Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Photograph of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) holding shovel; two children on porch of house; black and white dog sitting in front; view of family property on right.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : sepia ; 1200 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) holding shovel; two children on porch of house; black and white dog sitting in front; view of family property on right.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Persons - Chinese Canadians

Names: Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"

Accession Code: BV017.24.28

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1946 and 1952]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Douglas-Gilpin Area

Scan Resolution: 1200

Scan Date: 01-Oct-2017

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Suey Ying Jung (Laura) with children and dog, [between 1946 and 1952] thumbnail

Vegetable building at Oakalla

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38127

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the exterior of the vegetable building at Oakalla.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (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 ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-714

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the exterior of the vegetable building at Oakalla.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

Vegetable building at Oakalla, [195-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

View at back of mushroom houses

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77191

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [before 1969] (date of original), digitally copied 2013

Collection/Fonds: Stiglish family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w copy-print ; 9 x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the equipment at the back of the mushroom houses used to get compost ready to be used in the mushroom houses.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [before 1969] (date of original), digitally copied 2013

Collection/Fonds: Stiglish family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w copy-print ; 9 x 9 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 552-005

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2013-07

Scope and Content: Photograph of the equipment at the back of the mushroom houses used to get compost ready to be used in the mushroom houses.

Subjects: Agricultural Tools and Equipment; Agriculture - Farms

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "curing [illegible] - with compost on for mushroom houses / at back of mushroom houses no 5 and no 6"; Original spelling of surname was "Stiglich"

Geographic Access: Keswick Avenue

Street Address: 3782 Keswick Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Cameron Area

Images

View at back of mushroom houses, [before 1969] (date of original), digitally copied 2013 thumbnail

Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory570

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1942-1952

Length: 0:14:54

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the operation and location of the Olofson’s mink ranch, the challenges of raising mink, and when the family gave up the farm in 1950/51. She describes how she and her sister Anita Lea used a bicycle to go to school.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the operation and location of the Olofson’s mink ranch, the challenges of raising mink, and when the family gave up the farm in 1950/51. She describes how she and her sister Anita Lea used a bicycle to go to school.

Date Range: 1942-1952

Length: 0:14:54

Names: Olofson, Axel; GAK Fur Farm; Sperling Avenue School

Subjects: Agriculture; Industries - Fur Trade; Occupations - Farmers; Transportation; Persons - Children

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Westridge Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 14, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.

Biographical Notes: Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:19:04

Interviewee Name: Olofson, B. Maureen

Interview Location: Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Maureen Olofson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_2.mp3

Watson Cedar Products Ltd.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34595

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of Watson Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Two men are working inside.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 065-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of Watson Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Two men are working inside.

Subjects: Buildings - Industrial - Mills; Occupations - Labourers; Woodworking Tools and Equipment - Logging Machinery

Names: Watson Cedar Products Limited

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Stride, Charles Edgar

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamped on back of photograph: "Photo by The Stride Studios / 657 Columbia Street / New Westminster, B.C." and "#7049[C or G]"

Geographic Access: Willard Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Images

Watson Cedar Products Ltd.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34596

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of Watsons Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Men are working inside. A box reads, "Optional Kolor Plan / Factory Stained Pryme - Shakes / (Genuine red cedar scored shakes)." Two other boxes read, "Zephers."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.3 x 25.1 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 065-004

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of Watsons Cedar Products Ltd. on Willard Street. Men are working inside. A box reads, "Optional Kolor Plan / Factory Stained Pryme - Shakes / (Genuine red cedar scored shakes)." Two other boxes read, "Zephers."

Subjects: Buildings - Industrial - Mills; Occupations - Labourers; Woodworking Tools and Equipment - Logging Machinery

Names: Watson Cedar Products Limited

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamped on back of photograph: "Photo by The Stride Studios / 657 Columbia Street / New Westminster, B.C." and "#7049F"

Geographic Access: Willard Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Images

Chickens at Meyers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91829

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1950 and 1959]

Collection/Fonds: Small family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 cm x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of chickens feeding at the Meyers' property at 5106 Douglas Road.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1950 and 1959]

Collection/Fonds: Small family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 cm x 9 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 620-010

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No reproduction permitted

Accession Number: 2017-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of chickens feeding at the Meyers' property at 5106 Douglas Road.

