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- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards 5
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Creator
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Interior of Jimmy Chow's storage container
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19172
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior an overflow storage shipping container located near property master Jimmy Chow's warehouse and studio space located on Grant Street in Burnaby. Shelving inside container holds props and supplies that Jimmy used while working in the film industry.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior an overflow storage shipping container located near property master Jimmy Chow's warehouse and studio space located on Grant Street in Burnaby. Shelving inside container holds props and supplies that Jimmy used while working in the film industry.
- Subjects
- Industries - Film
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.18
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 2022
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Fong, Denise
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow also used the name "James H. Chow" as a propety master in the film industry and was often credited by this name
Images
Jimmy Chow inside storage container
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19171
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2022
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of property master Jimmy Chow sorting through a bin inside an overflow storage shiipping container near his warehouse and studio space located on Grant Street in Burnaby. Shelving inside container holds props and supplies that Jimmy used while working in the film industry.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow and Donna Polos fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of property master Jimmy Chow sorting through a bin inside an overflow storage shiipping container near his warehouse and studio space located on Grant Street in Burnaby. Shelving inside container holds props and supplies that Jimmy used while working in the film industry.
- Names
- Chow, Hipman "Jimmy"
- Accession Code
- BV022.21.17
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 2022
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Fong, Denise
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Hipman "Jimmy" Chow also used the name "James H. Chow" as a propety master in the film industry and was often credited by this name
Images
George & Rose Nuttall Residence
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark585
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Residential building.
- Associated Dates
- 1921
- Other Names
- HILLCREST
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- HILLCREST
- Geographic Access
- McGill Street
- Associated Dates
- 1921
- Description
- Residential building.
- Heritage Value
- This house was built for local plumber contractor George Nuttall (1883-1970) and his wife Rose Ann Nuttall (née Clagg, 1881-1955). George continued to live in the house after Rose’s death, until his own death in 1970. Although typical of the Craftsman style and form with its side-gabled roof, triangular eave brackets and front gabled dormer, this house has a number of special details, such as its beautiful art glass transom windows. The front verandah supports are massive stucco columns that contain stained glass lanterns with the house name, Hillcrest, and address.
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
- Area
- 566.71
- Contributing Resource
- Building
- Ownership
- Private
- Street Address
- 3756 McGill Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Barnet Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark747
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1905-1924
- Heritage Value
- The original Barnet mill burned down in 1909 after a dramatic explosion in the boiler house. The company rebuilt a new plant, considered a model of mill construction. The company's timber was towed down the Pacific in huge rafts containing about 400,000 to 500,000 board feet. Mill capacity during a 10-hour day was 150,000 board feet with an amazing annual output of 50 million feet.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Vancouver Heights Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark741
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1905-1924
- Heritage Value
- On December 13, 1912, The British Columbian Weekly described the Vancouver Heights neighbourhood as follows: "The northern portion of the municipality in the vicinity of Boundary Road has during the past three years made tremendous strides towards settlement. At that time Mr. James Herd and Mr. Peters were the only residents of the district...Soon, however, the timber was removed, streets laid out and other conveniences such as water, light and transportation provided... The school population of the district has increased so rapidly that the school has been enlarged twice this year and is at the present time inadequate. About 200 children are attending now. There are three churches in the district and one mission...At present time there are two large blocks containing six stores..."
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
Images
Willingdon Heights Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark670
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1925-1954
- Heritage Value
- Willingdon Heights was another new subdivision developed in Burnaby during the post-World War Two building boom. A brochure about the development published in 1948 proclaimed "the Willingdon Heights 500 home development project in Burnaby fulfills its promise to provide a self-contained community for former members of the armed services and their families...the largest single veteran housing project in Canada as far as homes for individual ownership is concerned, Willingdon Heights development was planned by the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation...At this date the earlier built rows of homes have passable roads and the owners are improving lawns and gardens in spare time...eventually additional stores and professional services will be installed and recreational projects will add to the amenities of a community of congenial residents..."
