Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Duncan & Margaret McGregor Estate 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark518

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Description: Overlooking the rich farmland of the Fraser River floodplain, 'Glen-Lyon' is an Edwardian era rural estate, with a tall, two and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame mansion, set in a pastoral and formal landscape with an associated barn and early log pond, located near a ravine and forested ar…

Associated Dates: 1902

Formal Recognition: Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register

Street View URL: Google Maps Street View

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Geographic Access: Marine Drive

Associated Dates: 1902

Formal Recognition: Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register

Enactment Type: Bylaw No. 12183

Enactment Date: 11/12/2006

Description: Overlooking the rich farmland of the Fraser River floodplain, 'Glen-Lyon' is an Edwardian era rural estate, with a tall, two and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame mansion, set in a pastoral and formal landscape with an associated barn and early log pond, located near a ravine and forested area adjacent to Marine Drive in South Burnaby.

Heritage Value: ‘Glen-Lyon’ is valued as an excellent example of a privately-owned Edwardian era country estate built at the turn of the nineteenth century. The property retains significant heritage features including the Edwardian era mansion with rustic Arts and Crafts features, and elements of a working agricultural landscape. The property was originally the Royal City Mills logging camp, and in 1900 was purchased by Duncan Campbell McGregor (1853-1929) and Margaret Jane McGregor (1875-1960), who named their estate ‘Glen-Lyon’ after Duncan McGregor’s birthplace in Perthshire, Scotland. The McGregors were active in municipal affairs and social activities, and played a significant role in the early development of Burnaby. Duncan McGregor served as a city councillor from 1909 to 1912 and was elected reeve of Burnaby in 1913. Margaret McGregor was instrumental in the formation and fundraising activities of the Victoria Order of Nurses in Burnaby. Additionally, the site is historically significant for its association with early social welfare and correctional reform. The estate was sold in 1926 to an inter-denominational religious organization called the Home of the Friendless, which used it as their B.C. headquarters. The organization was charged with several cases of abuse and neglect in 1937, after which a Royal Commission was formed that led to new legislation to regulate and license all private welfare institutions. 'Glen-Lyon' was sold to the provincial government, and was dedicated in 1939 by the Lt.-Gov. E.W. Hamber for use as the New Haven Borstal Home for Boys and Youthful Offenders (later renamed the New Haven Correction Centre). The Borstal movement originated in England in the late nineteenth century, as an alternative to sending young offenders and runaways to prisons by providing reformatories that focused on discipline and vocational skill. This site’s role as the first North American institution devoted to the Borstal School philosophy was historic, and influenced corrections programs across Canada. The site retains significant features from its development in 1939 as the Borstal School, including a large gambrel-roofed barn designed by Chief Provincial Architect Henry Whittaker of the Department of Public Works that is the only remaining structure of its kind in Burnaby. Between 1941 and 1945 the mansion housed the Provincial School for the Deaf and Blind when the Borstal School was closed temporarily as a war measure during the Second World War.

Defining Elements: Key elements that define the heritage character of 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion include its: - location on a sloping site with expansive southern exposure, adjacent to Marine Drive - residential form, scale and massing of the house as exemplified by its two and one-half storey height, above-ground basement and rectangular plan - Arts and Crafts elements of the house such as its stone foundation, multi-gabled roof line with steep central hipped roof, symmetrical cross-gables, side shed dormers, bellcast upper walls sheathed in cedar shingles and lower walls sheathed in narrow clapboard - original exterior features of the house such as the full width front verandah with square columns, central staircase on the southern elevation, original doors and stained glass windows; and the irregular fenestration such as double-hung 1-over-1 wooden-sash windows, bay windows, and projecting windows in the gable ends - original interior features of the house such as the U-shaped main stair designed around two symmetrically placed Ionic columns, and interior trim on the main floor including boxed beams and fireplaces - gambrel-roofed barn with roof vent with finial, sliding hay loft and access doors, small multi-pane windows, and lapped wooden siding - associated landscape features such as the original garden plantings with some exotic and many native specimen trees; the original log pond and its concrete Marine Drive causeway and culvert; rockeries and a rose garden

Historic Neighbourhood: Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Big Bend Area

Organization: Home of the Friendless; Borstal School; New Haven Correction Centre

Architect: Henry Whittaker

Function: Primary Historic--Estate

Community: Burnaby

Cadastral Identifier: 003-004-661

Boundaries: 'Glen-Lyon' is comprised of a single residential lot located at 4250 Marine Drive, Burnaby.

