Narrow Results By
Subject
- Agriculture 1
- Agriculture - Farms 1
- Buildings - Commercial - Offices 1
- Buildings - Residential - Cabins 1
- Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes 1
- Education 2
- Environmental Issues 1
- Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection 1
- Events 1
- Events - Competitions 1
- Geographic Features 1
- Geographic Features - Creeks 1
Person / Organization
- Bingham, Alfred "Alf" 1
- Bobic, Janice 1
- British Columbia Electric Railway Company 1
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority 1
- Burnaby Art Gallery 1
- Burnaby Village Museum 1
- Canada Summer Games 1
- City of Burnaby 1
- C.W. Parker no. 119 Carousel 1
- Friends of Simon 1
- Hill, Bernard R 1
- Hill, Louis Claude "Claude" 1
Big Bend Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark840
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The Big Bend Neighbourhood in Burnaby maintained its status as an important agricultural area in the City in the years following 1955 and it also solidified its role as a prime industrial and commercial district. In 1972, the Big Bend Development Plan was adopted by Council and soon thereafter, approximately 620 acres of land were incorporated into the Agricultural Land Reserve. These lands have been set aside for agricultural and limited recreation purposes. By the 2000s, 160 acres of land were considered highly productive agricultural areas, and over 400 acres of land had been secured as parkland, including the Fraser Foreshore Park. The area also developed large commercial and industrial districts including those at Marine Way/Boundary, the Glenlyon Estates, Riverfront Business Park, Burnaby Business Park, and Glenwood Industrial Estates.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Big Bend Area
Images
Lake City Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark793
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- When Simon Fraser University opened in 1965, approximately sixteen industrial properties had been developed in the Lake City Industrial Park. In addition, significant tracts of land in the western portion had been pre-cleared and graded in anticipation of additional development, while most of the eastern half remained forested. Some of the early companies to locate in the area were Nabob Foods, Volkswagen Canada, British Columbia Television Broadcasting, Simpson Sears, and H.Y. Louie Company Limited. Both Imperial Oil and Shell Oil established petroleum storage and distribution facilities in the area. Initially a heavy industrial area, by 1979, single family neighbourhoods south of Lougheed Highway and west of Eagle Creek had been largely developed. By the mid1980's, the Burnaby 200 multi-family development along Forest Grove Drive had also been completed.
- Planning Study Area
- Lake City Area
Images
Oakalla Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark804
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The phasing out and demolition of the Oakalla Prison farm allowed for the planned development of the Oakalla Neighbourhood in the 1980s. By 1991, the City of Burnaby had adopted the Oakalla Development Plan which called for the transfer of land to the Deer Lake Park reserve as well as the creation of a new residential area consisting of multi-family housing types.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Oakalla Area
Images
Stride Hill Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark846
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The residential areas that are located within the Stride Hill Neighbourhood were primarily developed in the 1950s during Burnaby's post-war building boom. The area lying to the south of Byrne Creek Ravine Park was used as a municipal garbage dump until the 1960s and as a landfill site for yard waste disposal until the early 1990s at which point the area was incorporated into the Edmonds Town Centre Plan and the land was made into park and open space.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Stride Hill Area
Images
Suncrest Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark839
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The Suncrest Neighbourhood is a small residential area south of Burnaby's Central Park. The Ocean View Burial Park takes up a large area of land in the north-east corner of this neighbourhood and the majority of the housing was built during the 1930-1960 period.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Suncrest Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark792
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- Burnaby Mountain had been dedicated as park in 1942, however the original park boundaries were reconsidered in 1952 with the development of the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Although the boundaries were adjusted to accommodate this project, significant conservation and park lands were left untouched. When, in 1962, the government of British Columbia determined the need for additional post-secondary facilities, Burnaby Mountain was chosen as the site for the new Simon Fraser University which opened in 1965. As early as 1964, the idea of establishing a townsite around the university had been discussed by Burnaby, but it was not until the mid-1990s that the idea came to fruition and by the early 2000s, a new housing development know as the UniverCity took shape on the mountain adjacent to the university.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Development on Big Bend agricultural land, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1685-2.jpg?width=280)
Development on Big Bend agricultural land
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95885
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of Burnaby citizens concerned about industrial and big box retail development in the Big Bend area. One photograph shows Shawn Wade leaning against a fence next to a sign that reads "Western Garden Soil Mushroom Manure Bark Mulch." The other photograph shows Ed Leong holdi…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 535-1685
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of Burnaby citizens concerned about industrial and big box retail development in the Big Bend area. One photograph shows Shawn Wade leaning against a fence next to a sign that reads "Western Garden Soil Mushroom Manure Bark Mulch." The other photograph shows Ed Leong holding soil in the fields at Leong's Nursery.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in a November 2000 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata for 535-1685-1: "Shawn Wade is concerned the City of Burnaby's plans to allow big box retail development in the Big Bend area along Marine Way would threaten the unique agricultural flavor of the area, including nurseries, and the allotment gardens."
