"Alberta" found 71 records | Heritage Burnaby

The gem dance folio for 1924 : selected from the season's most popular song successes

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3501

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: c1923

Call Number: 786 GEM

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV995.5.78

Call Number: 786 GEM

Place of Publication: New York

Publisher: Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.

Publication Date: c1923

Series: The Gem Dance Folio

Physical Description: 63 p. ; 31 cm.

Inscription: "John O'Connor" [Handwritten twice in black ink on title page] "The art music co., ltd. 10141 - 101st street Edmonton, Alberta" [Stamped in purple ink on front cover]

Library Subject (LOC): Piano music, Arranged; Popular music; Foxtrots; Waltzes; Musicals--Excerpts; Dance music; United States; Music

Notes: "Arranged in dance from as fox trots, one steps, waltzes" -- Cover; "Piano solo only" -- Cover

Gillis family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66689

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1914-1940 (date of originals), copied 2011

Collection/Fonds: Gillis family fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 4 photographs (jpeg)

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of scanned photographs of the members of the Gillis family.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1914-1940 (date of originals), copied 2011

Collection/Fonds: Gillis family fonds

Physical Description: 4 photographs (jpeg)

Material Details: Records exist only in electronic format

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2011-10

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of scanned photographs of the members of the Gillis family.

History: Duncan Gillis was born on March 25, 1892, in Vancouver, B.C., to James Gillis and Isabelle (Adams) Gillis. He had four older siblings: Isabel, Allan, James, and Marion. Duncan died on April 2, 1985, in Kamloops, B.C. James and Isabelle were from New Brunswick and lived in Minnesota for a time, which is where the three oldest children were born, and then came to British Columbia and pioneered in Yennadon (Maple Ridge) in 1890. Florence Ethel Denton was born on December 9, 1894, in Vancouver, B.C. to Edwin Denton and Elizabeth Anne (Zinn) Denton. She had three siblings: John, Edwin, and Beatrice. Florence died on February 28, 1962, in Kamloops, B.C. Edwin Denton was born in England and met Elizabeth in Ohio were she was born. They were married in 1890 in Vancouver. Florence’s older brother, John Montague Denton, was born on August 7, 1892. He enlisted on October 6, 1915, as part of the Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment) 72nd Batalion and was killed in France on November 1, 1916, at the age of 24. He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Duncan married Florence on June 27, 1914, in Eburne, B.C. Florence was the first schoolteacher at the newly built school in Yennadon (Maple Ridge), which was built by Duncan’s father James in 1913. This is how they met. Duncan was working as a carpenter and saw filer before enlisting on January 8, 1916, at the age of 23. He served overseas and was captured as a prisoner of war (POW) for a time. When Duncan returned to Canada, he and Florence had three sons: Boyd Leslie “Bud” born on January 7, 1920; Norman Montague born on August 20, 1921; and Donald Allan Gillis born on February 23, 1923. They raised their family in Burnaby, B.C., and lived there until 1960, then moving to Kamloops, B.C. Bud served overseas as a Flying Officer (Wireless Gunner) during World War II for the 428 (RCAF) Squadron. He was on his fifteenth operation and took part in the raid on Aachem on the night of July 13 (14), 1943, when the plane was shot down over Holland. It was later determined that he had been captured as a POW at Stalag 6 and wasn’t released until May 14, 1945, returning home in August of 1945. He married Mary Irene Thoen and had five children: James, Steven, Donna, Gregory, and Pamela. Boyd was also a carpenter and saw filer and had a saw shop in Kamloops where he raised his family. He also enjoyed woodworking in his spare time and built three airplanes. Boyd died in 1979 in Edmonton, Alberta. Norman Montague served overseas as a Flight Engineer Sergeant during World War II for the 138 RCAF Squadron. His plane crashed in the woods while attempting to land at RAF Woodridge, England, returning from an operational flight. He was pronounced dead on admission to hospital, December 17, 1943, at the age of 22. He is buried in Rushden Cemetery, Northamptonshire, England. Donald served in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve during World War II. He enlisted on May 9, 1942, and was a Signalman on a Corvette in the Atlantic. In 1944, after hearing of the loss of his two older brothers, the RCNR moved him to the Pacific, where he was until November 9, 1945. He married May Yule Ferrier and had two children, Robert and Barbara. Donald graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1951 with a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering. He worked for the City of Burnaby for five years and for the Greater Vancouver Regional District for 32 years, while living in Burnaby, B.C. and raising his family. He retired to the Sunshine Coast, Halfmoon Bay, B.C. in 1988, where he still lives today.