Area: 230873.18

Contributing Resource: Building

Ownership: Private

Names: McGregor, Duncan C. (1853-1929); Whittaker, Henry; Home of the Friendless; Borstal School; New Haven Correction Centre

Subjects: Buildings - Heritage; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities; Buildings - Residential

Street Address: 4250 Marine Drive

Street View URL: Google Maps Street View

Images

Exterior view of 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion, 2013.. Oblique view from the southeast. thumbnail

Car accident

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38414

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1955]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.2 x 14.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an automobile crash at a railway crossing. A number of police and onlookers are standing behind the wrecked vehicle. The exact location of the crash is unknown.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1955]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.2 x 14.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 433-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of an automobile crash at a railway crossing. A number of police and onlookers are standing behind the wrecked vehicle. The exact location of the crash is unknown.

Subjects: Accidents - Automobile Accidents; Public Services - Policing; Transportation - Rail

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Croton Studio Limited

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Images

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory509

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1990

Length: 00:11:47

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown identifying old businesses and stores on Kingsway, and talking about the operation of the interurban, the lack of cars after the war, and the two vehicles used by the Burnaby police in 1948. He talks about the expansion of Burnaby in the 1950‘s and t…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown identifying old businesses and stores on Kingsway, and talking about the operation of the interurban, the lack of cars after the war, and the two vehicles used by the Burnaby police in 1948. He talks about the expansion of Burnaby in the 1950‘s and the attempts to preserve heritage buildings and trees, historic records, and green space

Date Range: 1947-1990

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:11:47

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Transportation - Automobiles; Buildings - Commercial

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Marlborough Area; Maywood Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%208.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory502

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1950

Length: 00:05:23

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s three years working for the BC Provincial Police in Burnaby. He describes the communication and transportation challenges that separated neighbourhoods in Burnaby, and what the area looked like around his first house on Portland Street.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s three years working for the BC Provincial Police in Burnaby. He describes the communication and transportation challenges that separated neighbourhoods in Burnaby, and what the area looked like around his first house on Portland Street.

Date Range: 1947-1950

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:05:23

Names: Burnaby Police Department

Subjects: Public Services - Policing

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood); Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%201.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory503

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1950

Length: 00:05:19

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s first foot patrol area in the Royal Oak, Jubilee, McKay and Kingsway areas and about the difficulties responding to calls due to poor communication equipment, gaps in the road network, and inconsistent house numbers. He also talks about the size of…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s first foot patrol area in the Royal Oak, Jubilee, McKay and Kingsway areas and about the difficulties responding to calls due to poor communication equipment, gaps in the road network, and inconsistent house numbers. He also talks about the size of the force and lack of office support.

Date Range: 1947-1950

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:05:19

Names: Burnaby Police Department

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Crimes

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area; Marlborough Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%202.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory504

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1990

Length: 00:06:00

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s education and career in forensics in the RCMP, and the changes he saw in Burnaby between 1954 to 1975, which were emphasized by absences from Burnaby in this period. He talks about the appearance of the first high rises and the difference in devel…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s education and career in forensics in the RCMP, and the changes he saw in Burnaby between 1954 to 1975, which were emphasized by absences from Burnaby in this period. He talks about the appearance of the first high rises and the difference in development between north and south Burnaby

Date Range: 1947-1990

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:06:00

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Education; Buildings

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%203.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory506

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1947-1954

Length: 00:07:16

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s description about what crime was like in Burnaby between 1947 and 1954. He talks about catching the criminals in a 1952 bank robbery.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Don Brown’s description about what crime was like in Burnaby between 1947 and 1954. He talks about catching the criminals in a 1952 bank robbery.

Date Range: 1947-1954

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:07:16

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Crimes

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%205.mp3

Interview with Don Brown by Rod Fowler February 26, 1990 - Track 13

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory514

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-1990

Length: 00:04:09

Summary: This portion of the interview takes place while looking at photographs. Don Brown talks about the move from Provincial Police to RCMP, and how service was calculated. He also talks about the importance of owning his own home, and some information about the RCMP forensic labs he supervised

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview takes place while looking at photographs. Don Brown talks about the move from Provincial Police to RCMP, and how service was calculated. He also talks about the importance of owning his own home, and some information about the RCMP forensic labs he supervised

Date Range: 1950-1990

Photo Info: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Don Brown, November 2, 1997. Item no. 535-0979

