MEMBER SOCIETIES ************ Member Societies and their secretaries are responsible for seeing that the correct address for their society is up-to-date. Please send any change to both the Treasurer and the Editor at the addresses given at the bottom of this page. The Annual Return as at October 31st should include telephone numbers for contact.

Members’ dues for the year 1986/87 were paid by the following Member Societies:

Alberni District Historical Society, Box 284, Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 7M7 Atlin Historical Society, P.O. Box 111, Atlin, B.C. VOWlAO BCHF — Gulf Island Branch, do Marian Worrall, Mayne Island, VON 2J0 BCHF — Victoria Section, do Charlene Rees, 2 - 224 Superior Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1T3 Burnaby Historical Society, 5406 Manor Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 1B7 Chemainus Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 172, Chemainus, B.C. VOR1KO Cowichan Historical Society, P.O. Box 1014, Duncan, B.C. V9L 3Y2 District 69 Historical Society, P.O. Box 3014, Parksville, B.C. VOR2S0 East Kootenay Historical Association, P.O. Box 74, Cran brook, B.C. V1C 4H6 Fraser Lake Historical Society, P.O. Box 57, Fraser Lake, B.C. VOJiSO Galiano Historical and Cultural Society, P.O. Box 10, Galiano, B.C. VON 1PO Golden & District Historical Society, Box 992, Golden, B.C. VOA1HO Ladysmith Historical Society, Box 11, Ladysmith, B.C., VOR2EO Lantzville Historical Society, do Susan Crayston, Box 76, Lantzville, B.C. VOR2HO Mission Historical Society, 33201 2nd Avenue, Mission, B.C. V2V 1J9 Nanaimo Historical Society, P.O. Box 933, Station ‘A’, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N2 Nanooa Historical and Museum Society, R.R. 1, Box 22, Marina Way, Nanoose Bay, B.C. VOR2R0 North Shore Historical Society, 623 East 10th Street, North Vancouver, B.C. V7L2E9 Princeton & District Pioneer Museum and Archives, Box 687, Princeton, B.C. voxiWO Qualicum Beach Historical & Museum Society, do Mrs. Cora Skipsey, P.O. Box 352, Qualicum Beach, B.C. VOR2T0 Saltspring Island Historical Society, P.O. Box 705, Ganges, B.C. VOS lEO Sidney and North Saanich Historical Society, P.O. Box 2404, Sidney, B.C. V8L 3Y3 Silvery Slocal Historical Society, P.O. Box 301, New Denver, B.C. VOG 150 Trail Historical Society, P 0 Box 405, Trail, B C Vi R 4L7 Valemont Historic Society, P 0 Box 850, Valemount, B C VOE2AO Vancouver Historical Society, P 0 Box 3071, Vancouver, B C V6B 3X6

Affiliated Groups B.C.Museum of Mining, P.O. Box 155, Britannia Beach, B.C. VON iJO City of White Rock Museum Archives Society, 1030 Martin Street, White Rock, B.C. V4B 5E3 Fort Steele Heritage Park, Fort Steele, B.C. VOB1NO The Hallmark Society, 207 Government Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 2K8 Nanaimo Centennial Museum Society, 100 Cameron Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2X1 Lasqueti Island Historical Society, Lasqueti Island, B.C. VOR2J0

Second-class registration num ber 4447.

Published fall, winter, spring, and summer by the British Columbia Historical Federation, P.O. Box 35326, Station E, Vancouver, B.C. V6M 4G5. A Charitable Society recognized under the Income Tax Act.

Manuscripts and correspondence for the editor are to be sent to P.O. Box 5626, Stn. B, Victoria, B.C., V8R 6S4. Correspondence regarding subscriptions and all other matters should be directed to the Vancouver address above.

Subscriptio ns: Institutional, $16.00 per year; Individual (non-mem bers), $8.00.

Financially assisted by the Government of British Columbia through the British Columbia Heritage Trust. British Columbia Historical News Volume 21, No. 2 Spring, 1988

Journal of the B.C. Historical Federation

Contents

Features Editorial Second Port-City 3 Jim Wolf A Chinese Herbalist in B.C. 7 John Adams The Spring issue of the B. C. Histor ical News is proud to recognize in The History of Nanaimo’s Three Chinatowns 10 some small way the contribution made Pamela Mar by Chinese Canadians to the growth Chinese Opera Costume 13 and development of our province. Thelma Reid Lower I regret that we have no articles Chinese Medicine and Home Remedies 15 focusing specifically on either of our Don W. Lum two largest Chinese communities, those in Victoria and Vancouver. Ne Chinese in the East Kootenays 16 vertheless, the articles Naomi Miller in this theme issue present a wide-ranging perspec The Lum and Ban Quan Families 19 tive on the history of the Chinese in Naomi Miller British Columbia. I am very pleased Ed Lum — Man of the Moment 21 with the quality of the submissions Geoffrey Castle that we have received in the last little while. News and Notes 22 I once again repeat my request for submissions of typed manuscripts to S.S. Moyie 25 2500 words on any subject relating to the history of our province. It would Bookshelf 27 also be nice if more Member Societies The Journal of Lady Aberdeen were to regularly submit a report on review by Wayne Wilson their activities. There are twenty-six of you out there. Is it asking too much The Life of Emily Carr for a brief summary of goings on in review by Melva J. Dwyer your area on a quarterly basis? Is there not likely a member in each group who The Adventures and Sufferings is capable of and happy of John R. Jewitt to type a one page report four times a review by W. Kaye Lamb year? I look forward to some response . The Summer issue of the News will be largely devoted to publishing an up The B.C. Historical News welcomes submissions of interesting and informative dated index of the magazine. articles or photo essays on any subject relating to British Columbia history. Manuscripts should be typed (double-spaced) with footnotes and/or bibliography, if possible and pertinent. Length to 2500 words. Photos and illustrations ap preciated and returned. Authors are asked to provide a very brief “bio” to run Bob Tyrrell at the end of the article. Send to: The Editor, B.C. Historical News, P.O. Box 5626, Stn. B., Victoria, B.C., V8R 6S4.

Back issues of the British Columbia Historical News are available from Micromedia Ltd., 158 Pearl St., Toronto, Ontario, M5H 1 L3. Micromedia also publishes the Canadian Magazine Index and the Canadian Business Index.

B.C. Historical News

2 B.C. HistoricaL News

6S4 V8R B.C. Victoria,

B Stn. 5626, Box P.O.

Editor The

to: reports and articles submit Please

15/88 June is News Historical B.C.

the of issue next the for Deadline

ISSUE NEXT

7’

Committee Publishing News

Johnston, W. Ann these As cover. for back the output inside their on is week preparing work

address whose Miller, to it Naomi a very send long of equivalent spends the

Committee. Publishing the to please topic, this on material other Editor the three months, Every

or

editor either to

forwarded be can or extract a diary head), your in or in this work? vested

They

journal. this of contents the to, paper (on article an have you If in have dians. they hours many mate how

or additions in, for changes

may have In or visitors,

settlers, can esti whether Who issue. each for

— reports

you

which

any suggestions us send on Women is issue theme next The book and columns articles, write to

to

you

for

time

good a be may This event. of that celebration members of by the willingness pressed

contributor. a regular the organizing to im those increasingly dedicated become I have years,

been

herself has and well readership its is perhaps issue This past two the settlement. During News. out the ting

knows who someone of hands the in is Chinese first the of put in bi-centennial of the Federation the by members

News of

the

the future that to ed know to attention our bringing for branch time volunteered the outlining a report

pleas

is

Committee Our Interior. the Nanaimo the to thank wish I We gave meeting, Council last the At

to

moved magazine

of the production soon! 539-2888 News. the read us who

to the have arranged but has sibilities, at me collect phone please task, of all Joan, from you, Thank issue.

respon editorial the over taking only this to undertake willing is one days for four up anyone If to work son,

not is She

Miller! Naomi President, not do lapse. subscriptions members’ Raw- Mary and Waddington Margaret

our be will

editor our next that you tell that sure make to order in treasurers help from of great deal a Selby, with

to

delighted

are

We issue. summer the with branch touch in keeping ficult, Ms. has taken This ly convoluted.

with ends that period editor and came dif more and, much subscribers tional extraordinari are which instructions

be

he when years us two promised and institu individual invoicing code, following by volves postal copies bag

Bob

Tyrrell announcement. portant in one. This new a need desperately to had have group the mailing year!),

im

most our to me brings Which we and Secretary, $3.00 of Subscription a you that about saving thus (and

Miller. Mrs. is job consuming time other The Rate Postal Class 2nd our maintain

to be sent should also These subjects. publications. historical to new order but, in task forward straight

particular on articles might contribute numerous increasingly the a date with to like sounds past year. This the for

who

those and themes, for future ers up us keeps which material the editing copies your in mailing of charge been

read

from suggestions like would we and soliciting hours spent already Selby has Joan contributors. valuable

popular,

very been have issues topical has Editor Review Book The press. the its most of has one lost The News

Committee Publishing the from Report Second Port-City An Overview of New Westminster’s Chinese-Canadian Community

Jim Wolf

In writing the history of the Chinese Tai Sing and Company Employees outside Mclnnes St. Store, c. 1 in Canada, historians have largely couver Public Library Historic Photo Collection) overlooked the importance of New Gold Rush.” As the ‘jumping-off- Valley. Industries Westminster’s Chinese community. which later em place’ for Chinese activities in the in ployed many Chinese were in This despite the fact that its China just their terior of B.C., “New Westminster be initial stages. town once served the Lower Fraser In any case, a distinct came known to the Chinese as ‘yi-fao’, Chinatown Valley, one of the oldest and largest was slowly becoming con or ‘second port-city’, in relation to solidated Chinese populations to exist in Cana along the city’s waterfront. Victoria.”2 Although the vast majority Also at da. This paper presents an overview this time the Chinese com of these immigrants went directly to munity began to establish associations of the development of New Westmin the mining country, some stayed work ster’s Chinese-Canadian community in to for common goals.7 Unfor New Westminster to work for white tunately, from 1859 to the present. In studying information on the type or residents and to establish their own size of these its development, five distinct stages groups during this period businesses. One of the earliest of these is indefinite. Indeed, the only docu have emerged: the gold rush, 1859 - was a laundry established by Hi Sing, mented evidence of mutual coopera 1880; the railroad era, 1881 - 1898; the but purchased in June 1861 by Dong tion among the Chinese in the city is great boom period, 1899 - 1913; de Shoi.3 Another early business was the of an arch erected to welcome Cana pression and readjustment, 1914 - Colonial Bakery, operated by Ah Gee da’s Governor-General Lord Dufferin 1947; and finally dissolution, 1947 - until being sold to Chung Kee in 1 866. and his wife present. It will look more closely at the on September 5, 1876. It By 1869, New Westminster had a was favorably noted in the Mainland eras prior to World War I, when the small, established Chinese communi Guardian newspaper community reached its height. that “the Chinese ty comprised of twenty-seven resi had [erected] an arch on Front Street dents, including one woman.5 with the loyal mottoes ‘God Save the 1859 - 1880 The next decade would see a drama Queen’ and ‘The Dominion For Ever’, In April, 1858 news of the discovery tic increase in the community’s popu it was beautifully illuminated with of gold on the Fraser River brought lation, estimated at 300 by 1880.6 This lanterns at night. “8 The loyal patriotic eager prospectors from around the was a result of individual miners leav slogans would seem to indicate that world. As a result of the huge influx, ing the interior and moving to towns perhaps some Chinese were beginning New Westminster was established in for work as the Gold Rush petered to think of B.C. as home. However, 1859 as British Columbia’s capital. out. Although New Westminster lost some whites were just beginning an at Among the new arrivals to the city its status as provincial capital in 1868, tack designed to push the Chinese out were the Chinese, who travelled from it continued to survive as the center of of the province. The earliest organiz California and the Kwangtung pro commerce of mainland British Colum ed group in the city was the Workers vince of China. Although most came bia. Many former miners found jobs Protective Association, formed in 1878 by boat, it is believed that “perhaps in the city as businessmen, cooks and with 40 members.9 This was a branch two thousand came overland from servants, laundrymen, wood cutters, of a group formed in Victoria in 1873, Portland, Oregon to New Westmin and labourers. Many others worked as which, among other concerns, feared ster, . . . in the first two years of the farmers in the surrounding Fraser the Chinese as an economic threat. 3 B.C. Historical News thrive. As the center for Fraser Valley ture after the fire at their old location. 1881 - 1898 trade, the city would remain domi However, the company, along with Despite opposition, thousands more nant. This was reflected in the growth most Chinese, abandoned the Front Chinese were brought to B.C. to work of the city’s Chinese community, Street Chinatown in favor of the on the construction of the Canadian which dominated its Vancouver coun swamp. The company’s new store, Pacific Railway, between 1881 and terpart in the Lower Fraser Valley built on Columbia Street, was an im 1886. Andrew Onderdonk, who won trade for many years. Large numbers pressive brick structure designed by ar the contracts for the Pacific section of of Chinese who worked seasonally in chitect T.E. Julian. This and other the railway, landed over 2,000 Chinese canneries, sawmills, and farms called buildings erected in the ‘new’ China labourers at Yale in 1881 alone. Thou New Westminster home. Chinatown town after the fire amounted to over sands of these workers passed through even expanded, as room on Front $35,000 in construction by 1899. New Westminster, and at one point in Street was becoming very limited, 1899 - 1913 1882, “there was a near riot when a sandwiched between the white business group of 900 were kept overnight at center and the steep cliffs and industry In the years 1899- 1913, New West

