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Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory479
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1956-1990
Length
00:10:17
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributi…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributions of Ratepayer groups and volunteers
Date Range
1956-1990
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
Length
00:10:17
Subjects
Persons - Volunteers
Sports - Soccer
Public Services - Municipal Services
Planning
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 19, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill 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 about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
1:31:44
Interviewee Name
Gordon, Merrill
Interview Location
unknown
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 Merrill Gordon

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Burnaby May Day

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3112
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
May 26, 1928
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a procession led by flower girls at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. A constable in uniform is standing next to one of the lead flower girls with his hands on her shoulders, directing her. People are gathered around on the field to watch the procession. A Maypole can be seen o…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 11 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a procession led by flower girls at Burnaby May Day, at Robert Burnaby Park. A constable in uniform is standing next to one of the lead flower girls with his hands on her shoulders, directing her. People are gathered around on the field to watch the procession. A Maypole can be seen on the left.
Subjects
Events - May Day
Clothing - Uniforms
Public Services - Policing
Events - Parades
Geographic Access
Robert Burnaby Park
Wedgewood Street
Street Address
8155 Wedgewood Street
Accession Code
HV972.204.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
May 26, 1928
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lakeview-Mayfield Area
Related Material
For other photographs from the same album, see HV972.204.3 - .14
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-25
Photographer
Lloyd, Frank Ernest
Notes
Inscribed in the negative and printed on the bottom front of the photograph: "Burnaby May Day 26. 5. 28 / Lloyd Studio, McKay, B.C. / 36."
Images
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Burnaby Police Department members

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34274
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 26.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Police Department members. They are posed in two rows, one row seated and one row standing. The back row begins with; Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Eddie Godwin, Constable George Jeffery, Constable Peter Kelsburg, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Gor…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
George Jeffery subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 26.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
013-018
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Police Department members. They are posed in two rows, one row seated and one row standing. The back row begins with; Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Eddie Godwin, Constable George Jeffery, Constable Peter Kelsburg, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Gordon Waddell, Constable Corbett. Seated in the front row are; the Police Commissioner, Reeve Alexander McLean, Constable Parker, Chief Constable Devitt, [Police Commissioner] Albert Armitage, and [Stuart] Jamieson. A motorcycle is parked on either side of the group, and a large spotted dog is lying in front.
Subjects
Animals - Dogs
Public Services - Policing
Transportation - Motorcycles
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Names
Burnaby Municipal Police
Maxwell, David
Woolens, Jack
Godwin, Eddie
Jeffery, George
Kelsberg, Peter
Waddell, Gordon
McLean, Alexander K.
Devitt, W.J.
Armitage, Albert
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Russell Photo Studio
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Imprinted in lower left corner, "Russell's Studio, New Westminster, BC"
Photograph has silvering in the dark areas
Left side of photograph is torn and missing
Identification key accompanying
Images
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Burnaby Police department under Chief Devitt

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34275
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 21 cm mounted on board 25 x 30 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby's Police force standing at attention and wearing dress uniform. The men are: Chief Devitt, and his staff; Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Parker, Reeve Sanderson, Constable Bob Henderson, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Peter Kelsberg, Constable Jeffe…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
George Jeffery subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 21 cm mounted on board 25 x 30 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
013-019
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby's Police force standing at attention and wearing dress uniform. The men are: Chief Devitt, and his staff; Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Parker, Reeve Sanderson, Constable Bob Henderson, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Peter Kelsberg, Constable Jeffery, Constable Eddie Goodwin, Constable Waddell, and Commissioner Matthews.
Subjects
Public Services - Policing
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Burnaby Municipal Police
Devitt, W.J.
Parker, H.
Waddell, C.J.
Matthews, Commissioner W.
Godwin, Eddie
Sanderson, Thomas F.
Hatt-Cook, H.
Henderson, Robert "Bob"
Jeffery, George
Kelsberg, Peter
Maxwell, David
Woolens, Jack
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Burnaby Police department under Chief Devitt