Length: 00:04:09

Subjects: Public Services - Policing

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 26, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Don Brown, conducted by Rod Fowler. Don Brown was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Don Brown’s description of the changes in Burnaby’s built and natural landscapes and socioeconomic conditions, especially between 1947 and 1975, the strong impression made on him by those changes evident in the interview. He talks about his work and career as a police officer with the Burnaby Provincial Police and RCMP. The interview also details his involvement in Burnaby politics and volunteer community groups. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Donald Neil “Don” Brown was born in Birmingham, England May 4, 1919, and immigrated with his parents and siblings to Winnipeg in 1922. At the outbreak of WWII Don Brown left high school and enlisted in the 12th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, serving six years in the army. Before going overseas he married Helen Birch in 1939. In 1947 Don Brown joined the B.C. Provincial Police which was absorbed by the RCMP in 1950. He worked as a police officer in Burnaby from 1947 to 1954, and then was transferred to Ottawa (with a stop in Regina) for nine and a half years where he attended Carleton University to study forensics. In 1963 Don Brown was transferred back to Vancouver and bought and moved into a house on Watling Street in Burnaby where he still lived in 1990. Another transfer took him to Edmonton for five years, returning to Burnaby in 1975. Following retirement in 1980 with the rank of Supervisor and after 22 years in forensic laboratories, Don Brown started his own business as a private document examiner. Don Brown was active in Burnaby politics, serving as Alderman from 1979-1985. He was also involved in many community groups including the South Burnaby Men’s Club, which he helped found in 1952, as well as active in the Burnaby Historical Society, and served on the Burnaby School Board, Burnaby Centennial Committee, and the Community College for the Retired. Don and Helen Brown had six children: Donna, Don, Gina, Patricia, Christopher and Susan. Don Brown died May 16, 2009.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 01:35:07

Interviewee Name: Brown, Donald N. "Don"

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Audio Tracks

Track thirteen of interview with Don Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-016/MSS187-016_Track%2013.mp3

Larry Hanson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45236

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1959, published April 1, 1959

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 9.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detective Larry Hanson hanging up his gun for the last time, as he was retiring from the force. He became co-owner of the Coconut Supper Club along with his brother Sigfred.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1959, published April 1, 1959

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 9.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-132

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2003-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Detective Larry Hanson hanging up his gun for the last time, as he was retiring from the force. He became co-owner of the Coconut Supper Club along with his brother Sigfred.

Subjects: Public Services - Policing

Names: Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Hanson, Larry

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Smith, Sheamus

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Larry Hanson, 1959, published April 1, 1959 thumbnail

Reeve and Mrs. Beamish with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55619

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1951

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Beamish and his wife (left) walking with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the stage set up at Burnaby Municipal Hall for the 1951 Royal Visit. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police are standing on either side of the steps to the stage.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1951

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 486-013

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2005-14

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Beamish and his wife (left) walking with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the stage set up at Burnaby Municipal Hall for the 1951 Royal Visit. Two Royal Canadian Mounted Police are standing on either side of the steps to the stage.

Subjects: Events - Royal Visits; Officials - Mayors and Reeves; Public Services - Policing; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: Elizabeth II Queen of Great Britain, 1926-2022; Philip, Prince, consort of Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain, 1921-; Beamish, William Randolph "Ran"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Allan Studios

Notes: Title based on caption; Caption on recto reads: "Reeve Beamish & Mrs B. Queen & Philip Burnaby 1951"; Photographer's stamp on verso

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Street Address: 7282 Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Stride Avenue Area

Images

Reeve and Mrs. Beamish with Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, 1951 thumbnail

School Street Patrol

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55621

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1954]

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Charles MacSorley sitting at a table holding a pen and reading a poster while two unidentified men (one in police uniform) stand behind him. A caption written on the bottom of the photograph reads: "School Street Patrol Burnaby."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1954]

Collection/Fonds: Charles MacSorley fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 486-015

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2005-14

Scope and Content: Photograph of Reeve Charles MacSorley sitting at a table holding a pen and reading a poster while two unidentified men (one in police uniform) stand behind him. A caption written on the bottom of the photograph reads: "School Street Patrol Burnaby."

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Officials - Mayors and Reeves; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: MacSorley, Charles W.