Subjects: Agriculture - Poultry

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Transcribed title; Title transcribed from note on verso of photograph; 5106 Douglas Road later subdivided into 5539 and 5545 Norfolk Street.; Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Chickens at Meyers 1950's / (Ernest and Magdalena Meyers) Residence / 5106 Douglas Rd."; Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.10"; Note in blue ink on verso of photograph (struck through) reads: "E.A. Meyers Residence ./ Photo by Pat Meyers / 1976?"; Stamp in green ink on verso of photograph reads: "734J"

Street Address: 5106 Douglas Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Ardingley-Sprott Area

Images

Chickens at Meyers, [between 1950 and 1959] thumbnail

Fruit Processing Plant

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34664

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18.1 x 23.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the exterior of a fruit processing plant in the Kingsway Area.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18.1 x 23.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 085-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the exterior of a fruit processing plant in the Kingsway Area.

Subjects: Buildings - Agricultural; Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Images

Fruit Processing Plant, [195-] thumbnail

Grove of apple trees

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36048

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.5 x 11 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a grove of apple trees that are bearing fruit. This grove is believed to be part of the Dickie family orchard.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Grace Dickie subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.5 x 11 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 215-006

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1989-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of a grove of apple trees that are bearing fruit. This grove is believed to be part of the Dickie family orchard.

Subjects: Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory569

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1906-1950

Length: 0:09:08

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s parents immigration to Saskatchewan, her mother Kerstin in 1912 and father Axel in 1928, Maureen’s birth on a trip to Sweden in 1938, and her family’s move to Burnaby in 1942 and the start of their mink ranch, the GAK Fur Farm, near Curtis Av…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s parents immigration to Saskatchewan, her mother Kerstin in 1912 and father Axel in 1928, Maureen’s birth on a trip to Sweden in 1938, and her family’s move to Burnaby in 1942 and the start of their mink ranch, the GAK Fur Farm, near Curtis Avenue in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on Burnaby Mountain.

Date Range: 1906-1950

Length: 0:09:08

Names: Olofson, Axel; GAK Fur Farm; Skofteby, Gus; Ericksson, Karin

Subjects: Agriculture

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Westridge Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 14, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.

Biographical Notes: Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:19:04

Interviewee Name: Olofson, B. Maureen

Interview Location: Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Maureen Olofson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory571

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1942-1980

Length: 0:06:55

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the food sources on the farm including the garden, food animals, berry picking and bears. She also describes what her parents did after giving up the farm, opening sporting good stores on Hastings Street and then in North Vanco…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the food sources on the farm including the garden, food animals, berry picking and bears. She also describes what her parents did after giving up the farm, opening sporting good stores on Hastings Street and then in North Vancouver.

Date Range: 1942-1980

Length: 0:06:55

Names: Olofson, Axel; GAK Fur Farm

Subjects: Agriculture; Animals - Livestock; Animals - Bears

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Westridge Area; Lochdale Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 14, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.

Biographical Notes: Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:19:04

Interviewee Name: Olofson, B. Maureen

Interview Location: Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Maureen Olofson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory654

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:09:51

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the families and the vineyard and apple orchard on Aubrey Street. She tells stories about picking wild blackberries near Aubrey and raspberries grown on her parent’s farm, and about her mother’s large garden and kale grown for chicken…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the families and the vineyard and apple orchard on Aubrey Street. She tells stories about picking wild blackberries near Aubrey and raspberries grown on her parent’s farm, and about her mother’s large garden and kale grown for chicken feed.

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:09:51

Subjects: Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Geographic Features - Gardens; Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Geographic Access: Aubrey Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lochdale Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 13, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 2:35:58

Interviewee Name: Seim, Reidun

Interview Location: Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Reidun Seim

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_5.mp3

Interview with Tony Fabian by Kathy Bossort October 29, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory596

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1934-1955

Length: 0:20:52

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s memories of his childhood and growing up in Saskatchewan and Richmond, BC. He tells about being taken from his family at an early age and being placed with an immigrant farming family; how hard life was as a child working on a farm; and the often…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s memories of his childhood and growing up in Saskatchewan and Richmond, BC. He tells about being taken from his family at an early age and being placed with an immigrant farming family; how hard life was as a child working on a farm; and the often abusive ways he saw people treat farmland and animals. He relates how his experiences developed his land ethic and love of nature.

Date Range: 1934-1955

Length: 0:20:52

Subjects: Agriculture; Persons - Children

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 29, 2015

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

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

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:43:22

Interviewee Name: Fabian, Tony S.

Interview Location: Tony Fabian's home in Burnaby

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Tony Fabian

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-007/MSS196-007_Track_1.mp3

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory244

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1906-1975

Length: 0:09:00

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his fath…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his father's ranch of six acres, which grew mostly strawberries to sell in Vancouver.

Date Range: 1906-1975

Photo Info: Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004

Length: 0:09:00

Subjects: Agriculture - Fruit and Berries

Geographic Access: Imperial Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Kingsway-Beresford Area

Interviewer: McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”

Interview Date: November 17, 1975

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.