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36166
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 15.5 x 21 cm, mounted on board 25 x 30 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby's Police force standing at attention and wearing dress uniform. The men are: Chief Devitt, and his staff; Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Parker, Reeve Sanderson, Constable Bob Henderson, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Peter Kelsberg, Constable Jeffr…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Public Library photograph subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 15.5 x 21 cm, mounted on board 25 x 30 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
230-011
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1989-22
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby's Police force standing at attention and wearing dress uniform. The men are: Chief Devitt, and his staff; Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Parker, Reeve Sanderson, Constable Bob Henderson, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Peter Kelsberg, Constable Jeffreys, Constable Eddie Goodwin, Constable Waddell, and Commissioner Matthews.
Subjects
Public Services - Policing
Names
Burnaby Municipal Police
Devitt, W.J.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Burnaby Police department under Chief Devitt

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription25
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1921
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 26.5 x 33.5 cm (sight) print in frame 29 x 36 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby's Police force standing at attention and wearing dress uniform. The men are: Chief Devitt, and his staff: Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Parker, former Burnaby Reeve Thomas Sanderson, Constable Bob Henderson, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Peter Kels…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 26.5 x 33.5 cm (sight) print in frame 29 x 36 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby's Police force standing at attention and wearing dress uniform. The men are: Chief Devitt, and his staff: Sergeant David Maxwell, Constable Parker, former Burnaby Reeve Thomas Sanderson, Constable Bob Henderson, Constable Hatt-Cook, Constable Jack Woolens, Constable Peter Kelsberg, Constable Jeffery, Constable Eddie Godwin, Constable Gordon Waddell, and Commissioner Matthews.
Subjects
Public Services - Policing
Clothing - Uniforms
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Names
Burnaby Municipal Police
Jeffery, George
Maxwell, David
Sanderson, Thomas F.
Devitt, W.J.
Hatt-Cook, H.
Woolens, Jack
Kelsberg, Peter
Waddell, Gordon
Matthews, Commissioner W.
Godwin, Eddie
Henderson, Robert "Bob"
Accession Code
HV971.40.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1921
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
300
Scan Date
15/8/2006
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note mounted inside frame (recto) identifies individuals
Images
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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.
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
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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.
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
Less detail

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…
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
Less detail

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…
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
Less detail

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.
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
Less detail

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…
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
Less detail

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
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

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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.
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
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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.
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
Less detail

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."
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
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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…
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
Less detail

Opening of the Hastings-Barnet Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38660
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 17.5 x 26.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the official opening of the newly paved Hastings-Barnet Road which opened on Saturday December 10, 1927. In the foreground the Provincial Minister of Public Works Dr. W.H. Sutherland is opening a wooden gate, with a large crowd gathered around. The Barnet Lumber Company Ltd. building …
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
North Burnaby Board of Trade subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 17.5 x 26.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
476-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2005-8
Scope and Content
Photograph of the official opening of the newly paved Hastings-Barnet Road which opened on Saturday December 10, 1927. In the foreground the Provincial Minister of Public Works Dr. W.H. Sutherland is opening a wooden gate, with a large crowd gathered around. The Barnet Lumber Company Ltd. building on Hastings Street is in the background.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Roads
Persons - Crowds
Buildings - Industrial - Mills
Officials - Elected Officials
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Barnet Mill
Sutherland, W.H.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Street Address
3995 Hastings Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Images
Less detail

