"Burnaby" found 199 records | Heritage Burnaby

Burnaby Outdoor Club fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71572

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1991-2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Outdoor Club fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 1 folder textual records + 3 optical discs : CD-ROM

Scope and Content: Fonds comprises the Burnaby Outdoor Club's monthly newsletter "Footnotes". The newsletter, started in June 1991, details the events and activities undertaken by the Club and includes information on membership and club development. The fonds includes June 1991 to January 2009 newsletters on paper an…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1991-2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Outdoor Club fonds

Physical Description: 1 folder textual records + 3 optical discs : CD-ROM

Description Level: Fonds

Record No.: MSS162

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2012-12; 2016-13; 2018-24; 2020-17

Scope and Content: Fonds comprises the Burnaby Outdoor Club's monthly newsletter "Footnotes". The newsletter, started in June 1991, details the events and activities undertaken by the Club and includes information on membership and club development. The fonds includes June 1991 to January 2009 newsletters on paper and January 2009 to December 2020 in digital form.

History: The Burnaby Outdoor Club was formed in 1991 for the purpose of promoting the care and enjoyment of the outdoor environment through hiking, cycling, and skiing, supplemented by a variety of other sports and activities. The Club holds numerous sport and social events throughout the year and the monthly newsletter provides an overview of these events.

Media Type: Textual Record

Creator: Burnaby Outdoor Club

Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95081

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 50 photographs (tiff)

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of photographs taken by Burnaby Photographic Society members to document the city of Burnaby during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The Society's theme for its 50th anniversary was COVID-19.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Physical Description: 50 photographs (tiff)

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2020-10

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of photographs taken by Burnaby Photographic Society members to document the city of Burnaby during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The Society's theme for its 50th anniversary was COVID-19.

History: The Burnaby Photographic Society was established in 1970. The Society comprises photography hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals who meet weekly at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Members participate in local and national competitions, conduct field outings, and host events including image critique evenings and an annual "Showcase" fundraiser and celebration of photography.

Media Type: Photograph

Creator: Burnaby Photographic Society

Notes: PC623

City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription29

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1892-2021

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 130m of textual records and other material

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1892-2021

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Physical Description: 130m of textual records and other material

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: Subject to FOIPPA

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.