Media Type: Photograph

Creator: Gillis family

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds; Photo catalogue 524

Handbook to the Canadian readers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary342

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: c1923

Call Number: 428.6 THO Copy 1

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV989.9.16

Call Number: 428.6 THO Copy 1

Place of Publication: Toronto, Ont.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd.; W. J. Gage & Co. Limited

Publication Date: c1923

Physical Description: v, 490 p. ; 19 cm.

Inscription: "Ethel Anderson 938 Fullerton Ave., Victoria, B.C." -- handwritten in ink on flyleaf. "T.N. Hibben & Co. Estd. 1858 1122 Govt. St. Victoria, B.C." -- stickered on endpaper (back).

Library Subject (LOC): Readers--Handbooks, manuals, etc.; Readers (Elementary); Readers--Historical texts

Notes: "The Canadian readers are authorized for use in the schools of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia." -- title page.; Includes index.; Copy 1 of 2.

Handbook to the Canadian readers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1502

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1926

Call Number: 428.2 HAN

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV985.3722.1

Call Number: 428.2 HAN

Place of Publication: Toronto

Publisher: T. Nelson & Sons; W. J. Gage & Co. Ltd.

Publication Date: 1926

Series: Canadian readers

Physical Description: v, 490 p. ; 19 cm.

Inscription: "The Little Red Hen" story handwritten in blue ink (some in pencil) and some lines crossed out on front pastedown "150" [handwritten in pencil at top of front endpaper] "Ella D. McEwen" [handwritten in black ink on front endpaper] Multiple dates and book numbers handwritten in pencil, and blue and pink ink on p. 487-490 (index) "Review questions on Primes" [handwritten in pink ink and followed by 5 p. of questions handwritten in faded black ink on blank pages after p. 490]

Library Subject (LOC): Readers (Elementary)

Notes: "The Canadian Readers are authorized for use in the Schools of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia" --t.p.

History of England for public schools

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary15

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1924

Call Number: 942 MAC c.1

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: HV971.5.15

Call Number: 942 MAC c.1

Place of Publication: Toronto

Publisher: The MacMillan Company of Canada Limited

Publication Date: 1924

Series: The Western Canada series

Physical Description: 336 p. : ill., ports ; 20 cm.

Inscription: "Winnie Jeffery / 4531 Burke St. / Inman Ave. School / Central Parks / B.C."--Handwritten in ink on front past down. "May 15 1933"--Handwritten in pencil on front past down. "Don't steal this book...For $1.60 is cost mum"--Handwritten in pencil on front paste down. "1933" and "Don't steal this / book...carries a pocket / knife." and "Sweet little Emily Rose,...and sweet Little Emily 'Rose'"--Handwritten in pencil on front end paper. "June 14, 1933 / age 13"--Handwritten in pencil on t.p. "May 15, 1933 / June 15, 1933"--Handwritten in pencil on verso of t.p. "May 16th/1929"--Handwritten in pencil on back fly leaf. Study notes handwritten in pencil on back fly leaf and paste down. 5 transfer pictures of mostly household items adhered to front end paper.

