Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1957-2014 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
2.93 m + 1 oversize folder
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Paul Dofoo was born in Calgary July 20, 1913, the eldest of five children. His parents had immigrated to Canada from China; his father Louie Dofoo in 1899 and his mother in 1912. Dofoo attended Central Elementary School (later James Short School) and East Calgary High (now Colonel Walker School) before enrolling in the Institute of Technology and Art (now the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) ). Dofoo graduated with a diploma as a radio technician.
In 1941, Dofoo took the opportunity to work at the Central Broadcasting Station in China doing technical work. He also worked as the English language news broadcaster for the Voice of China, where he met his wife Lillian, a journalist. The Dofoos made the decision to move back to Canada in 1949 given the Communist Revolution movement in China at the time.
The Dofoos opened the Home Confectionery in Calgary in 1949 which ran successfully for 34 years. They provided translation services and also support and encouragement for many new immigrants to the city. Lillian and Paul raised four children in a house behind their business.
Dofoo passed away in Calgary February 4, 2018 at the age of 104.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fonds consists of Dofoo's "Chinese in the News" project, which he began in the 1950's. Dofoo collected newspaper clippings related primarily to the Calgary Chinese community, and to the broader national community. Records include the newspaper clippings (Boxes 1-13) and indices (Boxes 14-15).
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Records were received in binders that were numbered and dated. Records have been arranged in folders in the same order.
Some of the item numbering was inconsistent through some of the binders; however, Dofoo also had numerous loose clippings in the front or back of the binders that he may have been adding into the item count. See Box 14 for Dofoo's list of items that should be in the files.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Unrestricted
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Box descriptions only.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Digital content of Dofoo's interview that is part of the Multicultural Alberta Collection, Chinese Canadian Oral History Project is available.
Related units of description
Dofoo gave a 16.5 minute interview in 2005 which is part of the Multicultural Alberta Collection, Chinese Canadian Oral History Project.
Notes area
Note
Dofoo collected newspaper articles from both of Calgary's primary newspapers (Calgary Herald and Calgary Albertan, later the Calgary Sun). The articles were chosen for any mention of Chinese Calgarians or Chinese Canadians, or for anything referencing China. Clippings include obituaries, social or cultural events, sporting, political or economic events.