History: The City of Burnaby covers an area of approximately 98 square kilometers between the cities of Vancouver to the west, and Coquitlam and New Westminster to the east, Burrard Inlet to the north, and the Fraser River to the south. The municipality derived its name from Robert Burnaby, a prominent businessman and advisor to Sir James Douglas, the first Governor of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. Burnaby’s early development was closely tied to the development of the City of New Westminster. New Westminster became British Columbia’s capital in 1859, the year after the British Government proclaimed the establishment of British Columbia. Shortly thereafter, the Royal Engineers began exploring Burnaby to establish military defenses and secure natural resources. This involved the construction of a road linking New Westminster to Burrard Inlet for military purposes, which is present-day North Road. At this time, individuals and families began settling in Burnaby and were largely involved in agricultural and logging activities. Burnaby developed slowly until 1887, when the Canadian Pacific Railway was extended into Vancouver from the Port Moody terminal, causing a dramatic increase in traffic between New Westminster and Vancouver. To meet the new transportation demands, a tramline was built in 1891 connecting the two urban centers along what is now Kingsway. The creation and location of the tramline induced property owners to begin subdividing and selling their lands as early as October 1891. The property taxes the roughly 200 residents paid at this time went directly to the provincial government in Victoria. No local services were provided in turn, which prompted the formation of a committee to petition the provincial government for a municipal charter. As a result, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was incorporated by letters patent on September 22, 1892. Burnaby’s first Council was elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892 and consisted of Reeve Charles R. Shaw and councillors William Brenchley, Arthur De Windt Hazard, L. Claude Hill, William McDermott, and John Woolard.* The first formal Council election was conducted three months later. Nicolai Shou became the first elected reeve of Burnaby by ballot. Council met at various locations, including the tramline’s power house, private homes, and offices until the first municipal hall was built at Kingsway and Edmonds in 1899. Council is ultimately responsible for the government of the City of Burnaby. The Mayor (formally called “Reeve” prior to 1968) and Council are elected by the residents of Burnaby to represent them in decisions with respect to the provision of public services and facilities. Additionally, the Mayor represents the citizens of Burnaby at various public functions and events. Burnaby was without Council representation during most of the Great Depression and part of the Second World War. Council was disbanded on December 31, 1932 as a result of financial difficulties. The Provincial Government appointed a Commissioner to take over the duties of Reeve and Council beginning in 1933. This system of government was retained until January 1943, when Burnaby residents could once again elect their local government officials. The following individuals have served as Mayor (or Reeve) of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Schou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 John W. Weart 1911-1912 Duncan C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 Thomas Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 William L. Burdick 1929 William A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorley 1954-1957 Alan H. Emmott 1958-1968 Robert W. Prittie 1969-1973 Thomas W. Constable 1973-1979 David M. Mercier 1979-1981 William A. Lewarne 1981-1987 William J. Copeland 1987-1996 Douglas P. Drummond 1996-2002 Derek R. Corrigan 2002-2018 Mike Hurley 2018-present The following individuals have served as provincially appointed Commissioners for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby: John Bennett 1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R.S. Gilchrist 1941-1942* B.C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner. Closely associated with the functions of Council is the City Clerk. The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the statutory duties of the municipal clerk including the preparation and preservation of all minutes books and records of Council business, custody of City bylaws, administrative support to Council and its Committees, preparation of Council and Committee agendas and the conduct of local government elections. The Clerk’s Office is the communications link between Council and other City Departments and the general public, and provides assistance and advice to citizens with respect to Council and Council Committee processes, reporting procedures and decisions. At the time of Burnaby’s incorporation in 1892, the municipal Clerk had the responsibility to attend all meetings of Council, keep all records of Council, prepare and alter voters’ lists, conduct Council elections, collect revenue, as well as having the responsibility to prepare balance sheets and audits. An advertisement in a local newspaper for the appointment of the Clerk dated February 1, 1905 states the “united offices of clerk, collector and assessor” receive a salary of $65.00 per month. Originally the treasurer, assessor and records manager for the corporation, the Clerk eventually became the municipal Council liaison. The primary functions of the City Clerk over time have been the keeping of minutes for the meetings of City Council and related bodies; keeping the records of the City of Burnaby as required by the Local Government Act (formally Municipal Act); keeping all records related to City Council decision making; carrying out correspondence on behalf of Council; assembling voters’ lists and carrying out elections; providing communication, information, and public relations services, including responsibility for civic ceremonies/events, and the municipal archives. The following individuals have served as City Clerk: Alexander Philip 1892–1894 Alfred Smither 1894–1899 F.J.H. Shirley 1899–1901 Arthur De Windt Haszard 1901–1902 Walter J. Walker 1902–1905 Benjamin George Walker 1905–1908 Charles Thomas Saunders 1908–1911 W.M. Griffiths 1911–1912 Arthur G. Moore 1912–1933 Charles Boyer Brown 1933–1959 John H. Shaw 1959–1973* James Hudson 1974–1984 Charles A. Turpin 1984–1995 Debbie R. Comis 1995–2011 Anne Skipsey (Acting) 2011-2012 Maryann Manuel (Acting) 2012-2014 Dennis Back 2014-2018 Kate O'Connell 2018-2020 Blanka Zeinabova 2020-2022 *Deputy City Clerk T. Ward took over many of the Clerk’s duties from 1972 to 1973 due to Shaw’s ill health during these years.

Formats: Microforms exist for some records. See series descriptions.

Media Type: Textual Record

Creator: City of Burnaby

Notes: Title based on creators of fonds

Mayor's Office fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1828 (date of original) -2015

Collection/Fonds: Mayor's Office fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 1 m of textual records and photographic material

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of those records created by the office of the Mayor during the administrations of Robert W. Prittie (1969-1973), Thomas W. Constable (1973-1979), David M. Mercier (1979-1981), William A. Lewarne (1981-1987), William J. Copeland (1987-1996), John Douglas Drummond (1996-2002) and Derek…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1828 (date of original) -2015

Collection/Fonds: Mayor's Office fonds

Physical Description: 1 m of textual records and photographic material

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: Subject to FOIPPA

Reproduction Restriction: Reproductions subject to FOIPPA

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of those records created by the office of the Mayor during the administrations of Robert W. Prittie (1969-1973), Thomas W. Constable (1973-1979), David M. Mercier (1979-1981), William A. Lewarne (1981-1987), William J. Copeland (1987-1996), John Douglas Drummond (1996-2002) and Derek Corrigan (2002-2018).

