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Richmond's Chinese-Canadian history displayed

Free exhibit is open until Dec. 6 on the third floor of Aberdeen Centre
Daisy Xiong

A photo exhibit showcasing the history of Chinese-Canadians, including many photos taken in Richmond, is on display at Aberdeen Centre this week.

The “Chinese Journey Through Canadian History” photo exhibit, organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver, showcases more than 100 rare historical photos.

They were part of a wider collection of more than 4,000 photos provided by the Richmond and Vancouver city archives and local organizations.

“On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary, we present this exhibit to showcase Chinese-Canadians’ path here and contribution to this country,” said the association’s president Hilbert Yiu.

Some photos on display reflect the history and stories of Chinese-Canadians in Richmond.

History Exhibit
A group of people have a chat inside the Hong Wo & Co. store, ca. 1970. The City of Richmond Archives provides equipment to listen to the interview tapes in the Reference Room. Photo by City of Richmond Archives.

In one black and white photo, a Chinese man is operating a machine. He is from the Steveston Volunteer Fire Department. The team of 15 volunteers purchased a car chassis for $25 and transformed it into the first mobile Air Raid Precaution Unit in Canada.

There is also a photo of a store called Hong Wo & Co., which was operated by a Chinese family on the dyke at the foot of Trites Road, from 1895 to 1971. It was the most popular general store in the area at the time.

History Exhibit
From 1895 to 1971, the Hong Wo & Co. store operated on the dyke at the foot of Trites Road. The company, whose name means “Living in Harmony,” provided Chinese contract labour to canneries, grew vegetables and even operated a pickle factory in the early years. The store and three other dilapidated buildings were demolished by fire in July 1977. This image shows the store in March 1969. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives.

A photo of the Aberdeen Centre building when it was first built in 2004 is also on display, to showcase the first Chinese-owned shopping mall in Richmond, with more than 30 years of history.

The oldest photo from the exhibit is from 1896, when statesman of the Qing Dynasty, Hungzhang Li, visited Vancouver. The mayor is welcoming him at the dock, along with many other local Chinese residents.

History Exhibit
In 1896, local Chinese welcomed statesman Li Hung Zhang of the Qing Dynasty at the C.P.R. dock and asked him to negotiate a reduction in the $50 head tax to enter Canada. In the carriage: Li Hung Chang, H.H. Abott, Mayor Collins and Chief Constable Ward. Photo by City of Vancouver Archives.

“They asked Li to negotiate a reduction in head taxes for Chinese entering Canada,” said Yiu.

Other photos give a snapshot of important historical events, such as the gold rush and the building of the railroad. Others still highlight famous Chinese-Canadians such as the first Chinese vice-regal in Canada, David Lam, and the first Chinese-Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal.

The free exhibit is open until Dec. 6 on the third floor of Aberdeen Centre.