- Caption from metadata for 535-1685-2: "Ed Leong, who's run Leong's Nursery since the 1960s, says industrial development in the Big Bend area has already destroyed his ability to grow crops like Chinese vegetables, green onions, lettuce and carrots, as water gets trapped in the already boggy soil by surrounding landfill."
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Big Bend Area
Images
![Development on Big Bend agricultural land, [2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1685-2.jpg)
Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory251
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1865-1919
- Length
- 0:10:18
- Summary
- This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's essay entitled Stump Rangers, a listing of early settlers that includes addresses and short descriptions, essays on Confederation Park, land clearing and on Burnaby's first Council meeting.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's essay entitled Stump Rangers, a listing of early settlers that includes addresses and short descriptions, essays on Confederation Park, land clearing and on Burnaby's first Council meeting.
- Date Range
- 1865-1919
- Photo Info
- Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
- Length
- 0:10:18
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
- Biographical Notes
- Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
- Total Tracks
- 12
- Total Length
- 1:38:06
- Interviewee Name
- Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Transcript Available
- MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track one of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings
Track one of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-20-2/100-13-20-2_Track_1.mp3
Three men in front of a cabin
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39510
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1889
- Collection/Fonds
- Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 14 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of three men standing outside a fence next to a log cabin. The man standing to the right with the white shirt may be Claude Hill, but the others are unidentified. This cabin may have belonged to early Burnaby resident Charles Sprott. During the late 1880s and early 1890s, Charles Sprott…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1889
- Collection/Fonds
- Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10 x 14 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 477-829
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2007-12
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of three men standing outside a fence next to a log cabin. The man standing to the right with the white shirt may be Claude Hill, but the others are unidentified. This cabin may have belonged to early Burnaby resident Charles Sprott. During the late 1880s and early 1890s, Charles Sprott settled on a piece of land in Murrayville (Langley) near the border with the United States. When his cabin burned down in 1891, Sprott moved to Burnaby where another former Murrayville resident, Claude Hill had also relocated.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 – Burnaby
, [1861]-[1910] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Cartographic_Material/1977/1977_0093_0019a_001.jpg?width=280)
Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 – Burnaby
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription6988
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1861]-[1910]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Map collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 14 plans : 3 plans : black ink on paper hand col. + 7 plans : black ink on paper + 4 plans : graphite on paper mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a large board of four New Westminster District Gp 1 - subdivision plans mounted on one side and ten New Westminster District Gp 1 - subdivision plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. "Plan /of / Lots 166A, 166 and 167 /, Gr.1, N.W.D. / Showing Misconstructed Roads in Gree…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Map collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 14 plans : 3 plans : black ink on paper hand col. + 7 plans : black ink on paper + 4 plans : graphite on paper mounted on 2 sides of cardboard 76 x 102 cm
- Material Details
- Scales [between 1:2376 and 1:7920]
- Index number on edge of board reads: "19"