History: On September 22, 1892, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was established by letters patent. An integral component of this incorporation was the creation of the office of the Reeve (later called Mayor). The Reeve was to serve as the Head and Chief Executive Officer of Burnaby and was to lead the City Council in the governing of the Corporation. Burnaby’s first Reeve and Council were elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892, with formal elections held by ballot three months later. From 1893 until 1977 the Reeve and Council were elected for one-year terms, but the practice of annual elections was abandoned in favour of two-year terms in 1977. The current practice of holding elections every three years was begun in 1987. Elections of Reeve and Council were suspended altogether in 1933. However, as a financial crisis in the Corporation resulted in the Province intervening and assuming control of the local government. For ten years, Commissioners were appointed by the Provincial Government to manage the affairs of the Municipality, but by January 1943, the situation had been remedied and local elections were once again held. From 1892 until 1968, the Chief Executive Officer in Burnaby was known as “Reeve,” but this nomenclature changed with revisions to the Local Government Act in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 1968, the Province altered the Act and abolished the practice of assigning different titles to the members of Council based on Municipal Classification and introduced "Mayor" and "Alderman" as terms applicable in all Municipalities not just those of a certain size or with a certain number of citizens. From that point on, the CEO of Burnaby has been referred to as the Mayor of the City. Despite these changes in election procedures, naming protocols, and the disruption caused by the financial crisis in the 1930s and 1940s, the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor have remained relatively stable throughout the years. As Head and Chief Executive Officer of the City, the Mayor is responsible for ensuring that the principles of law and good government are enforced in Burnaby. This includes the task of overseeing the conduct of officers and employees and directing the management of municipal business and affairs as well as chairing the meetings of Council and appointing Council Committee members. The Mayor is also charged with the duty of representing the City at public functions, in meetings with visiting dignitaries, and in participating in local community and fundraising events. Initially, the Municipal Clerk assisted the Mayor in his work by handling most correspondence and clerical tasks of the office. Today, however, the Mayor’s office retains its own administrative staff who are responsible for facilitating all schedules and arrangements for the Mayor along with coordinating their internal and external contacts and events. The following individuals have served as Reeve or Mayor of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Shou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 J. W. Weart 1911-1912 D. C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 T. Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 W. L. Burdick 1929 W. A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorely 1954-1957 Alan H. Emmott 1958-1968 Robert W. Prittie 1969-1973 Thomas W. Constable 1973-1979 David M. Mercier 1979-1981 William A. Lewarne 1981-1987 William J. Copeland 1987-1996 Douglas P. Drummond 1996-2002 Derek Corrigan 2002-2018 Mike Hurley 2018-present The following individuals have served as provincially appointed Commissioners for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby: John Bennett 1932-1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R. S. Gilchrist 1941* B. C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner.

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Creator: City of Burnaby

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds.

Burnaby hospital closes main entrance

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95094

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 6, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of a rerouting sign posted to a sandwich board outside the Burnaby Hospital emergency lot. The sign states that the hospital entrance is closed and requests visitors use the Main Entrance of the hospital.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 6, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 623-013

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2020-10

Scope and Content: Photograph of a rerouting sign posted to a sandwich board outside the Burnaby Hospital emergency lot. The sign states that the hospital entrance is closed and requests visitors use the Main Entrance of the hospital.

Subjects: Buildings - Civic - Hospitals; Geographic Features - Automobile Parking Lots; Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Damer, Eric

Notes: Transcribed title

Geographic Access: Kincaid Street

Street Address: 3935 Kincaid Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Cascade-Schou Area

Images

Burnaby hospital closes main entrance, April 6, 2020 thumbnail

Disappearing Burnaby collection

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98597

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 2021-2022

Collection/Fonds: Disappearing Burnaby collection

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 33 photographs (jpeg) : b&w and col.

Scope and Content: Collection consists of photographs taken by Nakita Cheung for her "Disappearing Burnaby" project, in which she photographs buildings and structures that she finds aesthetically and historically interesting before they are lost to time and/or development in the changing urban landscape of Burnaby. F…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 2021-2022

Collection/Fonds: Disappearing Burnaby collection

Physical Description: 33 photographs (jpeg) : b&w and col.

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2022-14

Scope and Content: Collection consists of photographs taken by Nakita Cheung for her "Disappearing Burnaby" project, in which she photographs buildings and structures that she finds aesthetically and historically interesting before they are lost to time and/or development in the changing urban landscape of Burnaby. For this collection, Cheung selected 33 photographs that she felt represented Burnaby in a time of transition. These photographs document single-family homes, low-rise apartment buildings, commercial buildings, signage, and street scenes, often at night and in the rain.

History: Nakita Cheung is an amateur photographer located in Burnaby, B.C., near Metrotown. She was born on July 3, 1994, and grew up in Burnaby. In her "Disappearing Burnaby" project, which is also published on her blog "Disappearing Burnaby" (https://disappearingburnaby.wordpress.com), Cheung is creating a "photo journal of Burnaby’s disappearing low-rise apartments, bungalows, and buildings."

Media Type: Photograph

Creator: Cheung, Nakita

Dr. Bonny Henry’s mantra, Burnaby North Sec School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95103

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 30, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of a man standing beside a marquee at Burnaby North Secondary School that reads "Be Kind Be Calm Be Safe". The man is wearing a yellow baseball hat, respirator mask, and white latex gloves.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 30, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 623-021

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2020-10

Scope and Content: Photograph of a man standing beside a marquee at Burnaby North Secondary School that reads "Be Kind Be Calm Be Safe". The man is wearing a yellow baseball hat, respirator mask, and white latex gloves.