Library Subject (LOC): Great Britain--History

Notes: Includes index.; Copy 1 of 3; "Authorized by the Department of Education for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia."--T.p.; "Copyright, Canada, Nineteen Hundred and Ten, by Morang Educational Company Limited"--T.p. verso.; Includes a chapter on "The Great War"

History of England for public schools

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary471

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1922

Call Number: 942 MAC COPY 1

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV987.18.12

Call Number: 942 MAC COPY 1

Place of Publication: Toronto

Publisher: The MacMillan Company of Canada Limited

Publication Date: 1922

Series: The Western Canada series

Physical Description: 336 p. : ill., ports ; 20 cm.

Inscription: "Margery Dingman / Div. III / I pity the maid / I pity the cook / I pity the guy that / steals the book"--handwritten in pencil on end paper.

Library Subject (LOC): Great Britain--History

Notes: Includes index.; Copy 1 of 3; "Authorized by the Department of Education for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia."--T.p.; "Copyright, Canada, Nineteen Hundred and Ten, by Morang Educational Company Limited"--T.p. verso.; Includes a chapter on "The Great War"

History of England for public schools

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1727

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1928

Call Number: 942 MAC

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: HV984.21.41

Call Number: 942 MAC

Place of Publication: Toronto

Publisher: The MacMillan Company of Canada Limited

Publication Date: 1928

Series: The Western Canada series

Physical Description: 336 p. : ill., ports ; 20 cm.

Inscription: "English History / Vera Marrow / Grade VIII / Kitchener"--Handwritten in ink on book cover wrap sponsored by The Royal Bank of Canada. "cbf / afd / ace / l_c / Bfh" and "Vera Marrow"--Handwritten in pencil on front fly leaf. "Page 319 / " 192"--Handwritten in pencil on verso of front fly leaf. "Vera Marrow"--Handwritten in blue ink on small paper adhered to book cover on back paste down. Study notes handwritten in pencil on p. 336.

Library Subject (LOC): Great Britain--History

Notes: Includes index.; "Authorized by the Department of Education for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia."; "Copyright, Canada, Nineteen Hundred and Ten, by Morang Educational Company Limited"--title page verso.; Includes a chapter on "The Great War"

Insurance receipts

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9759

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1922-1925

Collection/Fonds: Hugh H. Stewart fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of insurance preminum receipts issued to Mrs. P.A. Stewart (Patience Alberta nee Inglis) from the "JOHN A. WILSON / Insurance Broker" between 1922 and 1925 along with one receipt issued to H.H. Stewart from "BELL & MITCHELL / LIMITED / INSURANCE BROKERS" dated Jan. 5, 1923.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Hugh H. Stewart fonds

Series: Hugh H. Stewart personal documents series

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 1 file of textual records

Scope and Content: File consists of insurance preminum receipts issued to Mrs. P.A. Stewart (Patience Alberta nee Inglis) from the "JOHN A. WILSON / Insurance Broker" between 1922 and 1925 along with one receipt issued to H.H. Stewart from "BELL & MITCHELL / LIMITED / INSURANCE BROKERS" dated Jan. 5, 1923.

Names: Stewart, Hugh Henry

Accession Code: HV979.50.268

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: Reproductions subject to FIPPA

Date: 1922-1925

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on content of file

Interview with Aili Topalian by Eric Damer October 11, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory419

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1920-1945

Length: 0:10:12

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains mainly to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's parents. Aili tells the story of her parents meeting, getting married and eventually setting in Crabtown with their two children. She explains what it was like to live in Crabtown during the depression years; the homes were…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains mainly to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's parents. Aili tells the story of her parents meeting, getting married and eventually setting in Crabtown with their two children. She explains what it was like to live in Crabtown during the depression years; the homes were built on decks which were on top of pilings, that were sunk deep into the sand.

Date Range: 1920-1945

Photo Info: Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) holding cat, next to her sister who has a rooster in her arms, [1937]. Item no. 337-003.

