Collector/curator's description reads: “1935, Vancouver. Quan Gow Family. Back row: Mary (1921-1991); and Allen (1919-2001). Front row (left to right): Dick (1925-2020); Der Shee Quan Gow (1892-1963); Joe (1931-2010); Jean (1928-1965); Gow "Harry" Quan (1892-1969); and Ben (1923-1989). Back row: Dorothy; Allen Quan (1919-2001).”
Collector/curator's description reads: “C. 1911, Vancouver. Photo of Wah Yip and his wife Emma (formerly known as Emma Haywood) and their two children, Mary (left) and Winnie. They are an example of an early and rare, mixed-race marriage. The couple married relatively late in life: Wah was 35 and Emma was 30 when they married in Vancouver in March, 1908. Wah was listed as born in Victoria and his occupation was listed as "store keeper". Emma had been born in Nashville, Tennessee and on the marriage certificate she is listed as a "widow." The identified their home as 102 East Pender St in Vancouver. Interestingly, the two witnesses to their marriage were not Chinese, but had the surnames Arnault and Barbour. This photo was found in the album owned by the Methodist Church.”
Collector/curator's description reads: “1915, Vancouver. Photo of Chan Quay and his wife, Lam Shee, along with their children. Front row (left to right): Git Sen (Lillian) Chan; Lam Shee; Chan Quay; and Nai Wing Chan. Back row (left to right): Nai Quong Chan and Keng Sen (Mary) Chan. Chan Quay Family. Chan Quay, shown here with his family in 1915, decided not to stay in Canada. He paid the head tax and arrived in Victoria in 1896. For years he successfully operated [Wo] Sang Merchant Tailor shops first in Victoria and then in Vancouver. Quay also was very active in his clan society and led the efforts to construct the Chin Wing Chun Tong society building on Pender Street. However, something drew him back to China. In 1928, he sold the tailor shop and left for China with his wife and two youngest children. He died in China in 1940. Lillian Chan Mah Collection (99).”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1930s, Vancouver. And unidentified young Chinese man standing in front of a miniature, decorative wagon. It appears he may have won some type of competition as there are ribbons on the wagon. One ribbon reads ‘British Columbia.’ And the other ribbon reads ‘Junior Second Award Place. Fisker [Fisher] Body's Craftsman Guild.’” The man was subsequently identified as Thomas Lowe.
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1943, Vancouver. Photo of front of the Yucho Chow photo studio at 518 Main Street. Chow operated the studio from this location (his fourth location) from 1930 until his death in 1949.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1936, Vancouver. Exterior photograph of Yucho Chow Studio at 518 Main Street, Vancouver. The photo shows the right side of the store window filled with customers’ photos and a sign that reads ‘Yucho Chow Studio Open Day & Night.’ This photo was taken after 1935 a fire partially destroyed some his studio. The fire began in the rooming house next and spread to the studio.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1930, Vancouver. Exterior photo of the front of Yucho Chow Studio at 518 Main Street. The image shows Yucho Chow holding a young child. They are standing behind a car. Part of a neon sign is visible, as well as a large, framed map in the storefront window and customers’ photos. The awning reads ‘PASSPORT PHOTO IN 1 HOUR.’”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1944, Vancouver. Photograph of the front of Vogue Photo Studios. Vogue Studios was owned by Yucho Chow and was located at 128 West Hastings Street (Vancouver). Chow's sons Peter and Philip ran this studio, while Yucho continued to operate the main studio at 518 Main Street. Vogue Studio was only in existence a few years (1943-1946) and likely was closed due to the fact that Yucho Chow lost a lawsuit in 1945 and was required to pay his nephew, Chow Neen, $2100.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. early 1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Jessie Chow working in Yucho Chow Studio. Jessie, the daughter of Yucho Chow, was the main colourist. She hand painted black and white photos.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1940s, Vancouver. Black and white photograph of photographer Yucho Chow standing next to a large-format camera. In his hand, Yucho is holding the air shutter release.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1936, Vancouver. Exterior photograph of Yucho Chow Studio at 518 Main Street, Vancouver. The photo shows Yucho Chow standing in front of the store with two of his sons: Peter Chow (second from left) and Jack Chow (far right) as well as unidentified Caucasian man. This photo was taken after 1935 a fire partially destroyed some his studio. The fire began in the rooming house next [door] and spread to the studio.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1930s, Vancouver. Yucho Chow and his family. Back row standing L to R: Henry; Samuel, Philip, Jack, Ying (Jack's wife), Helena (Peter's wife), Rose and Jessie. Front row: Peter, Yucho, Mrs. Yucho Chow (Yip Shee Quon), Anna Chow (on lap), Chong Wong (Helena's father), Duncan Wong (Helena's brother).”