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
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Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19610
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Kate Petrusa and James Binks Interviewees: Rajinder and Raj Pandher Location of Interview: Love farmhouse, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 4 Total Length of all Tracks: (3:06:01 min) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto four separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview begins on January 10. Rajinder Pander provides information on where he was born and where he grew up and shares details regarding his family and his childhood including; his elementary and high school education and experiences and his involvement and interest in the sport of field hockey. 08:53 – 23:24 Raj Pander provides information on where she was born and shares details regarding her family and education. Raj recalls details of her family life in India including her family farm, her father’s service in the Indian National Army and other ancestor’s involvement in the military. Rajinder assists with the details regarding Raj’s father’s military service and explains how he was highly decelerated for his heroic actions. Rajinder conveys further information in reference to the Sikh Empire. 23:25 – 35:53 Rajinder and Raj share information on their formal education. Raj explains how she learned English and talks about the other spoken languages that her family used while she was growing up. Rajinder and Raj recall how they first met which lead them to marry in 1971. Rajinder provides information about his older brothers who left India before him. He explains how his elder brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1970 and provides details on his other brother who lived in Malaysia and England before coming to Canada in 1975. Rajinder conveys how after his brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher arrived in Canada, he lived in Campbell River and worked at the saw mill there. 35:54 – 1:01:38 Rajinder and Raj share their immigration stories including details of; what lead them to immigrate, their immigration route, what they brought with them and where they lived and worked. Rajinder and Raj tell of how they both faced discrimination in finding work that they were qualified for and describe some of the jobs that they worked at before obtaining their Real Estate licences. 1:01:39 – 1:13:09 Rajinder and Raj share information on where they’ve purchase traditional food supplies in Burnaby and Rajinder provides further details on his employment and recalls how they were able to purchase their first home in Burnaby. 1:13:10 - 1:19:33 Rajinder describes how he began writing for the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”. Rajinder shares how he first started printing small pamphlets of Sikh Cultural history in 1975 and how he’s been volunteering with the National Democratic Party (NDP) since 1973. 1:19:34 - 1:38:24 Second part of interview continues on January 24, 2023. Rajinder provides further information about the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”, provides an historical summary of the Sikh Empire and the Sikh religion and describes a book that’s he’s written about his culture and the village he lived in India. 1:38:25 - 1:52:24 Raj describes some of the traditional textiles that she’s created including a dury, embroidered cloth (pakha and pakhi) and clothing. Raj shares a story of a train derailment in India in which her father survived. 1:52:25 - 2:14:53 Raj Pandher talks about her father’s letters and diaries, Rajinder talks about receiving a Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community service and they both talk about their daughter Amanjit’s education and career accomplishments. Raj describes her involvement in the community council of her children’s school and both Raj and Rajinder describe their involvement in multicultural education and events that they were involved with in Burnaby and New Westminster. Interviewer lists Rajinder Pandher’s many volunteer awards and accomplishments. 2:14:54 - 2:39:53 Raj and Rajinder describe some of their family photographs as well as personal items from India including decorative arts and textiles. They talk about celebrating their 30 year wedding anniversary and the origin of their Sikh names. Rajinder describes a visit to Paldi in 1977 when the whole family was baptized at the Sikh temple and provides informaton about Hardial Singh Atwal, the first Sikh child born in Canada. Rajinder discusses what he thinks a cookhouse looked like, his friendship with former Mayor William J. Copeland and wages of South Asians working in sawmills. 2:39:54 - 3:06:01 Raj and Rajinder talk about food including where they’ve purchased traditional South Asian foods and what they grow in their home garden. Rajinder provides details about the Burnaby Multicultural Society, talks about South Asian work ethics and housing and shares some of the cultural and religious traditions of Sikhs and celebrations that take place in Vancouver and Burnaby.
History
Interviewees biographies: Rajinder Pandher was born five years prior to the Partition of India in the Village of Jhamat, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Raj Pandher was born in 1948 in the Village of Chapar, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Rajinder played field hockey while living in India and is passionate about the sport. Both Rajinder and Raj Pahndher attended college in India and were married in India in 1971. Rajinder Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1972 and his wife, Raj Pandher joined him in 1973. After arriving in Canada, Rajinder Pandher started working at a sawmill in Campbell River but didn't like the work and moved to Vancouver to find better employment opportunties. In 1976, the couple moved to Burnaby and rented until they could buy a home a year later. They raised two children who attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School in Burnaby. Rajinder and Raj Pandher were both very involved with multicultural efforts at their childlren's schools including turban tying and sari demonstrations and Rajinder was a founding member of the Burnaby Multicultural Society. Interviewers biographies: Kate Petrusa is the Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In her role, she manages all aspects of the collection – including caring for physical artifacts and making their digital counterpart accessible. Before coming to Burnaby Village Museum in 2019, Kate has worked at several Museums around the Lower Mainland as a Curator and contractor since 2013. James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Housing
Employment
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Persons - Volunteers
Religions - Sikhism
Migration
Organizations
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Social Issues - Racism
Social Issues
Celebrations
Sports - Field Hockey
Names
Pandher, Raj
Pandher, Rajinder
Copeland, William J.
Pandher, Harman
Pandher, Amanjit
Burnaby Multicultural Society
The Western Sikh Samachar
Responsibility
Petrusa, Kate
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV023.1.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcripts available upon request
Audio Tracks

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0002_003.mp3
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100 records – page 1 of 5.