- Planning Study Area
- Willingdon Heights Area
Images
Inkwells to Internet: A History of Burnaby Schools
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7551
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- ISBN
- 978-0-9781979-2-6
- Call Number
- 371 CAR
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Publication Date
- 2020
- Physical Description
- vii, 35 p. : ill. ; 29 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History
- Schools--British Columbia--Burnaby
- Subjects
- Education
- Notes
- "Includes index"
- A history of the Burnaby school district and individual school buildings in Burnaby, BC, between 1893 and 2013.
- The “First Nations cemetery” described on page 109 in Mary Johnson’s recollections was originally written as “Indian” and may refer to the Khalsa Diwan Society’s Sikh cremations at the Vancouver Cemetery.
Images
Digital Books
![Agricultural Exhibit, [1920] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/001/039-001.jpg?width=280)
Agricultural Exhibit
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34527
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1920]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Burnaby's Agricultural Exhibit at New Westminster. Vegetables, fruit, preserves, flowers, and plants are on display inside a building. There is electric lighting. A sign above the display reads, "Burnaby." A sign above a container on the lower left reads, "Ginseng / Grown in Lozel…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1920]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 039-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Burnaby's Agricultural Exhibit at New Westminster. Vegetables, fruit, preserves, flowers, and plants are on display inside a building. There is electric lighting. A sign above the display reads, "Burnaby." A sign above a container on the lower left reads, "Ginseng / Grown in Lozells District by Mr. Romer."
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Crops
- Exhibitions - Agricultural
- Agriculture - Fruit and Berries
- Plants - Flowers
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
![Agricultural Exhibit, [1920] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/001/039-001.jpg)
Burnaby's COVID-19 drive thru testing site
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15382
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 5 Apr. 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the COVID-19 drive thru testing site in Central Park parking lot in Burnaby. White shipping container buildings have been set up in the parking lot.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the COVID-19 drive thru testing site in Central Park parking lot in Burnaby. White shipping container buildings have been set up in the parking lot.
- Subjects
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Public Services - Health Services
- Pandemics - COVID-19
- Geographic Access
- Central Park
- Imperial Street
- Accession Code
- BV021.2.47
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 5 Apr. 2020
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Burnaby's COVID-19 drive thru testing site
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15383
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 5 Apr. 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the COVID-19 drive thru testing site in Central Park parking lot in Burnaby. White shipping container buildings have been set up in the parking lot.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the COVID-19 drive thru testing site in Central Park parking lot in Burnaby. White shipping container buildings have been set up in the parking lot.
- Subjects
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Public Services - Health Services
- Pandemics - COVID-19
- Geographic Access
- Central Park
- Imperial Street
- Accession Code
- BV021.2.48
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 5 Apr. 2020
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Bylaw Number: 14398 - Solid Waste and Recycling Bylaw 2010, Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2021
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/bylaw25658
- Repository
- Legislative Services
- Bylaw Number
- 14398
- Final Adoption
- 2021 Dec 06
- Format
- Bylaws - Adopted
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- Legislative Services
- Bylaw Number
- 14398
- Final Adoption
- 2021 Dec 06
- Format
- Bylaws - Adopted
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
History of Burnaby and vicinity
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6890
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Green, George, 1872-1955
- Publication Date
- 1947
- Call Number
- 971.133 GRE Copy 2 Ver. 1
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV017.17.1
- Call Number
- 971.133 GRE Copy 2 Ver. 1
- Author
- Green, George, 1872-1955
- Place of Publication
- [S.l.]
- Publisher
- [s.n.]
- Publication Date
- 1947
- Printer
- Shoemaker , McLean & Veitch
- Physical Description
- 233 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.
- Inscription
- "Presented To my valued fried Rev. D. W. Scott. a former neighbor at Capitol Hill with best wishes of the author George Green Victoria March 1 1947" [handwritten in black ink on page opposing front pastedown] "BMMM-WU SIGNED 1st ED 50.00" [handwritten in pencil on page opposing front pastedown]
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Burnaby (B.C.)--History
- Burnaby (B.C.)