Length: 0:10:12

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 11, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Aili (Rintanen) Topalian conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 11, 2012. Major theme discussed: growing up in Crabtown.

Biographical Notes: Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) came to British Columbia in 1936 from a homestead near Burnt Lake, Alberta. After a few months in Vancouver and then a Burnaby apartment, the Rintanens moved to a house on the Burrard Inlet. The family lived over the water, in a house built on a deck, secured to the top of pilings that were sunk deep into the sand. Aili's mother Aune Rintanen found work at a fish and chip shop in downtown Vancouver and her father Gus Rintanen worked in a nearby mill. Aili and her sister Trudi (later Tuomi), attended school in Burnaby. For nine years the Rintanens created a home for themselves in an area now called Crabtown, although no one living there called it that.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:39:00

Interviewee Name: Topalian, Aili Rintanen

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) holding cat, next to her sister who has a rooster in her arms, [1937]. Item no. 337-003. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Aili Topalian

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-028/MSS171-028_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Aili Topalian by Eric Damer October 11, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory420

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1920-1945

Length: 0:07:49

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's collection of photographs. Aili describes each photograph and tells stories of her childhood along the waterfront at Burrard Inlet; the homes of Crabtown were built on decks which were on top of pilings, that were sunk deep into t…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's collection of photographs. Aili describes each photograph and tells stories of her childhood along the waterfront at Burrard Inlet; the homes of Crabtown were built on decks which were on top of pilings, that were sunk deep into the sand.

Date Range: 1920-1945

Photo Info: Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) holding cat, next to her sister who has a rooster in her arms, [1937]. Item no. 337-003.

Length: 0:07:49

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 11, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Aili (Rintanen) Topalian conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 11, 2012. Major theme discussed: growing up in Crabtown.

Biographical Notes: Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) came to British Columbia in 1936 from a homestead near Burnt Lake, Alberta. After a few months in Vancouver and then a Burnaby apartment, the Rintanens moved to a house on the Burrard Inlet. The family lived over the water, in a house built on a deck, secured to the top of pilings that were sunk deep into the sand. Aili's mother Aune Rintanen found work at a fish and chip shop in downtown Vancouver and her father Gus Rintanen worked in a nearby mill. Aili and her sister Trudi (later Tuomi), attended school in Burnaby. For nine years the Rintanens created a home for themselves in an area now called Crabtown, although no one living there called it that.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:39:00

Interviewee Name: Topalian, Aili Rintanen

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Aili Topalian

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-028/MSS171-028_Track_2.mp3

Interview with Alekxos Sarter by Kathy Bossort October 16, 2015 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory579

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1910-1960

Length: 0:21:54

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s historical overview of early public recreation, and intentions to set aside parkland, on Burnaby Mountain; Acting-Commissioner Richard Bolton’s signing of By Law 1772 that created Barnet Mountain Park in 1942; and her explanation about the fun…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Alekxos Sarter’s historical overview of early public recreation, and intentions to set aside parkland, on Burnaby Mountain; Acting-Commissioner Richard Bolton’s signing of By Law 1772 that created Barnet Mountain Park in 1942; and her explanation about the function and kinds of park dedications used in Burnaby.

Date Range: 1910-1960

Length: 0:21:54

Names: Bolton, Richard; Barnet Mountain Park; Burnaby Mountain Park

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 16, 2015

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

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

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 2:20:47

Interviewee Name: Sarter, Alekxos T.

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

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Alekxos Sarter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-005/MSS196-005_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory628

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1913-2015

Length: 0:19:24

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain beginning in 1942 with By-Law 1772; the kinds of park dedications used by the City and shift in nature of dedications to accommodate long range park planning…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain beginning in 1942 with By-Law 1772; the kinds of park dedications used by the City and shift in nature of dedications to accommodate long range park planning; and looking at the big picture policy and programs for land assembly for major open spaces and linkages.

