More like 'Metrotown Canada Day'

100 records – page 1 of 5.

Arrow Neon Sign

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark861
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Commercial building.
Associated Dates
1961
Other Names
Lost in the 50's Drive-in
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Other Names
Lost in the 50's Drive-in
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Associated Dates
1961
Description
Commercial building.
Heritage Value
The Arrow Neon Sign was built in 1961 by the Neonette Sign Company of New Westminster when this property was opened as the Tomahawk Drive-in Restaurant. The restaurant was later known as Lindy's Burger and in 1990, the business was renamed Lost in the 50's Drive-in. It stands 20-foot tall and is composed of a large double-sided hollow steel panel serpentine arrow mounted on a pole supporting a lexan sign panel measuring approximately 8 feet wide by 4 feet tall. The sign was designed with three illuminated features: a round lamp at the top of the pole, a double-sided rectangular fluorescent sign panel box, and two double-sided rows of orange neon arrows that follow the large serpentine arrow. The Arrow Neon Sign remains as a rare surviving example of neon sign art in the city and is the only historic neon sign in South Burnaby. The sign has gained prominence over the years as it has been associated with this small iconic drive-in which has also been utilized as a set for film production. Additionally, the drive-in has played a prominent role in the Edmonds community as a popular setting for recent "Show and Shine" participants to park their classic cars.
Locality
Edmonds
Historic Neighbourhood
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lakeview-Mayfield Area
Builder
Neonette Sign Company
Community
Burnaby
Contributing Resource
Structure
Ownership
Public (local)
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Street Address
7741 Edmonds Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

Brentwood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51415
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 is a panoramic view of the Brentwood Shopping Centre, taken from the parking lot.
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.
483-049
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2008-08
Scope and Content
Photograph is a panoramic view of the Brentwood Shopping Centre, taken from the parking lot.
Subjects
Transportation - Automobiles
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Brentwood Shopping Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Johnston, Harold H.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
4567 Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
Less detail

Brentwood Shopping Centre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35132
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. postcard ; 8.9 x 14.0 cm
Scope and Content
Postcard cosisting of four photographs of Brentwood Shopping Centre. The description printed on the back of the postcard reads, "Brentwood Shopping Centre / Lougheed and Willingdon, Burnaby, B.C. Free parking for 2500 cars. Eaton's of Canada - three floors of air-conditioned shopping comfort. Fo…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Evelyn Salisbury subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. postcard ; 8.9 x 14.0 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
195-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1987-04
Scope and Content
Postcard cosisting of four photographs of Brentwood Shopping Centre. The description printed on the back of the postcard reads, "Brentwood Shopping Centre / Lougheed and Willingdon, Burnaby, B.C. Free parking for 2500 cars. Eaton's of Canada - three floors of air-conditioned shopping comfort. Fountain Square. Loblaw's ... B.C.'s Largest Supermarket." The cost to mail the postcard is listed as four cents. Some of the stores visible are: Bank of Montreal, Heywood Floors, The Doll House Restaurant, Eaton's of Canada, Loblaws, Fields, and Zeller's.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Automobile Parking Lots
Fountains
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Brentwood Shopping Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Ford, Rolly
Responsibility
Printed on back of postcard: "Pub, by Natural Color Productions, Ltd., Vancouver, B.C.," "Made in Canada, Grant-Mann," and "GM: Lithography, Photography, Design"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
4567 Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
Less detail

Digney film 1 - Digney's at Brentwood mall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10601
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1961 and 1963] (date of original), copied 2019
Collection/Fonds
Digney Family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (12 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., si.
Scope and Content
Film clip of Andy Digney, Alice Digney and Joyce Digney walking along a sidewalk outside stores at Brentwood mall in Burnaby. The Brentwood Shopping Centre opened in August 1961.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Digney Family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (12 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., si.
Scope and Content
Film clip of Andy Digney, Alice Digney and Joyce Digney walking along a sidewalk outside stores at Brentwood mall in Burnaby. The Brentwood Shopping Centre opened in August 1961.
Creator
Digney, Andy
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Digney, Andy
Digney, Alice Swan
Digney, Joyce
Brentwood Shopping Centre
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
4567 Lougheed Highway
Accession Code
BV019.18.3.4
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1961 and 1963] (date of original), copied 2019
Media Type
Moving Images
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Notes
Title based on contents of film segment
Film segment originates from digitized version of original 8 mm film (See BV019.18.3)
Images
Video