- Biography
- Name Access
- Green, George
- Notes
- Autographed by author
- "By George Green, pioneer resident of Burnaby, and an ex-Councillor. Charter Member of the British Columbia Historical Association, Vancouver Branch, and an Executive Member."
- Copy 2 of 2
Images
Digital Books
Correspondence - Central Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription460
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1911-1926
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 3 folders textual records and architectural drawings
- Scope and Content
- File contains correspondence, permits, financial statements, and reports regarding improvements to Central Park. File also contains correspondence regarding advertising signs in the park, the Central Park Women's Institute and includes a 1925 plan for Central Park Camp Septic Tank. As well, the f…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1911-1926
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Physical Description
- 3 folders textual records and architectural drawings
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 2165
- Accession Number
- 2001-02
- Scope and Content
- File contains correspondence, permits, financial statements, and reports regarding improvements to Central Park. File also contains correspondence regarding advertising signs in the park, the Central Park Women's Institute and includes a 1925 plan for Central Park Camp Septic Tank. As well, the file contains correspondence pertaining to the lease agreement granting Burnaby jurisdiction over Central Park.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Architectural Drawing
- Notes
- A plan of proposed pavilion and Bath House for Central Park : M9-A-5-8
Florence Hart Godwin photograph album
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3049
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1893-1923 (date of original), copied 1976
- Collection/Fonds
- Florence Hart Godwin fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 album (29 photographs: b&w negatives ; 35 mm)
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a photographic reproduction of a twenty nine page photograph album that was created by Florence Hart Godwin. The first page of the album reads "Florence, with Grandma's and Auntie Felicia's best love, Xmas 1910" and the other pages contain photographs. The album was given to Flore…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Florence Hart Godwin fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 album (29 photographs: b&w negatives ; 35 mm)
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a photographic reproduction of a twenty nine page photograph album that was created by Florence Hart Godwin. The first page of the album reads "Florence, with Grandma's and Auntie Felicia's best love, Xmas 1910" and the other pages contain photographs. The album was given to Florence Hart for Christmas in 1910, by her grandmother Jane Chapman (nee Isbell) and her Aunt Felicia Chapman. Album contains photographs of the Alice and Frederick J. Hart and Chapman families, including childhood photographs of the five Hart children, Kingsley, Florence, Fredricka, Edwyna and Jack; the Hart family at their home in New Westminster and at "Avalon" their summer residence and home on Deer Lake.
- Names
- Godwin, Florence Hart
- Accession Code
- HV976.168.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- 1893-1923 (date of original), copied 1976
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-07-24
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph album
- 29 b&w copy prints accompanying
- Item level descriptions available per album page
Images
Documents
Price Lists to Contain Only Land Contiguous to Facilities
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport70580
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 75576
- Meeting Date
- 29-Mar-1926
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 75576
- Meeting Date
- 29-Mar-1926
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Western Canada Power Company
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription395
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1909-1930
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 5 folders textual records and cartographic material
- Scope and Content
- File contains draft bylaws, draft contracts and correspondence related to the operation of the Western Canada Power Company. As well, file contains declarations, news clippings, correspondence, ballots, and tally sheets that resulted from the voting held regarding the Western Canada Power Co. Byla…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1909-1930
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Physical Description
- 5 folders textual records and cartographic material
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 2091
- Accession Number
- 2001-02
- Scope and Content
- File contains draft bylaws, draft contracts and correspondence related to the operation of the Western Canada Power Company. As well, file contains declarations, news clippings, correspondence, ballots, and tally sheets that resulted from the voting held regarding the Western Canada Power Co. Bylaw. Also included are agreements, correspondence and bylaw no. 114. The 1922 agreement includes a blueprint. As well, file contains a white linen plan of DL 15 and blueprint plans of standard power pole and transmission towers on Broadway and Cariboo Roads, 1916.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Cartographic Material
- Notes
- For related records see also file 6-1-5-2. A map of the Municipality of Burnaby by Archibald Moir and Co. : M9-B-2-11; blueprint of Burnaby Municipality : M9-B-2-15
Borwick's cookery book
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5248
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- G. Borwick & Sons
- Edition
- 29th ed.