. in prosperity a dock. . like so many cattle.”° The to the east. The lowland west of Eighth minster shared the sudden flurry of activity brought an Street known as ‘the swamp’ became brought by an improved economy, instant boom to New Westminster, Chinatown proper as the 1890’s pro new immigration, railways and re which became an important shipping gressed. Here, stores and boarding source development. These years were and commercial center for the railway houses were squeezed in among livery also the point of highest development workers. As a result, the city’s China stables and Indian shacks. Also, the in the city’s Chinese community. The town expanded along Front Street, Methodist Church built a church at economic growth brought new oppor east of Lytton Square. The city’s most Mclnnes and Carnarvon Streets in tunities for the Chinese business com prominent Chinese merchant and la 1891, aimed at converting the Chinese munity, which expanded and diversi bour contractor, Kwong On Wo and to Christianity. However, this China fied greatly as a result. Organization Company, opened an impressive new town remained very modest until after among the community also was at its brick block on Front Street in May, the great fire of 1898. height, with a variety of groups esta 1887. Many Chinese found work in The fire began the night of Septem blished to develop and protect their in and around New Westminster in a sur ber 10, 1898 at Brackman and Ker’s terests at home and abroad. As a result prising variety of tasks including the wharf and quickly spread to Front of their cultural organization the com following occupations: farm labour Street, consuming Chinatown’s tightly munity’s festivals and customs flour ers, cannery workers, sawmill hands, packed wooden buildings. Here one of ished. However, the growth of China ditch diggers, fuel cutters, cooks the most tragic incidents of the fire oc town also brought a rise in anti-orien and servants, washermen, barbers, curred. Mun Lee, the head of the tal feelings among some members of merchants, vegetable sellers, pro Kwong Wing Lung Company, died of the city, which marred this period of stitutes, doctors, carpenters and school a heart attack when he rushed into his prosperity. teachers.” burning store to rescue his money By 1901 New Westminster’s China After the completion of the railway box.’4 Kwong On Wo and Company town had 36 businesses, mainly gen in 1886 many Chinese left the province lost its impressive brick block and eral merchants and grocers (17), laun and returned to China and the United $20,000 worth of opium stored there. dries (12), and other services such as 16 States. Others stayed, unable to find Fanned by the wind, the fire quick tailors (4). The largest of the general employment or leave the province be ly destroyed most of the downtown. merchants was Kwong On Wo and cause of poverty. As a result many Even Chinatown proper, in the Co., which was involved in several Chinese suffered terribly; some even swamp, was not spared, the fire hav enterprises. Besides selling goods it died because of disease, starvation, ing spread as far as 10th Street and contracted labour, milled rice, process and exposure. Early in 1886 New Royal Avenue. As soon as news of the ed opium, and canned fruit and sal Westminster City Council recognized fire reached Victoria, its Chinese mon at its ‘Westminster Cannery’ in the problem and set up a committee Benevolent Society met and imme Queensborough.’7 Many of the grocers to collect funds for food and to open diately sent $1,500 to aid their received fresh produce from Chinese a soup kitchen.’2 Despite these hard countrymen.’5 Following the fire in farms throughout the Fraser Valley, ships, the Chinese community still New Westminster, over 300 Chinese including Queensborough. Although found enough spirit to celebrate the were fed three meals a day at the Ar the majority of customers were Chi New Year. In 1886 the elaborate fire mouries, which was set up as a re nese, many whites were attracted by works display attracted “hundreds of lief center. competitive prices. The importance of spectators [who] thronged Front Street As soon as the smoke cleared, New Chinese laundries to the city’s white to witness the illuminations.”3 Westminster’s citizens lost no time in residents is illustrated by their number Although Vancouver had become rebuilding their city. The Chinese resi and also by scathing front page news the Canadian Pacific Railway’s term dents were no exception, and led the articles whenever prices were raised. ‘ inus in 1886, and was booming as a way in reconstruction. Kwong On Wo Like most other Chinese communi result, New Westminster continued to and Co. erected the first brick struc ties in Canada, the Chinese of New

B.C. Historical News 4 Westminster had a variety of commu nity, political, fraternal, clan and district associations. The earliest and most important was the community- wide New Westminster Chinese Bene volent Association. It was established sometime between 1884 and 1896, pro bably by the wealthy Chinese mer chants.’9 In 1904 the Association built an ‘old mens home’ on Victoria Street, which also served as its headquarters. From here the Association fought bat tles on behalf of its members and later operated a Chinese language school among other activities. Associations in New Westminster which combined political and fraternal functions dur ing this period were the Empire Re form Association, the Chinese Free masons, and the Chinese Nationalist League or Kuomintang. There were

also quasi-political bodies called Funeral Parade for Chinese Merchant Tai Kee, .. Westminster ‘reading rooms’ where meetings were Museum) held and newspapers and books pro 1880’s the Chinese had been using the New Westminster’s Chinese communi vided. A number of clan or family present day High School site as a cem ty because it signalled its demise. associations which restricted member etery. After a body had been buried Unemployment during the war was se ship to those with the same last name there for three to six months the bones vere, resulting in a significant drop in operated in the city. Similarly, those were removed and sent back to China. Chinatown’s population. After the Chinese from various provinces in After World War I this Chinese Ceme war, jobs were taken by returning sol China also banded together for meet tery closed and more westernized bur diers and new immigrants. The mer ings. Other associations such as labour ials took place in the Fraser Cemetery. chants of Chinatown also declined as and employer groups also held meet Throughout this period of growth a result of financial losses in the real- ings in the city during this period. the Chinese community in B.C. was estate boom prior to the war and a loss Chinese culture was not only present continuously faced with racial. pre of customers.2’ The population decline in their associations, but also in cele judice. This racism came to a head was compounded by the Chinese Im brations and customs which fascinated when members of the Asiatic Exclu migration Act of 1923, which cut Chi the general public. The New Year’s sion League rioted in Vancouver’s nese immigration severely. This, cOm celebration was of particular impor Chinatown on September 7, 1907. Al bined with a lack of Chinese women, tance to the Chinese, and introduced though no one was hurt, some Chinese effectively ended the growth of Chi many white residents to their culture. merchants who feared further attacks nese communities in Canada for the In 1907 the British Columbian noted: sent their wives and children to the next twenty-five years. White visitors are always treated safety of New Westminster.22 After the The decline in New Westminster was with the utmost courtesy by the riot the Asiatic Exclusion League mov accelerated by the systematic demoli Chinamen. This morning a crowd ed to establish a branch in New West tion of wooden buildings condemned of boys invaded Chinatown and minster. When asked by the press if by the Fire Chief and Building Inspec went from one house to another and they were thinking of a similar riot tor. These properties were purchased were provided with sweetmeats of there, its secretary responded “if such from financially strapped merchants, all kinds at each place. Grown-ups would do the cause any benefit then it and soon Chinatown was replaced by are generally offered cigars, ‘sam would not be discouraged. “23 In light light industry, gas stations, automobile suey’, or even champagne.2° of this attitude, the city’s Chinese com dealerships, and automotive supply Another tradition which caught the munity must have been apprehensive stores. During the depression, the re public’s attention was the custom of when about one hundred people sign maining community was a shadow of funeral parades and burial rites. In ed up at the branch’s first meeting in its former self. However, despite these 1907.24 March, 1902, the funeral for city mer November Although no riot significant changes the community chant Tai Kee attracted so much atten occurred, this group did have a signifi survived. Many of the older Chinese tion as the coffin was paraded through cant effect on the city’s racial climate. men moved into the Riverside Apart streets, many curious resi ment Building at Royal Avenue and city that 1914 - 1947 dents followed the parade two miles Eleventh Street and to other homes in to witness the last rites.2’ Since the World War I had a grave impact on the area. Businesses became dispers 5 B.C. Historical News View ofNew Westminster’s Chinatown, Mclnnes and McNeely. (Vancouver P’ ed at different locations throughout The visible presence of the Chinese the exception of the comraderie felt downtown New Westminster. Those in New Westminster was reduced fur among former residents of China which served the Chinese community ther by the expansion of business and town, nothing remains. more directly moved to small shops in industry into the remaining Chinatown As can be seen in this brief over or near the Riverside Apartments. Or in the post-war era. This encroachment view, the study of New Westminster’s ganizations like the Chinese Benevo into the Chinese district resulted from Chinatown can contribute significantly lent Society and the Freemasons con the suggestion of “Harland Bartholo to understanding the growth of Cana tinued to operate at their old loca mew and Associates, town planning da’s Chinese community. It also re tions. The Chinese Nationalist League experts, who advised [the city of] the veals the interdependence of Whites moved to a house on Royal Avenue need for developing the western sec and Chinese in the Fraser Valley. Just and held meetings in the Riverside tion of the city for commercial enter as Chinatown’s prosperity was deter Apartments. prise”30. It was on this firm’s advice mined by the well-being of the City and District, the White community 1947 - present that City Council had decided to move In 1947, as a result of hard lobby the City Market from its old location, needed the presence of Chinese labour. ing by Chinese-Canadians, the disas to Columbia Street near the foot of The growth of the salmon canning, trous Immigration Act of 1923 was re Eleventh Street in 194731. The result lumber and agricultural industries pealed and changed to allow the im was the destruction of houses, apart depended on a large supply of cheap migration of wives and unmarried ments, and stores occupied by Chinese labour. In addition, the city’s residents children.26 Also that year, the B.C. residents during the 1940’s and 1950’s. relied on Chinatown to supply cooks Legislature granted the vote to Chi The Riverside Apartment, which had and servants for their homes and com nese-Canadians.27 Although it would replaced Chinatown after the 1920’s, petitively priced groceries, goods and be many years before the revival of was demolished about 1948. By the services. The success of Chinatown Chinese communities in Canada be 1970’s the only remnants of the once was reflected by the development of gan, these events signalled the begin vibrant community were the Chinese a strong community, apparent by the ning. However, it was too little, too Nationalist League, on Royal Avenue, numerous associations. This close late for the smaller Chinatowns in and the Chinese Benevolent Associa inter-relationship was only broken B.C. like New Westminster, which had tion. Remarkably, the Benevolent after the depression during World War suffered significant decline. A popula Association survived in the building it I, and the ultimate loss of tradition tion of over 900 people in 191028 had had constructed in 1904 as its head al jobs for Chinese workers. This dropped to only 400 by 194129. This quarters, on Victoria Street. However, combined with other detrimental fac decrease can be partly attributed to the by 1979 both Associations, which had tors, led finally, to the end of New close proximity of New Westminster been inactive for sometime, disband Westminster’s Chinese- Canadian to Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown; ed. Finally, these two buildings, the Community. only 30 minutes away via the Central last physical reminders of Chinatown, (cont’d on p. 12) Park Interurban line. were demolished in 1980. Today, with

B.C. Historical News 6 A Chinese Herbalist in British Columbia

John Adams

Modern history in British Columbia began in 1858 when tens of thousands of gold seekers converged on the sparsely settled fur territories of the Hudson’s Bay Company and almost overnight created cities in the wilder ness. Chinese gold miners from Cali fornia were in the vanguard of this mass immigration and played an im portant part in mainland British Col umbia’s entire colonial period (Photo courtesy of Burnaby Village Museum)

(1858 - 1871). In the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island, too, although the 20th centuries was that they kept their came, it is not surprising that Chinese main gold fields were not located traditional beliefs and habits. Chinese doctors (often referred to as herbalists there, a large Chinese population soon stores with wide selections of Orien even though they dealt in other medi grew up, mainly in Victoria which was tal dry goods and food catered to the cines too) were among those who soon the largest supply base and commer many Chinese who knew no other way appeared wherever Chinese settled in cial centre for both island and main of life than that which they had led in British Columbia. land colonies. China and who eventually intended to Frequently the herbalist operated in The construction of the Canadian return there. Even in such remote a corner of a Chinese general store, as Pacific Railway brought thousands places as Barkerville where the Chinese in the case of New Westminster’s more Chinese labourers to British Col population reached as much as one Kwong Sam Sing store which in 1879 umbia in the early 1880’s. The, pres third of the total in the 1870’s, Chinese advertised groceries and general mer ence of these additional Chinese,espe residents could buy food and clothing, chandise as well as Chinese medicines. cially when they glutted the labour and could worship, gamble and relax Sometimes, however, entire shops market following the railroad’s com without going beyond the confines of were devoted to the herbalist’s prac pletion in 1886, increased the anti- their own quarter. tice. One such shop was the Way Sang Chinese agitation which had been pre One of the traditions the Chinese Yuen Wat Kee business which opened sent in the province since the earliest brought with them to British Colum in Victoria in about 1905 on Govern gold rush days. Thus the Chinese, one bia was Chinese medicine. This is a ment Street in the heart of the city’s of the Pioneer ethnic groups in the type of natural medicine, based pri Chinatown. province, became the target of increas marily on the curative powers of In 1971 the owner of this shop, Lum ing racial discrimination which culmin herbs, minerals and animal products. Chuck Yue, died. Because the market ated in the passing of federal legisla It is centuries old in China where it was for traditional Chinese medicines was tion in 1923 restricting further Orien practiced extensively, especially in the small no one wished to operate the tal immigration to Canada. south near Canton, where it was often business, consequently it was sold to One of the arguments often used by mixed with astrology and black magic. a private antique dealer. Then in 1974, whites against the Chinese in British Since it is largely from this region that after having passed through several Columbia in the late 19th and early most of North America’s Chinese other hands, it was purchased by Hen-

7 B.C. Historical News

8 Historical News B.C.

Or- the from arrived which the herbs

be- would herbalist each Although as- an

hold

which

containers bamboo

with, To start areas. work and other

temples. in altars on or lacquered

round space

for

display tra

kitchen the in preparation of hours

frames, door ardund as such ex contexts,

provides

units of

drawer top

the

many underwent they display, for

other in found sometimes on were ings

mounted shelf

A covered

wide

containers other or drawers dispensary

carv wood gilded type, although any

quent handling.

the in put were the herbs Before

of carving no with units drawer nished fre of years of

70 spite

in condition

were

stored. herbs

or unvar painted either of consisting in

excellent

still

are

finishes original

which in them broken, or cracked

usually fixtures, plainer much used these of Both

frame.

the of mahogany

of most bowls, porcelain tury Chinese

herbalists American North most cause stain

coloured

burgundy

the to

trast

cen late 19th cheap of

displays

rows

equal be their having boast of con in could varnish, brown

in a

ed

reddish

of shop rear prominently the the near

a herbalists few only Francisco San treat fronts are drawer

The

rosewood

set

shelves a

of

glass-fronted Also,

in Even unique. were probably tures together. dovetailed

and

remedy,

ural

China. from been had received goods

such fix Columbia British In nat ment. separate a to

hold

compartments

which tea in boxes crates and wooden

establish a high-class considered three four or was into divided

fronts,

each

are as the collection, in common

carvings, gilded and finish varnished rosewood with drawers, cedar

Asian

are tins lard very jam tea, and ample,

their with shop, Kee Wat Yuen Sang 70 are total, there base. In

mahogany

ex For in

Act

1923. Chinese

Exclusion

the Way those as as in fine fixtures single a on stand frames which hogany

the of passing the and I after War

with shop herbalist’s an China In ma side-by-side two in contained ers

World during in Canada population

shop. the of area public draw or set dispensary of

elaborate an

is

in a Chinese to the decrease in

part,

retail the dominates and wide feet in China, nine

manufactured the

pieces

of

at due, least intended, probably ginally

by high feet nine measures piece tire one the store, of feature

main

The

he ori shop type

had fashionable of

the en assembled, joints. When tenon made locally. were showcases and

the to able maintain been shop not had

mortise by and of means together held some shelves although Hong

Kong,

Kee Wat Sang of Yuen Way owner

the

are which of units, all top shelf and er or from China imported been ginally

the that

indicate medicines herbs and

the draw comprising sections ori separate had purchased and fixtures ment

for

containers Other

improvised

are four there Altogether, collection. the of equip shop. Most herbalist’s

powders. prepared

of the features outstanding the of one Chinese re-assembled museum’s the

of a

which le

variety contain jars

is and truly edging red gilt in with ished of nucleus the forms now collection

pick jam and

unmatched

of only

rows

been has fin This motif. nut lichee a This Columbia. British of Province

contains

it of

piece, ty this in cabinetry

wood in hand-carved of frame tional the and Foundation the by Vancouver

of

quali the spite shop.