Date Range: 1913-2015

Length: 0:19:24

Names: Burnaby Planning and Building Department; Barnet Mountain Park

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 24, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse conducted by Kathy Bossort. Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about the history of setting aside parkland by dedication on Burnaby Mountain, the 1974/76 delineation of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain, and the dispute between Burnaby and Simon Fraser University over land ownership and control on Burnaby Mountain, as discussed by two retired participants in these events from the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department, Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse. They also talk about their interaction with the public in developing policies, particularly for the 1974 report “The Public Meetings - Phase One”, and the importance of a strong policy base for long range planning and the patience needed to assemble land for large parks. They talk as well about their careers, their close working relationship in the department, and the cooperation between City and SFU staff in the development of UniverCity.

Biographical Notes: Basil Luksun was born and educated in South Africa, immigrating to Canada and Burnaby in 1972 to escape the harmful effects of apartheid. He holds a BSc degree from the University of Cape Town and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Town Planning from the University of Witwatersrand. He joined the City of Burnaby’s Planning and Building Department in 1973, working his way up through the organization to Director of the department before retiring after 39 years in 2012. When he started work in the 1970s, the City of Burnaby was focusing on green space planning projects and he takes great pride in these projects as well as the city’s focus on long-term planning. Basil lived in the Capital Hill area from 1972 to 1990. He currently resides in Vancouver and has two sons, Warren and Derek. Jack Belhouse was born in 1946 in Vancouver and attended UBC, York University and SFU (1965-1972), majoring in urban geography. He began working in Burnaby’s planning department as a summer student in 1968, and was offered a full-time position when he graduated from university. He became Director of the Planning and Building Department before retiring after 38 years with the city in 2006. He and Basil Luksun worked closely together in long range planning in the department. Jack lives in Coquitlam with his wife Linda and has two children, Brad and Lori.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:58:23

Interviewee Name: Luksun, Basil; Belhouse, Jack

Interview Location: Basil Luksun's home in Vancouver

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_2.mp3

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 …

1 image

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

Interview with Lachman Singh Gill and Gill family members

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19600

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 2023 (interview content), interviewed 6 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (124 min., 8 sec.) + 1 sound recording (m4a) 1:15:54

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Lachman Singh Gill and family members conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The first part of the interview was conducted with Lachman Singh Gill in Punjabi with some English and the second part of the interview (15 mi…

1 image 1 audio

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) (124 min., 8 sec.) + 1 sound recording (m4a) 1:15:54