Digney film 1 - Digney's at Brentwood mall, [between 1961 and 1963] (date of original), copied 2019

Digney film 1 - Digney's at Brentwood mall, [between 1961 and 1963] (date of original), copied 2019

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2019_0018_0003_004.mp4
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Orchard Shopping Centre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34634
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.6 x 20.4 cm
Scope and Content
Aerial photograph of the Old Orchard Shopping Centre on Kingsway.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.6 x 20.4 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
069-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Aerial photograph of the Old Orchard Shopping Centre on Kingsway.
Subjects
Aerial Photographs
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Names
Old Orchard Shopping Centre
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4469 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Through the Lens of Andy Digney

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10099
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (12 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
Scope and Content
Item consists of a short film featuring a compilation of film footage created by Andy Digney that was edited and narrated by the Burnaby Village Museum. Burnaby resident Andy Digney captured footage of Burnaby and beyond from 1934 to 1964. Highlights within this film compilaton include the constru…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum film collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (12 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
Material Details
Research and Narration: Lisa Codd
Editing and Audio Recording: Matthew Ball
Special thanks to Paul Digney
Scope and Content
Item consists of a short film featuring a compilation of film footage created by Andy Digney that was edited and narrated by the Burnaby Village Museum. Burnaby resident Andy Digney captured footage of Burnaby and beyond from 1934 to 1964. Highlights within this film compilaton include the construction and events held at the Oak Theatre; Royal visit motorcade of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; Sports Day at Central Park; Gymcana event at Burnaby Lake Riding Stables; lawn bowling at Central Park; a Depression-era May Day workers’ parade in 1936; May Day celebrations in Burnaby; visits to locations throughout the Lower Mainland, including Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and boat trip up Burrard Inlet; the Digney Speedway; the Digney family at their home on Bonsor Avenue and the Digney Bowling Alley.
Creator
Digney, Andy
Subjects
Events - Parades
Events - May Day
Sports - Bowling
Names
Digney, Andy
Digney Bowling Alley
Digney Speedway
Codd, Lisa
Oak Theatre
Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Central Park
Street Address
6521 Bonsor Avenue
Accession Code
BV019.18.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016
Media Type
Moving Images
Related Material
See also the City of Burnaby Archives "Digney Family fonds" MI catalogue 562.003 for film masters
Notes
Title based on contents
City of Burnaby Archives holds the original Digney film masters (562.003) that this narrated segment was disseminated from. See Digney family fonds
Images
Video

Through the Lens of Andy Digney, [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016

Through the Lens of Andy Digney, [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2019_0018_0001_001.mp4
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Classroom Christmas party

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription52983
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1963 [printed] March 27, 1964
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 10.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten class Christmas party. Kindergartners and their brothers and sisters and mothers are all in attendance. A man dressed in a Santa suit is talking to one of the girls, as three woman gather around with smiles on their faces. The rest of the childr…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1963 [printed] March 27, 1964
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Tinkerbell Kindergarten subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 10.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
246-023
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1990-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten class Christmas party. Kindergartners and their brothers and sisters and mothers are all in attendance. A man dressed in a Santa suit is talking to one of the girls, as three woman gather around with smiles on their faces. The rest of the children are watching intently, sitting and waiting for their turn to talk to Santa.
Subjects
Holidays - Christmas
Events - Parties
Names
Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp on recto of photograph reads: "M119C / GAGEL FOTO / SERVICE / 27.4.64"
Handwritten note attached to paper mount reads: "Our little brothers and sisters come with mother to our Xmas party. / We have fun."
Note on verso of photograph reads: "Xmas 63"
Geographic Access
Ellesmere Avenue
Hastings Street
Street Address
300 Ellesmere Avenue North
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