But the

of in

a sec is shelf covered this Surrounding made available with money Museum)

front close the to beside and

it stands

flowers. medicinal dried of sortment Village (now tage Burnaby

Village

unit drawer matches the frame above,

carved a gilded wooden also with Museum) Village of Burnaby courtesy (Photo

cabinet, A mahogany glass-fronted

its earthly environment.

of and human the body the harmony

premise a as main which medicine has

Chinese aspect of the of universal

because a herbalist’s shop for Chinese

apt is it order, but particularly keeping

or as counting a of means numbers

of used frequently this is instead poem

Among Chinese the of creation earth.

the describes poem Chinese which

a rect traditional constitute sequence

cor read the in separate word, when

a each characters, Chinese These

North America. other herbalists in

the not was common among which

practice a side each drawer, of on the

placed a is identifying unique character

to but of the also drawer, each front

labels only shop, affixed such not are

case Kee Yuen Way Wat Sang the of

the In contents. identify face the to

to each on put preferred drawer labels

some drawers, dispensary his of own

the configuration come with familiar ient in wooden packing crates needed Once the herbs or minerals had been century, it is difficult to arrive at any washing before further processing. A washed, steamed, ground, cut or sifted definite conclusions about the shop’s sink for washing and a multi-tiered they were placed in the dispensary origins. However, oral accounts do rack which fits seven woven bamboo drawers or othe containers ready for hold that the Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee drying trays are placed in the kitchen sale. When he made up a remedy the shop as it was dismantled in 1974 was for this purpose. herbalist took the raw medicine from a combination of two separate shops, Once clean, some herbs needed fur them, weighed it on a ching (a finger both founded in Victoria shortly after ther attention before being ready for balance), then bruisôd it in a double the turn of the century. All of the more sale. This might entail steaming in a mortar and pestle set mounted on his elaborate fixtures came from a shop wok on the brick coal and wood stove, counter. Such a double set has one bearing the name Way Sang Yuen Wat or chopping, grinding, flattening, or brass mortar used for bruising inter Kee whose owner bought out the other pulverising in one of the preparing nal medicines and a cast-iron one us shop, called Wah Sun, and moved in rooms. These work rooms contained ed for poisons or external medicines. to its premises in the Lee Block at the two pieces of equipment which were If the customer was taking the medi corner of Government and Fisgard trademarks of Chinese herbalist shops, cine home the herbalist then wrapped Streets in 1924. At the time the two the foot-powered grinder and the it in a paper packet. shops were combined, the plainer fix table-top chopper. The grinder is used The method used most frequently tures from the Wah Sun shop, includ for grinding large quantities of hard when preparing herbs for consumption ing a small set of dispensary drawers, medicines such as shells and certain is to boil them, usually for long were removed to storage and work minerals. As its name implies it is periods of up to ten hours. The infu areas. The exact dates of manufacture operated by foot, the feet resting on sion is then drunk. If the customer did for the pieces from either shop are not a wooden dowel which fits into the not take the raw medicine home, the known, but their styles indicate they centre of a 14-inch diameter cast-iron herbalist would prepare the herbal teas could have been made any time in the grinding wheel which is worked in a in his own kitchen while the customer last quarter of the 19th century. back-and-forth motion in the trough waited. As a result, two telltale indica But putting a date on the shop for of a separate cast-iron grinding recep tions of an herbalist’s shop were the museum display purposes involved tacle. The grinder at Burnaby Village aroma of fresh herbal teas being boil considering more than just the date of Museum measures 35 inches in length. ed, and the collection of men sitting the fixtures or of the shop’s founding. The table-top chopper consists of a at the rear of the store chatting, read The main other point taken into ac small table on which is mounted a ing, or playing cards while they waited count was the Chinese Revolution cleaver-like blade hinged at one end. for their herbal concoctions to be of 1911 which brought about major It is used for chopping softer medi brewed. changes in dress, even in Chinese com cines such as roots or skins into The herbalist’s served the useful munities in North America. Before useable sizes. Another item typical of social function of meeting place for this time most Chinese, even those liv herbalist shops is the herb plane, us both customers and friends. The rear ing outside of their homeland, con ed for slicing thin pieces from roots, of the herbalist’s also acted as a sort tinued to wear the queue and tradi bark, or other hard herbs in stick of unofficial post office for transient tional costume. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, how form. The one in the museum collec or illiterate Chinese who needed a per ever, attempted to westernize his coun tion is made of rosewood and in shape manent mailing address, so a wire rack try and directed that queues be cut off resembes a wood plane, but is wider containing letters is a prominent fea and encouraged the wearing of western than those commonly used by carpen ture in the display at Burnaby Village clothing. A photograph that hung in ters. Unlike a wood plane, however, Museum. the office of the original Way Sang it is used upside down with the blade Also at the rear of the store, but Yuen Wat Kee shop shows Sun with facing upwards. It is sometimes hung high above where the men sat, short hair and dapperly dressed in a mounted on a wooden block, as is the is a mirrored glass sign measuring 56 tweed suit complete with watch and one at Burnaby Village Museum, or by 24 inches across the front and chain. So that this photograph could in a specially made bench which the which faces all who enter the store, legitimately hang in the re-assembled user can straddle as he slices. One stating in gold leaf characters that this store, and so that the costumed atten more piece of equipment, the sieve, is the place of business of the Way dant would not have to wear the de was indispensable in the herbalist’s Sang Yuen Wat Kee and Company. meaning queue, the date of the display preparing room. At Burnaby Village This sign, one of the few artifacts in was set at 1911 or shortly thereafter. Museum seven round sieves of various the collection that bears a manufac Three years before this date, too, the diameters hang from the preparing turer’s label was made in Hong Kong sale and manufacture of opium had room wall. Each consists of a round by the Wing Yik Lee Company. been made illegal in Canada. Thus the wooden frame with a silk cloth mesh In the absence of any written rec display does not contain any reference stretched across one end. Chinese ords about the Way Sang Yuen Wat to this drug, although earlier Chinese characters on the rims indicate which Kee shop, and even of oral accounts herbalist shops may very well have ones may be used for sifting particular that can accurately clarify events in sold it. types of powders. Victoria’s Chinatown at the turn of the

9 B.C. Historical News

10 News Historical B.C.

in

himself

advertised Hang

Hong

More

workings. the

in whites than nese work. other find to necessary was

earnings.

Chi fewer

considerably were There it poor, were

gleanings and over

was

their

considering

especially

days,

rose.

rates and on went time mining gold of flush

first the

When

of those

currency the sum in large as

continued differntial This Chinese.

provisions. to

a $750,

very

about

community nese

the for $1.25

to

$1.12 and Indians for picks from

needed,

was

whatever with

Chi

the

cost

have to

reported

was It $1.50

to $1.25

miners, white for $3.75 population white the

and

countryment

tasteful”. and

“unique as

the arch

to

to $1.75

were

day per quoted rates fellow their supply to out

set

who

refer

Press the in

Descriptions

tion”.

Early

Indians. the than less generally merchants the were run

long the

best in

Na

Ching

Great

“The was

characters

and

workers white the than less did earned who those Perhaps existed.

merely

Chinese

In

Strength”. Is “Unity

and

they

employment, their Whatever Many so. done have may

others

tunes,

King” Is

“Coal

was

side

reverse the

earnings. own for made Some

miners. gold

patient

On

Prosper”.

We Industry

“By and

their

enhance to assistants, and quick meticulous were Chinese

The

Family” Royal The All Save “God as

them

used who miners white by ed region.

coastal

read

English in

inscriptions Its

ers.

sub-contract others at the companies; the from away them drew

railway

flow silk and

lanterns

with

decorated

by

directly

employed were they times the of building the

then

and

gold

was and

style

in traditional

was arch

Some

situation. labour the on pended first as interior, the in

and

coast the

The Crescent.

Victoria busy on

store

de Much

working. underground from on both up set migrants Chinese

early

Hang Hong the opposite

stood

It him.

especially

banned times other at the — Columbia British In colony.

a

as

to

greet

put up

arches

seven

the of and

the mines in tolerated sometimes live Chinese where seaport, a

pecially

one

built Chinese the

Nanaimo, visited

were They

Wellington. in one large ly es town, large a partof

as

town”

Lorne, of

Marquis the

General, nor

a fair and

Extension and Ladysmith “China defines dictionary

The

Gover the 1882, October in ed. When

in found

be could Chinese of nities population.

ethnic

open were

laundries of

number a

and commu

small time, in So, work. their their for a home rarely only and ists,

Chinatown first

the

of

vicinity

the in

of

vicinity the to moving usually on, tour for mecca a are They up. set

are

shops

Chinese were

There

community.

them

take would a mine wherever ing arches traditional and abound ants

Nanaimo’s of

part

recognised a ing

work

began Chinese The houses. big restaur and shops re-painted,

tively

becom

were

Chinese the

Gradually

few one with though town, a growing attrac are facades Their up. opened

payroll. the on

name a

than

rather

was Nanaimo l860s late the In ated. and expanded revitalised, being

are

a number

given were

as most

corded

situ is harbour today’s where water, Chinatowns world, the over all

day,

re

always not

are

died

who Chinese

the

by

was settlement first Their To them. of outside lived

who

those

the

of

names the

though toll, their

Nanaimo. to way to their mystery a were Chinatowns

years

took

years the

over

accidents pit

and

made

some and Island, Vancouver on many for Indeed, mystery. and trigue

explosions

many The

mines.

other the

coal fields expanding in the in portunity excitement, of aura an emits still

than

Dunsmuirs the by employed were an op saw Chinese the

learn, to word very Quick the

“CHINATOWN” —

Street Pine the of view ( A

Mar Pamela

€hinatowns Three

‘s Nanaimo

of History The the 1882 - 83 Directory as a Merchant but pointed to the unfair competition. 1906 and was followed by Mr. Chan Tailor, and general dealer in dry Still the mood was certainly ugly, and Yu Tan, who remained on Vancouver goods, groceries, tinware and Chinese the Chinese found themselves harass Island for many years. merchandise. Among other oriental ed both at home and in business. In As male family members arrived the businesses listed were another tailor, a rare letter to the paper a “Citizen” clan and fraternal associations grew. a grocer, a grocer and butcher, a protested against the hoodlums who Each society or company had its own general merchant, two laundries and were beating and robbing the Chinese. representative to a local council that a labour contractor. The Nanaimo Mr. Samuel Robbins, manger for made the Chinatown by-laws and set newspapers of the early days did not the Vancouver Coal Mining and Land tled disputes with binding decisions. carry much in the way of Chinese Company, took matters in hand. The Although there were many bache advertising, though Victoria’s Kwong Company set aside eight acres of land lors, and “single” men who could not Lee regularly publicised his wares here. to the south of town and decreed that afford the costly head tax to bring In the Free Press of October 20, 1875, all Chinese living on Company land their wives from China, a number of Ma Look, who had a butcher’s shop must move there. The 1892 B.C. Dir families had settled. The new genera on Victoria Crescent, informed readers ectory notes that “the Chinese store tion, born in Canada, needed to be that “a Chinese Intelligence Office” keepers and residents are located at a taught Chinese culture, history and was carried on in connection with the point entirely isolated from the dwell geography as well as the proper use of above business, and he could supply ings of the citizens, and only laundries the Chinese language and ethics. A cooks, workmen, etc., at short notice. in the City are tenanted by Chinese”. succession of teachers instructed the The Chinese were versatile as well That directory does not list the Chi pupils, who attended the Chinese as industrious. nese merchants, but later editions and school after ordinary school and pro Another sphere in which the Chinese other advertising show that the Chi bably after helping in the family found a niche was market gardening. nese were still trading and working on business as well. Small holdings were obtained or leas the main streets. Restaurants and other businesses ed and the Chinese pedlar became a In 1908 the land on which China thrived in Chinatown. The establish regular sight in town delivering fresh town stood was purchased by entre ments with a gambling room were very vegetables. Here, too, there was op preneur Mah Bing Kee. Rents paid to popular and sometimes merchants position, complaints being made on the Company had previously been low were moved from their premises to health grounds about the unsanitary or non-existent, but with the change make room for a new gambling house. nature of their gardens, the writer not of ownership rents were raised. This The Opera House regularly featured ing with strong emphasis that the com did not Sit well with the residents, who touring companies from Hong Kong petition from the Chinese was entirely formed a mutual company and bought and China. In the various clubs the art unfair to the white market gardener. land on the edge of town for a third of self defence was taught. By 1884 there were several thousand and definitive Chinatown. Dismantl In the early 1920s Chinatown ex more Chinese in the province, due to ing their buildings they moved every panded to adjacent streets. The popu the recruiting of workers by Andrew thing to the new location. lation fluctuated over the years but at Onderdonk to help build the Trans It is this Chinatown which people its zenith was reported to number Canada railway. The increase was most remember. about 2,500 as other Chinese “came creating an even greater backlash. The The corporate body alloted various to town” on weekends. appointment of the Chinese Immigra locations for business premises, board In 1923, however, the Chinese Ex tion Commission in July to review the ing houses and other residences. Rent clusion Act all but stopped further im problems led to several news items and als were fixed at very nominal cost to migration. Little had taken place for editorials in the Free Press against fur attract additional settlers, the aim be some years, partly because of the pro ther immigration. Not only were the ing to centralise the Chinese popula hibitive $500 head tax. The Chinese Chinese a threat to the men working tion rather than to make great profits. had been disenfranchised, and Cana in the mines, it was noted, but they A school and a 400-seat Opera House dian-born Chinese were debarred from were also keeping women from work were built. The Chinese Church (later certain professions and however well ing by taking up many available dom United Church) rose on its own land, qualified were often excluded from estic positions. This, of course, ig and there was a Chinese temple. Government employment. Although nored the fact that it was not easy A Chinese mission had begun in greatly resented, the law did at least to get “domestics”, the single girls Nanaimo in 1894 when Mr. Thom defuse anti-Chinese tension. usually finding husbands soon after Chu Tong was sent there from Vic With the gradual closing of the their arrival. toria. In the first year he succeeded in mines by the late 1940s, many Chinese In Nanaimo a White Labour Laun collecting about $1000 from Chinese left Nanaimo. The younger generation dry was opened, which stated it would people in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Cum had been better educated in western be employing “no Chinese labour”. berland and elsewhere to erect the ways and they and others found work Nevertheless, Nanaimo evidence to the building in 1895. In 1898 Mr. Fong within the local white community. Tol Commission was not expressed in rac Dickman was placed as missionary in erance returned and many Nanaimo ist terms, as it was from some areas, charge at Nanaimo. He stayed until ites speak affectionately of visits to

