Narrow Results By
Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark639
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- The planning, design concept, design coordination, site development and landscaping for the original part of the campus were all under the control of Erickson/Massey. The complex was conceived as one building, with future growth occurring at the periphery. Tall buildings would have been out of scal…
- Associated Dates
- 1965
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Associated Dates
- 1965
- Description
- The planning, design concept, design coordination, site development and landscaping for the original part of the campus were all under the control of Erickson/Massey. The complex was conceived as one building, with future growth occurring at the periphery. Tall buildings would have been out of scale with the massive mountaintop ridge, so a series of horizontal terraced structures were designed that hugged the ridge and dissolve into the landscape. Following the linear peak of the mountain, the scheme organized various parts of the campus along an east/west line. The concept of a central academic quadrangle was conceived within the tradition of Oxford and Cambridge, and to enhance the sense of contemplative quiet, it was designed as a perfect square raised on massive pilotis, allowing stunning views through a landscaped courtyard. The connecting link was a gigantic space frame-developed in conjunction with Jeffrey Lindsay, a one-time associate of Buckminster Fuller-that provided shelter and a gathering-place for the students. Other architects who had placed among the top five in the competition were retained to design the individual components of the original plan: the Academic Quadrangle by Zoltan S. Kiss; the Theatre, Gymnasium & Swimming Pool by Duncan McNab & Associates; the Science Complex by Rhone & Iredale; and the Library by Robert F. Harrison.
- Heritage Value
- Following the end of the Second World War, there was unprecedented growth throughout the Lower Mainland. Many returning veterans had settled on the coast, and the loosening of wartime restrictions led to the creation of many new suburban developments throughout the region. The growing population strained existing facilities, and there was a recognition that new educational facilities had to be constructed to meet these growing demands. For many years, the only university in the province was the University of British Columbia. In the 1960s, new universities were planned for both Victoria and Burnaby to serve the wave of baby boomers just then going through high school. The dramatic site chosen for the Burnaby university was the top of Burnaby Mountain, with expansive views over mountain ranges and water. An architectural competition was held for a campus of 7,000 students that could eventually be expanded to 18,000. Of the many submissions, the judges reached unanimity on the winner, an outstanding scheme submitted by the firm of Erickson/Massey. The judges went even further, and recommended that every effort be made to ensure that the winning design be built as submitted. The new Chancellor, Gordon Shrum, agreed. The realization of this scheme won extensive recognition for the work of Arthur Erickson and Geoffrey Massey, and launched Erickson’s international career. In Erickson’s words: "Unlike any previous university, Simon Fraser is a direct translation into architecture of the expanding fields of knowledge that defy traditional boundaries, of the vital role of the university as both challenger and conservor of human culture, and of the university community as one in constant intellectual, spiritual and social interchange." The new school opened for classes in September 1965, nicknamed the “instant university,” and quickly gained a radical reputation. The startling futuristic architecture and open layout suited the explosive nature of the mid-1960s, when political and social traditions of all types were being questioned and student protests were common. Many of SFU’s programs were considered experimental, even controversial, and unrest and conflict on the campus continued for a number of years. Since this auspicious beginning 40 years ago, SFU has grown to house 25,000 students on three campuses. The core of the original campus, recognized world-wide as a profound work of architecture, remains essentially intact today.
- Locality
- Burnaby Mountain
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- Architect
- Erickson/Massey
- Area
- 1360000.00
- Contributing Resource
- Building
- Ownership
- Private
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Opening of Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36329
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the official opening of Simon Fraser University. A large group of spectators faces the stage from seats on the floor as well as the balcony.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- September 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Hazel L'Estrange subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 248-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1991-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the official opening of Simon Fraser University. A large group of spectators faces the stage from seats on the floor as well as the balcony.
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Plaque unveiling at Simon Fraser University, [1965] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2019/2019_0037_0025_001.jpg?width=280)
Plaque unveiling at Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15050
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1965]
- Collection/Fonds
- Elmer Wilson Martin fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 18 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of two unidentified men standing next to a plaque at Simon Fraser University where it was unveiled. The plaque is mounted on a concrete post and has curtains on either side. The plaque reads "In Appreciation to G.B. Riley, E.R. Loftus and E.W. Martin of C.B. Riley Ltd. for their generou…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Elmer Wilson Martin fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 18 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of two unidentified men standing next to a plaque at Simon Fraser University where it was unveiled. The plaque is mounted on a concrete post and has curtains on either side. The plaque reads "In Appreciation to G.B. Riley, E.R. Loftus and E.W. Martin of C.B. Riley Ltd. for their generous gift to Simon Fraser University of 20 Acres of land on September 30, 1963."
