Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harriet Woodward and her class of students outside the Woodward home near Deer Lake which served as the first school and post office in the Burnaby Lake area; (l to r): Harriet Woodward (Miss Harry), Bob Peers, Melvin Mawhinney, Muriel Sprott, Kitty Hill, Beatrice Clayton and Arthur P…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1909

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Series: Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 477-868

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2007-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harriet Woodward and her class of students outside the Woodward home near Deer Lake which served as the first school and post office in the Burnaby Lake area; (l to r): Harriet Woodward (Miss Harry), Bob Peers, Melvin Mawhinney, Muriel Sprott, Kitty Hill, Beatrice Clayton and Arthur Peers. The cottage was a prefabricated building designed by J.J. Mahoney and architect Joseph Bowman and was manufactured in Vancouver by the B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Company and erected here is 1904. The cottage was enlarged with several additions until 1912 when the Woodwards built a new house.

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Houses; Buildings - Public - Post Offices; Buildings - Schools; Occupations - Teachers

Names: Clayton, Beatrice; Mawhinney, Melvin; Peers, Arthur Francis "Mike"; Peers, Katherine Maude Hill "Kitty"; Peers, William John "Bob"; Sprott, Muriel; Woodward, Harriet

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on caption accompanying photograph

Geographic Access: Sperling Avenue

Street Address: 5141 Sperling Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

First School at Burnaby Lake, 1909 thumbnail

Maude and Harriet Woodward Cottage

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39571

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1904

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7.5 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified person sitting on the porch of the Maude and Harriet Woodward cottage. This house was a prefabricated cottage erected in 1904. The cottages were designed by J.J. Mahoney and architect Joseph Bowman and were manufactured in Vancouver by the B.C. Mills Timber and Tradi…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1904

Collection/Fonds: Peers Family and Hill Family fonds

Series: Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7.5 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 477-890

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2007-12

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified person sitting on the porch of the Maude and Harriet Woodward cottage. This house was a prefabricated cottage erected in 1904. The cottages were designed by J.J. Mahoney and architect Joseph Bowman and were manufactured in Vancouver by the B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Company. Maude Woodward established a post-office here which was operated by her sister, Harriet. Harriet also began a small private school here, the first in Burnaby Lake. The cottage was enlarged with several additions until 1912 when the Woodwards built a new house.

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Cabins; Buildings - Public - Post Offices; Buildings - Schools

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Sperling Avenue

Street Address: 5141 Sperling Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

Maude and Harriet Woodward Cottage, 1904 thumbnail

Post Office and CPR Depot

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1062

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1908 and 1911]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.1 x 10.7 cm, mounted on album page 13.5 x 18.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a waterfront area in downtown Vancouver; the post office is visible to the left and the CPR depot to the right. The north shore can be seen faintly across Burrard Inlet in the background. A caption written on the album page in white ink reads, "Post Office and C.P.R. Depot / From Roo…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.1 x 10.7 cm, mounted on album page 13.5 x 18.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a waterfront area in downtown Vancouver; the post office is visible to the left and the CPR depot to the right. The north shore can be seen faintly across Burrard Inlet in the background. A caption written on the album page in white ink reads, "Post Office and C.P.R. Depot / From Roof of Rogers Bldg / Vancouver B.C."

Subjects: Buildings - Public - Post Offices; Buildings - Commercial - Train Stations

Names: Canadian Pacific Railway Company

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: HV972.50.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1908 and 1911]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-28

Photographer: Dean, H.M.

Notes: Title based on caption of photograph

Images

Post Office and CPR Depot, [between 1908 and 1911] thumbnail

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory465

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1936-1990

Length: 00:04:08

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Al Nixon describing the location of the North Burnaby Fire Department fire hall and the location of the six fire halls subsequently built for the combined north and south department. He also talks about Fred Blake, Lewis Auvache and Henry Chapman, early member…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Al Nixon describing the location of the North Burnaby Fire Department fire hall and the location of the six fire halls subsequently built for the combined north and south department. He also talks about Fred Blake, Lewis Auvache and Henry Chapman, early members of the department who were also interested in the department's history.

Date Range: 1936-1990

Length: 00:04:08

Names: Blake, Fred; Auvache, Lewis; Chapman, Henry H.

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Buildings - Civic

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.

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_2.mp3

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.