11 B.C. Historical News Port-City cont’d

Footnotes

1 Wickberg, Edgar. Ct al. From China To Canada. (Toronto: McCleliand and Stewart Ltd., 1982.) p. 14 2 Ibid. p. 80 3 The British Columbian. 6 June 1861: p. 3 4 Ibid. 6 June 1866: p. 2 5 The Mainland Guardian. 6 May 1871: p. 3 6 Wickberg, p. 308 7 Ibid. p. 36’ 8 The Mainland Guardian. 6 September 1876: p. 3 9 Ward, W. Peter. White Canada Forever. (Mon treal: McGffl-Queens University Press, 1978) p. 34 10 Morton, James. In a Sea of Sterile Mountains. (Vancouver: J.J. Douglas, 1974.) p. 93 which destroyed the Pine Street Chinatown in 1960. 11 Ma, Ching. Chinese Pioneers. (vancouver: ver sitile Press, 1979.) pp.61 - 62 (Note: the table in this book has been incorrectly marked 1878, Chinatown, especially at holiday items from old Chinatown to the See:Morton, p. 120.) times, to see a Lion Dance, to stand collection. 12 The Mainland Guardian. 27 January 1886: p. 3 clear of the firecrackers, or to enjoy In 1973 the City was sounded out 13 Ibid. 20 February 1886: p. 3 14 The Vancouver Province. 12 September 1898: p. 1 a delicious Chinese meal. It was also about accepting a piece of property 15 Mortosi, p. 183 a place where you could get bootleg from the Chinese- community as a 16 )lenderson’s B.C. Directory and Gazetter for 1901 liquor! There are warm recollections memorial garden to the early Chinese (Vancouver: Henderson Publishing Co., 1901.) p.463 of Chinese generosity at festivals, of pioneers of Canada. It was a welcome 17 Ibid. p. 403 and Pullem, H.C. Queensborough. gifts of lichee nuts and sweetmeats. gift, located in a recreation area near (New Westminster: Privately printed, 1975.) p. 18 People recall how the Chinese would the water. The old burial ground, long 18 The Blitish Columbian Weekly. 13 November l907:p.l shuffle along the wooden sidewalks or ago emptied of its “golden bones”, 19 Wickberg, p. 77 walk single file along the roads or which were sent back to China for 20 The British Columbian Weekly. 19 February railway tracks on their way home from traditional burial in the homeland, was 1907: p. 17 21 The British Columbian. 7 March 1902: p. 24 the mines. converted to a tranquil Memorial Gar 22 The British Columbian Weekly. 24 September On September 30, 1960, a careless den, honouring these early pioneers. 1907: p. 24 fire spread through the tinder-dry Opened with much ceremony in 1976 23 Ibid. 15 October 1907: p. 1 24 Ibid. 5 September 1907: p. 1 houses and in a few hours Chinatown after substantial fund raising and with 25 Personal Interview with Chinatown resident was no more. The “City within a Ci the help of Government grants, the Chung Koo. New Westmipster, October 6, 1986. ty”, which had found permanence in Garden is the first such memorial in 26 Wickberg, p. 208 27 Ibid. p. 209 a multitude of artists sketches and as North America In more recent years, 28 The British Columbian Weekly. 25 January a Hollywood film set, was little more the newer Chinese cemetery, which is 1910: p. 1 — than smouldering ash. still in use, has also been upgraded. 29 Census of Canada, Volume II — Population. p. 501 The outpouring of help was instan The rights to citizenship and re-en 30 City of New Westminster, Program of the Official taneous and extensive. Total rebuild franchisement were finally restored to Opening of the New CityFariners’ Market. (New ing of Chinatown was not feasible. the Chinese in B.C. in 1949. The lift Westminster: Jackson Printing Co. 1947.) p. 15 31 Ibid. p. 15

Many former residents had already ing of the Exclusion Act in 1947 had 32 The B.C. and Yukon Directory — 1948 (Van moved a little way out into the com allowed families to be reunited, though couver: Sun Directories Ltd., 1948.) p. 1347 munity, but a senior citizens home was full immigration equality was not giv necessary and was built on the old pro en until 1967. Today, Nanaimo can perty. It housed the elderly and bache point proudly to the achievements of lor Chinese. Nanaimo no longer has her 120-year old Chinese community a Chinatown to display to the world, in many walks of life, as part of the but the recollections are there. mosaic of multiculturalism which With tremendous thought for the is Canada. future, however, artifacts were col The writer would like to acknowledge the con lected and stored to be the nucleus of tribution of members of the Chinese communi the fine exhibit that can be seen today ty in Nanaimo in recording over the years the in the Nanaimo Centennial Museum. history of the Chinese in the area. Among these, Mr. Edward Hoy Lee was the prime special mention is due to Mr. Ed Lee, Mr. mover in this endeavour, and members Chuck Wong and Dr. Jacque Mar. of the Chinese community still add

B.C. Historical News 12 Chinese Opera Costume

Thelma Reid Lower

There are 271 items of Chinese Opera costume at the Museum of An thropology, UBC. This valuable col lection of Cantonese Opera costumes was made c. 1900 - 1940 and used in performances at Hong Kong. During World War lithe opera group sold the lot of its theatrical properties to the Chinese opera costumes at Museum of Anthro pology, UBC. Jim Wah Sing Theatrical Association. (Photo by Ken Kuromoto, courtesy of UBC Museum of Anthropology) On August 28, 1973 the entire collec tion was bought by the Museum of Anthropology. Financing for the pur The top surface of her “double princess’ robe. Brass buttons, tiny mir chase was through the Museum’s Don robe” has opening buttons at the rors, tin reflectors and glass eyes shim ations-Purchase Fund. front, customary extended sleeves and mer among the floral patterns. A lin The costumes are kept in a dark tex slits at the sides. The bodice and ing woven of natural colour linen gives tile storage area of the Museum in sleeves of purple silk appliqued with the costume its form and durability for order to preserve them. Without this thickly padded white peonies and demanding functions throughout careful attention they would suffer chrysanthemums, are embroidered in many performances. fading and fabric deterioration. The twisted metallic gold thread. “Two- The headdress to accompany a prin environment of the textile storage area cash” symbols, round like coins are cess’ costume is probably the most is strictly controlled; having constant embroidered on panels to signify dazzling and breath-taking of all opera humidity, constant temperature and wealth. accessories except, of course, the head no light. The costumes are therefore The skirt part of the garment has dress of the ruling Empress. It is a con not on continuous public display but thirteen overlapping panels of bright fection of white mesh shaped onto a anyone who has a special interest in colours which drape from the hips. twisted silver metallic wire frame and opera costumes may make an appoint The central widest panel features three mounted on a wide bandeau lined with ment to view the collection. motifs of the Monarch — Canopy, white silk. The whole is elaborately On the occasion of the opening of cloud and mountain. At the hem green and profusely bejewelled with bewil the Museum in May 1976 a whole gal tassels dangle to and fro to disclose dering patterns of pearls which quiver lery was given over to a full display of the tiny feet of a high-born princess. like heavenly bodies from the Celestial these magnificent Chinese Opera robes In a twinkling this costume can Kingdom. Two delicate medallions in and their theatrical accessories. demonstrate its versatility for quick the form of peacocks and studded with One ornate costume for the role of change. The front buttons are swiftly rhinestones fit into slots at each side an immortal princess, the seventh undone, the sides flung open and of the headdress. Yellow and white silk daughter of the Heavenly Emperor, is secured at the back and suddenly a tassels swing and sway with every a “double robe” designed for the large dazzling white phoenix on blue movement of the princess’ head. quick changes needed during perfor satin is revealed front and back. A Another costume in the museum mance as the action of the princess complete change of colour from pur collection is for a male character, develops in the story. pie to blue has been effected in the Chang Kuo Lao, one of the Eight

13 B.C. Historical News for an immortal princess. (Photo by Bill McLellan, courtesy of UBC Museum of Anthropology)

Taoist Immortals. As a group they cluster of tufts and silver jewellry. stored within — belts, flags, fans, symbolize Taoism, Transmutation and Officials wear black gauze hats and drums, padded boots on high platform Happiness. It is a single robe with wide may have their character indicated by soles and ladies’ embroidered slippers extended sleeves, side slits, side open the shape of the wings. Oblong wings with center heels. ing and a banded neck edge. A four- symbolize high integrity. Diamond- To portray a courtesan’s bound toed dragon and fish design are em shaped wings denote a dubious char feet, Chinese actresses wear a tilted broidered on back and front on an acter. Circular wings indicate an of shoe with a wooden support inside orange ground of silk fabric. The col ficial who likes bribes better than which is secured under the instep with lar, sleeves and border bands have anything else. ribbon ties. The embroidered slippers four symbols — wheel, double gourd, A scholar’s hat, usually black, is in give the appearance of a tiny-pointed endless knot, and rare vase. All have plain style. Even a beggar must wear shoe of two or three inches. With this meaning for a Chinese audience and a headdress. Anyone who appears on false foot attached to her toes female they will identify this character as a no stage without a headdress is presum performers appear to be walking dain ble warrior. ed by the audience to be in great tily like a lady with bound feet, the Generally speaking costumes for the danger. “golden lilies” of bygone days. Only Chinese opera stage represent what Chang Kuo Lao’s hat is almost those actresses who have had long people wore during the Ming Dynas twelve inches high. Shaped on a card years of strenuous training can master ty (1368 - 1644 AD). The costumes board base edged with white fur it the art of walking and fighting as a have now become symbolic rather than folds and opens to fit onto the Immor female warrior on stage tiptoe, much realistic. Monarchs always wear yellow tal’s head. like a western ballerina’s “en pointe”. silk embroidered with dragons, the Enormous trunks were used for Fortunately we are not limited to royal symbol. Scarlet and other strong transporting the wardrobe and thea admiring Chinese opera costumes only colours are freely adopted for a gen trical properties of the Cantonese when an opera company is in town. A tleman’s wardrobe. Gallant young Opera company when it was on tour special request to the Museum of An men are distinguished by bright attire. and when it was shipped to Vancou thropology, UBC, will reveal the thea With no exception male characters ver. One bright red chest at the Mu trical wonders of a Chinese backstage must wear some form of headdress. A seum has a false bottom with holes — even though it is in fact in the tex prime minister’s headdress has a wing front and back for the insertion of car tile storage room. on each side. A monarch’s headdress rying poles. Inside the lacquered lid is has no wings but is decorated with a a list of costumes and accessories