Material Details: Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewees: Lachman Singh Gill and family members - Santokh Singh Gill, Mohinder Kaur Gill and Prem Kaur Gill Location of Interview: Gill family residence Interview Date: June 12, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks:124 min., 8 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Lachman Singh Gill and family members conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The first part of the interview was conducted with Lachman Singh Gill in Punjabi with some English and the second part of the interview (15 min.) was conducted in English with family members, Santokh Singh Gill, Mohinder Kaur Gill and Prem Kaur Gill. 00:00:00 - 00:05:35 This interview starts abruptly, and the interviewer was unable to introduce the interviewees and themself. There were also technical difficulties in the beginning, which led to the recording starting mid-sentence. Discussion begins with Lachman Singh Gill providing details on his spiritual practices and background. 00:05:35 - 00:13:38 Discussion continues with Lachman providing details on his birthplace in Punjab, his family home, family names and languages spoken while living in India (Punjabi and Urdu). Family members chime in to help with details. 00:13:39 - 00:18:00 Lachman Gill imparts information on his migration story from England to British Columbia and his experiences when he first came to England from India. Lachman shares his employment history in Vancouver and India. 00:18:01 - 00:23:34 Lachman talks about his marriage to Surjit Kaur (Ark) Gill in India in 1943 and shares the names of their seven children, including his youngest daughter Sarbjit who died tragically at a young age. Lachman shares the details of his daily routine at the age of 95 years old. 00:23:35 - 00:25:48 Lachman shares information on the Gurdwaras that he visits for prayers, weddings and events. 00:25:49 - 00:35:49 Lachman recalls his experience living in India at the time of Partition in 1947 including details on his family’s experiences of how they helped protect a Muslim family. 00:35:50 - 00:39:49 Lachman comments on his experiences of living in Burnaby from when he first arrived here. Lachman, Santokh, Prem and the interviewer recount the names and locations of gurdwaras in the lower mainland and how they’ve changed over time. 00:39:50 - 00:43:15 Lachman shares his employment history working in a foundry and driving a taxi. Santokh, Mohinder and Prem Gill provide information about Lachman’s wife Surjeet Kaur Gill. The group describes their family home in Burnaby which they've lived in since 1973 and their first home on Georgia Street in Burnaby. 00:43:16 - 00:49:19 Lachman, Mohinder and Santokh recall their experiences obtaining citizenship as British subjects and how they were able to buy a home in a year. Santokh Gill recalls how he and his brother took over his father’s taxi after he retired and later sold it for a profit. 00:49:20 - 01:04:19 Lachman describes in detail his daily routine as a 95 year old. The group shares some of their favourite types of roti and Lachman talks about using his hearing aid. The interviewer and group convey to Lachman how the information will be used. Lachman describes how his wife made oatmeal. 01:04:20 - 01:15:54 In this portion of the interview, Santokh and Prem Gill show the interviewer a book by Henry Bromley titled “Fire in the Blood: A History of British Columbia and Alberta Foundries”. The book was given to the Santokh when he was working at the foundry and contains photographs of Lachman Gill and the foundries they worked at. Santokh describes photographs within the book and the metal casting processes.

History: Interviewees' biographies: Lachman Singh Gill was born in 1928 in the village of Ferozepur near Lakhpur, Punjab. In 1943, Lachman married his wife Surjit Kaur Ark who was from the village of Malpur. Sometime after Partition in 1947, Lachman and his wife Surjeet immigrated to England. Lachman and Surjit had seven children, four sons and three daughters. Around 1973, Lachman's son, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill sponsored his father and mother and they immigrated to Canada joining him and his family in Burnaby, British Columbia. After arriving in British Columbia, Lachman worked as a steel worker at a foundry and drove his own taxi. Lachman retired in his ffities and continues to live with his son and family in Burnaby. Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill was born in the District of Jalandhar in Punjab, India. Gurmail moved to England with his family in 1957 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1966. Gurmail married Mohinder Kaur Gill in England in 1968 and she immigrated to British Columbia from England soon after. Gurmail first lived with a cousin in Burnaby before purchasing a home of his own in Burnaby where he raised his family. Gurmail worked in the steel industry and was a member and treasurer of the CAIMAW before the union merged with the Canadian Auto Workers Union. Mohinder Kaur Gill was born in the Hoshiapur in Punjab, India. She married her husband Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill in England in 1968 and immigrated to Burnaby, British Columbia to join her husband. Mohinder and Gurmail Gill have four children, all born in Burnaby. Prem Kaur Gill was born in Burnaby in 1969 and is the eldest child of Santokh "Gurmail" Singh Gill and Mohinder Kaur Gill. Prem grew up and attended school in Burnaby. 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; Migration; Foods; Industries; Persons - Seniors; Religions - Sikhism; Transportation - Taxicabs

Names: Gill, Lachman Singh; Gill, Santokh "Gurmail" Singh; Gill, Prem Kaur; Gill, Mohinder Kaur; Gill, Surjit Kaur Ark; Gill, Sarbjit Kaur

Responsibility: Rajdeep

Accession Code: BV023.16.4

Date: 2023 (interview content), interviewed 6 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcript for master recordings available upon request - Contact Burnaby Village Museum

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Lachman Singh Gill and Gill family members, 2023 (interview content), interviewed 6 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0004_003.m4a