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Croton Studio Limited

Notes: Title based on caption; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Theodore Olaf Brue

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1597

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1947 and 1950] (date of original)

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 18 x 13 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Theodore Olaf Brue in his British Columbia Provincial Police uniform (regimental number 873). From 1947 to 1954, Theodore Brue was in charge of the Terrace, British Columbia detachment. In 1950, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took over the provincial police forces, he became a…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 18 x 13 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Theodore Olaf Brue in his British Columbia Provincial Police uniform (regimental number 873). From 1947 to 1954, Theodore Brue was in charge of the Terrace, British Columbia detachment. In 1950, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police took over the provincial police forces, he became a member of the RCMP.

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Clothing - Uniforms

Names: Brue, Theodore Olaf; British Columbia Provincial Police

Accession Code: BV001.25.72

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1947 and 1950] (date of original)

Media Type: Photograph

Related Material: For a laser copy of the same photographic image, see BV004.23.45

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 09-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Theodore Olaf Brue, [between 1947 and 1950] (date of original) thumbnail

Burnaby Waterworks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39587

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Engineering Department fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Engineering Department fonds

Series: Engineering General and Administration series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: CBA11

Access Restriction: Open access

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2004-06

Scope and Content: Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.

Subjects: Public Services - Utilities; Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Names: Burnaby Waterworks

Media Type: Photograph

Robert Vannerus

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10423

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1958

Collection/Fonds: Robert Stanley Vannerus fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 10.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph portrait of Burnaby Auxillary Police officer Robert Vannerus in his Burnaby Police uniform. He is wearing a white motorcycle helmet.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Robert Stanley Vannerus fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 10.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph portrait of Burnaby Auxillary Police officer Robert Vannerus in his Burnaby Police uniform. He is wearing a white motorcycle helmet.

Subjects: Transportation - Motorcycles

Names: Vannerus, Robert Stanley; Burnaby Municipal Police

Accession Code: BV010.4.17

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1958

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Bob O'Brien with Burnaby Garbage Department trucks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1260

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [after 1941]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 24 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of six men standing in a parking lot next to four garbage trucks (two of the men are in suits). Robert Emmette O'Brien is second from the right. He worked for Burnaby for many years (the other men are unidentified). All the trucks bear the sign "Corp. of the District of Burnaby Garbage D…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 24 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of six men standing in a parking lot next to four garbage trucks (two of the men are in suits). Robert Emmette O'Brien is second from the right. He worked for Burnaby for many years (the other men are unidentified). All the trucks bear the sign "Corp. of the District of Burnaby Garbage Department" or "MUNICIPALITY OF BURNABY GARBAGE DEPARTMENT" and look to be Chevrolets built between 1941 and 1946.

Subjects: Public Services - Garbage Removal; Transportation - Trucks; Occupations - Civic Workers

Names: O'Brien, Robert Emmette

Accession Code: BV996.15.3

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [after 1941]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 01-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Notes written on verso of photograph reads: "R.E. O'BRIEN/ By GARBAGE WAGON 2ND FROM RIGHT/ BURNABY, B.C." and "TR 196/ O'BRIEN"

Images

Burnaby Garbage Department truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1258

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [after 1941]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a garbage truck with the sign "Corp. of the District of Burnaby/ Garbage Department" on its side. The passenger door is being held open by the passenger as he looks towards the camera. The truck looks to be a Chevrolet built between 1941 and 1946.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a garbage truck with the sign "Corp. of the District of Burnaby/ Garbage Department" on its side. The passenger door is being held open by the passenger as he looks towards the camera. The truck looks to be a Chevrolet built between 1941 and 1946.

Subjects: Public Services - Garbage Removal; Transportation - Trucks; Occupations - Civic Workers

Accession Code: BV996.15.1

Date: [after 1941]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 01-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Burnaby Garbage Department truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1259

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [after 1941]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a garbage truck with the sign "Corp. of the District of Burnaby/ Garbage Department" on its side driving through a residential area. The truck looks to be a Chevrolet built between 1941 and 1946.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a garbage truck with the sign "Corp. of the District of Burnaby/ Garbage Department" on its side driving through a residential area. The truck looks to be a Chevrolet built between 1941 and 1946.

Subjects: Public Services - Garbage Removal; Transportation - Trucks

Accession Code: BV996.15.2

Date: [after 1941]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 01-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory466

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1927-1990

Length: 00:04:05

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.

Date Range: 1927-1990

Length: 00:04:05

Names: Waddell, Gordon

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Buildings - Civic; Transportation - Fire Trucks

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.