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a large board of four New Westminster District Gp 1 - subdivision plans mounted on one side and ten New Westminster District Gp 1 - subdivision plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. "Plan /of / Lots 166A, 166 and 167 /, Gr.1, N.W.D. / Showing Misconstructed Roads in Green / 5 chs = 1 in.". (plan is drawn in black ink and hand coloured in red, green and orange ink). A section in the centre of the plan is coloured in red ink and identified as "C.S. Richmond" running from the North Arm of Fraser River to Wiggins Road and divided by "New Wiggins Rd. (as gazetted)" (coloured in orange ink) and two"Constructed Road(s)" (coloured in green ink). Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) 2. Plan of / Subdivision of / Lot 166 / Group One / New Westminster District / Scale 4 chs = 1 in. / Map No 524". Plan is drawn in graphite and signed by "Surrig [sic] Welhams [sic] / P.L.S." Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) 3. Plan of "Survey / of Highway / For / Burnaby Council / in / Lots 13 _14 / Group One / Scale 4 chs = 1 in." Signed by "Albert J. Hill, P.L.S." Caribou Street and Caribou Road run through the centre of the plan. Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C.". Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) 4. A Plan of Lots 166A, 166 and 167, Group One, New Westminster District (drawn in graphite). A section in the centre of the plan is identified as "C.S. Richmond" running from the North Arm of Fraser River and divided by "New Wiggins Rd. (as gazetted)" and two "Constructed Road(s)". Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) Side B: 1. Small plan drawn in black ink (no title) identifying lots north of the "North Arm" of the Fraser River. Lots identified include: Lot 99, Lot 98, Lot 157, Lot 158, Lot 163, Lot 162, Lot 159, Lot 163, Lot 162, Lot 165, Lot 166A, Lot 155B, Lot 155A and Lot 159. "Scale 40 chains to one inch" . Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 2. Small plan drawn in black ink (no title) identifying lots north of the North Arm of the Fraser River as "Lots 155, 155A, 155B, 155C, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166A and 167". Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 3. Small plan drawn in black ink (no title) which identifies "Lot 151 / Reserve/ for / Race Course"; "Reserve / 64 A / L. 152 G.1"; and other Lots: 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39. The plan is signed "Surveyor G.Turn [sic] July / 61 / from Vol 40 R.L. notes [sic]" Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 4. Small plan drawn in black in with faded red colouring on centre lot identified as "Lot 34" running north from "Vancouver Road" . Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 5. Plan drawn in graphite and identified as "Lot 98, Gr.1," along with the intials "RB" [sic] (both are handwritten in blue crayon pencil on top of plan) The B.C.E.Railway is identified running through the plan along with Jubilee Road and Royal Oak Road. The plan is signed with the name "Wm. Murray" and the Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C.". (Geographic location: Burnaby) 6. Plan drawn in graphite identified as "Port Lot 13, Gr.1" along with the intials "RB" [sic] (both are handwritten in blue crayon pencil on top of plan) Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C.". (Geographic location: Burnaby) 7.Plan drawn in black ink and identified as "Lot 98 G.1" along with the intials "RB" [sic] (both are handwritten in blue crayon pencil on top of plan). A "Road Reservation" is identified running north between "Electric Tramway" and connecting with "Royal Oak Road". Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." (Geographic location: Burnaby) 8. Plan drawn in black ink and divided into two sections, the upper plan is identified as "Portion / Lots 100 / area / 101, Gr.1" and the lower plan is identified as "Portion L. 3 G. 1" along with the intials "RB" [sic] (these identifiers are handwritten in blue crayon pencil on top of the plan). Portions of Lot 100 and Lot 101 are each divided into 6 sections and the Portion of Lot 3 plan is divided into 24 sections. The plan includes a note in black ink that reads: " Received from Wm Fromme [sic] / from Wm. Trapp / Nov. 28, 1895 / A. J. T...