Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Helen 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark591

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Description: Commercial building.

Associated Dates: 1956

Formal Recognition: Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register

Other Names: Helen's Childrens Wear Sign

Street View URL: Google Maps Street View

3 images

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Other Names: Helen's Childrens Wear Sign

Geographic Access: Hastings Street

Associated Dates: 1956

Formal Recognition: Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register

Enactment Type: Bylaw No. 12771

Enactment Date: 19/04/2010

Description: Commercial building.

Heritage Value: While the building here is of some importance as the former North Burnaby municipal office, its primary importance is its delightful neon sign that has become a North Burnaby landmark. Helen Arnold opened Helen’s Childrens Wear shop in the building next door to the old Municipal offices in 1948. In 1955, when North Burnaby moved out, she moved into the vacated building. As part of the renovations, Helen enlisted the assistance of her good friend Jimmy Wallace, owner of Vancouver’s Wallace Neon Company, to create a new sign for her expanded business. One of the company’s designers, Reeve Lehman, created the swinging neon girl that was installed in 1956. Designed in two parts, one section of the sign is cloud shaped and reads ‘Helen’s’ while the other section is a moving representation of a little girl on a swing. The sign is nine feet six inches high and nine feet wide, and the lower section is animated with an internal motor and gears. It immediately became a landmark on Hastings Street, and recently the sign’s design fame has spread far and wide as one of the best surviving examples of kinetic neon art in North America.

Locality: Vancouver Heights

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Willingdon Heights Area

Community: Burnaby

Names: Helen's Childrens Wear

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Stores; Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards

Street Address: 4142 Hastings Street

Street View URL: Google Maps Street View

Images

View of 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign at night, 2010 (View from the west. Other). Copyright: City of Burnaby.. . thumbnail

View of 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign from the east, 2013. thumbnail

BBY-4142-Hastings-c1975-502-1441 thumbnail

Car accident

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38414

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1955]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.2 x 14.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an automobile crash at a railway crossing. A number of police and onlookers are standing behind the wrecked vehicle. The exact location of the crash is unknown.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1955]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.2 x 14.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 433-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of an automobile crash at a railway crossing. A number of police and onlookers are standing behind the wrecked vehicle. The exact location of the crash is unknown.

Subjects: Accidents - Automobile Accidents; Public Services - Policing; Transportation - Rail

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Croton Studio Limited

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Images

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory504

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1990

Length: 00:06:00

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s education and career in forensics in the RCMP, and the changes he saw in Burnaby between 1954 to 1975, which were emphasized by absences from Burnaby in this period. He talks about the appearance of the first high rises and the difference in devel…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s education and career in forensics in the RCMP, and the changes he saw in Burnaby between 1954 to 1975, which were emphasized by absences from Burnaby in this period. He talks about the appearance of the first high rises and the difference in development between north and south Burnaby

Date Range: 1947-1990

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:06:00

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Education; Buildings

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%203.mp3

Simpsons-Sears engine display

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription17336

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 5 May 1954

Collection/Fonds: Simpsons-Sears Limited Burnaby fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of car and truck engines on display inside of the Simpsons-Sears store in Burnaby during the opening on May 5, 1954. Four engines are visible in the photograph.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Simpsons-Sears Limited Burnaby fonds

Series: Simpsons-Sears scrapbook series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of car and truck engines on display inside of the Simpsons-Sears store in Burnaby during the opening on May 5, 1954. Four engines are visible in the photograph.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Department Stores; Events - Openings; Transportation - Automobiles; Transportation - Trucks

Names: Simpsons-Sears Limited

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 4750 Kingsway

Accession Code: BV021.26.86

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 5 May 1954

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2021-09-21

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photograph was removed from original scrapbook with newspaper clippings, photographs and ephemera

Images

Simpsons-Sears engine display, 5 May 1954 thumbnail

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory502

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1950

Length: 00:05:23

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s three years working for the BC Provincial Police in Burnaby. He describes the communication and transportation challenges that separated neighbourhoods in Burnaby, and what the area looked like around his first house on Portland Street.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s three years working for the BC Provincial Police in Burnaby. He describes the communication and transportation challenges that separated neighbourhoods in Burnaby, and what the area looked like around his first house on Portland Street.