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse by Kathy Bossort November 24, 2015 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory632

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1963-2015

Length: 0:16:58

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about Simon Fraser University and problems created by its isolated site on Burnaby Mountain. They talk about the building of the Burnaby Mountain Parkway, and tell stories about the cooperative planning between City and S…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse talking about Simon Fraser University and problems created by its isolated site on Burnaby Mountain. They talk about the building of the Burnaby Mountain Parkway, and tell stories about the cooperative planning between City and SFU staff for UniverCity.

Date Range: 1963-2015

Length: 0:16:58

Names: Simon Fraser University; UniverCity; Burnaby Mountain Parkway

Subjects: Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges; Transportation; Public Services - Municipal Services

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Burnaby Mountain Parkway

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 six of interview with Basil Luksun and Jack Belhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-012/MSS196-012_Track_6.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

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

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 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

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 Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 10

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory546

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-1990

Length: 00:09:22

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby

Date Range: 1950-1990

Photo Info: Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712

Length: 00:09:22

Names: Lawson, Doreen A.; Emmott, Alan H; Swangard Stadium

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Planning; Industries; Geographic Features - Parks; Buildings - Recreational

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: April 4, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.

Total Tracks: 10

Total Length: 00:56:44

Interviewee Name: Morin, Severin "Sev"

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

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

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

Images

Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track ten of interview with Sev Morin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-021/MSS187-021_Track%2010.mp3

Post Office and Docks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1064

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1908 and 1911]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.0 x 10.1 cm, mounted on paper 13.5 x 11.0 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Vancouver waterfront area, including the post office. The north shore can be seen faintly across the Burrard Inlet. A large cruise ship is in the dock beside the post office. Inscribed on the scrapbook paper in white ink: "Post Office and Docks / From Rogers Bldg. Vancouver. B.C."

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.0 x 10.1 cm, mounted on paper 13.5 x 11.0 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Vancouver waterfront area, including the post office. The north shore can be seen faintly across the Burrard Inlet. A large cruise ship is in the dock beside the post office. Inscribed on the scrapbook paper in white ink: "Post Office and Docks / From Rogers Bldg. Vancouver. B.C."

Subjects: Buildings - Public - Post Offices

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: HV972.50.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1908 and 1911]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-28

Photographer: Dean, H.M.

Notes: Title based on caption of photograph

Images

Post Office and Docks, [between 1908 and 1911] thumbnail

Post Office, Vancouver BC

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1065

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1908 and 1911]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 8.8 x 10.2 cm, mounted on paper 13.5 x 12.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the post office near the downtown Vancouver waterfront. The north shore can be seen faintly across Burrard Inlet in the background. Inscribed on the negative, printed on the photograph, lower left: "Post Office / Vancouver B.C."

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 8.8 x 10.2 cm, mounted on paper 13.5 x 12.2 cm

Material Details: inscribed on the negative, printed on the photograph, l.l., "POST OFFICE/ VANCOUVER B.C."

Scope and Content: Photograph of the post office near the downtown Vancouver waterfront. The north shore can be seen faintly across Burrard Inlet in the background. Inscribed on the negative, printed on the photograph, lower left: "Post Office / Vancouver B.C."

Subjects: Buildings - Public - Post Offices

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: HV972.50.4

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1908 and 1911]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-28

Photographer: Dean, H.M.

Images

Post Office, Vancouver BC, [between 1908 and 1911] thumbnail

Terry Townsend; Donna Horbay; Margaret Cadwaladr and Stanley Dowling

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59062

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1983

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of four indiviuals in an office, who are identified as police and community services officers. One officer is speaking on the telephone in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1983

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 25.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1468

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of four indiviuals in an office, who are identified as police and community services officers. One officer is speaking on the telephone in the background.

Subjects: Public Services - Policing; Buildings - Civic

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Battistoni, Peter

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on recto reads: "(L-R) Terry Townsend - Juv. P.O./Donna Horba - Adult/Juv. P.O. / Margaret Cadwaladr - Community Services Officer / Stanley Dowling - Local Director"; Photographer's stamp on verso; Note on verso reads: "PMT 90% / page 3 / Burnaby / Today"

Images

Terry Townsend; Donna Horbay; Margaret Cadwaladr and Stanley Dowling, ca.1983 thumbnail

Adminstrative agreement between B.C. Board of Parole and B.C. Corrections Branch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16690

