30 records – page 1 of 2.

Ardingley-Sprott Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark797
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Heritage Value
The Ardingley-Sprott Neighbourhood is primarily non-residential and developed in the 1970s west of the Burnaby Lake park area. It grew to include a large recreational component in the form of the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex and playing fields.
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Ardingley-Sprott Area
Images
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Burnaby Lake Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark700
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1925-1954
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1925-1954
Heritage Value
After World War I and the Great Depression of the 1930s, more homes were constructed and subdivisions created in the Burnaby Lake district. The area around Deer Lake gained a reputation for being an "artistic development of commodious homes with park-like grounds."
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Images
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Burnaby Lake Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark821
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Heritage Value
In 1966 Burnaby Lake was identified as a key potential regional park in the GVRD ’s Regional Park Plan for the Lower Mainland. The lake was to be developed for nature study, strolling, trail riding, canoeing, sightseeing and picnicking. It was formally recognized as a regional nature park in 1979, at which time the GVRD assumed management of the park through a lease agreement with the City of Burnaby. In 1993 Burnaby Lake was selected by the City of Burnaby to be included in Greater Vancouver ’s Green Zone, and was identified as a key component of the GVRD ’s Park and Outdoor Recreation System (PORS) for the Burrard/Peninsula/Richmond sector, which includes Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster, and Richmond.
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Images
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Burnaby Village Museum

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark808
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1971
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Associated Dates
1971
Heritage Value
The Burnaby Village Museum is a ten-acre heritage site located adjacent to Deer Lake. The site was originally created as a B.C. Centennial Project in 1971. The official sod turning for was April 11, 1971 by the then Governor General of Canada Roland Mitchener. The Village was initially managed by the Century Park Museum Association, a volunteer society of Burnaby citizens. Over the years many heritage building which could not be maintained in their original locations have been moved to the museum. Today half of the buildings in the village are heritage structures and the remainder are reproductions. In 1990 the City of Burnaby assumed direct management of the Village, and the museum became part of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. Visitors can enjoy the shops on Hill Street, ride the Parker 119 Carousel, and climb aboard the Interurban 1223 tram.
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Street Address
6501 Deer Lake Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Chapel Of Peace

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark566
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Church building.
Associated Dates
1936
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Other Names
First United Spiritualist Church
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Other Names
First United Spiritualist Church
Geographic Access
Kincaid Street
Associated Dates
1936
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 13162
Enactment Date
28/01/2013
Description
Church building.
Heritage Value
This church was built in 1936 as the Chapel of Peace for the Forest Lawn Cemetery. It was located outside the main entrance of the cemetery at the triangular parcel of land bounded by Sprott, Royal Oak and Canada Way. It served as the location for many memorial services, local community worship and weddings. The Anglican Church purchased and relocated the building to its present site in 1955. The church has been altered with the addition of wings and stucco, but retains its steep front gabled roof and some of its arched windows. It is now used as the First United Spiritualist Church.
Locality
Burnaby Lake
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
5584 Kincaid Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Douglas-Gilpin Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark799
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Heritage Value
The Douglas-Gilpin Neighbourhood developed into a diverse area incorporating residential, business, educational and park districts in the period after 1955. The BCIT site was built in the early 1960s, shortly after the Burnaby Municipal Hall was located on Canada Way near Deer Lake in 1956. The construction of the Municipal Hall at this location fostered the creation of an administrative and business centre adjacent to the park, while the northern and central areas of the neighbourhood retained their primarily residential character.
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
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Forest Lawn Memorial Park