Subjects: Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards; Buildings - Schools

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: King, Gloria

Notes: Transcribed title; Photographer's caption: "Burnaby North Sec School-Quote from Dr. Bonnie Henry"

Geographic Access: Hammarskjold Drive

Street Address: 751 Hammarskjold Drive

Planning Study Area: Parkcrest-Aubrey Area

Images

Dr. Bonny Henry’s mantra, Burnaby North Sec School, April 30, 2020 thumbnail

Robert Burnaby papers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58337

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1828 (date of original) -[199-?]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to Robert Burnaby including photocopied maps, articles and pages from books.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1828 (date of original) -[199-?]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Mayor's Office subseries

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Description Level: File

Record No.: 40097

Accession Number: BHS1991-11

Scope and Content: File consists of papers pertaining to Robert Burnaby including photocopied maps, articles and pages from books.

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Storage Location - in last box on shelf

Social distance in Burnaby Parks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95093

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: May 8, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of a City of Burnaby sign encouraging social distancing attached to a tree in Mary Avenue Park.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: May 8, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 623-012

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2020-10

Scope and Content: Photograph of a City of Burnaby sign encouraging social distancing attached to a tree in Mary Avenue Park.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Asbia, Cher

Notes: Transcribed title

Geographic Access: 12th Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Edmonds Area

Images

Social distance in Burnaby Parks, May 8, 2020 thumbnail

Do Your Part Eagle

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95084

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: June 13, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Scope and Content: Photograph of a sign along the Burnaby Lake Freeway Trail that reads: "Do your part. Stay 2 metres apart." The sign has a silhoutte drawing of an eagle with its wings open to illustrate the distance of two metres.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: June 13, 2020

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Photographic Society fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 623-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2020-10

Scope and Content: Photograph of a sign along the Burnaby Lake Freeway Trail that reads: "Do your part. Stay 2 metres apart." The sign has a silhoutte drawing of an eagle with its wings open to illustrate the distance of two metres.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Gervan, Bonnie

Notes: Transcribed title; Photographer's caption: "A sign shows how far to keep apart."

Geographic Access: Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Lake Area

Images

Do Your Part Eagle, June 13, 2020 thumbnail

Interview with Tony Fabian by Kathy Bossort October 29, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory599

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1860-1995

Length: 0:15:57

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s description of the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain, the creation of the Pavilion area in 1957, the history of proposals for how Burnaby Mountain could be used, the land transfer to SFU in 1963, and difficulty accessing the m…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s description of the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain, the creation of the Pavilion area in 1957, the history of proposals for how Burnaby Mountain could be used, the land transfer to SFU in 1963, and difficulty accessing the mountain for recreation prior to 1965. He also talks about the dispute between SFU and the City of Burnaby over land ownership and control.

Date Range: 1860-1995

Length: 0:15:57

Names: Burnaby Mountain Centennial Park; Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 29, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Tony Fabian conducted by Kathy Bossort. Tony Fabian was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Tony Fabian’s part in park creation and protection of natural areas in Burnaby, particularly as a member of the Park and Recreation Commission in the 1970s; his childhood and how that contributed to his land ethic; and the history of the uses made of and setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Tony S. Fabian was born in 1934 in north Saskatchewan. At less than a year old Tony, along with his siblings, was removed from his family home and eventually placed with an immigrant farm family. As a child he worked on the farm and witnessed what he considered abusive treatment of the land and farm animals. When he was about 12 years old his adoptive family moved to the BC coast where he went on his own, working for a variety of farmers in Richmond and Delta. At 19 he contracted polio, quit farm work, and found work with the telephone company. In 1956 Tony married, and in 1957 he and his wife moved to a home on Hardwick Street in Burnaby where he still lives. Tony entered civic politics in the 1960s when he objected to development on Hardwick Park and became concerned about the destruction of Burnaby’s natural landscapes. He became a life long advocate for preserving natural areas and helped to create large parks in Burnaby on the foreshore of the Fraser River and on Burrard Inlet. He served as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission 1970-1975, is a long time volunteer with the Burnaby Lake Park Association, and continues to stay current on local and regional environmental issues. In 2008 Tony was presented with the City of Burnaby Environment Award for Community Stewardship.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:43:22

Interviewee Name: Fabian, Tony S.