Classroom Christmas party

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription52992
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1965 [printed] May 2, 1966
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 7.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Santa Claus at the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten Christmas party.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1965 [printed] May 2, 1966
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Tinkerbell Kindergarten subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 7.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
246-032
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1990-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Santa Claus at the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten Christmas party.
Subjects
Holidays - Christmas
Events - Parties
Names
Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "058D / -2.5.66"
Geographic Access
Ellesmere Avenue
Hastings Street
Street Address
300 Ellesmere Avenue North
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

Classroom Christmas party

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription52993
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1965
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 10.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten classroom Christmas party. Students and teachers and parents are sitting at tables with cups and plates in front of them, enjoying a Christmas snack. The classroom has been decorated with streamers, stockings, cards and a Christmas tree.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1965
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Tinkerbell Kindergarten subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 10.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
246-033
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1990-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten classroom Christmas party. Students and teachers and parents are sitting at tables with cups and plates in front of them, enjoying a Christmas snack. The classroom has been decorated with streamers, stockings, cards and a Christmas tree.
Subjects
Holidays - Christmas
Events - Parties
Names
Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Ellesmere Avenue
Hastings Street
Street Address
300 Ellesmere Avenue North
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

Classroom Christmas party

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription53028
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1965 [printed] April 1966
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten classroom Christmas party. Students and teachers and parents are sitting at tables with cups and plates in front of them, enjoying a Christmas snack.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1965 [printed] April 1966
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Tinkerbell Kindergarten subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
246-035
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1990-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten classroom Christmas party. Students and teachers and parents are sitting at tables with cups and plates in front of them, enjoying a Christmas snack.
Subjects
Holidays - Christmas
Events - Parties
Names
Tinkerbell Cooperative Kindergarten
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note on recto of photograph reads: "Xmas"
Stamp on recto of photograph reads: "APR 66"
Geographic Access
Ellesmere Avenue
Hastings Street
Street Address
300 Ellesmere Avenue North
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Capitol Hill Area
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Girl Guides