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark579
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Cemetery site.
Associated Dates
1935
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Royal Oak Avenue
Associated Dates
1935
Description
Cemetery site.
Heritage Value
Forest Lawn Memorial Park was founded and designed by Albert F. Arnold, who wanted to design a memorial park “which would be a place of perpetual beauty and which would banish the ‘graveyard’ taint from such places forever.” The 145 acres of Forest Lawn were designed as a garden, which overlooks Vancouver and has a magnificent view of the mountains. Called “God’s Acres,” with white-shelled walks and piped sacred music, the design allowed a natural setting to offer solace to grieve. Bronze memorial plaques were used rather than headstones, which would have marred the garden effect. Arnold acted as a consultant to memorial parks all over Canada and the United States and many of his innovations have become standard practice in North American cemeteries. Equipped with its own greenhouses, the park has more than a million plants of all types. The chapel, which sits on the lower southern slopes, is a sophisticated modernist structure that was designed by renowned local architects McCarter & Nairne.
Locality
Burnaby Lake
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Architect
Albert F. Arnold McCarter & Nairne
Area
449910.00
Contributing Resource
Landscape Feature
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
3789 Royal Oak Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Hans & Anna Hau Residence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark588
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Residential building.
Associated Dates
c.1935
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Associated Dates
c.1935
Description
Residential building.
Heritage Value
Danish builder Hans Jorgensen Hau (1878-1944) and his wife Anna (née Sorenson, 1874-1956), constructed this highly-distinctive Tudor Revival residence circa 1935. This was a time of entrenched traditionalism, and most domestic architecture reflected period revival styles. Tudor elements have been compressed here into a cottage form, including a distinctive front façade with half timbering and brick noggin; on the sides the nogging is rock-dash stucco. Casement windows contribute to the cottage appearance. The rear façade is clad with more utilitarian shingles. A prominent brick chimney exhibits angled and corbelled brickwork. Hau worked as a bricklayer and stonemason, and this house has common elements with the Moore Residence at 5165 Sperling Avenue, which Hau designed and constructed in 1943.
Locality
Burnaby Lake
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Area
2010.52
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
5070 Canada Way
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Morley-Buckingham Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark829
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1955-2008
Heritage Value
In the 1980 "Residential Neighbourhood Environment Study," the Morley-Buckingham Neighbourhood is described as "perhaps Burnaby's most prestigious residential area. The lots are larger than most other areas of the Municipality and this, along with the new expensive housing developed over the past 10 years, has created a very desirable residential neighbourhood...The older area of Buckingham lies at the lower edge of the slope and here the homes and streets are more uniform and aged between 20 and 25 years old...to the east of Canada Way lies...a cluster townhouse development."
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
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Stowe Residence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark642
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Residential building.
Associated Dates
1930
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Burris Street
Associated Dates
1930
Description
Residential building.
Heritage Value
This charming home was built for George Norman Stowe (1885-1955) and his wife Lillian (née Ross) Stowe after they purchased this property from the Municipality of Burnaby in a Depression-era tax sale. George Stowe was a civil engineer with the Provincial Department of Public Works from 1905 until 1950. Inspired by the British Arts and Crafts movement, this stuccoed cottage is notable for its picturesque side gabled roof with sloped eaves, and a jerkin-headed dormer with half-timbering. Multi-paned casement windows are used throughout the house, adding to the picturesque effect. A verandah with a colonnade of pillars on the east side of the home overlooks a ravine.
Locality
Burnaby Lake
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Area
1963.96
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
7484 Burris Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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William & Annie Mawhinney Residence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark653
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Residential building.
Associated Dates
c.1930
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Buckingham Avenue
Associated Dates
c.1930
Description
Residential building.
Heritage Value
Local farmers William Alexander Mawhinney (1870-1953) and Annie Josephine Mawhinney (née Sutcliff, 1871-1956) built this residence as their retirement home. It was the last of several houses built in the immediate vicinity by members of the Mawhinney family between 1909 and 1930. Born in Ireland, William Mawhinney first came to Burnaby to help his brother Isaiah establish his fruit farm. Due to his farm management experience, in 1908 William became foreman of the Avalon estate at Deer Lake that was owned by F.J. Hart. When he retired in 1930, William had fifty years of experience as a fruit and grain farmer.This house is situated on its lot at an angle, rather than parallel to the street, to take advantage of the view of wooded Buckingham Creek that runs through the northeast section of the property. Complementing the picturesque character of the property is this charming cottage-style residence, which is an excellent example of an interwar Storybook Cottage. During the years between the two World Wars, domestic styles in North America were resolutely historicist. In order to display good taste, it was expected that a house would have an identifiable period revival style. As economics dictated that houses of the time were generally modest, they often assumed a cottage appearance that provided a romantic ideal of traditional domesticity. The American Sesquicentennial reinforced this historicist trend, and the most popular Hollywood movies of the time were swashbuckling costume dramas. With its distinctive roughcast stucco and half-timbering, this house is an excellent example of this housing trend. The rolled roof edges, with steam-bent cedar shingles, simulate a traditional thatched roof. Other picturesque features include a front porch with round-arched openings, battered wall buttresses, an oriel window and diamond-paned leaded casement windows.
Locality
Burnaby Lake
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Area
1848.00
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
6011 Buckingham Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory254
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1892-1955
Length
0:07:38
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's reading of an essay written by Captain Thomas S. Guns describing the Lozells district, as well as quoting single sentences of various other writers on the topic of Deer Lake and the Burnaby Lake District. Alfred mentions the first schools of B…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's reading of an essay written by Captain Thomas S. Guns describing the Lozells district, as well as quoting single sentences of various other writers on the topic of Deer Lake and the Burnaby Lake District. Alfred mentions the first schools of Burnaby Lake and the "pleasure walk" along Douglas Road, from Vancouver to New Westminster.
Date Range
1892-1955
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:07:38
Historic Neighbourhood
Lozells (Historic Neighbourhood)
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Scope and Content
Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
Total Tracks
12
Total Length
1:38:06
Interviewee Name
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Transcript Available
MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