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1920s, Vancouver. Photo of Yucho Chow’s wife and some of his Canadian-born children. Back row, left to right: Jack Chow; Peter Chow; Rose Chow; Jessie Chow. Front row: Philip Chow; Mrs. Yucho Chow (formerly Yip Kwan) and Samuel Chow. (Samuel Chow who was born March 1, 1923 and died July 1949 of TB [tuberculosis], shortly before his father, Yucho Chow passed away in November 1949.)”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1935, Vancouver. Photo of Yucho Chow’s children. Left to right: Peter, Jack, Jessie, Rose, Sammy and adopted child named Henry.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1927, Vancouver. Photo of the Yucho Chow family, as well as the family of Yucho’s eldest daughter Mabel Chow Ng and her husband Dick Jong Ng taken in a park setting. Left to right: Yucho Chow; Jack Chow; Peter Chow; Mrs. Yucho Chow; Philip and Samuel; Jessie; Hazel Ng (later Young); Mamie Ng; Beatrice; Marjorie (infant); Mabel Chow Ng and Dick Jong Ng.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1942, Vancouver. Rose (left) and Jessie (right) Chow standing in front of Yucho Chow Studio at 518 Main Street, Chinatown, Vancouver. Rose was the second daughter of photographer Yucho Chow and Jessie was his third and youngest daughter. Jessie worked for years in the studio as the colourist: hand painting black and white photos with coloured oil paints. (Note: Next to the street number "518" is the designation CHINESE PHOTOGRAPHER.)”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “Late 1930s, Vancouver. Full-length studio portrait of Helena (Wong) Chow, who was married to Peter Chow. She was born in Banff, Alberta in 1917. Her husband, Peter Chow, was oldest son of commercial photographer Yucho Chow. Peter took over the running of the studio when he father died in November 1949. He operated the business with his brother Philip Chow, until they both retired in 1986. Helena and Peter had eight children.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1930s, Vancouver. Hand coloured portrait photo of Peter Chow, the oldest son of commercial photographer Yucho Chow. Peter took over the running of the studio when he father died in November 1949. He operated the business with his brother Philip Chow, until they both retired in 1986. Peter was married to Helena (Wong) Chow and together they have 8 children. Peter was born in 1915 and died in 1996.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1920, Vancouver. Mabel Chow (centre) oldest daughter of photographer Yucho Chow, poses with two other unidentified Chinese girls.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1920, Vancouver. Photo of Mabel Chow (later known as Mabel Ng), daughter of photographer Yucho Chow and his first studio assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1917, Vancouver. Photo of Mabel Chow in the studio at 23 West Pender, Vancouver. Mabel was Yucho Chow’s oldest daughter and spent many years working with him as his main assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1918, Vancouver. Head and shoulders portrait of Mabel Chow in the studio at 23 West Pender, Vancouver. Mabel was Yucho Chow’s oldest daughter and spent many years working with him as his main assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1918, Vancouver. Photo of Mabel Chow in the studio at 23 West Pender, Vancouver. Mabel was Yucho Chow’s oldest daughter and spent many years working with him as his main assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1920s, Vancouver. Photo of several men who were part of a Chinese business association. Wong Mow (owner Modern Silk Company; later called Modern Shirt Company) is second from left. Yucho Chow (studio photographer) is fifth from left.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1933, Vancouver. Photo of the Ng family. Standing back row (left to right): Beatrice Ng; Mamie Ng (Mamie Fung); Hazel Front row: Marjorie Ng (Marjorie Chow); Mabel Chow Ng holding baby Cecile Ng (Cecile Dar Woon); Ina Ng (Ina Wong); Dick Jong Ng; and Howard Ng.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1918, Vancouver. Photo of Mabel Chow and an unidentified Chinese girl in the studio at 23 West Pender, Vancouver. Mabel was Yucho Chow’s oldest daughter and spent many years working with him as his main assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1923, Vancouver. Photo of Mabel Chow Ng and her husband Dick Jong Ing, and their two daughters: Beatrice Ng (on lap) and Hazel Ng (Hazel Young).”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “April 11, 1920, Vancouver. Mabel Chow stands out front of Yucho Chow Studio at 23 West Pender Street, Vancouver. Mabel was the eldest daughter living in Canada of the photographer Yucho Chow and she worked for several years as his main assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “June 24, 1945, Vancouver. Photo of Jessie Chow, youngest daughter of Yucho Chow, standing outside the 518 Main Street studio. Jessie worked as the colourist in the studio, using oils to hand paint black and white photos.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1928, Vancouver. Mabel (Chow) Ng (seated) and her husband Dick Jong Ng with their children. Children left to right: Beatice Ng; Marjorie Ng (later Marjorie Chow); Howard Ng (sitting on Mabel’s lap); Mamie Ng (later Mamie Fung); and Hazel Ng (later Hazel Young).”