B.C. Historical News 14 tion is greatly enhanced by storing it for several years. In the warm climate of southern China, particularly in Hong Kong, there are specialty shops of Chinese medicine, where they specialize in the sale of snake bile, which is highly Chinese regarded as potent cure-all, supposed Medicine ly, especially effective in the treatment of rheumatism. The ultimate form of and Home Remedies this tonic is a “bile of 3 snakes” cocktail. This preparation is sold by these snake shops in a most fascinating manner. It is prepared before the very eyes of the patient/client, (incidentally Don W. Lim one of these three snakes is usually a cobra, which could be a snake of three or four feet in length). The snake handler selects the proper donor from Thousands of years before the ad cian then usually prescribes the appro the numerous baskets at the rear of the vent of Western medicine, the Chinese priate herbal medicine, composed of shop and proudly shows the client have developed their own beliefs and 8 or 10 ingredients, each of which has what a vigorous and healthy speciman customs regarding their health and a specific purpose in the treatment of he has a hold of. He then produces a medical remedies. The state of health, the disease of the patient. clean wine glass, which he places on they believed, meant that his psyche Examination of the tongue is also the counter in front of his surgical cut and physical body were inwardly in thought to reveal the state of general ting board and deftly holds the head perfect harmony, and together, out health, the digestive system, and the of the snake steadily with one hand, wardly with the universe at large. degree of hydration. Certain sectors of firmly pressing the snake against the Broadly speaking, this is the basis of the tongue, that is the top, the sides, counter with his body and with his the Yin and Yang principle. To main the root, or the tip, reflect the con scalpel-like knife in his right, he makes tain this balance and to avoid any dition of certain specific internal or a slit incision directly over the gall deviations from this, the Chinese have gans. Dehydration is treated by the bladder with uncanny accuracy and developed some fascinating ideas in prescribing of boiled tea of honey slips out the sac-like structure with their folk lore and home remedies. suckle blossoms, -licorice and sweeten ease. Then he removes the gall blad In medicine, the Chinese have dev ed with honey. Also by Chinese rea der itself and empties the bile into the eloped a strong leaning towards the soning, soups made with winter mel wine glass. This procedure is repeated spiritual teaching as opposed to the on, naturally will be “cooling” in ef with two other snakes and the biles are objectively, scientific approach of fect, as would the soups made from co-mingled in the glass. An ounce or “Western medicine”. Because of their watercress or seaweed. These are used two of fine wine is then poured into traditional and ancient family wor to reduce fever. If the patient feels cold the glass and the contents gently stir ship, and reverence for the bodies of and heat generating effects are desired, red. Needless to say, the cocktail is the dead, dissection of the human then hot spicy herbal potions are pre served cold. The patient’s eyes light up body was highly unacceptable. Partly scribed. When the patient develops a as he savours and downs his tonic. On because of this, development of hu cold, fat meats and especially chicken, this particular visit, I was offered a man anatomy and the surgical sciences should be avoided. For nursing moth taste of this potion, but at the last mo lagged that of Western medicine until ers, in the immediate post partum per ment I declined. Later I asked the the 20th century. Also partly because iod, copious amounts of soup pre snake vendor what happens now to the of this, the Chinese developed and pared by using pig’s feet, boiled in cholecystectomized snake. He replied refined the fine art of “pulse reading” vinegar and ginger, is said to increase that it will be used as meat and will as a sophisticated method of medical the production of mother’s milk and be transformed by a renowned Chinese diagnoses. This is done by the palpa also would replenish and enrich the chef into an exquisite delicacy! tion and study of the radial pulses at blood. Calcium and minerals are also Chinese fold lore abounds with the wrist. Both sides are carefully ex restored to the system. wonder herbs. The most famous of amined. A complete study could take For the male patients, one of the which undoubtedly is the Ginseng an hour or more. No less than 24 best tonics was the highly coveted rat (panax schinseng). This herbal plant characteristics of the pulse is careful tle snake wine. It is said that the best grows to a height of 10 - 15 inches and ly studied by the physician using his grade of this wine is obtained from a the root system develpos into one main index, middle, and ring fingers. Upon live rattle snake, brewed in strong spindle-shaped root of up to 5 - 6 in completing the examination, the physi whiskey. The effjcacy of this prepara ches in length. This plant takes 6 - 7 (cont’d on p. 20) 15 B.C. Historical News

News Historical 16 B.C.

Ah

saw 1884

November to China.

descriptions Some Cong. Ah Chay,

then

to bedrock

plot each cleared

home

perhaps

to Vancouver,

perhaps

Eh

Hang, Young Foo, and Ah Sin

miner the

is Chinese said It worked.

Horse,

Wild of out the

going

were

Ah Foon, Ah 5l5”, Chin Kee and 516

had they where show to piles conical

Chinese

several

that reveals

entry

Kin Tha

514, Hing Harry miners from

in

stones large stacking methodically

A later

Creek. Horse

on

Wild

was

Co. Chin

or “Kee Co.” Chiew “Win

very bench Fisherville the worked

miners

Chinese of

concentration the

as

such names list the book in Entries

carefully

They leases. the of most

but River,

Moyie and

Creek

Perry

registrants. of the names derstanding

by held 1872 and 1867, in Horse Wild

on

on claims

Chinese were

There

un in difficulty some had Englishman the on appeared miners Chinese

$2.50.” level. to summit base from

the that

writing scratchy in reveals fluid. was population

mining

and in feet front 200 continuing and

1872 Creek Horse Wild

Book 18862 The miner. the original out or

- bought

claims Co. and Evans Schroeder

Record Commissioners — Gold The partners, became soon helpers Many

of line upper the at

commencing

I.

War World after until Chinatown holders. claim of as helpers ed on

side,

Northwest

Creek Horse Wild

as persisted This there. built was sign miners incoming claims available

on hill claims two 8576 Ah Sam

and

village a new miners Chinese diligent no were there If not. did ed, some

Yee 8527 Fan of favor in Recorded

the of

satisfaction to the explored been return some winter; for the out went

Co. W.H.Cr. Yee

“Fan

had

area bench Fisherville the When and pokes their filled Miners moved.

specifies. entry dust.

1878 ious pre the of return good very and down torn were Dwellings sluiced.

as this white 11, beside March miners give to washed pan a often into swept gravel the and dug was bench The

showed were Chinese that

working The a dirt broom. with rock that swept gold. in rich very was residents shacks

the under The up. gravel sprung it had

as

as quickly almost

disappearing

was

1918. Creek on Horse Wild miners placer Chinese the of last Jack,

— Lee

Fisherville But

Fisherville. into came

-

Trail dney the Dew 1865 of September

In 1865. in early commencing hillsides r

the on claims work to miners enabled

ditch that

from water and dug

was

.

Ditch Victoria miners. a thousand over

for the centre as up sprang Fisherville

of• the town and creek, up that rush

gold- a major saw 1864 in 1863. area

bearing a gold good proved Steele,

Fort of site the present near River enay

Koot into the empties which Creek,

Horse

Wild

searching. keep

to

miners

— —— V —A———

J —

tempted gold of finds Small 1850’s.

, the in Kootenays East the into drifted

settlers and would-be Prospectors -J

, j_

Miller Naomi F

Kootenays East

the in

Chinese

I ___ Altar located in Chinese cemetery on Wild Horse.

Lum and Fan Yee transfer their claims attending a funeral there. Each mour like machine which maintained a pace to long time resident David Griffiths ner would bring some prepared food and rhythm which amazed everyone for $1327, “the receipt of which is to be left on the table for the deceas who watched them. The canal was just acknowledged.”4 ed. An accompanying photograph over a mile long, 45 feet wide and from Various newspaper clippings reveal shows the ornate box (labelled altar by 8 to 10 feet deep. The Lock bad to be how white settlers evaluated their Fort Steele archivists) which in fact 100 feet long and thirty feet wide but quiet, hardworking neighbours. was the table for serving the meal for work slowed at this point because the Cranbrook Herald — October 17, the dead. The cemetery now consists laborers had to dig far deeper than ex 1901 of 21 depressions evenly spaced on the pected to sink the footings for the “the late census shows there are 67 hillside. Pete Lum was called upon to structure. The Chinese did this work Chinamen on Wild Horse Creek, assist the residents of Chinatown re in 1887 but were then released to find who are principally engaged in move the bones of the deceased in work, and recognition elsewhere. placer mining and in sluicing gravel order that they might be shipped back Community acceptance was restrict that has been worked over and over to China. The last shipment pf the ed to market gardeners, houseboys, or again. No one knows what their remains of Chinese who died here laundry operators. The Chinese were earnings are but when a payment on in North America took place in 1914. not allowed to walk on the sidewalks their lease falls due they turn up The practise was discontinued be of early villages. As a group they were with a supply of coarse gold, weigh cause ship owners had restrictions im distrusted and resented. There were out the amount and return to their posed during World War I and oppor many legal restrictions on their ac work. A white man might spin a tunity was not granted again follow tivities, even to the exclusion of wives fairy tale of his earnings but the ing the war. and families coming from China. For celestial is too busy with his sluice Chinese laborers made the Baillie a period they were not permitted to boxes to talk.”5 Grohman dream a reality when work buy property so the market gardeners The Chinese community up the ers were brought in to dig the canal had to rent acreage from European Wild Horse had a cemetery where they between the Kootenay River and Col settlers. Jealousy of the thrifty style of buried fellow miners who died due to umbia Lake. A brigade of 200 men life was compounded by resentment accident or illness. Pete Lum recalls formed themselves into a conveyor- that the average Chinamen sent most

17 B.C. Historical News of his money back to his homeland. pie. I caine to Fort Steele some years pared to dig miles of ditches to ensure Some communities went so far as to ago, and I have no relations here. water supply. Alternative projects such refuse access to a Chinese person at I am all alone. Some Chinamen as Ban Quan’s pool hail in Cranbrook any time, for any reason. One such make trouble and want to take me were successful until the fighting in community was Moyie, a mining town to court, but I will not go, for I am Europe siphoned off the men who that favored Indian miners to help the not concerned in their trouble and were patronizing the establishment. Occidental owners and workers. Later do not want to make enemies. I The few that had families made sure Fernie forbade the entry of Chinese to want to take care of myself in my their children went to school in an that community. Chinese were not ac business.”7 Tai Yee. attempt to overcome the status as cepted as coal miners after the episode A few issues later the “alien”. The hard work of Chinese in Nanaimo when Dunsmuir kept his Prospector described the Chinese New residents contributed much to the colliery running using Oriental Strike Year. well being of their fellow settlers in Breakers. Kimberley, likewise, ordered The Chinese New Year’s Day oc the East Kootenay. Their efforts are Chinese out of that mining camp. curs on the 21st of January. Our old time citizen, Tai Yee, did the honors now acknowledged with admiration Collectively the Chinese were dis and respect. trusted, feared, and treated like slaves. of the occasion by shooting off mil Individually, manS’ won acceptance, lions of firecrackers to keep off the friendship, and even respect from their evil one, and keeping a well heaped neighbours. table of Chinese dainties for the Some became a legend in Footnotes and Bibliography: their locality. Golden had good ones. (ie. his Occidental “Casey” 1, 2, and 4. Gold Commissioner’s Record Wong, the grocer. friends).8 That gentleman — - Editor Book Wild Horse Creek 1872 1886. brought in several “apprentices” who A.B. Grace had written on Viewed courtesy Fort Steele Archives. the Chinese New in turn acquired businesses. Casey Year in 1897. 3. Numbers following lease holders names are returned to China several times to visit A large number of Fort Steele miners licence numbers. and add to his family (who eventual residents visited Chinatown on Wild 5. Cranbrook Herald October 17, 1901 iy joined him in Canada.) Sam, the Horse Creek to see how John 6. Scott and Hanic East Kootenay Chronicle Chinese cook, was a prominent figure Chinaman celebrated their only p. 120 - 121 in memories of riverboats running bet holiday. 7. The Prospector December 11, 1897 ween Golden and Invermere. And Lee New Years Eve in China is the 8. Ibid January 22, 1898 Jack was a legendary figure who min greatest holiday in the year. The 9. Ibid February 6, 1897 ed in the Wild Iorse from gold rush people stop all work, put on their Grateful acknowledgements to: days of the 1860’s almost till his death best clothes (new, if possible), and Derryl White, Archivist, Fort Steele Historic in 1930. Chang, a C.P.R. worker was rejoice and celebrate in their own Park invited to supper at the home of his way; shoot fireworks, firecrackers, Gail Lum, Fort Steele resident section foreman c. 1930. During the and bombs, make all the noise pos Pete Lum, Sheep Creek, B.C. near Skookum meal chuk he tearfully declared, “Forty sible, give presents wrapped in red Joe Ban Quan, Cranbrook years in Canada and this is the first paper, call on friends, pay their Photographs courtesy Fort Steele Archives time I am asked inside a white man’s debts, and enjoy themselves. A pe house.” Individual neighbourlines can culiar New Year’s custom is the lit be documented; collectively our Euro tle children running through the pean ancestors were distrustful, un streets offering their vices for sale charitable, and unwilling to under in order to start the year with a stand the immigrant from Canton. clear record. Most sit up all night, Some immigrants learn English for there is a superstition that the more quickly than others. Those who one who for ten successive years sees mastered the new language were press the sun rise on New Year’s morn ed into service as interpreters. The role ing will have a long life.9 of an interpreter was not always re Some from that Chinatown did have garded as neutral. A Fort Steele resi a long life. They moved from the dent inserted this declaration in the goldfields and became market garden Prospector, December 11, 1987. ers or store owners. The district boast

Public Notice — I the undersign ed thirty-five market gardens so pro ed Tai Yee who have acted some ductive that “nothing had to be im times as Chinese interpreter in the ported”. An excellent garden grew at courts at Fort Steele, wish to make the site of Cranbrook’s largest shop it public that while I am willing to ping mall. Other sites were adjacent act in friendly cases, I do not wish to the St. Eugene Mission, at Cherry to act when the case is likely to make Creek, Skookumchuk, Wardner and enemies for me among my own peo Windermere. The gardeners were pre

B.C. Historical News 18 The Lum and Ban Quan Families

Naomi Miller

The Lum family came to Cranbrook Daughter Maggie married Hop Yuen as “very English”. in 1907 and leaves many descendants who had a market garden near the Peter Charles Lum, born 1898, is in the East Kootenay area. Ah or Chin village. Dick Lum found work on a the self appointed historian for the Lum was born in Canton, China iii ranch in southern Alberta. Peter and Lum family. He was a hardworking 1846 and came to Canada as a very Jim attended school in Fort Steele. In jack of many trades in his lifetime. young man. (Ah is a prefix given by 120 Ah Chin Lum felt his end was While a teenager he helped Astor Wil a British civil servant; Chin was his near. He burned his shops records to liam Drayton install penstocks feeding Chinese family surname). He arrived indicate he forgave his debtors, then half a mile of heavy steel pipe for hy in Rock Creek during a gold rush. For sailed for China escorted by son draulic mining up the Wild Horse. The a time he obtained work as a helper George. Ah Chin died within six following summer he operated the hy to a Shuswap Indian who freighted months. George attended to his burial draulic monitor to flush the gravel goods between Hope and Rock Creek then returned to Fort Steele. Lucy down specially constructed sluice over first the leg of the Dewdney Trail. Lum lived in Fort Steele, first caring boxes. At seventeen, as soon as he Later he married sixteen year old Lucy for foster children, then cared for by finished school, he and a classmate Williams, daughter of the packer at her family until her death in 1951 at rolled up their blankets, purchased Hope, then set up a grocery-dry goods the age of 97. cork boots on credit and walked six store in Rock Creek to supply settlers George did not bring a bride from teen miles to Bull River to seek work and prospectors. The Lum children, China as his father had planned. He driving logs. They were taken on and four boys and three girls were all remained a bachelor till 1931 when he told to walk tothe upper camp 14 born at Rock Creek and commenced me and married an English girl work miles upstream. The log drive lasted schooling there. Ah Lum moved to ing at Chateau Lake Louise. They almost two months. The boys were Cranbrook with his older children ear worked at Lake Louise during ensu paid $8 per day plus board. Later that ly in 1907 where he set up a Chinese ing summers but made their home at year (1915) Pete was recruited to help grocery store. Lucy Lum followed la Fort Steele. George sired seven child a young man develop a claim up the ter with the youngest boys, Peter and ren most of whom achieved profes Skookumchuk River — but while in Jimmy. That same year daughter Lil sional status. Cranbrook to purchase supplies the lian married Chu Ban Quan, owner- Caroline Lum married Fort Steele’s prospective employer was recruited for operator of the Invicta Mine on Wild blacksmith, Jim Buckman, in 1910. the army. In the fall he assisted big Horse Creek. Her sister Caroline went Buckman came to Canada from Cali game guide Arthur Nichol on pack as cook for the crew at the Invicta. fornia and made a good living as a outings with rich hunters. He then George Lum found work with livery- blacksmith and rawhide expert. He spent several winters logging on the man Al Doyle at Fort Steele. made custom leather goods for Great Bull River. In 1921 when fire wiped Soon Ah Lum moved to Fort Steele West Saddlery in Calgary. A surviv out logging operations on the river, where he opened a butcher shop. ing daughter describes her upbringing Pete found work where he could. Peter

19 B.C. Historical News

News B.C. Historical 20

B.C. Kelowna, in

to home visit

one made he

is

believed

practising

ophthalmologist an is Lim W. Don

It 1882. in Horse the Wild in arriving

and Kootenays to the Ferry Bonners

medicine. of field in

fascinating

this

through pan”, coming gold “with his

knowledge our expand

further to

cine”

mountains up western the way his ed

Medi Chinese

Traditional ence

for

work 1868. in He Francisco San to na

Sci of

“Academy

called the

learning

Chi Canton, from came Quan Ban

higher of institute an B.C.

