. Cheng Won died in Vancouver on February 3, 1953.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1955, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Walter Wah Koh Chan. He was married to Strathcona community activist Mary Chan. Walter Chan was a leader in the fight to save Strathcona and Chinatown from urban renewal and the freeway. He wrote articles for the Chinese press rallying the Chinese community. Along with his wife, he made speeches and was one of the three initial Co-chairs of SPOTA. To earn a living, he worked as a Manager in Chinatown in the family store: Trans Nation Emporium which sold curio and antiques in the front (Pender Street side) and Chinese foods and herbal medicines in the back (Columbia Street). As Walter was educated and scholarly, he worked for the clan association Chin Wing Chun Tong as secretary treasurer. He wrote letters for illiterate members, he managed their books, he made speeches at gatherings etc. He had a chronic illness that was undiagnosed. He died 58. Hence, few people remember what he did for the community. His wife Mary Chan, carried on the community activism work for another 30 years.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa early 1920s, Vancouver. Head and shoulders studio portrait of Cheng Ging Butt. Butt came to Canada around 1880 to work on the railroad. But after an injury he decided to change occupations and became a businessman. He settled in the town of Yale and opened a dry goods store, a gambling parlour, an orchard, a temple and a still to make ‘beverages’ (i.e. liquor). He also served as a labour agent for new immigrants and purchased a few properties in the Fraser Valley.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “March 1941, Vancouver. Portrait of Bow Gwun Ho in uniform (or Bao Junhao in Mandarin). He was the Chinese Consulate in Vancouver from 1935-1941.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1931, Vancouver. Photo of Jimmy Lowe with his mother Wong Shee. The photo has been hand coloured.”

Collector/curator and donating family’s description reads: “1936, Vancouver. From left to right: Sylvia (b. 1926) with headband; Grandma Sam Chun May b. 1920 with baby Peggy (b. 1936 ) in her arms; Loy (b. 1922) with V-neck sweater vest; Peter (b. 1928) in white shirt buttoned up; my dad Harry (b. 1920) with East Richmond lacrosse jersey; Grandfather Jae Tong Yuen (arrived 1911 on Empress of Japan. This is his second marriage - his first wife died giving birth. He worked [at] Hastings Sawmill, land clearing Shaughnnessy); Dennis (b. 1933) with shorts between grandpa's legs; and Ken in the sweater vest with horizontal lines (b. 1931); Uncle John (son #2 and born in 1922) has already passed away in 1928 at age 6 or 7 from pneumo-meningitis (re: Mitchell School disease outbreak which killed 3 of the 4 children that cont[r]acted it.)
When this photo was taken at the Yucho Chow Studio, the family lived on Jacombs Road Richmond, (at the time Jacombs was a private road and Cambie was known as 20th).
Grandma Sam Chun Moy (not her real name). Brought over alone as a 5 year from Yin Ping County of Guangdong Province on Blue Funnel Line - S.S. Teucer (Her mother let her go due to health issues). Grandma Sam Chun Moy was raised by the Sam family in Powell River, Union Steamship Company days (pre- BC Ferries). She never wanted to talk about this chapter in her life.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Mid-1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Jim and Mary Yuen and their children. Jim was a businessman who was involved in a number of enterprises. Before the Second World War, he bought the London Hotel with family money. Then he purchased a grocery store at 761 East Pender in Vancouver. He followed that up opening the Kubla Khan nightclub which, in 1966 was remodelled and renamed to Shanghai Junk. According to a February 1966 Vancouver Sun newspaper article, Jim spent $40,000 on the renovation. Back: Fred Yuen, Jeanne Yuen, Doug Yuen. Middle: Gordon Yuen, Mary Yuen, Beatrice Yuen, Jim Yuen, Robert Yuen. Front: Grace Yuen, Gilbert Yuen.”

Collector/curator's description reads: “Early 1920s, Vancouver. Photo of Toy Wong with his two wives and children.”

Collector/curator's description reads: “1914, Vancouver. Family standing on Keefer Street? Left to right: John Wong, Chan Dai Yuen, Wong Wing Fong, Ben Wong.
Wong Tan Soo was born on August 6, 1872 in Canton, China. In China he purchase fabric from the city and would make clothes for the village. Wong Tan Soo came to Canada in 1889, as a businessman for a better life. His two brothers came to Canada too but no idea when.
1889-1914. Victoria, BC. He owned a dry goods store and also did tailoring. The family home was located on the corner of Government Street and Fisgard, 1818 Government Street. 1914 -1949, Vancouver. Moved to Vancouver - the New City and used the name Wong Wing Fong. 1914- Lived at 316 Keefer. 2 treadle sewing machines and 2 commercial electric sewing machines were in the front room with chairs lining the walls for people to sit on. In 1943 he bought a home at 626 Keefer Street with his son John Wong. Other son Ben then moved into the house with his wife Pearl and 4 children.
Wong Wing Fong worked as a tailor for 50 years. Last worked as a tailor in 1933. He and his wife would make clothes for the family and did contract work to sew uniforms for Hotel Van and Hotel Georgia's bellboys and waiters. A contractor would show at the house and drop off bundles of fabric. The chairs that lined the walls were often filled with Chinese bachelors who come to Wong Wing Fong to have letters read and written for them. Wong Wing Fong could read and write in Chinese. Not sure if the bachelors paid him or not.
Wong Tan Soo was listed as Wong Tim Soo on Ben Wong's birth certificate (mistake?).
In Vancouver Wong Tan Soo went by the name of Wong Wing Fong a name given to him by a Chinese Astrologer in China to bring him better luck.
Died on June 9, 1949. Death certificate is under the name of Wong Tan Soo and the gravestone is Wong Wing Fong.

Collector/curator's description reads: “1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Wong and Mah family members. Back row, left to right: Robert Mah; Adelaine (Mah) Wong, and Edward Wong. Children: Ivan Wong (on lap), Lee Lin Choy (seated); Ernie Wong; Sam Gong (seated) and Alfie Wong (on lap). Robert was a student and went on to become a draftsman. Edward owned and operated Park General Store on 269 Powell Street. He also worked as a real estate agent.”