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1981

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 13 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE B.C. BOARD OF PAROLE AND THE B.C. CORRECTIONS BRANCH" including a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr. John Konrad, Chairman B.C. Board of Parole; Mr. Bernard Robinson, Commissioner B.C. Corrections Branch, March 11, 1981. The t…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 13 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE B.C. BOARD OF PAROLE AND THE B.C. CORRECTIONS BRANCH" including a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Mr. John Konrad, Chairman B.C. Board of Parole; Mr. Bernard Robinson, Commissioner B.C. Corrections Branch, March 11, 1981. The thirteen page agreement is divided into seven sections and includes a Table of Contents.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.242

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1981

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory330

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1979-2012

Length: 0:12:38

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby in the waterworks department and the changes he has noticed for present day workers.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby in the waterworks department and the changes he has noticed for present day workers.

Date Range: 1979-2012

Photo Info: Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.

Length: 0:12:38

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

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 16, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.

Biographical Notes: Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:43:18

Interviewee Name: Francis, Les

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

Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Les Francis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-010/MSS171-010_Track_4.mp3

Memorandum re inmate effects when attending court

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16673

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 3 Oct. 1988

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page memorandum addressed to all Unit Directors from, G. Mittermayr, A/P.O., Records; regarding: "Inmate Effects When Attending Court" dated Oct. 3, 1988. The memorandum is typewritten on Province of British Columbia letterhead.

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a one page memorandum addressed to all Unit Directors from, G. Mittermayr, A/P.O., Records; regarding: "Inmate Effects When Attending Court" dated Oct. 3, 1988. The memorandum is typewritten on Province of British Columbia letterhead.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.152

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: Reproductions subject to FIPPA

Date: 3 Oct. 1988

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Annotation in blue ink crossing textual element listed in number 4.; Text elements listed in numbers 1., .2., 3, 5, 6, 7. are highlighted in yellow

Oakalla district west wing post review

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16671

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1980]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: .5 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "Oakalla District West Wing Post Review" from Oakalla District Director's Office. The Post Review is divided into five sections; Section One: Organization Charts; Section Two: 04 Funds; Section Three: Current List of Posts; Section Four: Job Descriptions / Sample Staff Wo…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: .5 cm of textual records

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of "Oakalla District West Wing Post Review" from Oakalla District Director's Office. The Post Review is divided into five sections; Section One: Organization Charts; Section Two: 04 Funds; Section Three: Current List of Posts; Section Four: Job Descriptions / Sample Staff Work Schedule (March 1980) and Section Five: Floor Plan and Fire Evacuation Plan.

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Responsibility: Province of British Columbia

Accession Code: BV991.45.176

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1980]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Transcribed title

Project brief part A : Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C. project #2074

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16662

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1981]

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records (91p.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of a typewritten report titled "Project Brief" for Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre No.2074 - Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C.; "British Columbia Buildings Corporation Project RCLS".

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Oakalla Prison collection

Series: Oakalla correctional facility records series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 cm of textual records (91p.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a copy of a typewritten report titled "Project Brief" for Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre No.2074 - Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C.; "British Columbia Buildings Corporation Project RCLS".

Creator: Province of British Columbia

Other Title Information: Cover title: Project Brief British Columbia Buildings Corporation Project RCLS Number 2074

Subjects: Public Services - Correctional; Public Services - Policing

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm; Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre

Accession Code: BV991.45.155

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [1981]

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Segment comb-binder; pages 3-91, D46G1-D46G2

Vancouver Engineering Works Boiler

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription473

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-](date of original), copied 1978

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large boiler loaded on a railway cart along with a large crate, piles of logs, and a cask. The cart is seen on a wood plank boardwalk, behind which is a view of an inlet. The area appears to be an industrial loading dock. Large stacks of wood planks can be seen to the left. The …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of a large boiler loaded on a railway cart along with a large crate, piles of logs, and a cask. The cart is seen on a wood plank boardwalk, behind which is a view of an inlet. The area appears to be an industrial loading dock. Large stacks of wood planks can be seen to the left. The boiler may be used for a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works- Boiler."

Subjects: Public Services - Public Works

Names: Vancouver Engineering Works Limited

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: HV978.14.9

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [190-](date of original), copied 1978

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-08-01

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

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Adminstrative agreement between B.C. Board of Parole and B.C. Corrections Branch

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 4

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Memorandum re inmate effects when attending court

Oakalla district west wing post review

Project brief part A : Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre Oakalla, Burnaby, B.C. project #2074

Vancouver Engineering Works Boiler

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