[sic]". (Geographic location: Burnaby) 9. Plan drawn in black ink (no title) identifying soil, buildings and geographic features in southern Burnaby. The plan is bordered by "New Westminster City" (Tenth Avenue and DL 172) to the south east and DL 173 to the south, DL 158 to the west and the B.C.E. Tramway to the north. Plan includes District Lots: 155A, 158, 159, 171, 160, 53 and 95 and identifies soil, marshland and ravines throughout. Plan identifies the following features: a "Team Road" running through Lots 158 and 159 along with "Fair Orchard Soil / Even Surface Throughout / No Ravines", "Gravel and Shingle" (bottom of Lot 158), "North Arm Road" crossing "Byrne Road" and connecting with "Power House Road" which runs north to connect with "Highland Park Station" and the B.C.E. Tramway, "Power Ho" in the northeast corner of DL 160, a "Brook" connected with a "Deep Ravine" running between DL 53, DL 95 and DL 160 along with "Good Soil" and "Fair Orchard Soil" identified nearby in DL 95. Scale is identified as "10 chs = 1 in." Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 10. Plan drawn in black ink (no title) with Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake at the centre. The plan is bordered by the following District Lots identified as: 117, 118 and 68 to the west, Lots 80, 79 and 85 to the southwest, Lots 11, 13, and 1 (City of New Westminster) to the south east, the North Road boundary to the east and Lots 8, 56, 57, 59, and 136 to the North. The lower right hand corner of the plan has a small inset which reads: "Burnaby Lake" and "Page 19 R.B. Notes". Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby)
- Creator
- Hill, Albert James
- Accession Code
- HV977.93.19
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1861]-[1910]
- Media Type
- Cartographic Material
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scale
- 72
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Scale is measured in chains. (One chain equals 792 inches)
- The term "Lot" can also refer to a "District Lot”
- Some plans are stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." and intialed: "RB" [sic]
Images
![Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 – Burnaby
, [1861]-[1910] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Cartographic_Material/1977/1977_0093_0019a_001.jpg)
![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![Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 – Burnaby, Port Moody, [1862-1908] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Cartographic_Material/1977/1977_0093_0026a_001.jpg?width=280)
Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 – Burnaby, Port Moody
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription6995
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1862-1908]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Map collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 9 plans : 6 plans : black ink on paper ; 57 x 36.5 cm or smaller + 1 plan : black ink and grahite on paper ; 46.5 x 49 cm + 1 plan : blueprint on paper ; 15.5 x 19.5 cm + cm + 1 plan : graphite on paper ; 25 x 17 cm ; mounted on both sides of board 76 x 102 cm
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a large board of four New Westminster District subdivision plans mounted on one side and five New Westminster District subdivision plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. "Plan / of Subdivision / of a Portion / of / Lot 87 / Group One / New Westminster District / Scale 4 chs…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Map collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 9 plans : 6 plans : black ink on paper ; 57 x 36.5 cm or smaller + 1 plan : black ink and grahite on paper ; 46.5 x 49 cm + 1 plan : blueprint on paper ; 15.5 x 19.5 cm + cm + 1 plan : graphite on paper ; 25 x 17 cm ; mounted on both sides of board 76 x 102 cm
- Material Details
- Scales [between 1:792 and 1:3600]
- Index number on edge of board reads: "26"
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a large board of four New Westminster District subdivision plans mounted on one side and five New Westminster District subdivision plans mounted on the other side. Side A: 1. "Plan / of Subdivision / of a Portion / of / Lot 87 / Group One / New Westminster District / Scale 4 chs = 1 in". Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." and intialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon). Names two of the subdivisons of District Lot 87 are identified as, "L.E. Sprott" and "John Ledger". (Geographic location: Burnaby) 2. "Plan of Subdivision / of / Portions of / Lot 136, 131 and Lots 44 and 78 Gr.1 / New Westminster District / Scale 300 ft = 1 inch". Annotation above title reads: "No. 901 / Deposited in Land Registry Office / New Westminster / Aug. 19th 1905 / Charles S. Keith D. Reg." Annotations and signatures at bottom of plan read: "I, William Nelson Draper, / W.H.R. Collister / Charles E. Perkins / E.B. Morgan / make / Surveys / correct / representation / upon / the / Land Registry Act / (sgd) W.N. Draper, P.L.S.". Plan includes a handwritten title: "Lots 136, 131, 44 & 78" and is initialed: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 3. "Survey / of / a Portion / of / Lot 95, Gr.1 / Scale 1 ch = 1in." Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." and is initialed : "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 4. Blueprint plan of "Lot 396. Group One." with Scale : 3 chs = 1 in. A two acre portion of District Lot 396 is filled in with red ink." Plan is signed by "Albert J. Hill / B.C.L.S." (Geographic location: Port Moody) Side B: 1. Plan titled "District Lot 92 / Burnaby / Municipality / for sale by / Mahon / McFarland & / Mahon Ltd. / Vancouver, B.C. / Scale : 4 chains to one inch". District Lot 92 is subdivided into 161 lots and identifies roads: Norwich Road, Pole Line Road, Oakland Road, Stanley Road, Burford Road, Dalhousie Road, Brantford Road, Colborne Road, Roberts Road, Vancouver & Westminster Road, B.C. Electric Railway, Gilley Stn. and Burnaby (Power House). The bottom of the plan reads: "G.S. Dawson, P.LS. Vancouver, B.C." (Geographic location: Burnaby) 2. "Plan / of Subdivision / of a Portion / of / Lot 29 / Group 1 / New Westminster District / Scale 2 chs = 1 in". Plan is stamped: "Albert J. Hill, Civil Engineer / and / Provincial Land Surveyor, / New Westminster, / B.C." and is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby) 3. Small handrawn plan (no title) identifying "Lot 84 / Hydes, Claim" at the centre surrounded by lots and features identified as: "Lot 85", "Lot 93", "Lot 94", "Lot 32", "Lot 82", "Lot 83", "Lot 79", "swamp" and a "Small Lake" (Burnaby Lake). Identifying marks in the right corner of the plan read: "Page 13 / Surveyed by G. Turner / May 62". Plan also includes surveyor's bearing measurements and trails to "Small Lake" (Burnaby Lake). (Geographic location: Burnaby) 4. Untitled plan showing District Lots west of North Road and north of Burnaby Lake including: Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 15, 10, 56, 148, 57, 58, 40. and Lots 3, 5, 7 east of North Road (Coquitlam). Lots in Burnaby are identifed for timber including: "Heavily Timbered" (Lot 57), " "Some Fir and Cedar" (Lot 40), "Splendid Fir and Cedar" (Lot 143), "Heavy Fir etc" (Lots 143 and 148), " "Fine Cedar" (Lot 15), "Rough Light Timber" (Lot 56). Other features identified at the lower portion of the plan include "Burnaby Lake" and "Brunette River". (Geographic location: Burnaby) 5. Untitled plan drawn in graphite showing sections of District Lot 85 south of Burnaby Lake and north of Hazsard Road. Plan is signed: "Albert J. Hill / B.C.L.S." and dated "12/26/08". Plan is initialed by: "RB" [sic] (in blue pencil crayon) (Geographic location: Burnaby)
- Publisher
- Mahon, McFarland & Mahon Ltd
- Accession Code
- HV977.93.26
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1862-1908]
- Media Type
- Cartographic Material
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scale
- 72
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Scale is measured in chains and feet. (One chain equals 792 inches)
- The term "Lot" can also refer to a "District Lot”
Images
![Survey and Subdivision plans in New Westminster District Group 1 – Burnaby, Port Moody, [1862-1908] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Cartographic_Material/1977/1977_0093_0026a_001.jpg)
Tram memories : in celebration of the restoration of Interurban 1223
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5863
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
- Publication Date
- c2007
- Call Number
- 388.460971 TRA
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 388.460971 TRA
- Author
- McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
- Contributor
- Friends of Interurban 1223
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Publication Date
- c2007
- Printer
- City of Burnaby Printshop
- Physical Description
- 91 p. : ill., map ;,20 cm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Electric railroads
- Local transit
- Street-railroads
- Transportation
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
- Name Access
- British Columbia Electric Railway Company
- Notes
- Editor : Pixie McGeachie
Images
Digital Books
Bee hives in the Wuzinski family backyard
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9685
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2004
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- Bee hives in the Wuzinski family backyard at Cliff Avenue and Curtis Avenue.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- Bee hives in the Wuzinski family backyard at Cliff Avenue and Curtis Avenue.
