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Collector/curator’s description reads: “1940s, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Harry Gong and Leah Wong and their unidentified bridesmaid (May Wong?) and unidentified best man. Harry was the only Chinese Canadian to serve as a Spitfire fighter pilot during WWII.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1933, Vancouver. Wedding photo Anton Janovich with Marica (nee Malatestinic). The two flower girls are: Left, Dorothy Crncich (Marica's niece) and Mary Lubotina (right). Maid of Honour is Katica (Domijan) Jurincich, and the best man is Spiro Janovich.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1938, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Fred Ghislieri and Mary (nee Barazzuol).”

Collector/curator’s description, reads: “Late 1930s, Vancouver. Photo of Winnie Con as a bridesmaid in the wedding of Edward Wong and Adeline Mah. Winnie would later marry Quon Wong, a businessman based in Vancouver's Chinatown.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “April 1946, Vancouver. On location photo of the wedding reception for John Dick (Scottish Canadian) and Katarina Rossi (Italian Canadian). Photo was taken at Hastings Auditorium and shows the bride and groom cutting the wedding cake.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “April 1946, Vancouver. On location photo of the wedding for John Dick (Scottish Canadian) and Katarina Rossi (Italian Canadian). Photo was taken at outside the Friendly Foursquare Church on Nanaimo Street in Vancouver. It shows the bride and groom entering a vehicle accompanied a flower girl.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “April 1946, Vancouver. On location photo of the wedding reception for John Dick (Scottish Canadian) and Katarina Rossi (Italian Canadian). Photo was taken at Hastings Auditorium and shows long tables with wedding guests seated for dinner.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “April 7, 1946, Vancouver. Hand-coloured wedding portrait of John Dick and Katarina Rossi. John was from a Scottish family and Katarina was of Italian descent.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1935, Vancouver. Hand colourized wedding photo of Shong Buck Chong with Fannie Lim. Song Buck Chong was the eldest son of Chong Fan Yow. Left to right: Allena Chong Chinn (November 8, 1918 - ); - Fannie Lim Chong (November 22, 1913 - August 30, 1967); Shong Buck Chong (July 27, 1911 - September 27, 1962); Unknown man; Lily Lim Chung (August 18, 1927 - ) - younger sister of Fannie. Lives in San Francisco California.”

Collector/curator’s description, prepared with donating family, reads: “1935, Vancouver. Wedding of 1935 wedding photo of CHU Dit Young ‘Harold’ and YOUNG Soo Hing ‘Leila.’ 1. What was Leila's maiden name? - Young; full name Young Soo Hing ‘Leila’