Victoria, in

Tuck mine.

been established

has there

years,

cent

Nip-n’ the manned Chinese of group

Quan. Ban Joe re in note that to

interesting is

It

another bank, opposite the on away, and Lum Pete with

Interviews

Archives.

Steele

philosophy.

and

thought of

school

in

Fort 1977 in taped history far Aural Not creek. Credits; side the of the west on

ancient

to their adhering in

fortable

operation hydraulic first the working

com

quite are

people

Chinese the

that

restaurant. local Chinese, all men, twelve a of had crew

appear

would it are

Furthermore, not.

a

for

works still 76, aged Joe, years. He Creek. Horse on Wild Mine victa

they

medicine,

Westernized of

roads in

later

their into worked All children. In the of owner-operator was timehe

the

despite

mind,

Chinese but

the to

seven

their

with left

was

ethic work that At 1907. in Lum Pete to in-law

far-fetched,

and

are

weird concepts

The

1966.

in

death

her until Joe and a brother- became Quan Ban Chu

these of some

mind,

our Western

To

Charlie

sons of

her assistance the with dogs. his with home

be

used!

gardens

the

market run to continued stayed and horses his sold reluctantly

should

droppings bat

then

desired,

Lily 1947.

in died Quan Ban Chu he when 1977 until trapper and guide

is

vision

night of

improvement If

day. ing a licenced was areas. Pete game big

sight.

eye of

improvement

the

to cial

follow

the

home

driving and friend, to trips pack and hunters, for quarters

benefi be

can

soup

pork

liver reason,

a

with

overnight staying Marysville, an head ideal was home new This

obscure some a For cure.

as scribed

in

produce

of

a

load to sell buggy Lake. near Premier ground higher

pre are beetles

child, dried

wetting

Bennett

drawn

horse

a in travelling much to horses his He took in ed 1948.

bed- a For bones. of

fractures

any

recalls Quan

Ban Joe

Cranbrook.

to flood Steele was Fort from the river

mend

quickly can

(rooster)

chicken,

in family his moved

and

garden

that across in meadows the Pete’s home

up

chopped

with

cooked

ginger,

and

to work

Indians hired

Quan Ban noon. of tourists. the number ope curtailed

onions up ground a of

mixture

from

the

after

in boys

the in morning, girls Eur war and in competition, opened

made Poultices

kidneys. pork

from

Mission,

the at

school

boarding Indian had Brewsters because last their was

made soup prescribe

would they

pain,

the at

school

attended

Quan children 1939 of summer The destination. their

back

or

back a

weak for

that

believe

Ban

The

garden.

market a

establish to to was trail a there where summit the

they Thus

amazing. are

quite remedies

Mission St.

Eugene at

the priests from near to highway Banff-Radium the ing

favorite other their some of in

have

acres

five rented Lily

Quan and Ban days, follow seven six took or Louise

Chinese the that faith enduring

The

I.

War

World in service for army the Lake to Steele from Fort journey

illnesses. other of legion a

and

joined

had patrons

his because 1915 The corral. horse their near tents in

infertility impotence,

rheumatism, nia,

in

there from

away

moved but ly brook, lived employees summer and their

insom

weaknesses, eye

depression, ic,

Cran in

room billiard a opened he fami horses. The eighteen stand with

col fever, and colds anemia,

cluding

In

1913 born. was Joe

son where Steele a separate had Ira son and Lum Dick

in

of illnesses, range wide a

curing

to Fort

Quan

moved 1912 Ban In horses; twenty-five had Lum George

of

capable panacea a

reputedly is

root

unobstructed. went and rides. Pete and trail pony stand a

Ginseng

The

B.C.).

2700

(circa

Nung

Quan Ban but

claim,

and town ween with Louise Lake at tourists to catered

Shen

Emperor medicine,

of Chinese

bet

travelling when harassed sionally Lums the 1939 and 1929 Between

father

legendary famous, the to back

occa

were

miners Other crackers. of

mountain.

dating

of years, thousands for

studied

boxes

four

emptied day had he the of King Kootenay on sites other

stake and

been

plant has this of power cinal

the

end

By

visitor.

each

to one gave surveSr geologist a to assist assigned

medi-. The variety.

the of wild

potency

and

crackers

soda of

big a box opened then Pete was a truck. in supplies

and

same this vigor have to

appear not

He

hospitality. show to way some to transport a then road into the

trail

do and

States Canada United Korea,

for

around

looked Quan Ban visit. turn to hired was

operator

bulldozer

Asia,

in grown plants cultivated The

to

came

natives many Christmas At early An operation. of

year

first

its

world.

the in quality finest the

produce

friendship.

their won

and graciously for mine the into supplies packed

Pete

uniquely to combine factors

which

them

treated

Quan

Ban camp. their serviceable was trail the Once

mine.

altitude, suitable the

with together soil,

came near

who natives

any rebuffed King Kootenay the to Horse Wild

and water climate, temperature,

ideal

men

White claims.

on their miners from trail mile

ten a of

clearing and

because the of

where, Manchuria, of

to observe

and

Horse,

Wild the up fish cutting the was

contract

major

One

forests

in the state wild the in grows

hunt or to

went Indians

Kootenay

him.

fort

reputedly world the in

Ginseng

best

Canada. to com to son one has but

in 1932

her

The

potent.

and mature

medicinally

bride his

bring to

attempt every in lost He 1925. in

state

Washington

is root

the before

growth of

years

frustrated was but married, China, from native Samson,

Matilda married

cont’d Chinese Medicine Ed’Lum — Man of the Moment

Geoffrey Castle

Edward Lum is one of the one per cent of the Saanich residents with a Chinese background. He was born in victoria, August 16, 1928, and grew up to become a prominent business man who, after serving four terms as an alderman for Saanich, served two terms as mayor from 1974 to 1977. He remembers his father with respect and admiration and recounts his interesting background. Hearing about Gum San (mountain of gold), his father came to Victoria from Sun Wai Village in 1903 at the age of 18. He was an expert pistol shooter, a skill acquired because of the Mayor Li Lum sampL the water of Swan Lake — 1975. (Saanich trouble with bandits in Quangton Pro Archives Photo 1980 - 14 - JOB) vince. After working 14 - 16 hours a day for only $3.00 per month, he tient. As a teenager, Ed did well in in British Columbia. found that he could not support his sports and worked for his father in his In 1952, Ed married Rose Lee, a parents back home so he obtained spare time, gaining valuable business high school sweetheart. Born in Vic work with Gore and McGregor, sur experience in the expanding import- toria, she was the first lady of Chinese veying in the Prince George area. export, grocery and marketing fields. extraction to work for a Canadian With encouragement from friends, Ed started his own business. It was bank because she was fluent in Chi Lum bought 4 acres of land on Shel a coffee shop on Yates Street. Then nese and the bank conducted a great bourne Street and started his green he started Victoria’s original Chinese amount of oriental business. house business in 1924. Three years food delivery service. His biggest cus After 8 years as a Saanich alderman, later, with his business nicely esta tomer proved to be the navy. Later, Ed decided to return to his business in blished, he married Lee Don Kuai. he took over the Cyril Cafe, located terests but his many friends persuad During the Great Depression food next to what is now the Capitol 6 ed him to run for the office of mayor. was difficult to obtain for many peo movie theatre on Yates Street. It was He succeeded using for his platform, ple. The Lums helped others survive there he-started Ming’s Kitchen which “good common business sense” — an the dismal economic bad times. In he ran until 1961. approach he still uses in managing his 1934 when Ed was 6 years old, his When Ed Lum’s father died in 1956, varied business interests. mother took him back to China for a Ed and his brothers bought more Geoffrey Castle visit. When he started school at Cedar greenhouses and soon owned is past president of the Victoria over Section of the B. C. Historical Hill, Ed could speak only Chinese. 400,000 Federation and square feet of them, making Municipal Archivist for the Corporation of the Fortunately, his teacher was very pa- their operation the largest of its kind District of Saanich.

21 B.C. Historical News New d Notes

Burnaby Historical Society Chemainus Valley Historical Society One highlight of our achievements In 1992, the year of Burnaby’s has been our success in persuading Centennial celebrations, the Burnaby At our September 1987 meeting Council to establish a Burnaby Historical Society would like to host our guest speaker was Phil Dobson, Heritage Advisory Committee under he B.C. Historical Federation Con Manager of MacMillan Bloedel in the Heritage Conservation Act. ference. The dates will be May 7, 8, Chemainus. The original request was postponed 9, 10; Thursday afternoon until Sun Our November meeting which in 1980 and since then the former day noon. should have been our Annual meeting Mayor and 4 aldermen, who were less The Burnaby Historical Society had to be postponed until January 25, than enthusiastic in supporting our re celebrated Heritage Week ‘88 at its 1988 due to very windy wet weather. quest, have been replaced by a Mayor monthly meeting by featuring slides Speaking at the January meeting was and 4 aldermen at the November 21, and commentary by our archivist, Jim Mrs. Elsie Kennedy of Chemainus 1987 elections. Indeed, Mayor Bill Wolf. About 50 people were expected who is interested in Canadian women Copeland stated in his Inaugural Ad but 80 crowded the hall to hear the who have left their mark in history. dress that he would ask Council’s story of early settlers who carved The Lamalchi Bay Cemetery on Ku- Heritage Advisory Study Committee homes from the wilderness around per Island was deeded to our Society to bring forward terms of reference for Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake. There by Audrey Ginn. We are hoping that the• establishment of a Heritage Ad were log cabins, pre-fab and modest John Adams will get over to see that visory Committee that would report homes. There were also mansions such historic cemetery this year and also the directly to Council. as Hart’s “Avalon”; Mather’s “Alt cemetery on Thetis Island. With this encouragement, the Presi nadene”, Ceperley’s “Fairacres”; We are getting closer to having a dent of our Society, Evelyn Salisbury, Townley’s “Deerholme”; Bateman’s Chemainus Historical Museum. The made a sixth Presentation to Council “Elworth” and the Woodward house, Ladysmith Train Historical Society on Monday February 15th, the first used as a home, school and Burnaby has donated a 91 foot, 85 ton railcar. day of Heritage Week, 1988. She not Lake post office. Many of these for The only problem we are facing is ed that it was Heart Month and Heri mer dwellings are now in use by the finding a suitable location. We are for tage Week and expressed the hope that Art Gallery, Art Council and Village tunate in that the Chamber of Com Council would have a heart and give Museum. Along with the slides were merce and Ladysmith Train Society favourable consideration to this sixth costumes displayed by Ruby Johnson are backing us for both renovations request to establish a Heritage Ad of the Canadiana Costume Society. Of and locations. Also the mayor of visory Committee. The resolution was particular interest was a costume with North Cowichan and MLA of the passed unanimously and at present the accessories donated by Mrs. Violet Cowichan Valley are both History composition of 1the Committee and Eagles, life and founding member of buffs and interested in our project. terms of reference are being prepared. the Society. (BHS) In 1992, Burnaby will celebrate its The Burnaby Historical Society In Memorium Centenary. Our Society believes that celebrated Heritage Week by staging as soon as possible a Burnaby Heritage a Photo Contest among members. The Sidney and North Saanich Advisory Committee should conduct Buildings and structures up until 1940 Historical Society has borne a great an inventory of Burnaby’s heritage were entered and judged at Irving loss in the passing of Mrs. Ray Joy on resources and formulate a Heritage House by Curator, Archie Miller, October 28, 1987. She was a founding Policy. Doreen Lawson and Jack Bain. Win member in the establishment of the On the basis of our achievements, ning photos were displayed in large Sidney Museum which led to the for our Society members submitted their frames on the wall of the Kingsway mation of the Sidney and North President’s name as a nominee for the Branch of Van City Credit Union, Saanich Historical Society in 1971 of Kushiro Cup, donated by our twin thanks to manager Mr. Allan Camp which she served for many years as its community in Japan, to be awarded bell. BHS member Mary Forsyth coor conscientious and genial secretary. She to a person who has made an OUT dinated this successful event. will be greatly missed as a friend and STANDING CONTRIBUTION TO (Submitted by President of BHS, fellow worker. Her many talents OUR COMMUNITY IN 1987. The Evelyn Salisbury.) enabled her to extend her services to President, if selected, will accept the other cultural activities on the Penin honour on behalf of the Burnaby His sula and she was always there to help torical Society. where needed.