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4592
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1914]-1969, predominant ca. 1920 (date of original), copied 2016
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
1 scrapbook (textual records + 2 digital files : (pdfs) + 102 photographs : (tiffs))
Scope and Content
File consists of images and selected contents from a scrapbook with 38 double sided pages containing mostly photographs with some newspaper clippings, written material and emphemera including a page of badges and ribbons which reads "Enrolment & Membership Card of / Joan Bailey 1926 / 1st Burnaby" …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Series
Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series
Description Level
File
Physical Description
1 scrapbook (textual records + 2 digital files : (pdfs) + 102 photographs : (tiffs))
Scope and Content
File consists of images and selected contents from a scrapbook with 38 double sided pages containing mostly photographs with some newspaper clippings, written material and emphemera including a page of badges and ribbons which reads "Enrolment & Membership Card of / Joan Bailey 1926 / 1st Burnaby" and an embroidered alphabet of the Morse Code. The third page of the scrapbook includes a four page chronology titled "History of Guiding - Burnaby / 1913 - 1960" compiled by Mrs. Dolly Weber, Mrs. J. Heaps, Miss Eileen Periton, Mrs. J. Albertson and D. Fowler. The scrapbook also includes an original letter and post-script from Lady Olave Baden-Powell to Mrs. Fowler dated November 5, 1961; a typewritten copy of: "TSOONA" / PROVINCIAL GUIDE CAMPSITE - ROSEDALE B.C." and a three page typewritten copy of "THE CAMPFIRE / Volume 1, No. 4 _ November 1935 _ Vancouver, B.C.". Many of the events documented in photographs [between 1914 and 1969] are identified on each page and read as the following: "Burnaby Brownies - Guides & Rangers" / "Early 1920" (1 photograph); "Ambulance / Display / 1st. Co."; "Girl Guide Rally - New Westminster and / Burnaby - June 16, 1923" (5 photographs); "Girl Guide Rally - New Westminster and / Burnaby - June 16, 1923" (5 photographs); "Burnaby Guides and / Brownies / June 17, 1923" (5 photographs); "April 1923" (1 photograph); "June 1923 / 2nd Burnaby Company" (1 photograph); "Burnaby May Day / 26.5.28"(2 photographs); "Sechelt 1929_ 2nd "B" Company" (2 photographs); "Leaders and Seconds / 2nd Burnaby / Grouse Mountain" (1 photograph); "Sechelt 1929 / Commandant Mrs. Peal" (1 photograph); "2nd Company / June 1930" (1 photograph); "1932 / 2nd Company at Rally / Municipal Hall Grounds" (1 photograph) ; "First Burnaby Folk Dancing team / Winners of the E.F.D. cup 1940--41-42" (1 photograph); "1st Burnaby Company / winners of Bessborough Shield / 1942 / Captain L. Crane" (1 photograph); "May 6th 1935 / Dedication of flag at Central Park" (1 photograph); "May Day Celebration / Burnaby B.C. May 6th 1935 / Stride Studios Photos" (1 photograph); "Mrs. Don Wilks / Mrs. Georgie / Runcie / Publicity Photo re- / Brownie / Training / 1958-60" (1 photograph); "Kathleen Anderson / about 1958-60?" (1 photograph); "1957 / Burnaby Camp Site / at / Wilson Creek" (1 photograph); "Work Party (1958)" (1 photograph); "Burnaby Camp Site / Spring 1958 / Cabins & Staff Houses / Dining Shelter / Cabins" (3 photographs); "Can. Girl Guide Assoc. - Provincial Leaders Conference / April 14-15/61 Civic Centre, Prince George, BC" (1 photograph) ; "June 8th, 1958 / Opening / Ceremonies / Burnaby Site / Wilson Creek / Camp Site" (4 photographs); 2 unidentified photographs [ca.1915] of a large group of Girl Guides gathered on the Pacific National Exhibition grounds (photo credit- Leonard Frank); 1 unidentified photograph of a group of Girl Guides gathered for a group portrait [ca.1914]; "Girl Guide Camp / Granthams / Landing / July 1923" (4 photographs); 4 unidentified photographs of girl guides gathered on the ship "Lady Evelyn" [ca. 1920]; "Burnaby Girl Guides" 1918; "First Burnaby Girl Guides 1920" (2 photographs on page); "2nd Co. 1923" (1 photograph) "1st Burnaby Co." [1923] (1 photograph); "Gypsy Scene - Concert / Mar 17, 1923 / Unveiling / War / Memorial / Edmonds / 1923" (3 photographs on page); "Faith Jacobson / 1961" (2 photographs); "Eve MacLean / 1961" (1 photograph); "Beverley Simkin of Montreal and Judy Robins / of the S.R.S. Royal Oak taken on the day they / sailed from Montreal for the Ranger Camp at / "Our Chalet" in Adelboden, Switzerland, May 1962" (1 photograph) and "Religion & Life Emblem / Diane Peters 11th Bby. Co. / Rev. G.W. Luetkehodeter / 1961" (2 photographs on one page).
Subjects
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Events - May Day
Names
Girl Guides of Canada
Accession Code
BV015.35.164
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1914]-1969, predominant ca. 1920 (date of original), copied 2016
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Maywood Area
Notes
Transcribed title
Digital images were created of the scrapbook prior to selective retention of original records that were removed for conservation purposes
Some textual records that were selected for retention have been described at file level under BV015.35.164: "Tsoona" Provincial Guide Campsite - Rosedale B.C." and Burnaby Girl Guides newsletter, "The Campfire" (November 1935)
Photographs that were retained from scrapbook have been described at item level (BV015.35.221 to BV015.35.284)
Some textual records and ephemera that were selected for retention have been described at item level (BV015.35.320, BV015.35.321, and BV015.35.334 to BV015.35.348).
Images
Documents
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Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 10