- Subjects
- Events - Openings
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Accession Code
- BV019.37.25
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1965]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- February 4, 2021
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Photographer is unknown so maybe subject to copyright holder.
- A risk assessment should be done prior to releasing hi resolution copies
Images
![Plaque unveiling at Simon Fraser University, [1965] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2019/2019_0037_0025_001.jpg)
Sean and Wendy at Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51416
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1966
- Collection/Fonds
- Harold H. Johnston fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Sean and Wendy Johnston standing in Convocation Mall at Simon Fraser University.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1966
- Collection/Fonds
- Harold H. Johnston fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 483-050
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2008-08
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Sean and Wendy Johnston standing in Convocation Mall at Simon Fraser University.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Johnston, Harold H.
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University, [196-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-801.jpg?width=280)
Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38214
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [196-] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Aerial photograph of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus under construction, facing west.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [196-] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-801
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Aerial photograph of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus under construction, facing west.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University, [196-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-801.jpg)
![Simon Fraser University, [1967] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-812.jpg?width=280)
Simon Fraser University
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38225
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1967] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 4.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 25.9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Aerial photograph of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1967] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 4.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 25.9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-812
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Aerial photograph of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus.
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Copied from col. photograph
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University, [1967] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-812.jpg)
![Simon Fraser University construction, [196-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-799.jpg?width=280)
Simon Fraser University construction
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38212
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [196-] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a the construction of a Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus building. A crane can be seen in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [196-] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-799
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a the construction of a Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus building. A crane can be seen in the background.
- Subjects
- Construction Tools and Equipment
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University construction, [196-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-799.jpg)
![Simon Fraser University construction, [196-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-800.jpg?width=280)
Simon Fraser University construction
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38213
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [196-] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a the construction of a Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus building. A crane can be seen in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [196-] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-800
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a the construction of a Simon Fraser University (SFU) campus building. A crane can be seen in the background.
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University construction, [196-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-800.jpg)
![Simon Fraser University President donating blood, [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-803.jpg?width=280)
Simon Fraser University President donating blood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38216
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 4.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University (SFU) president, Patrick D. McTaggart Cowan, donating blood. A group of students in the background are playing guitars and singing.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.5 x 4.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-803
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Simon Fraser University (SFU) president, Patrick D. McTaggart Cowan, donating blood. A group of students in the background are playing guitars and singing.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Simon Fraser University President donating blood, [between 1964 and 1968] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/370/370-803.jpg)
![Kenward siblings, [1969] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-625.jpg?width=280)
Kenward siblings
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45731
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1969]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 22 x 19 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four members of the Kenwards of Port Moody. At the time this photograph was taken, they were each at various stages of post-secondary education at Simon Fraser University. John (far left) a graduate student; Diane, who was to start at SFU the following February; Dave, graduating that …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1969]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 22 x 19 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-625
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four members of the Kenwards of Port Moody. At the time this photograph was taken, they were each at various stages of post-secondary education at Simon Fraser University. John (far left) a graduate student; Diane, who was to start at SFU the following February; Dave, graduating that year (in cap and gown); and Peter, who was just completing his first year.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- King, Basil
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Kenward siblings, [1969] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/480/480-625.jpg)
Women's Residence under construction
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38236
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a building under construction at the Simon Fraser University site. A label on the photograph reads in part: "Women's residence. Erickson-Massey Architects. Laing Construction and Equipment Ltd. General Contractors."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Hazel L'Estrange subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 372-010
- Access Restriction
- In Archives only
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- BHS1991-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a building under construction at the Simon Fraser University site. A label on the photograph reads in part: "Women's residence. Erickson-Massey Architects. Laing Construction and Equipment Ltd. General Contractors."