2. Were they both born in Canada? - Yes
3. What did Harold (or Leila) do for a living? - Harold Chu worked for his family's store, Wing Wah Co and eventually took over the ownership and management with 2 of his cousins; Wing Wah sold dry goods, grocery, tobacco products, ‘pat medicines,’ cigars, and wholesale, and eventually focused on tobacco; it was in business from ~1913-1990
4. How many children did they have? - 6 children
5. And did they settle outside of Vancouver? - No
6. Anything interesting about either of them that you would like to share? - When I was growing up, Harold and Leila were always going out to help someone. As a child, I did not pay much attention to the reasons why. It was only when our family arranged Leila's funeral service a few years ago that we realized what an impact Harold and Leila made on the Chinese community. Many people we didn't know came to the service to pay their respects, taking the time to tell us how Harold and/or Leila had taken them to doctor's appointments, translated for them with bureaucrats, helped them find houses, showed them the best places to find groceries, helped them find schools for their children, and the thousand other tasks that are so hard for new immigrants to the country.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1935, Vancouver. Black and white wedding photo of Shong Buck Chong and Fanny. Chong was an entrepreneur. Between the 1940s and 1960s, he owned a grocery storec alled Ah Kai Co. located at Granville and Davie Street. In the 1950s, he also owned a restaurant called The Horseshoe Restaurant located at Renfrew and Hastings Street. His wife was a homemaker and later had to look after the grocery store when Chong passed away.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “November 18, 1948, Vancouver. Black and white wedding photo of Willie Chong and Edith (nee Woo) Chong. The same photo was also hand colourized.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “November 18, 1948, Vancouver. Hand-coloured wedding photo of Willie Chong and Edith (nee Woo) Chong. Willie Chong served with Force 136 during the Second World War. He later became a fisherman. The couple had three daughters.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “July 9, 1950. Vancouver. Wedding photo of Ging Chong and May (nee Lee) Chong.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “October 28, 1947. Wedding photo (head and shoulders) of Irene and Harold Chong.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early 1930s, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Angelo Cantarutti and Livia (nee Clozza) along with their families. Back row (L to R): unknown man; Emilio Pigin; unknown man; Nellie Brogga; Prodich (Russian family friend); Giaca Clozza; and Gino Clozza. Middle row: Alex Clozza; Nora (Clozza) Pigin; Unknown man; Grandmother Angelina Clozza; Unidentified bridesmaid. Front row: Margaret McPherson; Angelo Cantarutti; Livia (nee Clozza) Cantarutti; and Rosina Girone Clozza.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “March 19, 1938, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Violet Jong (Lowe) to Jimmy Cheng.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “October 28, 1947. Wedding of Harold and Irene Chong along with their wedding party. Left to Right: Ernest Lew; George Chong; Willie Chong; Violet Cahn (flowergirl); Harold Chong; Irene Chong; Violet (nee Chan) Chong; Elsie Lowe; Eva Lew and Florence Eng.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1940, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Emilio and Alice (nee Busch) Barazzuol. Left to right: Peter Barazzuol, Emilio Barazzuol, Alice Barazzuol and Agnes Busch.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early 1950s, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Ramon Benedetti and Irma (Miotto) Benedetti. Together the couple would own and operate Benny's Market at the corner of Union and Princess Avenue in Vancouver.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early 1940s, Vancouver. Bill Wong (left) of Modernize Tailors stands next to an uncle from the U.S. Both are dressed in military uniforms.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1944/45, Vancouver. Photo of Daniel Wong (also known as Kwok Him Wong) was from Vancouver. He joined the Army in 1944 and started basic training in Maple Creek Saskatchewan. He was assigned the service number K.5554. Daniel was later trained as wireless operator and was slated to join Force 136 in India. When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, the Allies now turned all their attention to bringing an end to the war in the Pacific. They started to plan for an all-out assault on the home islands of Japan. They needed men to volunteer for what could be a suicide mission: the Japanese were expected to defend their homeland to the last man. The invasion was planned for November 1945. And, despite their fears, Daniel and Bing decided to put their names forward: they became members of the Canadian Army Pacific Force, sometimes referred to as the Tiger Force. Fortunately for Daniel, in August of 1945, the U.S. detonated two atomic bombs over Japan, which led to the surrender of the island nation. Back in Vancouver he worked in restaurants and then as a taxi driver and later a produce delivery-truck driver. While making a delivery to an IGA in Surrey just before Christmas, he died suddenly from a massive heart attack. He left behind 3 children and a wife.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1944, Vancouver. Photo of Thomas Kwok Hung Wong in uniform. Served with the RCAF (R.172154) during the Second World War. Died at age 101 on March 10, 2019 in Richmond, B.C. Inscription on the photo reads: ‘To Dear Leslie. With love from Tommy, 1944.’”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1942, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of soldier James Mah dressed in uniform. Born in 1921, he was the youngest in the Mah Noey family. Documentation on the back is a note ‘from James to Ming,’ dated 1942.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1943, Vancouver. Black and white head and shoulders studio portrait of Richard K. Mar. (1917-1969) dressed in uniform. On the cardboard frame, in handwriting, is ‘To Mrs. Buchanan. Very Sincerely Yours, Richard. 1st Can. Para. Bn.’ Richard was the first Chinese Canadian to serve in the First Canadian Parachute Battalion during WWII. He served two years in Europe and was parachuted into Germany as the Allies crossed the Rhine. Years later, Richard recounted what it was like to parachute. He said the first two jumps were exhilarating and fun. But the third jump was frightening as it was real and could mean life and death. After the war, Richard opened up a jewelry store, Richard Mar Jewelry - on East Pender (between Columbia and Main).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1945, Vancouver. Hand painted head and shoulders studio portrait of Richard K. Mar. (1917-1969) in uniform with beret. Richard was the first Chinese Canadian to serve in the First Canadian Parachute Battalion during WWII. He served two years in Europe and was parachuted into Germany as the Allies crossed the Rhine. Years later, Richard recounted what it was like to parachute. He said the first two jumps were exhilarating and fun. But the third jump was frightening as it was real and could mean life and death. After the war, Richard opened up a jewelry store, Richard Mar Jewelry - on East Pender (between Columbia and Main).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa: 1943, Vancouver. Portrait of WWII soldier, Richard Mar. He was the first Chinese Canadian paratrooper with the First Canadian Battalion. Hand painted colourized head and shoulder studio portrait of Richard K. Mar. (1917-1969) dressed in uniform. On the cardboard frame, in handwriting, is ‘To Lincoln and Jennie. Brother Dick 1st Can. Para. Bn.’ Richard was the first Chinese Canadian to serve in the First Canadian Parachute Battalion during WWII. He served two years in Europe and was parachuted into Germany as the Allies crossed the Rhine. Years later, Richard recounted what it was like to parachute. He said the first two jumps were exhilarating and fun. But the third jump was frightening as it was real and could mean life and death. After the war, Richard opened up a jewelry store, Richard Mar Jewelry - on East Pender (between Columbia and Main).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1944, Vancouver. Photo of unidentified Black US Navy seaman. Found for sale on EBay.com.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “August 24, 1950, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Douglas Jung in uniform. One two photos from the same session. Douglas Jung served with Force 136 during the Second World War. He would train as a lawyer and become the Chinese Canadian elected to be a member of parliament.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1944, Vancouver. Photo of the Ko Bong children (from Victoria) with their father. Left to right: Mary Ko Bong; Peter Ko Bong; Andrew Ko Bong and John Ko Bong. Seated: George Bong Simon.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Mid-1940s, Vancouver. Portrait of Louie Y. King, member of Force 136.”

