Narrow Results By
Creator
- Adams, Edith 1
- Binks, James 2
- Burnaby Village Museum 11
- Canada. Office of the Director of Civil Air Raid Precautions 1
- Cody, Henry John, 1868-1951 3
- Damer, Eric 4
- D. Jayne and Son 1
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940 9
- Fong, Denise 2
- Fortney, Sharon 1
- Green, George, 1872-1955 1
- Kwantlen First Nation 1
Book of birds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary4819
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.6170.1
- Call Number
- 598 BOO
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- Ernest Nister
- Publication Date
- 1914
- Physical Description
- 1 v. (unpaged) : col. ill. : 27 cm.
- Inscription
- "Ma___ Burd from Nancy Bompa Xmas 1914" [Handwritten in pencil on front endpaper]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Birds
- Juvenile literature
- Children's literature
- Animals
- Subjects
- Animals - Birds
- Animals
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume i
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary668
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.1
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v. 1 1918
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 1
- Physical Description
- x, 334 p. : ill. : 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- page 1-334
- Volume 1 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume ii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary669
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.2
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.2 1918
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 2
- Physical Description
- 335-660 p. : ill. : 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction b John H. Findley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- pages 335-660
- volume 2 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume iii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary670
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.3
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v. 3 1918
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 3
- Physical Description
- 662-992 p. : ill.(some col.) : 25 cm.
- Inscription
- "Gross 1955 3 on R Gross" [Handwritten in blue ink on back flyleaf]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- pages 662-992
- volume 3 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume iv
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary671
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.4
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.4 1918
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 4
- Physical Description
- 993-1312 : ill. : 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- pages 993-1312
- volume 4 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume v
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary672
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.5
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.5 1918
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 5
- Physical Description
- 1313-1638 p. : ill. : 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With and introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- pages 1313-1638
- volume 5 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume vi
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary673
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.6
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v. 6 1918
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 6
- Physical Description
- iv, 1639-1958, : ill. : 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- pages 1639-1958
- volume 6 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume vii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary674
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.7
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v. 7 1918
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- 1919
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 7
- Physical Description
- iv, 1959-2278 : ill. : 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- pages 1959-2278
- volume 7 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia, volume viii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary675
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.8
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.8 1918
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge, v. 8
- Physical Description
- iv, 2279-2610 : ill. : 26 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- "Editors-in-chief Arthur Mee...Holland Thompson..." -- Title page
- "With an introduction by John H. Finley..." -- Title page
- Contributor's full name and dates: Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- page 2279-2610
- volume 8 of 20
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia : volume xix
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary684
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.17
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.19 1918
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Physical Description
- 327 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- paged 5875 - 6202.
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia : volume xviii
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary683
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.16
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.18 1918
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The book of knowledge
- Physical Description
- 323 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
- Inscription
- "R Paul G" [handwritten in pencil onpage opposite front pastedown] "Paul Hofer" [handwritten in pencil on title page]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- paged 5551 - 5874.
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopaedia : volume xx
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary685
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.18
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.20 1918
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Physical Description
- 379 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.
- Inscription
- Scribbles in pencil on back pastedown and opposing page
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Encyclopedias and dictionaries
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- paged 6203 - 6582.
- Includes index.
Images
The book of knowledge : the children's encyclopædia, vol. 17
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary682
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.3668.15
- Call Number
- 032 MEE v.17
- Contributor
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940
- Finley, John H. (John Huston), 1863-1940
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- The Grolier Society
- Publication Date
- c1918
- Series
- The Book of Knowledge
- Physical Description
- 322 p. : ill
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Children's encyclopædias and dictionaries
- Notes
- pages numbered 5228-5550
- Contributors' given names, dates and contribution:
- Mee, Arthur, 1875-1943. (editor-in-chief)
- Thompson, Holland, 1873-1940. (editor-in-chief)
- "with an introduction by John H. Finley, LLD Late President of the College of New York Commissioner of Education of the State of New York"
Images
Boys of the Bible
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5848
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV007.31.5
- Call Number
- 220.9 BOY
- Contributor
- Turner, A. M.