Interview with Leonard Evenden and Allen Seager by Kathy Bossort November 18, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory621

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1925-2015

Length: 0:12:50

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Evenden and Dr. Seager’s description of their early years at Simon Fraser University. They talk about the challenges to commuting up and down Burnaby Mountain and the solutions people used, particularly hitchhiking. Dr. Seager talks about living in Monteci…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Dr. Evenden and Dr. Seager’s description of their early years at Simon Fraser University. They talk about the challenges to commuting up and down Burnaby Mountain and the solutions people used, particularly hitchhiking. Dr. Seager talks about living in Montecito in the 1980s. Dr. Evenden talks about the early use of Burnaby Mountain and its undeveloped state when the site for SFU was proposed in 1963.

Date Range: 1925-2015

Length: 0:12:50

Names: Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Education; Transportation

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sperling-Broadway Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: November 18, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Dr. Leonard Evenden and Dr. Allen Seager conducted by Kathy Bossort. Leonard Evenden and Allen Seager were two of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about aspects of Simon Fraser University’s history that is related to its site on Burnaby Mountain, as told by two retired SFU professors, Dr. Evenden of the Geography Department and Dr. Seager of the Department of History. The interview ranges over campus access and housing issues created by the isolated mountain site; the relationship of the university to the local community and the dispute over land ownership and control with the City of Burnaby; SFU’s environmental stewardship; the development of UniverCity; and the future of parkland in the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Dr. Leonard J. Evenden was born 1937 in Beijing, China, to parents and Salvation Army missionaries Leonard Evenden and Elsie Pearl March. Dr. Evenden attended McMaster University (B.A. 1960), University of Georgia (M.A. 1962) and University of Edinburgh (Ph.D. 1970). He was appointed to Simon Fraser University’s Department of Geography in 1966, shortly after SFU opened in the fall of 1965, and retired in 2002. Dr. Evenden’s research has focused on Canadian urban geography. He edited a collection of essays about Burnaby titled “Suburb of Happy Homes: Burnaby centennial themes” (1995), and directed “Voices of Burnaby”, an SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee oral history project (1992). Dr. Evenden is married with three children. Dr. Allen Seager was born 1953 in Montreal, Quebec, to parents C.F.B. Seager and Evelyn DeGex Chesam. Dr. Seager is a retired Simon Fraser University professor, being a member of SFU’s Department of History from 1981 to 2014, and has current links with SFU as an instructor for Continuing Studies. His research interests include history of Canada and Western Canada, and labour and working class history, particularly in the coal mining and railway industries. Dr. Seager moved to Burnaby and the Montecito area in 1981 where he continues to live and enjoy the hiking trails on Burnaby Mountain and the amenities at SFU. Dr. Seager is a member of the Burnaby North NDP, and has volunteered with Scouts Canada and the Burnaby Centennial Committee.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 1:11:28

Interviewee Name: Evenden, Leonard J.; Seager, Allen

Interview Location: Clubhouse at Burnaby Mountain Golf Course Restaurant

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Dr. Leonard Evenden and Dr. Allen Seager

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-011/MSS196-011_Track_1.mp3

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

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

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1906-1950

Length: 0:09:08

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

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

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

Date Range: 1906-1950

Length: 0:09:08

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

Subjects: Agriculture

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Westridge Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 14, 2015

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

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

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:19:04

Interviewee Name: Olofson, B. Maureen

Interview Location: Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Maureen Olofson

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

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory650

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1904-1940

Length: 0:11:22

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two ro…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two room house for the family, Reidun’s birth in 1931, and the family’s move to Curtis Street in 1932. She talks about her childhood memories of playing on a big stump and cedar log in the yard.