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory450
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1930-1990
Length
00:05:53
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Burnaby and New Westminster May Days and how geography and poor transportation affects municipal east-west and north-south connections
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Burnaby and New Westminster May Days and how geography and poor transportation affects municipal east-west and north-south connections
Date Range
1930-1990
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012
Length
00:05:53
Subjects
Events - May Day
Transportation
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with former Mayor William “Bill” Lewarne, conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Lewarne was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Bill Lewarne’s business and political careers, and memories of growing up in South Burnaby in the 1930s. Bill Lewarne talks about his parent’s origins, his family and community struggles during the Depression, the interurban, his education, war service, and joining his father's business. He describes the start, operation and expansion of the family ice cream business, and how business life compared to political life. The interview explores the role of politics in community affairs, his political activities, the history of the BVA, and his involvement in various community organizations. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track, expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
William Alfred “Bill” Lewarne was born in Burnaby in 1926 to Ethel Cecilia Leer (1899- ) and Alfred Lewarne (1893-1962). The family, Ethel, Alfred and their three children Patricia, Beverley and William, moved to a house on Nelson Avenue in Alta Vista in 1931. Ethel still lived in the family home in 1990. Bill Lewarne attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). His father Alfred worked at Colony Farms as a dairy inspector and then for the Port of Vancouver Dairy before being laid off early in the Depression. The family struggled until in 1936 Alfred started his own ice cream business. After graduation Bill was in the army for two years, taking a refrigeration course under the veteran’s training benefit, before joining his father’s business. Three generations of the family operated the successful company, expanding from wholesale, retail and distribution of ice cream products into refrigerated warehouses and the wholesale ice business, until the business was sold to its competitor Dairyland in 1989. Bill Lewarne entered politics in 1965, first with the Nonpartisan Association (NPA) and then as a founder of the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). He served as an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. In 1979 he ran for provincial office for the Social Credit Party against Rosemary Brown but lost. Bill Lewarne married June Lawrence and they had three children Robert, Leslie and Janice. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, and continued to be active on the Board of the BCA. Bill Lewarne died in 1995.
Total Tracks
14
Total Length
1:34:40
Interviewee Name
Lewarne, William A. "Bill"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track ten of interview with Bill Lewarne

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Burnaby Historical Society float

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34656
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.3 x 17.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby Historical Society float in the Pacific National Exhibition's parade on Hastings Street. The float is decorated as Interurban Tram no. 1223. Written on the tram roof is, XXX"Burnaby Historical Society," on the side is "The Last Tram," and on the back is "Burnaby / 1223."…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.3 x 17.7 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
081-004
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby Historical Society float in the Pacific National Exhibition's parade on Hastings Street. The float is decorated as Interurban Tram no. 1223. Written on the tram roof is, XXX"Burnaby Historical Society," on the side is "The Last Tram," and on the back is "Burnaby / 1223." Behind the float are two men seated in an old car with a sign reading, "The Hydro Originals" on the side. The stores that can be seen are: Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank of Canada, Ward Music, Hans Grumme Hairstylists, Susie Wong Fashions, and Canadian Pacific Telegrams. A bus stop sign for Main, Hastings, unidentified, Oak, and Victoria buses can also be seen.
Subjects
Transportation - Parade Floats
Organizations
Events - Parades
Buildings - Commercial
Names
Burnaby Historical Society
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4477
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:11 min)
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to responsibilities, chores, and money. Cice recalls her chores, and how she spent her allowance. She describes her jobs in Mr. Pitman’s drygoods stores, on Kingsway and on Jubilee Ave., and in Anne Reid’s candy shop. Asked about church, Cice discuss…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:11 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Cice Brown Date of interview: May 13, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 7 Total length of all Tracks: 0:40:19
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to responsibilities, chores, and money. Cice recalls her chores, and how she spent her allowance. She describes her jobs in Mr. Pitman’s drygoods stores, on Kingsway and on Jubilee Ave., and in Anne Reid’s candy shop. Asked about church, Cice discusses her involvement with the Henderson-Jubilee United church, and C.G.I.T..
History
Recording of an interview with Cice Brown, interviewed by Tom Gooden on May 13 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1930s and 40s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - General Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Names
Brown, Cice Chandler
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Jubilee Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.45.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Audio Tracks