Interview Location: Tony Fabian's home in Burnaby

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Tony Fabian

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-007/MSS196-007_Track_4.mp3

Evelyn Salisbury subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1870 (date of original)-1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Subseries

Physical Description: 2 m of textual records and other material

Scope and Content: Subseries consists of textual records and photographs that were collected by Lillian Evelyn Salisbury during her lifetime as a citizen of Burnaby. Records document historical sites and events in and related to Burnaby, as well as various heritage groups and events in British Columbia. Included in t…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1870 (date of original)-1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Evelyn Salisbury subseries

Physical Description: 2 m of textual records and other material

Description Level: Subseries

Accession Number: BHS1985-04; BHS1985-15; BHS1986-12; BHS1986-25; BHS1986-26; BHS1987-04; BHS1989-13; BHS1989-18; BHS1991-24

Scope and Content: Subseries consists of textual records and photographs that were collected by Lillian Evelyn Salisbury during her lifetime as a citizen of Burnaby. Records document historical sites and events in and related to Burnaby, as well as various heritage groups and events in British Columbia. Included in this subseries are the publication and papers related to "Metrotown - Burnaby Heritage Resource Inventory."

History: Lillian Evelyn "Evelyn" Salisbury was born in 1915 and moved to Burnaby in 1945. She had three children with her husband Fred: Gordon, Lorne, and Karen. While living in Burnaby, she worked with the Red Cross blood donor clinic and the Burnaby Health Unit. In 1958, she participated in the Greater Vancouver Health League’s campaign for fluoridation as the Health Chairman of the Burnaby Parent-Teacher Council. Evelyn Salisbury served two-year terms as secretary, vice-president and president of the Burnaby Historical Society and spearheaded a 1985 project to record Burnaby’s historical inventory of churches, schools, industries, homes and other pre-1930 buildings. When the building of Metrotown shopping centre threatened to clear historic homes in Central Park area, the Society produced a record of the historic buildings in the area. In 1988, as president of the Burnaby Historical Society, she convinced City of Burnaby aldermen to set up a heritage advisory committee. She was appointed to the Burnaby Centennial Committee the next year and in 1990 she was named Citizen of the Year by the Burnaby City Council. During her lifetime, Evelyn Salisbury endeavoured to collect papers of historical significance. She died in 1991.

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Creator: Salisbury, Evelyn

Notes: Title based on creator of subseries; PC145, PC177, PC178, PC195, PC221, PC261, MSS061

Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1880-1980]

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: ca. 1200 photographs and other material

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of records, primarily photographs, compiled by various members of both the Hill and Peers families that document their lives during the early days of settlement in Burnaby. The fonds includes records of citizenship, wills and other official papers pertaining to the life and activitie…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1880-1980]

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Physical Description: ca. 1200 photographs and other material

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2007-12

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of records, primarily photographs, compiled by various members of both the Hill and Peers families that document their lives during the early days of settlement in Burnaby. The fonds includes records of citizenship, wills and other official papers pertaining to the life and activities of L. Claude Hill; photographs of the Peers family’s Burnaby Lake home, Greyfriars, and pictures taken by Arthur Peers during his work and travels throughout British Columbia in the first part of the 20th century; and photographs of the family of Claude Hill, early Burnaby Lake residents and scenes, and pictures Kitty took as an adult documenting the growth of her own family. Also included in this fonds are a number of photographs showing Yellow Point, Vancouver Island, where the Peers and Hill families often vacationed.

History: Bob Peers was born William John Peers, the son of real estate broker and early Burnaby resident, Francis John Peers and his wife Elizabeth Frisby. Originally from England, the family moved to Vancouver in 1905 and soon after settled at Burnaby Lake. The family included one daughter (Mary Elizabeth Dora) and four boys (Arthur Francis, William John “Bob”, Geoffrey Hugh, and Richard Dominic). When they arrived in Burnaby, Francis Peers purchased a piece of land from another early settler, Claude Hill, and built the family home “Greyfriars” near Deer Lake. The children attended school in the home of Miss Harriet Woodward, the first school to be held in the Burnaby Lake area. In 1925, Bob married Claude Hill’s daughter and another former pupil of “Miss Harry’s,” Kitty Hill. Kitty (born Katherine Maude Hill) was the only child of Burnaby pioneers L. Claude Hill and Annie Sara Kenrick. Having moved to the Burnaby Lake area in the early 1890s, Claude went on to operate a successful strawberry farm and soon became active in the political development of Burnaby – being elected to the first Burnaby Council and serving from 1892-1894 and again from 1909-1910. The first Hill family home, “Brookfield,” was sold around 1907 and the family moved to their new home, “Broadview,” which was also built in the vicinity of Deer Lake. In 1925, Bob and Kitty were married and they went on to have three children, Robert C.K., Barbara (later Barbara Jeffrey), and Anne (later Anne Latham).

Formats: All photographic records have been scanned and are saved in jpeg format on the City of Burnaby network. Archival master copies have also been produced in tiff format and have been burned to CD for preservation purposes.

Media Type: Textual Record; Photograph

Creator: Peers family; Hill family

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds

Book reading given by Pixie McGeachie January 10, 1973 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory238

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1803-1884

Length: 0:09:29

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes the earlier the impact of the gold rush on British Columbia and the formation of Lytton, BC.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes the earlier the impact of the gold rush on British Columbia and the formation of Lytton, BC.