Date Range: 1904-1940

Length: 0:11:22

Names: Seim, Sjur; Seim, Martine

Subjects: Buildings - Residences - Houses; Land Clearing; Persons - Children

Geographic Access: Curtis Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lochdale Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 13, 2016

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

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

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 2:35:58

Interviewee Name: Seim, Reidun

Interview Location: Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Reidun Seim

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Rick Sporns by Kathy Bossort October 30, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory606

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1900-2015

Length: 0:17:11

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Rick Sporn’s discussion of the value of natural areas to Burnaby, the city’s history of protecting green spaces, and the complementary role the Pavilion area plays in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He talks about how the rose garden and “Playground of…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Rick Sporn’s discussion of the value of natural areas to Burnaby, the city’s history of protecting green spaces, and the complementary role the Pavilion area plays in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He talks about how the rose garden and “Playground of the Gods” sculptures (Kamui Mintara) help Pavilion area visitors more fully appreciate the mountain setting. He also talks about the history of the construction of the Kamui Mintara sculptures.

Date Range: 1900-2015

Length: 0:17:11

Names: Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden; Burnaby Mountain Centennial Park; Kamui Mintara; Central Park

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Planning; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 30, 2015

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Rick Sporns conducted by Kathy Bossort. Rick Sporns was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Rick Sporn’s description of the history and design of Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden and the significance of the Centennial Pavilion area in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Rick Sporns also talks about his career with the City of Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, management of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, and the value of natural areas to Burnaby.

Biographical Notes: Richard Sporns was born in 1957 in Daly Municipality, Manitoba, to Ulrich and Charlotte Sporns. The family moved to the Burquitlam Area of Burnaby in about 1965. Rick Sporns obtained his BSc degree in biology at SFU and a degree in landscape architecture at UBC. In 1985 he began his career in the City of Burnaby’s Park, Recreation and Cultural Services department where he currently is Assistant Manager - Parks Design. Rick was responsible for designing Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden, a legacy project proposed by Mark Stockdale to commemorate Burnaby’s 1992 Centennial. The rose garden opened to the public July 18, 1992.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 1:01:40

Interviewee Name: Sporns, Richard "Rick"

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

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Rick Sporns

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-008/MSS196-008_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Tony Fabian by Kathy Bossort October 29, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory599

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1860-1995

Length: 0:15:57

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s description of the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain, the creation of the Pavilion area in 1957, the history of proposals for how Burnaby Mountain could be used, the land transfer to SFU in 1963, and difficulty accessing the m…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s description of the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain, the creation of the Pavilion area in 1957, the history of proposals for how Burnaby Mountain could be used, the land transfer to SFU in 1963, and difficulty accessing the mountain for recreation prior to 1965. He also talks about the dispute between SFU and the City of Burnaby over land ownership and control.

Date Range: 1860-1995

Length: 0:15:57

Names: Burnaby Mountain Centennial Park; Simon Fraser University

Subjects: Geographic Features - Parks; Recreational Activities

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: October 29, 2015

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

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

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 1:43:22

Interviewee Name: Fabian, Tony S.

Interview Location: Tony Fabian's home in Burnaby

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

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Tony Fabian

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-007/MSS196-007_Track_4.mp3

Irene and the pigs

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19915

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1927 or 1928]

Collection/Fonds: Esther Love Stanley fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of young girl identified as Irene (Sommers) Cool standing with a passel of pigs. The ground is covered with snow. Wooden fences and farm buildings are visible in the background. Farm is located in Alberta.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Esther Love Stanley fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of young girl identified as Irene (Sommers) Cool standing with a passel of pigs. The ground is covered with snow. Wooden fences and farm buildings are visible in the background. Farm is located in Alberta.

Subjects: Animals - Pigs; Agriculture - Farms

Names: Cool, Irene Dorothy Rae Sommers

Accession Code: BV022.32.337

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1927 or 1928]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-06-09

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photograph is part of Esther Love Stanley photograph album 1 (BV022.32.1); Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "1928-27 / Last winter / Irene & the pigs"

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Irene and the pigs

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