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- Sam'l Gabriel Sons & Co.
- Publication Date
- c1916
- Physical Description
- 32 p. : ill. : 28 cm.
- Inscription
- "Presented to Nina Atkinson for Proficiency in bible study and general aptitude: from The East Burnaby Methodist Sunday School August 1917" [Handwritten in pencil on front flyleaf]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Bible
- Bible. Old Testament
- Juvenile literature
- Notes
- "Illustrated by A. M. Turner" -- Title page
Images
Burnaby's heritage : an inventory of buildings and structures
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5437
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Luxton, Donald, 1954-
- Wolf, Jim
- Edition
- Rev.
- Publication Date
- 2011
- c2007
- Call Number
- 971.133 LUX COPY 1
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 0969282893
- Call Number
- 971.133 LUX COPY 1
- Edition
- Rev.
- Author
- Luxton, Donald, 1954-
- Wolf, Jim
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Publication Date
- 2011
- c2007
- Physical Description
- 157 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Architecture
- Historic buildings
- Buildings
- Historic sites
- Subjects
- Buildings
- Buildings - Heritage
- Notes
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- 2 copies held: copy 1.
Digital Books
Edith Adams' sixth annual prize cookbook
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary4903
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV972.18.7
- Call Number
- 641.5 ADA
- Author
- Adams, Edith
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- The Vancouver Sun
- Publication Date
- 1948
- Physical Description
- 64 p. : ill. : 29 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Cooking
- Baking
- Food
- Formulas, recipes, etc.
- Edith Adams
- Cookbooks--1940-1949
- Object History
- This item was purchased from the St.James United Church.
- Notes
- "Sun prize winners 6th annual cook book" -- Cover
Images
Embroidery stitches, part 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5006
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV007.6.20
- Call Number
- 746.5 PIC
- Place of Publication
- Scranton, Pa.
- Publisher
- Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
- Publication Date
- 1921
- c1916
- Physical Description
- 44 p. : ill. : 23 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Embroidery--Study and teaching
- Stitches (Sewing)
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
- Object History
- Home sewing course used by Burnaby residents in the 1920's
- Notes
- Part 1 of 2
Images
English student: an aid to the study of English Vol. V, No. 4, April 1919
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary610
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV985.360.3
- Place of Publication
- [Shanghai]
- Publisher
- Commerical Press, Limited
- Publication Date
- 1919-04
- Series
- English Student
- Physical Description
- 1 v. (various pagings) : ill ; 23 cm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- English language--Study and teaching
- Object History
- Some books in this accession are marked: "Mr. Chan Y. Leong, 111 Pender St. E., Vancouver B.C., Canada, North America, Western H."
- Sam Kee & Company merchants is the business located at 111 Pender St. E. Vancouver - originally owned by Chan Toy (many alternative names including Chang Toy) which was later run by Chang Yat Leong - presumably the same person as Chan Y. Leong.
Images
General chemical division Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7615
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV022.22.1
- Call Number
- 661 GEN
- Publisher
- General Chemical Division, Allied Chemical and Dye Corporation
- Publication Date
- 1949
- Physical Description
- 175 p. : illustrations ; 26 cm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Chemical industry
- Catalogs
- Object History
- Allied Chemical & Dye Corporation catalogue at one time used by the Manager of the The Nichols Chemical Company Limited, William H. Main in Barnet BC. His business card is paper clipped to the first page. Page 106 has an ad from the Nichols company.
Images
The gold stripe no. 2 : a tribute to the British Columbia men who have been killed, crippled and wounded in the Great War
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary4910
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- HV972.136.6
- Call Number
- 940.46771 GOL
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver
- Publisher
- [s.n.]