Date Range: 1947-1950

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:05:23

Names: Burnaby Police Department

Subjects: Public Services - Policing

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood); Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%201.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory503

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1950

Length: 00:05:19

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s first foot patrol area in the Royal Oak, Jubilee, McKay and Kingsway areas and about the difficulties responding to calls due to poor communication equipment, gaps in the road network, and inconsistent house numbers. He also talks about the size of…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s first foot patrol area in the Royal Oak, Jubilee, McKay and Kingsway areas and about the difficulties responding to calls due to poor communication equipment, gaps in the road network, and inconsistent house numbers. He also talks about the size of the force and lack of office support.

Date Range: 1947-1950

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:05:19

Names: Burnaby Police Department

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Crimes

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area; Marlborough Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%202.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory506

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1954

Length: 00:07:16

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s description about what crime was like in Burnaby between 1947 and 1954. He talks about catching the criminals in a 1952 bank robbery.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s description about what crime was like in Burnaby between 1947 and 1954. He talks about catching the criminals in a 1952 bank robbery.

Date Range: 1947-1954

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:07:16

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Crimes

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%205.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 13

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory514

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-1990

Length: 00:04:09

Summary: This portion of the interview takes place while looking at photographs. Don Brown talks about the move from Provincial Police to RCMP, and how service was calculated. He also talks about the importance of owning his own home, and some information about the RCMP forensic labs he supervised

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview takes place while looking at photographs. Don Brown talks about the move from Provincial Police to RCMP, and how service was calculated. He also talks about the importance of owning his own home, and some information about the RCMP forensic labs he supervised

Date Range: 1950-1990

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:04:09

Subjects: Public Services - Policing

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track thirteen of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%2013.mp3

Larry Hanson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45236

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1959, published April 1, 1959

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 9.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detective Larry Hanson hanging up his gun for the last time, as he was retiring from the force. He became co-owner of the Coconut Supper Club along with his brother Sigfred.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1959, published April 1, 1959

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 9.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-132

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2003-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detective Larry Hanson hanging up his gun for the last time, as he was retiring from the force. He became co-owner of the Coconut Supper Club along with his brother Sigfred.

Subjects: Public Services - Policing

Names: Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Hanson, Larry

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Smith, Sheamus

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Larry Hanson, 1959, published April 1, 1959 thumbnail

Reeve and Mrs. Beamish with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55619

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1951

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Beamish and his wife (left) walking with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the stage set up at Burnaby Municipal Hall for the 1951 Royal Visit. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police are standing on either side of the steps to the stage.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1951

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 486-013

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2005-14

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Beamish and his wife (left) walking with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the stage set up at Burnaby Municipal Hall for the 1951 Royal Visit. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police are standing on either side of the steps to the stage.

Subjects: Events - Royal Visits; Officials - Mayors and Reeves; Public Services - Policing; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: Elizabeth II Queen of Great Britain, 1926-2022; Philip, Prince, consort of Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain, 1921-; Beamish, William Randolph "Ran"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Allan Studios

Notes: Title based on caption; Caption on recto reads: "Reeve Beamish & Mrs B. Queen & Philip Burnaby 1951"; Photographer's stamp on verso

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 7282 Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Stride Avenue Area

Images

Reeve and Mrs. Beamish with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, 1951 thumbnail

School Street Patrol

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55621

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1954]

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Charles MacSorley sitting at a table holding a pen and reading a poster while two unidentified men (one in police uniform) stand behind him. A caption written on the bottom of the photograph reads: "School Street Patrol Burnaby."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1954]

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 486-015

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2005-14

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Charles MacSorley sitting at a table holding a pen and reading a poster while two unidentified men (one in police uniform) stand behind him. A caption written on the bottom of the photograph reads: "School Street Patrol Burnaby."

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Officials - Mayors and Reeves; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: MacSorley, Charles W.

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Croton Studio Limited

Notes: Title based on caption; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Theodore Olaf Brue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1597

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1947 and 1950] (date of original)

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 18 x 13 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Theodore Olaf Brue in his British Columbia Provincial Police uniform (regimental number 873). From 1947 to 1954, Theodore Brue was in charge of the Terrace, British Columbia detachment. In 1950, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took over the provincial police forces, he became a…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 18 x 13 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Theodore Olaf Brue in his British Columbia Provincial Police uniform (regimental number 873). From 1947 to 1954, Theodore Brue was in charge of the Terrace, British Columbia detachment. In 1950, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took over the provincial police forces, he became a member of the RCMP.