- History
- John and Frances Wuzinski moved from Manitoba to Burnaby in 1944, where they purchased an acre of land on the corner of Hastings Street and Cliff Avenue. They had two daughters: Janice and Mary Louise. They grew berries, fruit and vegetables for home and for sale, and raised bees. People came from miles around to purchase strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes and honey. In 1962 the Wuzinski property was expropriated by the Municipality of Burnaby, and the family purchased another property nearby. They started a new garden, brought the bees, and transplanted several trees to the new property.
- Other Title Information
- title based on content
- Names
- Bobic, Janice
- Wuzinski, John
- Accession Code
- BV018.39.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 2004
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 01-04-2015
Images
Book reading given by Pixie McGeachie January 10, 1973 - Track 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory237
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1849-1872
- Length
- 0:09:04
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Doreen "Pixie" McGeachie's introduction of the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself, telling the story of Archdeacon Richard Small. She begins by reading the book's forward, as well as the beginnings of the first chapter.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Doreen "Pixie" McGeachie's introduction of the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself, telling the story of Archdeacon Richard Small. She begins by reading the book's forward, as well as the beginnings of the first chapter.
- Date Range
- 1849-1872
- Photo Info
- Pixie McGeachie (left) and Florence Godwin, 1992. Item no. 330-003
- Length
- 0:09:04
- Interview Date
- January 10, 1973
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie on January 10, 1973 to the Burnaby Historical Society from the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams (then archivist in the Vancouver School of Theology, University of British Columbia) and Pixie McGeachie.
- Biographical Notes
- 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.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:54:31
- Interviewee Name
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track one of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie
Track one of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-017-2/MSS137-017-2_Track_1.mp3
Book reading given by Pixie McGeachie January 10, 1973 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory238
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1803-1884
- Length
- 0:09:29
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes the earlier the impact of the gold rush on British Columbia and the formation of Lytton, BC.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes the earlier the impact of the gold rush on British Columbia and the formation of Lytton, BC.
- Date Range
- 1803-1884
- Photo Info
- Pixie McGeachie (left) and Florence Godwin, 1992. Item no. 330-003
- Length
- 0:09:29
- Interview Date
- January 10, 1973
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie on January 10, 1973 to the Burnaby Historical Society from the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams (then archivist in the Vancouver School of Theology, University of British Columbia) and Pixie McGeachie.
- Biographical Notes
- 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.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:54:31
- Interviewee Name
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track two of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie
Track two of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-017-2/MSS137-017-2_Track_2.mp3
Book reading given by Pixie McGeachie January 10, 1973 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory239
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1859-1867
- Length
- 0:09:26
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes early missionary experiences in Lytton, including descriptions from the diary of Bishop Hill.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Pixie McGeachie's continued reading of "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams and herself. This section of the reading describes early missionary experiences in Lytton, including descriptions from the diary of Bishop Hill.
- Date Range
- 1859-1867
- Photo Info
- Pixie McGeachie (left) and Florence Godwin, 1992. Item no. 330-003
- Length
- 0:09:26
- Interview Date
- January 10, 1973
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie on January 10, 1973 to the Burnaby Historical Society from the book "Archdeacon on Horseback" by Canon Cyril E.H. Williams (then archivist in the Vancouver School of Theology, University of British Columbia) and Pixie McGeachie.
- Biographical Notes
- 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.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:54:31
- Interviewee Name
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track three of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie
Track three of recording of a book reading given by Pixie McGeachie
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-017-2/MSS137-017-2_Track_3.mp3![Electronic Arts expansion, [2004] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1763-1.jpg?width=280)
Electronic Arts expansion
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96012
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2004]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of Howard Donaldson, chief financial officer of Electronic Arts Canada, examining a model of the proposed expansion to the EA Burnaby headquarters.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [2004]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs (tiff) : col.