- Publication Date
- 1919
- Printer
- Pacific Printers
- Physical Description
- 160, xxviii : ill. ; 30 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- World War, 1914-1918--Literary collections
- World War, 1914-1918--Personal narratives, Canadian
- World War, 1914-1918--Registers of dead--British Columbia
- Veterans, Disabled--British Columbia
- World War, 1914-1918--Canada--Registers
- Notes
- "A book of war, peace, and reconstruction" -- Title page
- "Published for the benefit of The Amputation Club of B.C. in May 1919, the centenary of 'Victoria the Good'" -- Title page
- "A souvenir of the centenary of 'Victoria the Good' 1819-1919" -- Cover
- "The net profits of this publication will go to the Amputation Club of B.C., Vancouver for men who have been maimed and wounded in the Great War" -- Cover
- Includes index.
Images
History of Burnaby and vicinity
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6890
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Green, George, 1872-1955
- Publication Date
- 1947
- Call Number
- 971.133 GRE Copy 2 Ver. 1
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV017.17.1
- Call Number
- 971.133 GRE Copy 2 Ver. 1
- Author
- Green, George, 1872-1955
- Place of Publication
- [S.l.]
- Publisher
- [s.n.]
- Publication Date
- 1947
- Printer
- Shoemaker , McLean & Veitch
- Physical Description
- 233 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.
- Inscription
- "Presented To my valued fried Rev. D. W. Scott. a former neighbor at Capitol Hill with best wishes of the author George Green Victoria March 1 1947" [handwritten in black ink on page opposing front pastedown] "BMMM-WU SIGNED 1st ED 50.00" [handwritten in pencil on page opposing front pastedown]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History
- Burnaby (B.C.)
- Biography
- Name Access
- Green, George
- Notes
- Autographed by author
- "By George Green, pioneer resident of Burnaby, and an ex-Councillor. Charter Member of the British Columbia Historical Association, Vancouver Branch, and an Executive Member."
- Copy 2 of 2
Images
Digital Books
History of Burnaby Resource Guide
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7492
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Digital Resource
- Accession Code
- BV019.63.1
- Author
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, BC
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Publication Date
- 2019
- Physical Description
- 21 p. : ill.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History
- Directories
- Object History
- Created from research gathered by Burnaby Village Museum staff into the diverse History of Burnaby.
Images
Digital Books
How to do pickling : a book of tested recipes
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3872
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- D. Jayne and Son
- Publication Date
- c1917
- Call Number
- 641.42 JAY
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV005.11.2
- Call Number
- 641.42 JAY
- Author
- D. Jayne and Son
- Place of Publication
- Philadelphia, Pa.
- Publisher
- Dr. D. Jayne & Son
- Publication Date
- c1917
- Physical Description
- 16] leaves ; 16 cm.
- Inscription
- A Handbook / How to do Pickling / Compiled by / Dr. D. Jayne & Son / Phila. / Copyright, 1917 by..
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Canning and preserving
- Patent medicines
- Cookbooks--1910-1919
- Cooking
Images
Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7493
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Digital Resource
- Accession Code
- BV019.64.1
- Call Number
- 971.100497 BVM
- Edition
- First
- Contributor
- Kwantlen First Nation
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh First Nation
- Tsleil-Waututh First Nation
- ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, BC
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Publication Date
- 2019
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Indigenous peoples--British Columbia
- Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--History
- Indigenous peoples--Canada--History
- Subjects
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Languages
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Societies, etc.
- Name Access
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Object History
- 2019 version of working document developed by Burnaby Village Museum in collaboration with a number of First Nations partners over the course of several years. We recognize that Burnaby falls within the shared, ancestral and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking people. We equally respect each of the Nations who share territory in Burnaby, and invite and welcome their ongoing participation in developing the contents of the Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide.
Images
Digital Books
![Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_001.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
- 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) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 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 information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. 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
- Environmental Issues
- Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
- Geographic Features
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Housing
- Occupations
- Occupations - Entrepreneurs
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - Volunteers
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Religions
- Religions - Judaism
- Names
- Schwartz, William "Bill"
- Schwartz, Ellen
- City of Burnaby
- Polestar Communications
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.6
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
![Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_001.jpg)
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3