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: Brue, Theodore Olaf; British Columbia Provincial Police

Accession Code: BV001.25.72

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1947 and 1950] (date of original)

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: For a laser copy of the same photographic image, see BV004.23.45

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 09-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Theodore Olaf Brue, [between 1947 and 1950] (date of original) thumbnail

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory505

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1954-1963

Length: 00:05:41

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s memories of what familiar places were like in 1954 and how they had changed when he returned to Burnaby in 1963, particularly mentioning Kingsway, Grandview, and the Lake City industrial park on Burnaby Mountain

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s memories of what familiar places were like in 1954 and how they had changed when he returned to Burnaby in 1963, particularly mentioning Kingsway, Grandview, and the Lake City industrial park on Burnaby Mountain

Date Range: 1954-1963

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:05:41

Subjects: Buildings; Buildings - Commercial - Drive-In Theatres; Industries; Transportation - Automobiles

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood); Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lake City Area; Douglas-Gilpin Area; Maywood Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%204.mp3

Joe Johnson at Lougheed Drive-In Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37895

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1954] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.4 x 26.9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Joe Johnston standing in front of a car at the Lougheed Drive-In Theatre on the 4200 block of Lougheed Highway at Gilmore Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1954] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.4 x 26.9 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-483

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Joe Johnston standing in front of a car at the Lougheed Drive-In Theatre on the 4200 block of Lougheed Highway at Gilmore Avenue.

Subjects: Transportation - Automobiles; Buildings - Commercial - Drive-in Theatres

Names: Johnston, Joe; Lougheed Drive-In Theatre

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Lougheed Highway

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Joe Johnson at Lougheed Drive-In Theatre, [1954] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Lougheed Drive-In Theatre neon sign

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37885

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1958] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the new neon tower at the Lougheed Drive-In Theatre on the 4200 block of Lougheed Highway at Gilmore Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1958] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.7 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-473

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the new neon tower at the Lougheed Drive-In Theatre on the 4200 block of Lougheed Highway at Gilmore Avenue.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Drive-in Theatres; Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards; Transportation - Automobiles

Names: Lougheed Drive-In Theatre

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Lougheed Highway

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Lougheed Drive-In Theatre neon sign, [1958] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Simpsons-Sears parking lot

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription17255

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: May 1954

Collection/Fonds: Simpsons-Sears Limited Burnaby fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Simpsons-Sears parking lot with cars and a fenced in display of outdoor garden and farm implements outside the Simpsons-Sears store in Burnaby.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Simpsons-Sears Limited Burnaby fonds

Series: Simpsons-Sears scrapbook series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Simpsons-Sears parking lot with cars and a fenced in display of outdoor garden and farm implements outside the Simpsons-Sears store in Burnaby.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Department Stores; Transportation - Automobiles

Names: Simpsons-Sears Limited

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 4750 Kingsway

Accession Code: BV021.26.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: May 1954

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2021-09-21

Photographer: On-The-Spot Photographers

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "ON-THE-SPOT PHOTOGRAPHERS / NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C."; Photograph was removed from original scrapbook with newspaper clippings, photographs and ephemera

Images

Simpsons-Sears parking lot, May 1954 thumbnail

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory466

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1927-1990

Length: 00:04:05

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.

Date Range: 1927-1990

Length: 00:04:05

Names: Waddell, Gordon

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Buildings - Civic; Transportation - Fire Trucks

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_3.mp3

Burnaby Waterworks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39587

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Engineering Department fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Engineering Department fonds

Series: Engineering General and Administration series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: CBA11

Access Restriction: Open access

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2004-06

Scope and Content: Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.

Subjects: Public Services - Utilities; Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Names: Burnaby Waterworks

Media Type: Photograph

Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 10

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory546

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-1990

Length: 00:09:22

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby

Date Range: 1950-1990

Photo Info: Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712

Length: 00:09:22

Names: Lawson, Doreen A.; Emmott, Alan H; Swangard Stadium

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Planning; Industries; Geographic Features - Parks; Buildings - Recreational

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: April 4, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.

Total Tracks: 10

Total Length: 00:56:44

Interviewee Name: Morin, Severin "Sev"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.