B.C. Historical News 22 The Britannia Concentrating Mill versity), and Colonel David Glantz Britannia Mill Declared Complex provides a rare opportunity (U.S. Army, Soviet Army Studies Of a National Historic Site to study and illustrate early 20th Cen fice) dealing with the European Thea tury mining and milling practices. The ter, while Roger V. Dingman (Univer The Britannia Beach Historical remains of the two early mills, the tun sity of Southern California) will Society, the governing body of the nel network and the existing Mill pro discuss papers by Alvin D. Coox (San British Columbia Museum of Mining, vide rich material evidence for schol Diego State University) and Hisashi is proud to announce that the Historic ars, industrial archaeologists and the Takahashi (Japanese Institute for Sites and Monuments Board of Cana general public. Defense Studies) analyzing the Pacific da has found the ore concentrating Theater. In an evening banquet ad Britannia be of complex at Mines to The Thirteenth USAF dress, Lieutenant General Samuel V. national historic and architectural Wilson, former Director of the De significance. This is the first time that Academy fense Intelligence Agency, will probe a mining heritage resource of this Military History Symposium the intelligence revolution’s impact on magnitude has been so designated counterintelligence activities. in Canada. The Department of History at the The final day examines legacies of The announcement is timely because United States Air Force Academy will the intelligence revolution and features 1988 marks the centennial of the dis sponsor the Thirteenth Military His presentations by William E. Burrows covery of copper ore at Britannia in tory Symposium 12 - 14 October 1988 (New York University), John L. Gad 1888. To celebrate this anniversary, on the topic, “The Intelligence Revo dis (Ohio University), Robert F. Fu the Museum will host a Discovery Day lution: A Historical Perspective.” The trell (Air Power Research Institute), special event for the general public on symposium’s first session will analyze and Walter Laqueur (Washington May 14th. The Historic Sites and intelligence activities before 1939 and Center for Strategic and International Monuments Board will unveil a com features papers by Dennis E. Showalt Studies). memorative plaque at the site within er (Colorado College) and Peter Mas The symposium will conclude with the year. lowski (University of Nebraska), with a panel discussion analyzing the in Recognition as a National Historic comments by Ernest R. May (Harvard telligence revolution’s effect on cur Site means that the Society can now University). The day will conclude rent military postures. Ray S. Cline focus on developing a Mining Museum with the Thirty-first Harmon Mem (U.S. Global Strategy Council), Rich of national status. Although no im orial Lecture, “World War II: An In ard M. Helms (Former Director, Cen mediate funding will accompany the telligence Revolution,” by Professor tral Intelligence Agency), Lieutenant commemorative plaque, increased Sir Francis H. Hinsley (Cambridge General James A. Williams (Former public awareness will assist the Socie University). Professor Hinsley will Director, Defense Intelligence Agen ty in its fund raising campaigns. Also, assess World War II as a watershed in cy), Admiral Pierre La Coste (Fonda the incentive is there to enter into the evolution of military intelligence. tion pour les Etudes de Defense Na negotiations with the Federal Govern Sessions on the second day will ex tionale), and Major General Jack E. ment, the Provincial Government and amine the effect of intelligence on Thomas (Office of the ASDI) will the private sector on a cost-sharing World War II’s major belligerents. serve as panelists. agreement for Museum and Historic Gerhard L. Weinberg (University of For information concerning sym Site development. North Carolina) will comment on pa posium registration contact: HQ Britannia’s significance as a major pers by Jurgen Rohwer (Bibliothek fur USAFA/DFH, Attn: Captain Mark world copper producer has been well Zeitgeschichte Weltkriegbucherei), A. Clodfelter, USAF Academy, Col documented. During its 70 year his Christopher Andrew (Cambridge Uni orado Springs, CO 80840-5701. tory, Britannia employed over 60,000 people and produced over 50 million tons of copper ore. From 1925 to 1930, it was known as the largest copper pro ducer in the British Empire. B.C.H.F. Research Assistance Committee The Mill is a magnificent structure, A new service offered by your Federation . a marvel of industrial engineering and If you are researching local or other British Columbian historical topics technology. It is a superb example of and need assistance in locating source material, etc., send a stamped, self- the ingenuity of the Canadian mining addressed envelope together with $10 * research fee to: industry. The Mill is the last remain Peggy Imredy ing gravity-fed concentrator in North 304-2425 Brunswick America that is accessible to the gen Vancouver, B.C., V5T 3M1 eral public. Britannia is only 52 km * Any additional from Vancouver on the well-travelled cost of photocopying, postage, etc. will be billed later. “Sea to Sky” designated tourist route.

23 B.C. Historical News

News Historical B.C. 24

the cars in escorted Ten- from Vintage licly displayed.

of members were families pioneer munity pub the where be will pictures

to add To interest, Club. Yacht local that significance the this is first com

the Bay Cowichan and of Cowichan is the it of and started I.W.A. great

Boats Wooden Navy Club the ships, area. Lake our in is Cowichan where

a chan past sail was Bay. of There four activities people and from the citizens

visit Mrs. Cowi to Rogers and Rogers ing some in assistance for identifying

forgotten. but be will not missed

B.C. for occasion Lt. our Governor the hop They Chambers. Council are

good citizen This Kinbasket Country. clay the events courts. were These two on also gers. be will These in display

old grass with still functioning and and log tographs 1972 of old logging publication the author/editor and of time

Tennis 100 chan Club years was Lawn a has of large collection America pho as a made contribution major

the settlers. 100 imately Cowi South

The of

Woodworker’s

International

&

and

Society, Historical District

Hecate rival approx H.M.S. with of

the Chambers. Council

in held Golden the offices various She

ted the the of 110th Ar Anniversary the between office Village and grounds

81. she from 1967 operated which

In Bay celebra Cowicahn - August, be ment placed will which the on

to a open into Book Golden Shoppe Valley. the of large ple equip logging of pieces

of R.N.s all and the R.N.s staff mer Mrs. umbia Valley. a Is moved Schiesser up cou Museum Forest bringing

tea all given a for with Hospital for

21 p.m. the As from and well 12

4

in Col to the family Moberly moved -

by Cowichan the District R.N.A.B.C., and on May Saturday 20 Friday bers

as a umbia the In in 1939 1929. bride

as as recognized well event the was

at be the located Cham Council will

Col a to and 1926 in teacher British

ago. opened one years hundred This Museum Forest from display A the

as to came 15, 1902, Calgary August

The Kings was Hospital Daughters project.

in England Chris, Altringham, born in Hospital Daughters Duncan. less hours to they this have given

ses at the had Kings trained who 8, 1987. November and the them doing count for thank

Attending some Inn. Green

nur were

job the are excellent unteers for they away passed Society, Historical

dinner at and Village entertaimnent the vol and the commend

many museum

District the of member and Golden

75th a anniversary brated their with

door. our of proud are We very front

founding Scheisser, Christian

B.C. The Nurses cele of Registered a outside located with the car pump

this work munity time. at

a of and museum small railway section

IN MEMORIUM

were com for recognized their people E&N houses Railway old the Station

Zaim. Vander and notable Many Mrs. train The Lake in arrived Cowichan.

Bill the Zaim Vander new Premier, first since 75 area. the is It years Lake

by was It Centre. Community attended life early the in Cowichan pioneer

a hosted the Gala the Ball City year, at will depicting displays feature wing

in the Later both at served occasions.

1 p.m. 23; 22 This -4 and 21, new Haslam Myrth

and Refreshments were afternoon. May in on wing the their new Museum

in City at morning Hall held the the

be of Opening the celebrating Grand of a year anniversaries!

Truly

age. Open of 75 House was was years

will Society Kaatza Historical The

Society. torical

7, City On of the March Duncan

sites display. on His the Haslam of Cowichan Myrth

served local and heritage of pictures

and Roma John Croy Coleman,

Society Historical

a being Tea 1 p.m. Silver with 4 Mrs. and were - Mayor The judges zaar.

from on be Friday held afternoon will Cowichan Ba Annual at Hat their contest tage

Tea Show Fashion and A Vintage Heri a hold Auxiliary Hospital trict

1988. 23, and Dis the saw Cowichan November

20, 22 21, May Day Weekend

Victoria

Society. to p.m. 4:00

the to be held Heritage

Days Cowichan

Historical Cowichan the of members a noon by Dog, Police demonstration

Lake busy

on are

working

Society by judged contest Costume Heritage a and served being donuts and fee

Historical Kaatza

and

Committee a years with 120 celebrated bition with cof 21 May Saturday on House

Advisory Heritage Cowichan

Lake

Exhi Cowichan the September, In Open an is holding detachment RCMP

Club. Tennis Lawn Cowichan South the local and Council Chambers) at

tthe at Tea followed wife. his and nor

available (maps walk-about ed heritage

Advisory Committee

Gover the to Lt. presented and then

guid self shop windows, in Displays

Heritage

Cowichan Lake

Wharf Government the Courts to nis Heritage include Activities Other S.S. Moyie “The Last of the Sternwheelers”

Against a backdrop of the rugged Purcell Mountains and sparkling Kootenay Lake, this graceful old steamer lies in retirement on Kaslo Beach. It is now a museum in the care She rests in an idyllically beautiful and I had just turned eleven, my broth of the Kootenay Lake Historical Socie appropriate setting. ers were eight and six. The hubbub and ty. In 1898 the metal hull was shipped Sternwheelers have always fascin excitement each time the boat nosed in sections from Toronto, and the ated me. My first trip on one was in into the dock intrigued us and absorb wooden superstructure was construct 1927. Our family was moving from ed our attention. It was late October. ed on the shores of Kootenay Lake. Kamloops to Fernie. There was no There was still a hint of Indian sum The S.S. Moyie saw service until 1957, direct road or rail link at that time, so mer in the air. The last few stubborn and was the last of dozens of stern- the journey involved taking the C.P.R. leaves were left clinging to the trees. wheelers to ply the inland waterways. train from Kamloops to Revelstoke Like the squirrels, people were stock The following account of two mem where we changed trains for Arrow ing up with supplies for winter, such orable trips on the S.S. Moyie reach head, the port at the northern tip of as 100 pounds of flour, 50 pounds of ed the Kootenay Lake Historical So the Upper Arrow Lake. There we em lard, rolled oats, tea, coffee, cocoa, ciety as a result of a nation-wide fund- barked on the S.S. Minto for the trip cases of tinned milk, matches, and raising appeal carried by the C.B.C. down the Upper Arrow Lake, through remedies such as castor oil. There

“Morningside” program. the Narrows — quite an exciting ex might be a parcel of winter clothes The author of this account is Mrs. perience because it required very capa from Eatons or Simpsons too. We lov A. Marian W. Robertson whose father ble seamanship to get the boat safely ed to watch the big paddle wheel re was a provincial policeman in the through — then on down the Lower volving, and we though it was just southern interior in those early days. Arrow Lake to the port of Robson — great to have our meals in the dining Mrs. Robertson now resides at Brights a sail of some 120 miles. saloon and to sleep in a berth in a Grove in Ontario but retains a lasting There were small towns and rural cabin instead of a bed. interest in the Kootenays, and has a communities located along the shores At last we arrived at Rob son where special fondness for the S.S. Moyie. of the lakes. Many were settled by new we boarded another train for Nelson. I regularly follow Peter Gzowski’s immigrants who had come to Canada We stayed overnight at the Hume Ho programme “Morningside” on radio after World War One. The sternwheel tel. Next morning we embarked on and was especially interested to hear ers were the only mode of transporta another lake boat which I believe was about the preservation fund for the tion and communication so it is not the Kuskanook. We sailed along the restoration of the old S.S. Moyie so surprising that the high point of the west arm of Kootenay Lake and cross that it can continue to serve as a mu day for everyone was the arrival and ed the main lake to Kootenay Landing. seum and a link with that period in the departure of the boat, for it There we boarded another train, final British Columbia history when the brought not only supplies but letters ly arriving at our destination, Fernie. sternwheelers plied both Kootenay and papers from home. There was Alas it is impossible to make that Lake arid the Arrow Lakes as well. great excitement when the first puff of trip today. All that remains of the I have a special affection for the smoke was observed on the horizon, sternwheelers is the old Moyie at Moyie, and have visited Kaslo twice and some sense of loss, too, when it Kaslo. The building of the High Ar in recent years just to see her again. disappeared again into the distance. row Dam turned the beautiful valley

25 B.C. Historical News into an enormous storage area flood had broken away and was roaring In due course we arrived at the small ing thousands of acres of orchards and down this time behind the train, barely town of Proctor on the west arm of farms, obliterating forever a host of missing the last car. Again luck was Kootenay Lake. There we were able to small communities such as Renata, with us. Nobody was injured and the transfer to another train that was Edgewood, Graham’s Landing and train was intact. However we had a awaiting us. There were already a Halcyon Hot Springs, to name just a serious problem. There we were sand number of passengers on board so that few. The construction of the C.P.R. wiched between two avalanches, a it was standing room only once more. around the south shore of Kootenay hostile mountain, and a very cold and Some of us were put in the baggage Lake when the Kettle Valley line was forbidding lake. car. I vividly remember being squash completed, and the extension of the One of the crew members scrambled ed against a wall of very cold, very road from Nelson along the north with some difficulty over the moun dead turkeys destined for delivery to shore to Kaslo made the lake boats tain of snow and hiked along the track the butcher shops in Nelson! redundant. In recent years the building to a section house where he tapped the It was dark when we arrived in Nel of the southern route of the Trans telegraph line and sent out an S.O.S.. son. Our father met us and soon Canada highway and the advent of the He returned after some time with the whisked us off to a hotel to get warm era of air travel have made the trains message that an attempt would be ed up after which he took us to a res redundant. The Kettle Valley line is no made to send out the S.S. Moyie to taurant for a really memorable meal. longer in existence. rescue us. However, the Moyie was Because the rail line was blocked for By the time my father was transfer tied up for the winter at Nelson. It over two weeks the freight trains were red from Fernie to Nelson, six years would take some time to get a crew to unable to get through. We had a house later, a railway line had been built gether and get the boat fired up and but no furniture to put in it. We had around the southern shore of Koot able to sail. There was nothing to do brought some trunks and baggage with enay Lake. We set off on the 19th of but settle down and wait. us. They contained clothes, and more December in a blizzard. Although the The afternoon wore on. We were all importantly in our view the Christmas winter had been severe there were no getting hungry. The sandwiches my presents and goodies my mother had problems as the train rolled through mother had brought had long been baked. My father managed to get an Cranbrook and Creston and on to eaten. There was a dining car on the old table and some cots, so we were wards the lake. The railroad track had train, but only enough food to feed a comfortable enough. We ate our been built on a narrow shelf of rock few people. We had expected to be in Christmas dinner sitting on upturned at the base of a very steep mountain. Nelson by dinner time. As the even orange boxes. It was a good dinner Only a few yards separated the tracks ing dragged into night the train be with brussels sprouts (little green roses) from the water and about the same came colder and colder and the lights and other traditional dishes but no amount from the mountain. grew dimmer and dimmer and finally turkey! We had pork instead! We had