- Subjects
- Construction Tools and Equipment
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Frank, Leonard
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Academic Quadrangle construction
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38215
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- August 5, 1966 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 4.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the construction of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Academic Quadrangle building, phase two. Information at lower right corner of photograph reads, "Academic Quadrangle Building / Phase Two / Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC / Z.S. Kiss - Architect / Laing Construction & Equipme…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- August 5, 1966 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Image Bank subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 4.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 370-802
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-03
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the construction of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Academic Quadrangle building, phase two. Information at lower right corner of photograph reads, "Academic Quadrangle Building / Phase Two / Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC / Z.S. Kiss - Architect / Laing Construction & Equipment Ltd, General Contractors / No14 Date Aug 5, 1966, Facing E."
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Frank, Leonard
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 1 b&w copy negative accompanying
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Street Address
- 8888 University Drive
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Interview with David Skulski
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19606
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, at…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: David Skulski Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 6 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 80 min., 38 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, attending school in New Westminster and Burnaby and Hebrew school in Vancouver. David recalls his early experiences in music, instruments that he played and describes some of his Jewish family traditions. 00:22:23 – 00:49:57 David talks about his experiences studying music at university and following his passion as a musician and oboist. He recalls his experiences of working with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the CBC Orchestra, Vancouver Society for Early Music, the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra, other musical ensembles and venues where he’s performed. 00:49:58 – 01:00:00 David talks about living in Burnaby in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. David describes some his experiences playing traditional music from different countries. 01:01:01 – 01:14:15 David comments on the changes that he’s seen in Burnaby over the years, some of his favourite places, activities, cultural amenities and development on the Fraser River. David talks about the Jewish community in Burnaby, his involvement with the Peretz Centre and examples of Jewish cuisine. 01:14:16 – 01:20:38 David talks about Yiddish being his first language, his language studies in Lithuania, the roots of the language and provides some examples of speaking Yiddish.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Murray "David" Skulski was born in 1942 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved to British Columbia with his parents in 1948. Skulski and his family settled in New Westminster before moving to Burnaby in the late 1950's. Skulski took piano lessons at an early age and began playing obo while attending junior high school in New Westminster. In 1960 at the age of 17 years, Skulski began performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as solo English horn and is the youngest player to ever be employed with the VSO. In 1991, Skulski started playing with the Vancouver Folk Orchestra and was the conductor between 1997 and 2004. Skulski has been the principal oboe player in many orchestras. In 1968, Skulski founded the Hortulani Musicae; in 1970, he founded the Vancouver Society for Early Music and in 1983 he founded Harmonie, an ensemble concentrating in classical wind music. In 2003, Skulski became president of the Pertez Centre for Secular Jewish Culture. In 2005, Skulski became principal oboist of the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra and between 2009 and 2019 he was the principal oboist for the Pilgrim Orchestra under Pilwon Suk. David has served as president of the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture and since 2022, he’s served on the board of the Vancouver Chamber Music Society. Skulski has taught summer courses in Renaissance music in Austria (1972-1979), has been a music resident at Simon Fraser University (1973-1976), has lectured on the history of musical instruments at SFU and UBC and in 2008 began teaching at the Pacific Coast School of Music, Richmond School of Music and Oakridge Music Studios. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Foods
- Music
- Musical Instruments
- Occupations - Musicians
- Performances - Concerts
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Religions - Judaism
- Names
- Burnaby Symphony Orchestra
- Burnaby South High School
- Burquest
- Skulski, Murray "David"
- Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
- Vancouver Society for Early Music
- Peretz Centre
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake
- Deer Lake Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.10
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/Hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0010_003.mp3
Interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19608