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “Circa 1943, Vancouver. Photo of a Leonard Chow wearing an Air Force costume and eating a cookie. Leonard was the first male grandchild of photographer Yucho Chow.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “December 1945, Vancouver. Portrait photo of Jessie Chow, third and youngest daughter of Yucho Chow. Jessie worked for many years in Yucho Chow Studio as the colourist. This is a black and white photo that was colourized by hand by Jessie using oil paints.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1932, Vancouver. Postcard portrait of Jessie Chow, Yucho Chow’s daughter. Jessie became the main hand colourist at the studio - using oils to hand paint black and white photos.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1955. Location unknown. On location photo of Charles Soloman Chow (younger brother of Yucho Chow) and his wife Mary Chow (nee Feica) on the occasion of their 45th wedding anniversary. Mary (nee Feica) was of Romanian descent and the couple lived in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Charles died on June 27, 1957 at the age of 74 years.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1934, Vancouver. Hand-painted photo of Jessie Chow, daughter of Yucho Chow. Jessie was Yucho's third and youngest daughter. She worked at Yucho Chow Studios for many years as the colourist: hand painting black and white photos. Another, larger version of this same photo was painted by hand.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1932, Vancouver. Studio photo of Jessie Chow, daughter of Yucho Chow, dressed in a Chinese costume. Jessie was the main colourist for the studio, using oils to hand paint black and white photographs.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “August 14, 1946, Vancouver. Wedding of Jessie Chow (Yucho Chow's youngest daughter) to Fred Chan (second from left). Also in the photo is Philip Chow (Yucho Chow's youngest son) and Ying Chow (wife of Jack Chow, another son of Yucho).”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1936, Vancouver. Full-length photo of Jessie Chow, daughter of Yucho Chow, dressed in a Chinese costume. She wore this costume while sitting on a float that was part of the City of Vancouver’s Golden Jubilee celebration. Yucho Chow had helped decorate the float, the photo of which appears in the Yucho Chow Studio family fonds [described under identifier 2021-034.577]."
Collector/curator’s description reads: “August 16, 1934, Vancouver. B&W Postcard Photo of Jessie (left) and Rose (right) daughters of Yucho Chow. Rose was his second and middle daughter. Jessie was his 3rd and youngest daughter. She worked for many years in Yucho Chow Studios as the colourist. Another version of this photo is colourized by Jessie.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1937, Vancouver. Hand painted photo of Jessie (left) and Rose Chow, who were the daughters of photographer Yucho Chow. Jessie worked in the studio and becames the main colourist, using oils to hand paint black and white photographs.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. mid 1940s, Vancouver. Photo of Yucho Chow and his wife (front row); and son Jack Chow and his wife Ying (Ng) standing on the right, as well as two unidentified men and a woman.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “August 16, 1934, Vancouver. Colourized Postcard Photo of Jessie (left) and Rose (right) Chow, daughters of Yucho Chow. Rose was his second/middle daughter. Jessie was his 3rd and youngest daughter. She worked for many years in Yucho Chow Studios as the colourist which involved hand painting black and white photos.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. early 1930s, Vancouver. Photograph of Howard Ng (born August 16, 1928), grandson of Yucho Chow. Howard’s mother was Mabel Chow (Yucho’s daughter b. 1901) who had also served as the photographer’s first assistant.”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “C. 1943, Vancouver. Family portrait of Jack Chow and his wife Ying (Ng). Photo has been hand painted. Children left to right: Bill; Jack; Marion; Leonard.”
Collector/curator’s description, reads: “Early 1930s, Vancouver. On-location photo of a wedding and guests. Wedding was between Kenneth (Kien Yeh) Wu and Lila (Mee Lai) Yip. Front row (L to R): Kew Dock Yip; Andrew Yip; Kenneth Wu (grom); Lila Yip (bride); Lee Shee (mother of bride); Mae Yip and Lilyanne Yip. Flower girls: Mickey Yip (left) and Lorna Yip (right). Second row far right: Yip Sing (father of the bride standing behind the bridge); and Blake Wilson (far right). Back: Dick Yip (standing behind Yip Sing).”
Collector/curator’s description reads: “1942, Vancouver. Wedding photo of Norman Young and Elise (Lim) Wong. Yung Woon Won (Norman Won Young) arrived in Canada in September 1923. He was one of the last to enter Canada as the Chinese Exclusion Act [Chinese Immigration Act, 1923] had gone into effect on July 1, 1923. A provision in [the] Act allowed people already in transit to enter Canada. Norman worked at the famous banquet restaurant in Vancouver's Chinatown called the W.K. Gardens.”