When the train approached the lake flickered out. All the coal had been a great deal to be thankful for — not it began to slow down until it was bare burned so there was no heat and no least the gallant S.S. Moyie! She will ly moving. When the conductor came power. We all huddled together trying always be a very special boat to me! through the train I asked him why. to keep warm and hoping that there Just then the train came to a complete would be no more avalanches. Third If you would like to help save the stop. I looked out of the window and time might not be so lucky! Moyie, please send your donation up at the mountain peak. Near the Morning came. Still no sign of the to S.S. Moyie Preservation Fund, crest a small clump of snow broke Moyie. In the meantime the current Box 537, Kaslo, B.C. VOG 1MO. away and began to roll down the day’s train had caught up to us and (Tax receipts will be issued for all mountain. I watched, fascinated, as was stopped behind the second avalan donations of $10.00 or more. Thank the tiny snowball grew and grew as it che. The hours dragged by well into you. gathered speed. With a roar the ava the afternoon. lanche thundered down the mountain, At last, smoke on the horizon! In across the tracks and into the lake, the distance we could see the Moyie spewing out trees and rocks and huge steaming along towards us. She drew chunks of snow. The train was directly up to a sandbank as close as possible, in its path. Miraculously the avalan and one way or another we all manag

che just missed it, leaving a mountain ed to get on board — all two trainloads of debris which extended right up to of us. She was a fairly small boat so the cow catcher on the engine. It all it was standing room only. She was happened so quickly there wasn’t time grimy and bitterly cold. There was no to be frightened. Then, just as we food or drink aboard, but it was with began to realize our good fortune at a great sense of relief and gratitude still being alive there was another that we watched as she pulled away thunderous roar. Another avalanche from the shore.

B.C. Historical News 26 Bookshelf

Book Reviews should be sent directly to the book review editor, Anne Yandle, 3450 West 20th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C., V6S 1E4.

The Journal ofLady Aberdeen: Given the title of the book, the fifth The Life of Emily Carr. Paula the Okanagan Valley in the chapter, “A Visit To The Kootenays”, Blanchard. Vancouver: Doug Nineties. Annotated and edited is somewhat a geographical non-se las and McIntyre, 1987. 331 pp., by R.M. Middleton. Victoria, quitor. Its inclusion does, however, illus., bib., appendices. $24.95. Morriss Publishing, 1986. 91 show Lady Aberdeen returned to re p. laxed circumstances, and her discern $8.95 This recent biography of Emily Carr ing eye turns from one topic to another (1871 - 1945), one of Canada’s and easily and clearly as the family toured British Columbia’s most famous wo The Journal ofLadyAberdeen: The Revelstoke, Nelson and Kaslo. men artists, adds considerably to the Okanagan Valley In The Nineties, an In the final chapter, dealing with literature already available on her. notated and edited by R.M. Middle- visits in 1896 and 1898, the focus is Both the biographies by Maria Tippett ton, gives British Columbia regional again economic. By this time both Col (1979) and Doris Shadbolt (1979) are history yet another boost. This is a dstream and Guisachan were straining in print. Furthermore, a paperback primary document skillfully edited and the purse of the vice-regal couple and, edition of the Shadbolt appeared at arranged to reveal some of the charac while their hearts may have been in the the end of 1987. Other earlier books ter of an emerging regional and cul Okanagan Valley, Lady Aberdeen tural landscape. At the same time it is written about Carr and her work are could not help but conclude “. . . the still available as are paperback edi an autobiography that exposes some results of our investments in B.C. have tions of her writings. Nevertheless, of the sensibilities and sensitivities of been very sad.” Blanchard, an American who spent one of the region’s most influential There are occasions when primary seven years researching the material pioneers. documents should be allowed to stand, for the book, has provided a balanc Lord and Lady Aberdeen bought more or less, on their own, and Mid ed and thoughtful account of Carr’s their 480 acre estate in Kelowna (Gui dleton has kindly spared the reader the life and, in so doing, has treated her sachan), sight unseen, in 1890 and first academic dogma and trendy historical subject with considerable sympathy visited the ranch in the autumn of theory one might expect of a publica and understanding. 1891. Describing the scenery, enumer tion such as this. No psychohistorical Blanchard, through the extensive ating some of the pioneer personali dissection taints these pages. Instead, use of pertinent source materials, has ties, speculating on the area’s agricul Middleton’s tour through these transi developed what she considers to be the tural prospects and commenting on the tional years of Okanagan history is reasons for the deep sense of guilt, local social circumstances, Lady Aber guided by the observations of Lady frustration, and anger that Carr ex deen characterized the region as de Aberdeen herself. And from the pur perienced throughout her life as she lightful and healthy. Much of this ear chase of the McDougall pre-emption struggled to gain recognition as an ar ly text has a relaxed tone and reflects in 1890 to the family’s last visit to tist. It was difficult for a woman to Lady Aberdeen’s conclusion that, the Valley in 1898, both the region obtain support in any field of activity we have enjoyed a more real and Lady Ishbel are seen to change in the early part of holiday than (sic) we have ever had perceptibly. this century but for a woman artist, it was almost impossi before.” Middleton deserves credit in height ble. Carr, however, persisted and fin The much larger Coldstream Estate ening our appreciation of this Lady ally received a measure of support and (13,000-plus acres) was purchased by and her time in this place. We need recognition from members of the Can Lord Aberdeen in 1981. In this ranch more of this type of publication. the Aberdeens seemed to expect a set adian artworld: the Group of Seven, ting and operation more becoming Wayne Wilson especially Lawren Harris, and others their place in late Victorian society. who were influential in the Canadian Accordingly, the journals deal more art scene of the period. Today, as the with economic matters and with a wide Mr. Wilson is Exhibitions Co-ordina author says in her preface, “Emily range of events that have an impact tor at the Kelowna Museum, and is Carr herself is a national treasure.” on the viability of their new holding preparing an M.A. thesis for the Uni Carr found the restrictive Victorian than with the social climate of the versity of B.C. on irrigation develop attitude of family, friends, and en Okanagan. ment in the Okanagan Valley. vironment both frustrating and, at

27 B.C. Historical News times, defeating, Her health often let The Adventures and Sufferings of life was seriously eroded by exten her down and her finances were always of John R. Jewitt: Captive of sive contacts with traders and others. precarious. Only through persistence Maquinna. Annotated and illus Miss Stewart provides a score of was she able to continue with her footnote references to the original painting and, in her latter years, with trated by Hilary Stewart. Van couver: Douglas and McIntyre, diary which illustrate the relationship her writing which brought her more between it and Alsop’ s expanded text. 1987. 192 pp., illus., maps. $29.95 recognition in her life time than had Her sketches, some two hundred in her art. Blanchard bebeves that Emi number, add much to the attractive This ly Carr, the artist, needed this cons handsome large-format volume ness of the book. Scenes, personalities, is a fitting tribute tant struggle against the difficulties of to the lasting Indian artifacts, plants, animals, birds, significance of life, as she saw them, in order to con Jewitt’s account of the whales and fish that figure in the nar tinue to develop her art. Each exper three years he spent as a captive of rative are all well represented. Her Chief - ienced difficulty created a greater de Maquinna at Nootka in 1803 reading list, confined to books, might 1806. Jewitt termination to overcome it and to contrived to keep a diary well have made an exception to include of sorts, which was prove herself as an artist. published in Bos the article by Edmond S. Meany, Jr., ton in 1807. A few Blanchard’s writing is lucid and years later it caught entitled “The Later Life of John R. flowing despite the inclusion of so the attention of Richard Alsop, a well- Jewitt” (BCHQ, July 1940) which is many quotations. She has clarified and known writer of the day, who ques still the fullest account of his life re-interpreted episodes and events in tioned Jewitt at length and expanded after Nootka. the into Carr’s life which have often been ei diary a much longer account, Accounts of captivities amongst the in ther neglected by other writers or in published 1815 asA Narrative of the Indians, whether fact or fiction, were terpreted in a different manner. A sel Adventures and Sufferings of John R. popular when the Narrative first ap ection of ten colour plates of the ar Jewitt. Since then his story has been peared; five editions were published tist’s work is included, also fourteen reprinted, in one version or another, within a year or two. Jewitt abandon at least 26 black and white reproductions of pho times, five of them in the ed his profession and became an itin last 20 years. tographs. Unfortunately, as is often Few if any narratives erant salesman for his book. In 1817, customary today, these do not accom relating to the Northwest Coast can in Philadelphia, he took to the stage pany the text as in Tippett’s book but match this printing record. and was featured in an “historical There are several reasons are clustered in two separate groups. for its melodrama”, The Armourer’s Escape popularity. To The numerous references are organ begin with, it is a good based on his story. There is little to in ized by chapters and appear after the adventure story. Jewitt had just pass dicate that he prospered, and he did text and appendices. An excellent in ed his 20th birthday when his ship, the not live long to enjoy whatever fame dex and a selected bibliography add Boston, was seized and all but two of the Narrative may have brought him. to the usefulness of the work for the crew massacred. He was a black He died in 1821 at the age of 38. trade, the scholar. smith by and he survived be The late Judge Howay took a spe ability Blanchard is to be congratulated on cause his to produce such items cial delight in acquiring copies of ear writing a very thoughtful analysis of as daggers, knives and harpoons made ly editions of Jewitt, and as a result a most complex person. One, who due him a valuable acquisition for Ma the Howay-Reid Collection in the to her family background and personal quinna. Jewitt was evidently a cheer UBC Library probably has more edi nature, preferred to maintain an inner ful soul, who bore his tribulations with tions than any other institution. privacy which frequently created a remarkable patience, and who found barrier between herself and her asso life with the Indians interesting, if not W. Kaye Lamb ciates. In this biography, the author always pleasant or comfortable. presents the reader with probably the He was also observant, and in his most accurate picture of Carr’s life talks with Jewitt, Alsop was able to Dr. Lamb is Honorary President of which has been written to date. It is secure added details of native manners the B.C. Historical Federation, and, also a valuable addition to the study and customs that make the Narrative incidentally, was a friend of Judge of the development of art an important source for ethnologists. Canadian Howay. and, at the same time, a work of in Jewitt’s years in captivity have been terest to those who pursue the cause termed “the first sustained contact” of feminism. by a European with the Nootka, a judgement that overlooks Melva J. Dwyer the year spent at Nootka by John Mackay in

1786 - 87. But Jewitt took a far more Miss Dwyer, a member of the Vancou intelligent interest in the Indians and ver Historical Society, recently retired observed them much more closely than as Fine Arts Librarian at the Univer Mackay, and the result is a valuable sity of B.C. glimpse of the Indians before their way

B.C. Historical News 28 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA HISTORICAL FEDERATION

Honorary Patron: His Honour, the Honourable Robert G. Rogers, Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Honorary President: Dr. W. Kaye Lamb

Officers President: Naomi Miller, Box 105, Wasa, VOB2K0 422-3594 (res.) 1st Vice President: John D. Spittle, 1241 Mount Crown Road, North Vancouver, V7R 1R9 988-4565 (res.) 2nd Vice President: Myrtle Haslam, 1975 Wessex Road, Cowichan Bay, VOR 1NO 748-8397 (res.) Secretary: T. Don Sale, 262 Juniper Street, Nanaimo, V9S 1X4 753-2067 (res.) Recording Secretary: Margaret Stoneberg, P.O. Box 687, Princeton, vox iWO 295-3362 (res.) Treasurer: George R. Newell, 27 Seagirt Road, R.R. 1, Sooke, B.C., VOS1NO 642-5072 (res.) Members-at-Large: Dorothy Crosby, 33662 Northcote Crescent, Mission, B.C., V2V 5V2 Daphne Sleigh, Box 29, Deroche, B.C., VOM 1GO Past-President: Leonard G. McCann, 2-1430 Maple Street, Vancouver, V6J 3R9 736-4431 (bus.) Editor: R.J.C. Tyrrell, Editor, B.C. Historical News, P.O. Box 5626, Stn. B., Victoria, V8R 6S4 721-1416

Chairmen of Committees: Historic Trails and Markers: John D. Spittle B.C. Historical News Ann W. Johnston, R.R. 1, Mayne Island, B.C., VON 2J0 Publishing Committee: 539-2888 (res.) Lieutenant-Governor’s Award Committee: Naomi Miller Publications Assistance Helen Akrigg, 8-2575 Tolmie Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4M1 Committee (not involved 288-8606 with B.C. Historical Loans are available for publication. News): Please submit manuscripts to Helen Akrigg.

Heritage Cemeteries John D. Adams, 628 Battery Street, Victoria, B.C., V8V 1E5 Committee: 384-2895 4447

Mail

No.

Class

in

to

the

the

local talks

local

back

think

Registration Second

of

society

BCHF’s

but

societies

No

Historical

Columbia your

might contact

the

interested inside

local

subscription

News,

HERE

program

you

British

a

joining

and

member

a

your

cover)....

others

By

Columbia

of

in

the

only

(address

LABEL

front

meet information

Perhaps

history

not

contact

Historical

British

JOIN

to

BCHF

For

receive

province.

regularly?

inside

composed

area? participate

ADDRESS the

and

is

the the

receive to

and

one. the

of

News

News

join

of your

trips,

on

Columbia

you

Columbia’s

in

convention.

BCHF

information,

not

parts

4G5

field

forming

all

The

For

E.

Historical

Why

Federation

Historical

in

British V6M society

opportunity British and

(address

annual

society of

secretary

cover).

Stn.

B.C.

Columbia

35326,

Box

British

P.O.

The VANCOUVER,