Biographical Notes: Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 0:58:55

Interviewee Name: McMurray, Lillian Wray; McMurray, Murdoch

Interviewer Bio: Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Media Type: Sound Recording

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

Images

Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-010/MSS137-010_Track_2.mp3

Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34680

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1957

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.0 cm mounted on cardboard

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crane lifting a large pipe on or off a truck at the Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. A number of other pipes are piled at the left side of the photograph.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1957

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.0 cm mounted on cardboard

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 092-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crane lifting a large pipe on or off a truck at the Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. A number of other pipes are piled at the left side of the photograph.

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Construction Tools and Equipment

Names: Dominion Bridge Company

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Graphic Industries Limited

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"; Printed on back of cardboard "GIL: Graphic Industries Ltd. / Vancouver's Most Complete Photographic Service / 54 West Hastings, Vancouver 4, B.C. / Phone Pacific 4174 File No: 3850-4"

Geographic Access: Henning Drive

Street Address: 3880 Henning Drive

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34681

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: January 1956

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the fabrication of large construction industry components inside a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: January 1956

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 092-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the fabrication of large construction industry components inside a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building.

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Construction Tools and Equipment

Names: Dominion Bridge Company

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Graphic Industries Limited

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"; Printed on back of cardboard "GIL: Graphic Industries Ltd. / 54 West Hastings, Vancouver 4, B.C. / Phone Pacific 4174 File No: 2844 1"; Stamped and annotated on back of cardboard, "Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. / Vancouver, B.C. / Neg./Print #55-DB-3-32" and "Jan. /56"

Geographic Access: Henning Drive

Street Address: 3880 Henning Drive

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34682

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: January 25, 1957

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building. Three men are working on a large pipe. Two signs read, "Danger / X-Ray Operating / Keep Out."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: January 25, 1957

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.4 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 092-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building. Three men are working on a large pipe. Two signs read, "Danger / X-Ray Operating / Keep Out."

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Construction Tools and Equipment; Occupations - Labourers

Names: Dominion Bridge Company

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"; Stamps on back of photograph read, "Dominion Bridge Company, Limited" and "Jan 25 1957"

Geographic Access: Henning Drive

Street Address: 3880 Henning Drive

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34683

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1957

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building with a piece of machinery with a plate reading, "Dominion Premier" on it.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1957

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.4 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 092-004

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of a Dominion Bridge Co. Ltd. building with a piece of machinery with a plate reading, "Dominion Premier" on it.

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Construction Tools and Equipment

Names: Dominion Bridge Company

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Printed on bottom of photo, "Dominion Bridge Co., Limited / Pacific Division"; Stamp on back of photo reads, "Dominion Bridge Co., Ltd. / Vancouver, B.C. / Neg./Print # 57-329"

Geographic Access: Henning Drive

Street Address: 3880 Henning Drive

Historic Neighbourhood: Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: West Central Valley Area

Images

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory580

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1942-2015

Length: 0:13:21

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s overview of the history of the Trans Mountain tank farm site on Burnaby Mountain, the delineation of the first conservation area on the mountain in 1974, and the reasons for inclusion of the tank farm in the conservation area. She also talks a…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s overview of the history of the Trans Mountain tank farm site on Burnaby Mountain, the delineation of the first conservation area on the mountain in 1974, and the reasons for inclusion of the tank farm in the conservation area. She also talks about Suncor’s site and its inclusion in the conservation area.

Date Range: 1942-2015

Length: 0:13:21

Names: Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Company; Suncor Energy Inc.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning; Industries - Petroleum Industry

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Alekxos Sarter conducted by Kathy Bossort. Alekxos Sarter was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain from Alekxos Sarter’s perspective and experience as employee in the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. The interview provides an excellent explanation of the history and function of kinds of park dedications used by the City of Burnaby; an overview of issues around including the Trans Mountain tank farm in the conservation area; and the background to the land use and ownership disagreement between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University, its resolution, and the subsequent development of SFU’s UniverCity. Alekxos Sarter talks about Richard Bolton, Burnaby’s Acting-Commissioner who was responsible for dedicating the first park on Burnaby Mountain in 1942, and the creation of a park named after him in UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Alekxos Sarter was born in Vancouver in 1961, to Daine and Kasandra Sarter. She grew up in North Vancouver and since 1994 has lived on a sailboat in False Creek. After attending UBC where she studied landscape architecture, she was hired by the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services in 1986. Working first in parks design, Alekxos quickly moved into parks planning, her preferred career. As Research Officer she covers research, planning, public consultation, parks and facility inventory, parkland acquisition, among other duties.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

Interview Location: City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_4.mp3

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