Date Range: 1803-1884

Photo Info: Pixie McGeachie (left) and Florence Godwin, 1992. Item no. 330-003

Length: 0:09:29

Interview Date: January 10, 1973

Scope and Content: Recording is of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie on January 10, 1973 to the Burnaby Historical Society from the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams (then archivist in the Vancouver School of Theology, University of British Columbia) and Pixie McGeachie.

Biographical Notes: Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 0:54:31

Interviewee Name: McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

Pixie McGeachie (left) and Florence Godwin, 1992. Item no. 330-003 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-017-2/MSS137-017-2_Track_2.mp3

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory251

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1865-1919

Length: 0:10:18

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's essay entitled Stump Rangers, a listing of early settlers that includes addresses and short descriptions, essays on Confederation Park, land clearing and on Burnaby's first Council meeting.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's essay entitled Stump Rangers, a listing of early settlers that includes addresses and short descriptions, essays on Confederation Park, land clearing and on Burnaby's first Council meeting.

Date Range: 1865-1919

Photo Info: Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066

Length: 0:10:18

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Officials - Aldermen and Councillors; Land Clearing

Scope and Content: Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.

Total Tracks: 12

Total Length: 1:38:06

Interviewee Name: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-20-2/100-13-20-2_Track_1.mp3

Hill family and Vidal family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82116

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1850-1983]

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 255 photographs : b&w and sepia and 9.5 cm of textual records : ill. (some col.)

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of photographs and textual records from the Vidal and Hill family. Textual records include handwritten family trees, typed and handwritten biographical information of the Jones, Wright, Hyde, Vidal, and Hill families, copies of photographic prints, published works by J. H. Vidal and …

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1850-1983]

Collection/Fonds: Hill family and Vidal family fonds

Physical Description: 255 photographs : b&w and sepia and 9.5 cm of textual records : ill. (some col.)

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2013-03

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of photographs and textual records from the Vidal and Hill family. Textual records include handwritten family trees, typed and handwritten biographical information of the Jones, Wright, Hyde, Vidal, and Hill families, copies of photographic prints, published works by J. H. Vidal and William Cowper, newspaper clippings, and a New Testament.

History: Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill was born in Burnaby on July 31, 1893, to Marian (nee Berkeley) and Bernard Richard Hill. Marian was born in London, England. Bernard Hill, born in Bengal, India, in 1858 to Sir Richard Hill and Jane Ann (nee Rollinson) where his father worked for the East Indian Railway, was one of the early inhabitants of Burnaby. Despite their years of training as engineers, Bernard, along with his brother, Louis Claude Hill, became strawberry farmers and owned all the land between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake where Deer Creek runs, and halfway around Deer Lake. Bernard built his family home at Douglas Road near Deer Lake in 1892. After the decline in the strawberry industry, Bernard worked as a surveyor for the municipality. Bernard also served as a Burnaby trustee and as councilor of Burnaby in 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1909. Bernard and Marian had four children: A. Claude (born in England around 1885, married Marion “Mamie”), Frank L., Winnifred “Winnie” L., and Gerry. Gerry attended Miss Harriet Woodward’s kindergarten class, and went on to Edmonds School with Miss Ellen Lister as his teacher. He later went to Central High School in New Westminster, often on horseback. Gerry served in World War I, signing his recruitment papers on November 9, 1914. When he returned home, he worked felling trees, then as an apprentice surveyor and finally as a carpenter. His father, Bernard, died in Burnaby on March 27, 1939, at the age of 80. Bernard's brother, Louis, was one of the first members elected to the Burnaby council and served in 1892, 1893, 1894, and again from 1909-1910. Louis, born in 1860, married Annie Sarah Kendrick (born in 1896) and they moved to the Burnaby Lake area in the early 1890s. Together they had one child, Katherine “Kitty” Maude, born in 1898. The first Hill family home, “Brookfield,” was sold around 1907 and the family moved to their new home, “Broadview,” which was also built in the vicinity of Deer Lake. Kitty, their only child, married William “Bob” John Peers in 1925 and they went on to have three children: Robert C.K., Barbara (later Barbara Jeffrey), and Anne (later Anne Latham). Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal was born in 1897 in the United States to Louisa Sophia (nee Jones) and Herbert P. Vidal. Louisa Vidal (1871-1943) was a descendent of Jones of Exeter of England and the House of Llanio Cardigan of Wales. Herbert Vidal (1868-1934)’s father was Alexander Vidal (1819-1906). Alexander Vidal, born in Brocknell, England, immigrated to Upper Canada in 1835 and later served as a senator of Canada from 1873 to 1906. He married Catherine Louisa Wright, the daughter of Capt. William Elliot Wright. Both of Charlotte’s parents, Louisa and Herbert, were born in Ontario. Charlotte Vidal was sister to Dorothy Kate and Alexander E. E. Vidal. Gerry Hill (aged 27) and Charlotte E. Vidal (aged 23) married on September 28, 1920, in Vancouver. Gerry built a house for him and his wife about a thousand feet from his parents’ home. He also bought property at Yellow Point on Vancouver Island around this time. By the early 1930s, Gerry had moved to Yellow Point permanently and begun building the Yellow Point Lodge. Gerry and Charlotte bore three children: David, Lesley C. (born in 1929), and Gerald. Gerry was later remarried to Elizabeth (nee Holen) and had one child: Richard Grant McEwan Hill, born in Ladysmith. Lesley married M. Clarke and had two boys: Roy and Graham. She later married B. Durban and had four boys: Patrick, Michael, Gary, and Grant. Charlotte died on February 11, 1984, at the age of 87. Gerry died on January 30, 1988, in Ladysmith at the age of 93.