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 535-1763
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2018-12
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs of Howard Donaldson, chief financial officer of Electronic Arts Canada, examining a model of the proposed expansion to the EA Burnaby headquarters.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Offices
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bartel, Mario
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Collected by editorial for use in a January 2004 issue of the Burnaby NewsLeader
- Caption from metadata: "Howard Donaldson, the chief financial officer of Electronic Arts Canada, examines a model of their proposed expansion, which will be built on land they've acquired around their Burnaby headquarters. The new facilities will allow them to bring all their facilities to one central location."
- Geographic Access
- Willingdon Avenue
- Sanderson Way
- Street Address
- 4330 Sanderson Way
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Cascade-Schou Area
Images
![Electronic Arts expansion, [2004] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/535/535-1763-1.jpg)
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …
- 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 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Education
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports
- Events - Competitions
- Housing
- Performances
- Names
- Neel, Kanwal Singh
- Simon Fraser University
- Friends of Simon
- Canada Summer Games
- Swangard Stadium
- Punjabi Cultural Association
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Central Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.11
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
Images
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg)
Interview with Minard Hill February 9, 1978 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory196
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1880-1914
- Length
- 0:10:09
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to Minard Gerald "Gerry" Hill's relatives in England, his father's early life as well as life on the strawberry farm in Burnaby.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to Minard Gerald "Gerry" Hill's relatives in England, his father's early life as well as life on the strawberry farm in Burnaby.
- Date Range
- 1880-1914
- Photo Info
- Minard Gerald Hill in uniform, 1914. Item no. 477-926
- Length
- 0:10:09
- Names
- Hill, Bernard R
- Geographic Access
- Douglas Road
- Canada Way
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Interviewer
- Stevens, Colin
- Interview Date
- February 9, 1978
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Minard Gerald "Gerry" Hill conducted by Colin Stevens, February 9, 1978. Major themes discussed are: the Burnaby Lake Neighbourhood, Gilley Brothers Logging Company and his father, Bernard Hill.
- Biographical Notes
- Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill was born in Burnaby on July 31, 1893 to Marian (Berkeley) and Bernard Richard Hill. He was the youngest child in the family with older siblings Frank, Claude and Winnie. Bernard R. Hill was born in Bengal, India while his father worked for the East Indian Railway. He and his older brother Claude became strawberry farmers in Burnaby despite their years of training as engineers. Between them, the Hill brothers owned all the land between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake where Deer Creek runs, and half way around Deer Lake. Bernard built his family home at Douglas Road near Deer Lake in 1892. After the decline in the strawberry industry, Bernard worked as a surveyor for the municipality. He also served as Burnaby Councillor and School Trustee. Gerry attended Miss Harriet Woodward’s kindergarten class, and went on to Edmonds School with Miss Ellen Lister as his teacher. He later went to Central high school in New Westminster, often on horseback. Gerry served in World War I, signing his recruitment papers November 9, 1914. When he returned home, he worked felling trees, then as an apprentice surveyor and finally as a carpenter. Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill married Charlotte Elizabeth “Elizabeth” Vidal on September 28, 1920 and single-handedly built a house for him and his wife about a thousand feet from his parents’ home. He also bought property at Yellow Point, Vancouver Island around this time. By the early 1930s Gerry had moved to Yellow Point permanently and begun work building the lodge. Elizabeth and Gerry’s child, Richard Grant McEwan Hill was born at Ladysmith hospital. Charlotte Elizabeth “Elizabeth” (Vidal) Hill died February 11, 1984 at the age of eighty-seven. Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill died January 30, 1988 at the age of ninety-three.
- Total Tracks
- 8
- Total Length
- 1:13:56
- Interviewee Name
- Hill, Minard Gerald "Gerry"
- Interview Location
- Yellow Point, Vancouver Island
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track three of interview with Minard Hill
Track three of interview with Minard Hill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-018-1/MSS137-018-1_Track_3.mp3