Collector/curator’s original description reads: “1945, Vancouver. Portrait of George Fook Yu Mah in uniform. The photo has been hand colourized. The handwritten inscription reads ‘To Mamie with love, George, 1945.’ George Fook Yu Mah was born in Vancouver on October 5, 1917. His family ran a Chinese grocery and dry goods store in Shanghai Alley in Vancouver’s Chinatown. During WWII, George signed up to support Canada’s work effort. He enlisted in the Army and the insignias indicate he was attached to the WWII 2nd Armoured Brigade Tank Division. Shortly after the war, in 1947, he married Mamie Mei Ching Wong. Together, the couple would have three children: Georgina, Geoffrey and Roxane. To support his family, George worked as a foreman at the Canadian Fishing Company in Prince Rupert, BC. He was described by his children as a fun-loving character who enjoyed socializing and having a good time with friends. He liked football games, cooking and eating good food! His children recall with fondness the day George returned home from a trip to Edmonton, Alberta. He proudly showed up at home driving a 1962 Oldsmobile 98. Unfortunately, George died young. On February 9, 1965, when he was only 47, he passed away from a brain hemorrhage.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1944, Vancouver. Photo of Herb Lim in his Army uniform. Herb was recruited to join Force 136, the clandestine group of soldiers who were trained by the British and were destined to be dropped in behind Japanese lines in Southeast Asia. After the war, Herb became a businessman and owned a gas station as well as other businesses in and around Chinatown.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1946, Vancouver. Hand colourized Portrait of Second World War veteran Willie Chong, in uniform. Chong served with Force 136 in Southeast Asia and was trained as a guerilla fighter.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “August 24, 1950, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Douglas Jung in uniform. One two photos from the same session. Douglas Jung served with Force 136 during the Second World War. He would train as a lawyer and become the Chinese Canadian elected to be a member of parliament.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1935, Vancouver. Photo of a young, unidentified Chinese man wearing a three-piece suit. The photo was found in the album owned by Lillian Sam (nee Lowe).

Collector/curator’s original description reads: “C. 1930s, Vancouver. Portrait of an unidentified young Asian man in graduation garb.”

Collector/curator’s original description reads: “1937, location: unknown. Photo of an unidentified young Asian woman sitting casually in a large, stuffed, plaid chair and holding a copy of Vogue magazine. The handwritten inscription on the frame reads ‘To the Misses Chow. December 24, 1937.’ The photo was found in the family archives of the Chow Ten Lam family.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1920s, Vancouver. Photo of a man whose surname was Lowe, sharply dressed in a winter overcoat and holding a cane.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1917, Vancouver. Portrait of a Chinese man whose last name was Lowe.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1931, Vancouver. Portrait of Lowe Wong Shee. The photo appears to have been taken for use as a travel document. On the front of the frame is written Feb 3, 1931. Blue Funnel (last word not clear) but likely related to the Blue Funnel Line of ships.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1920s, Vancouver. Portrait of a Chinese man who surname was Lowe.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Early 1930s, Vancouver. Portrait of Jessie Lowe. She died in 1935 at the tender age of 21.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1931, Vancouver. Portrait of Lowe Sui Hing The photo may have been taken for use as a travel document. On the front of the frame is written Feb 3, 1931.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1917, Vancouver. Shirt maker Wong Mow (seated) with his unnamed business partner. It is believed they pooled their money to open the Modern Silk Shirt Tailors on Main Street in Vancouver. Back of card reads: Postcard Yucho Chow, 23 Pender Street West.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa late 1920s, Vancouver. Photo of Kenneth Wu (Kien Yeh Wu), editor of the ‘The Chinese Voice’ newspaper. Born in 1906 in Anhwid, China, he spoke Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Portuguese. Besides being a newspaper editor he also worked for a time in South America as a diplomat on behalf of the Chinese Government. He married Mee Lai (Lila) Yip, who was one of the daughters of Yip Sang.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1930s or early 1940s, Vancouver. Head and shoulders photo of a young teen-aged looking Asian girl posed with her arms on the back of a chair. The transcription reads: ‘To Great-aunt (sister of father’s mother). From Yuk Waan.’ This photo was found in the archives of Ming Wo Cookware (formerly known as Ming Wo Hardware).”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1948, Vancouver. Full portrait of Helen Zesko (nee Klimec). B: Nov. 12, 1912 [1922?], d: Nov. 3, 2012. In 1942 she married David Zesko.”