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1970-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (84 min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (62 min., 3 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. 00:00:00 – 00:05:26 Gurvinder “Gurv” Sihra and brother Harvinder “Harv’ Sihra introduce themselves, providing details on …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (84 min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (62 min., 3 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewees: "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:02:03 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph credit: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. 00:00:00 – 00:05:26 Gurvinder “Gurv” Sihra and brother Harvinder “Harv’ Sihra introduce themselves, providing details on where they were born and grew up (in Burnaby), names of their parents and provide details on their family history. They describe how their grandparents and other relatives continued to live in Punjab after their father and mother immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, recall the reasons their parents decided to immigrate and details of their lives before and after arriving in Canada. 00:05:27 – 00:06:46 Gurvinder and Harvinder describe some of their experiences travelling through Vancouver airport and compare their experiences with their mother’s own experiences. Gurvinder and Harvinder describe the layout of the airport and how customs and immigration has changed over time. 00:06:47 – 00:09:21 Gurvinder and Harvinder provide details about their mother, Parveen Sihra. They share information regarding her education in India and how she was unable to get work related to her degree in biology after immigrating to Canada. They convey how she worked in the Burnaby City Hall cafeteria in the 1990’s and how she worked part time in order to take care of her children. They share how their parents were proud Canadians participating in events inside and outside the South Asian community and were both fluent in English but often spoke Punjabi at home. 00:09:22 – 00:16:06 Gurvinder and Harvinder recall their childhood experiences growing up in Burnaby. They talk about the sports that they were involved with including hockey and Taekwondo, family vacations spent travelling to India and their experiences attending Marlborough Elementary School and Moscrop Secondary School.They describe how they first became interested in watching wrestling and trying it out on their own in their family home. Gurvinder and Harvinder recall their own experiences of discrimination while growing up and playing sports. 00:16:07 – 00:27:37 Gurvinder and Harvinder reflect and recall events that lead them to their dream of becoming professional wrestlers. They talk about pivotal events including attending their first live wresting event at GM Place with their father in 1996, beginning their training in Calgary in 2004, travelling across the country to participate in minor wrestling events, wrestling in Rogers Arena in 2017 and 2020 and getting their first call to join WWE. They talk about the support that they’ve had along the way to getting them where they are today and comment on why they want to be wrestlers in the WWE. 00:27:38 – 00:29:25 Gurvinder and Harvinder provide background information on their various wrestling personas and names in the world of professional wrestling including the Singh Brothers and the Bollywood Boyz. 00:29:26 – 00:38:43 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their experiences wrestling in India and the support and expectations of family members in becoming successful. Gurvinder and Harvinder recall and reflect on the experience of being fired from the WWE when cutbacks were made during the COVID pandemic. 00:38:44 – 00:42:53 Gurvinder and Harvinder describe what a day in their lives looks like now. They talk about how they’re still very passionate and focused on their wrestling careers and describe their experiences of having support and enthusiasm from fans and their parents. They talk about travelling across the country to particpate in different wrestling events. 00:42:54 – 00:47:18 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their training regimen including exercise and diet and describe areas in Burnaby where they like to train in gyms and the outdoors. 00:47:19 – 00:49:49 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about neighbourhoods in Burnaby including Metrotown and Deer Lake and how they’ve seen them change over the years. 00:49:50 – 00:54:27 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their highest and lowest points in their wrestling careers, highlighting specific events. They talk about the physical stamina it takes for wrestling and compare their sport with the sport of Kabaddi (a contact team sport between two teams originating in India). 00:54:28 – 00:59:01 Gurvinder and Harvinder reflect on what toughness means to them, and what keeps them motivated to do what they do. 00:59:02 – 01:01:31 Gurvinder and Harvinder impart their words of wisdom to younger kids in chasing their passions and dreams and talk about their favourite Bollywood films and actors.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: The Bollywood Boyz are a Canadian professional wrestling tag team composed of brothers Gurvinder "Gurv" Sihra (born in 1984) and Harvinder "Harv" Sihra (born in 1987). The pair are best known for their time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where Gurvinder and Harvinder performed under the ring names Sunil Singh and Samir Singh. They were both born and raised in Burnaby by their parents Harjeet and Parveen Sihra and attended Moscrop Secondary School. Gurvinder graduated from Douglas College where he studied criminology and has worked in loss prevention and has a third degree black belt in Taekwondo. Harvinder attended Douglas College with studies in history and has worked as a model and an actor. Both Gurvinder and Harvinder Sihra are Sikhs. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Migration
- Pandemics - COVID-19
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Religions - Sikhism
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Discrimination
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports
- Sports - Martial Arts
- Sports - Wrestling
- Sports - Ice Hockey
- Travel
- Names
- The Bollywood Boyz
- Sihra, Guvinder "Gurv"
- Sihra, Harvinder "Harv"
- Sihra, Harjeet
- Sihra, Parveen
- World Wrestling Entertainment "WWE"
- Moscrop Secondary School
- Marlborough Elementary School
- Metrotown
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.12
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1970-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Photographer
- World Wrestling Entertainment "WWE"
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Images
Audio Tracks
Interview with