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 2, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 2, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0003_002.mp3
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Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4468
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:04:14 min)
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to childhood responsibilities, chores, and early jobs, and the growth of Burnaby as experienced by a child. Janet describes her chores, and her first jobs at the PNE, Sears, and Super Value. She discusses how she used her allowance and employment inco…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:04:14 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to childhood responsibilities, chores, and early jobs, and the growth of Burnaby as experienced by a child. Janet describes her chores, and her first jobs at the PNE, Sears, and Super Value. She discusses how she used her allowance and employment incomes.
History
Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Names
Gooden, Tom
White, Janet
Accession Code
BV017.45.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 2, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 2, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_002.mp3
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Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20395
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (41 min., 57 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (41 min., 57 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronak…
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
1 sound recordings (wav) (41 min., 57 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (41 min., 57 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Alex Chronakis and Georgia Chronakis Location of Interview: Fraser Wilson Room, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 41:57 Digital master recordings (wav) were converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronakis, including their Greek background, migration to Canada, marriage, children, Louis’ career as a mechanic and gas station owner and owning restaurants in White Rock and Burnaby. 00:08:40 - 00:13:59 Georgia and her son Alex recall the great memories of owning and operating their restaurant Mionas Taverna and share details of their family life in Burnaby and White Rock. 00:14:00 - 00:19:15 Alex and Georgia talk about Louis Chronakis' work experience and how he became involved in the restaurant business. They share their experiences of operating Minoas Taverna including their opening in 1986. 00:19:16 - 00:36:59 Alex and Georgia describe some of the foods that were on the menu of Minoas Taverna, the design of the restaurant, the Minoan history that it’s based on, memories of running the restaurant and why they decided to close. 00:37:00 – 00:41:52 Alex talks about his involvement with Greek festivals in Vancouver and Alex and Georgia reflect on their life in the future now that the restaurant has closed.
History
Interviewees biographies: Georgia Giannias Chronakis was born in Selassia, Sparta, Greece in 1941 and when she was sixteen years of age she moved to Athens. In 1964 Georgia immigrated to Canada and lived in Montreal before moving to Vancouver a few years later. In 1966, while living in Vancouver, she met and married Ilias "Louis" Chronakis who was born in Crete, Greece. Soon after marrying, Georgia and Louis Chronakis bought a house located at 3823 Kingsway and welcomed their first child, Anna. Four years later, Georgia and Louis moved to White Rock but continued to own their house on Kingsway and rented it out. While living in White Rock, they had three more children named Virginia, Alex and Ellie. Louis was a trained mechanic working independently and for various companies including CP Air, BC Ferries and Esso before deciding to get into the restaurant business. He partnered with another businessman to open a Mr. Mike's franchise and later a cafe and Greek restaurant in White Rock. In 1986, Georgia, Louis and family moved back to Burnaby and moved into a house on Sandall Street and began converting their former home on Kingsway into a restaurant which they named Minoas Greek Taverna (Minoas Taverna). They opened the restaurant on May 1, 1986, just one day before Expo '86 was opened. In 2023, after 37 years of running their restaurant they sold their business but continued to own the land and building on Kingsway. Alex Chronakis is the son of Georgia and Louis Chronakis and was born in 1972. Alex has spent time working with his family running their restaurant and has been involved in the Greek Day Festival in Vancouver. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Foods
Occupations
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Mechanics
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Buildings - Commercial - Service Stations
Migration
Persons - Greek Canadians
Names
Chronakis, Alex
Chronakis, Georgia Giannias
Minoas Taverna
Chronakis, Ilias "Louis"
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Smith Avenue
Street Address
3823 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV023.16.21
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis, [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis, [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0021_002.mp3
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Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4473
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:25 min)
Scope and Content
Track 7: This portion of the recording pertains to changes in Burnaby since Janet’s childhood, and her continuing connection to the community and its values. She also describes her family’s shopping routines from the 1940s and 1950s, which centred on the Super Value at Canada Way and Smith St., and…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:25 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34
Scope and Content
Track 7: This portion of the recording pertains to changes in Burnaby since Janet’s childhood, and her continuing connection to the community and its values. She also describes her family’s shopping routines from the 1940s and 1950s, which centred on the Super Value at Canada Way and Smith St., and the Hudson’s Bay store downtown. When Woodward’s and Sears opened, the family also shopped there occasionally.
History
Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Gooden, Tom
White, Janet
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Smith Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.45.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7, [1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7, [1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_007.mp3
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Interview with Tony and Hazel Padula by Eric Damer November 27, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory373
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1940-1965
Length
0:10:25
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula's memories of night life the nineteen-forties and fifties. Tony and Hazel discuss Italian restaurants and dance halls in Vancouver and Tony mentions playing in a dance orchestra in the nineteen-forties. Tony and Hazel m…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula's memories of night life the nineteen-forties and fifties. Tony and Hazel discuss Italian restaurants and dance halls in Vancouver and Tony mentions playing in a dance orchestra in the nineteen-forties. Tony and Hazel mention department stores in that era as well.
Date Range
1940-1965
Photo Info
Hazel (Bongea) Padula standing on the steps of her home at High Lawn, [195-]. Item no. 549-052.
Length
0:10:25
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Buildings - Commercial - Department Stores
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 27, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 27, 2012. Major themes discussed are: neighbourhoods and family heritage.
Biographical Notes
Tony Padula’s family came to Vancouver from Italy in 1926, the year Tony was born. After graduating from school, Tony entered the shoe industry as a salesman. Hazel Bongea (later Padula) was born in 1931 in Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver with her family when she was ten years old. After graduating from school, Hazel found work with Standard Oil in Vancouver. Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula married in 1951. By 1953 they had bought property in the Brentwood neighbourhood of Burnaby where they built a home and began a family. The Padulas moved away in 1959 but returned five years later to a new home in central Burnaby, where they lived for twenty-two years before moving again, this time to North Vancouver. After six years in North Vancouver, Tony and Hazel retired to New Westminster.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
1:09:21
Interviewee Name
Padula, Hazel Bongea
Padula, Tony
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Tony and Hazel Padula