Media Type: Photograph; Textual Record

Creator: Hill Family; Vidal family

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds; Photo catalogue 550, MSS176

Interview with Minard Hill February 9, 1978 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory196

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1880-1914

Length: 0:10:09

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Minard Gerald "Gerry" Hill's relatives in England, his father's early life as well as life on the strawberry farm in Burnaby.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Minard Gerald "Gerry" Hill's relatives in England, his father's early life as well as life on the strawberry farm in Burnaby.

Date Range: 1880-1914

Photo Info: Minard Gerald Hill in uniform, 1914. Item no. 477-926

Length: 0:10:09

Names: Hill, Bernard R

Geographic Access: Douglas Road; Canada Way

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Interviewer: Stevens, Colin

Interview Date: February 9, 1978

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Minard Gerald "Gerry" Hill conducted by Colin Stevens, February 9, 1978. Major themes discussed are: the Burnaby Lake Neighbourhood, Gilley Brothers Logging Company and his father, Bernard Hill.

Biographical Notes: Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill was born in Burnaby on July 31, 1893 to Marian (Berkeley) and Bernard Richard Hill. He was the youngest child in the family with older siblings Frank, Claude and Winnie. Bernard R. Hill was born in Bengal, India while his father worked for the East Indian Railway. He and his older brother Claude became strawberry farmers in Burnaby despite their years of training as engineers. Between them, the Hill brothers owned all the land between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake where Deer Creek runs, and half way around Deer Lake. Bernard built his family home at Douglas Road near Deer Lake in 1892. After the decline in the strawberry industry, Bernard worked as a surveyor for the municipality. He also served as Burnaby Councillor and School Trustee. Gerry attended Miss Harriet Woodward’s kindergarten class, and went on to Edmonds School with Miss Ellen Lister as his teacher. He later went to Central high school in New Westminster, often on horseback. Gerry served in World War I, signing his recruitment papers November 9, 1914. When he returned home, he worked felling trees, then as an apprentice surveyor and finally as a carpenter. Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill married Charlotte Elizabeth “Elizabeth” Vidal on September 28, 1920 and single-handedly built a house for him and his wife about a thousand feet from his parents’ home. He also bought property at Yellow Point, Vancouver Island around this time. By the early 1930s Gerry had moved to Yellow Point permanently and begun work building the lodge. Elizabeth and Gerry’s child, Richard Grant McEwan Hill was born at Ladysmith hospital. Charlotte Elizabeth “Elizabeth” (Vidal) Hill died February 11, 1984 at the age of eighty-seven. Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill died January 30, 1988 at the age of ninety-three.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:13:56

Interviewee Name: Hill, Minard Gerald "Gerry"

Interview Location: Yellow Point, Vancouver Island

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

Minard Gerald Hill in uniform, 1914. Item no. 477-926 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Minard Hill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-018-1/MSS137-018-1_Track_3.mp3

Open meeting with William Pritchard and Norman Penner July / August 1973 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory82

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1688-1919

Length: 0:08:51

Summary: This portion of the meeting pertains to William Pritchard's thoughts on Socialism and Revolution in their various incantations. He also discusses the political leanings of the arrested Winnipeg Strikers.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the meeting pertains to William Pritchard's thoughts on Socialism and Revolution in their various incantations. He also discusses the political leanings of the arrested Winnipeg Strikers.