- Publication Date
- 1920
- Call Number
- 641.8653 BOR
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV009.22.4
- Call Number
- 641.8653 BOR
- Edition
- 29th ed.
- Author
- G. Borwick & Sons
- Place of Publication
- London
- Publisher
- George Borwick & Sons
- Publication Date
- 1920
- Physical Description
- 62 p. : col. ill. ; 18 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Recipes
- Cooking, British
- Cookbooks--1920-1929
- Object History
- The recipe book was owned by Julia Olea Kolot (nee Melland) born June 6, 1906. She was born in North Dakota and moved to Saskatchewan when she was about 20, met and married Harold Kolot and had three children, before moving to Vancouver for her health in 1944. Her parents came from Norway long before she was born, and she was one of 13 children. They ran a café in Vancouver (possibly the Copenhagan) and worked the kitchen of a small restaurant at Clear Water Lake in Saskatchewan in the summers for a number of years. She was also the cook at the North Shore Winter Club for a number of years. Her grand-daughter recalls that later in life she didn't use many recipes; she mostly cooked from memory. Her books contain many notes and other recipes that she (or someone else) added.
Consent to the Transfer by the Crown to the School Board - 10 Acres Contained in Lot 25, Block 1, DL 205
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport69312
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 72830
- Meeting Date
- 16-Apr-1923
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 72830
- Meeting Date
- 16-Apr-1923
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Council minutes and agendas series
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription140
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-2018
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public healt…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-2018
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- File Class
- 2430 09 (add. 2020)
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public health, and administrative decisions. Series includes minutes of “in camera,” or closed, Council meetings in which confidential issues are discussed. Some of the early minute books contain minutes of Court of Revision proceedings as well.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Access to in camera minutes is restricted in accordance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act legislation. Contact the City Archives for details.
Digney Family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85415
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1936-19[61]
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Dign…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1936-19[61]
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Digney in 2012. The 16mm film is divided into the following segments: the Oak Theatre in 1936 (construction and opening); the Royal Visit (from the King and Queen) in 1939; Burnaby Sports and May Day events (ca. 1937); and the Labour parade (ca. 1935). The 18 film segments contain footage of the Digney family at their home in Brandon, Manitoba, and Burnaby; views of the Oak Theatre and Digney Speedway in operation; and their travels throughout British Columbia and abroad. The 18 film segments are described at the item level and titled: Andy's first film; Brandon, Manitoba; Burnaby and Digney recreational events; Trip to Kamloops; Burnaby; Burnaby, Vancouver and the north shore; Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary; Travels to Ontario, Quebec and England; Travels to England #2; Travels to England #3; Parades; Digney family in Burnaby; Paul Digney and family; Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens; Digney family at Bonsor Avenue and family outings; Building and opening the Digney Speedway; Digney family travel the praries; and San Francisco Trip.
- History
- Andy Digney was born in London, England, on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles. In 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore, Saskatchewan, and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty, Saskatchewan, where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry, Manitoba, where Andy worked selling lightning rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time, he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns, showing movies. Eventually, Digney purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba, where he purchased a restaurant, which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba, when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1935 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community, becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945, he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a home on Bonsor Avenue on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association [original name retained for historical accuracy], who were looking for a good location to race the smaller racing cars popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948, with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of this kind of racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951, Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over 40 cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s, the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Dig worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce, returned to Burnaby in 1953, moving into a 550-square-foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954, Simpson Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19, 1955, and Andy, Alice, Dig, and Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the bowling alley. In 1956, Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son Dig, which he paid for over time. Dig and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in 1964 while travelling with his wife in England. Alice died on June 3, 1982, and Dig died on November 27, 2009.
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Photographer
- Digney, Andy
- Creator
- Digney family
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- Photo/MI catalogue 562