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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: “1946, Vancouver (518 Main Street). Photo of Harry Kang Lee, owner of On Wo Tailors on West Pender. Handwritten note on the photo reads: ‘Dearest Rose. Love Harry. /46.’ Rose eventually became his wife. Harry Lee wanted to be an engineer. But, upon his father's death, took over the family apothecary shop and converted it into a tailoring shop called On Wo Tailors.”

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: “Circa 1933, Vancouver. Standing portrait of Alexsander Klimec, a Polish immigrant. He is leaning against a faux marble pedestal on which there is a vase with flowers and small clock set at 12:00. He had been working and saving for several years to bring his wife and two daughters over from Europe. The family was finally reunited in 1936. But just over a year later, Alexsander was killed in a work-related accident.”

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: “Circa 1930, Vancouver. Portrait of two men standing. On the right is Alexsander Klimec, a Polish immigrant who arrived in Canada in 1929 from Poland. On the left is a man only known by the name Uncle Mike (surname unknown).”

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: “Yucho Chow 1940s. Portrait of Gordon Jung. He would later own and operate a business called Gordy's Radio Service.”

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: “Circa mid-1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Wendel Hoffert. He grew up in Saskatchewan the son of Russian-born German. In Vancouver, Wendell worked as an auto mechanic and ran a service station. He disliked having his photo taken as he did not consider himself photogenic. This was the only photo of Wendel he ever really liked and thereafter he claimed only Yucho Chow could go a good photo of him.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1912, Vancouver. Standing portrait of Samuel Jagat Singh, a Sikh who converted to Christianity and was taunted and beaten by his community. He became a pastoral assistant to a Christian missionary Kenneth James Grant.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1918, Vancouver. Photo of Ishar Singh Gill and his beloved dog, King. Ishar came to Canada in 1906 and eventually owned and operated Patterson Wood Yards, a company that delivered wood fuel to homes. When paying taxes or tarrifs, Ishar was simply recorded as Hindo [Hindu] #10. The dog accompanied him on his rounds delivering wood and the two developed a special bond. King was so loved that after he died, every other dog owned by the Gill family has been named King. Ishar Singh was known for being very stylish. He was the first among his community to buy a brass bed. Friends and neighbours came by his house just to see the fancy bed.”

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: “1940s, Vancouver. Evelina Gilda Clozza (aka Evelina Walter) was born in Vancouver Jan. 2, 1921. This photo was taken just after she had finished secretarial school in Vancouver. She grew up on a float camp while her parents hand logged on the coast around Ocean Falls. They moved into Ocean Falls so Evelina could start school.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1914, Vancouver. Photo of new immigrant, Ella Erickson, sitting on a chair. Ella Erickson immigrated to Canada from what is now Estonia or Finland (then part of the Russian Empire) in 1913 (according to census data) and settled in BC. The man who would later become her husband, Pete, came from the same area although he arrived in Canada earlier (1909). Family lore says that he was a merchant seaman who jumped ship and stayed on in Vancouver. So, he may have sent for Ella from Estonia/Finland to marry her. Pete Erickson became a commercial fisherman and the couple lived in various locations on the BC coast. They had no children. Eventually, they settled in Steveston where they made friends with the Rei family. This photo was given by Ella to her friend, Ms. Rei. Ella was remembered by one of Mrs. Rei[‘s] children, John Rei as ‘a nice old lady who was always cheerful and had cookies and milk to offer.’”

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: “Late 1930s or early 1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Michael Budwick. The image has been partially hand coloured. On the cardboard frame is written 'To Betty. With best wishes for a happy birthday. Michael Budwick.' This photo was found in the personal collection of Elizabeth Fox (nee Tarnowsky).”

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: “Circa 1941, Vancouver. Colourized studio portrait of Rosina Alvaro (nee Agostino). This portrait was taken to send copies back to her family in Italy.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1947, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Irma Miotto (later Irma Benedetti) at age 17. Irma lived in Strathcona and came from an Italian-Canadian family. She went on to marry Ramon Benedetti. Together they owned and operated Benny's Market on Union Street and Princess in Vancouver.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1947, Vancouver. Portrait of Rosina Alvaro (nee Agostino). Photo was taken to send back to family in Italy. She was 20 at the time and working at the library and Main and Hastings. Her grandfathers had come in the 1800s to work on the railroad, then returned to Italy. Yucho was [so] enamoured with this photo that he displayed it in the studio's front window for about seven years.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1940s, Vancouver. Full length postcard photo of Zio Quirino Barazzuol dressed in a suit.”

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: “1934, Vancouver. Photo of Basant Kaur holding her first-born daughter, Mary Kaur.”

Collector/curator’s description reads: “1934, Vancouver. Photo of Carter Singh and his wife Basant Kaur holding their first child, Mary Kaur. The part of the photo showing Basant and Mary was taken in 1934. Carter was superimposed into this photo much later. (This same image of him appears in another photo, taken almost a decade later.) The image has been hand coloured although it is not clear if these colourization[s] or the superimposition was done by Yucho Chow Studio.”