Date Range: 1688-1919

Photo Info: William A. Pritchard, Burnaby Reeve 1930-1932 and council member 1928-1930. Item no. 459-016

Length: 0:08:51

Names: Woodsworth, James Shaver

Subjects: Political Theories

Interview Date: July / August 1973

Scope and Content: Recording is of a open meeting with William Pritchard and writer Norman Penner. Norman Penner is the editor of the book "Winnipeg 1919" about the strike from the striker's perspective. William Pritchard wrote the speech that was included in the book. Audience members were invited to ask Pritchard questions. Major theme discussed is: The Winnipeg General Strike. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: William "Bill" Arthur Pritchard was born on April 3, 1888 in Salford, England, the son of a miner and factory worker. In May 1911, Bill moved to British Columbia and within a week of arriving became an active member of the Socialist Party of Canada. From 1914 to 1917, he served as editor of the Western Clarion – the SPC newspaper. He became such a well-known socialist figure that when he travelled to Winnipeg to participate in the General Strike in 1919, he was one of only seven people arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the event despite the fact that he was in no way directly involved in its planning nor development. In 1922, Bill and his family settled in North Burnaby in the Capitol Hill District. Almost immediately after his arrival, Bill began to advocate for change and a planned development scheme for the municipality. Pritchard ran successfully for the position of Reeve and held the post until the end of 1932. One of Reeve Pritchard’s highest priorities while in office was to attempt to provide work for as many unemployed as possible all the while trying to elicit more support from the provincial and federal governments. Bill was a strong advocate of the belief that relief work should be focused on projects that would see a comprehensive development scheme for Burnaby – including planned sewers, roads and water supply. Despite Bill's best efforts, however, Burnaby was forced into receivership and at the end of 1932, a Provincial Commission stepped in to take over the governance of the city. Reeve Pritchard, having done all he could as a champion of the unemployed, stepped down as Reeve but left behind an undeniable legacy of courage and determination. He was rewarded for his enormous contributions to the city in 1975 when he was chosen to be made a Freeman of Burnaby. William Pritchard died on October 23, 1981. Norman Penner was born in Winnipeg in 1921 to Rose and Jacob Penner and brother to Roland, Ruth and Walter. Their father Jacob was a leading member of the Communist Party and popular Winnipeg Alderman. Norman graduated from high school in 1937 but did not begin university until much later, preferring to begin his adult life from 1938 to 1941 as a full-time officer of the Winnipeg branch of the Communist Party of Canada. From 1941 to 1946 he served with the Canadian Army which included two-and-a-half years of overseas combat duty. On his return to Canada in 1947 he again returned to his duties as a full-time officer with the communist Labour-Progressive Party (formed in 1941 after the Canadian Communist Party was officially banned). After the abortive Hungarian revolution in 1956, Norman Penner resigned from the party and instead worked as a self-employed manufacturer’s sales representative until 1971. In 1964 he decided to go back to school part time and graduated with a BA from the University of Toronto in 1969. He took an MA in 1971 and a PhD in 1975 from the same institution. Penner was hired as a lecturer at York University's Glendon College in 1972 and soon became a professor, continuing to teach until 1995. He wrote extensively on the Canadian left. Penner edited and introduced "Winnipeg 1919: The Strikers' Own History of the Winnipeg General Strike" in 1973, published "The Canadian Left: A Critical Analysis" in 1977 and contributed three chapters to as well as editing "Keeping Canada Together Means Changing Our Thinking" in 1978. He published "Canadian Communism: The Stalin Years and Beyond" in 1988 and "From Protest to Power: Social Democracy in Canada 1900 to Present" in 1992 as well as numerous articles, reviews and book chapters. Norman Penner was married to Norma Lipes for sixty-seven years. The couple had four children: Steve (Mary Ellen Marus); Joyce (Herman Parsons); Gary (Marlene Kadar); and Bob (Shaena Lambert). Norman Penner died April 16, 2009 at the age of eighty-eight.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:03:00

Interviewee Name: Pritchard, William A.; Penner, Norman

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

William A. Pritchard, Burnaby Reeve 1930-1932 and council member 1928-1930. Item no. 459-016 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track five of open meeting with William Pritchard and Norman Penner

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-02-2/100-13-02-2_Track_5.mp3

Mayor's Office subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97460

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1828 (date of original)-2001

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Subseries

Physical Description: Textual records and photographs

Scope and Content: Subseries consists of records and photographs created and collected by the City of Burnaby Mayor's Office and desposited into the Burnaby Historical Society's community archive. The records include research files on Robert Burnaby and the city of Loughborough, UK; administrative papers and reports…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1828 (date of original)-2001

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Mayor's Office subseries

Physical Description: Textual records and photographs

Description Level: Subseries

Accession Number: BHS1986-34; BHS1988-03; BHS1989-02; BHS1991-11; BHS1994-08; BHS2001-13; BHS2002-14; BHS2003-03; BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Subseries consists of records and photographs created and collected by the City of Burnaby Mayor's Office and desposited into the Burnaby Historical Society's community archive. The records include research files on Robert Burnaby and the city of Loughborough, UK; administrative papers and reports; and photographs of Burnaby Councils and Municipal Hall among other subjects.