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Members of Lee family in front of C&L Grocery Confectionery

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16719
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
April 1968
Collection/Fonds
Quon Lip Lee fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Quon Lip Lee (right) and his eldest son, Gary Lee (centre) standing together with his niece and her children in front of the Lee family corner store, C&L Grocery & Confectionery. The store is located at 6912 Kingsway (corner of Kingsway and Griffiths) and was owned by Quon Lip Lee.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Quon Lip Lee fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Quon Lip Lee (right) and his eldest son, Gary Lee (centre) standing together with his niece and her children in front of the Lee family corner store, C&L Grocery & Confectionery. The store is located at 6912 Kingsway (corner of Kingsway and Griffiths) and was owned by Quon Lip Lee.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial
Names
Lee, Quon Lip
Lee, Gary
C&L Grocery Confectionery
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
6912 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV021.18.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
April 1968
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
April 8, 2021
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Date stamp on bottom recto of photograph reads: "APR_68"
Images
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Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory538
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1950-1990
Length
00:06:16
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s description of Burnaby’s growth and business development along Kingsway and Hastings, the Lake City Industrial Park, and the purchase of property in 1958 for the Heritage Park and Art Gallery.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s description of Burnaby’s growth and business development along Kingsway and Hastings, the Lake City Industrial Park, and the purchase of property in 1958 for the Heritage Park and Art Gallery.
Date Range
1950-1990
Photo Info
Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
Length
00:06:16
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Civic
Buildings - Industrial
Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Lake City Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
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100 records – page 1 of 5.