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Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory256
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1939
Length
0:09:06
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's description of Commissioner Fraser taking power in Burnaby. Alfred mentions the Burnaby Housing Committee and the Willingdon Heights Subdivision before beginning reading his series of short stories. He reads "I ARRIVE IN BURNABY AND WE BUILD A…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's description of Commissioner Fraser taking power in Burnaby. Alfred mentions the Burnaby Housing Committee and the Willingdon Heights Subdivision before beginning reading his series of short stories. He reads "I ARRIVE IN BURNABY AND WE BUILD A SHINGLE MILL/ 1919/ Burnaby Lake" as well as "WE BUILD A HOME AND DIG A WELL. 1920", both written in 1963.
Date Range
1919-1939
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:09:06
Subjects
Organizations
Buildings - Industrial - Mills
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Scope and Content
Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
Total Tracks
12
Total Length
1:38:06
Interviewee Name
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Transcript Available
MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track six of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

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Interview with David Skulski

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19606
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, at…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: David Skulski Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 6 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 80 min., 38 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, attending school in New Westminster and Burnaby and Hebrew school in Vancouver. David recalls his early experiences in music, instruments that he played and describes some of his Jewish family traditions. 00:22:23 – 00:49:57 David talks about his experiences studying music at university and following his passion as a musician and oboist. He recalls his experiences of working with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the CBC Orchestra, Vancouver Society for Early Music, the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra, other musical ensembles and venues where he’s performed. 00:49:58 – 01:00:00 David talks about living in Burnaby in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. David describes some his experiences playing traditional music from different countries. 01:01:01 – 01:14:15 David comments on the changes that he’s seen in Burnaby over the years, some of his favourite places, activities, cultural amenities and development on the Fraser River. David talks about the Jewish community in Burnaby, his involvement with the Peretz Centre and examples of Jewish cuisine. 01:14:16 – 01:20:38 David talks about Yiddish being his first language, his language studies in Lithuania, the roots of the language and provides some examples of speaking Yiddish.
History
Interviewee biography: Murray "David" Skulski was born in 1942 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved to British Columbia with his parents in 1948. Skulski and his family settled in New Westminster before moving to Burnaby in the late 1950's. Skulski took piano lessons at an early age and began playing obo while attending junior high school in New Westminster. In 1960 at the age of 17 years, Skulski began performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as solo English horn and is the youngest player to ever be employed with the VSO. In 1991, Skulski started playing with the Vancouver Folk Orchestra and was the conductor between 1997 and 2004. Skulski has been the principal oboe player in many orchestras. In 1968, Skulski founded the Hortulani Musicae; in 1970, he founded the Vancouver Society for Early Music and in 1983 he founded Harmonie, an ensemble concentrating in classical wind music. In 2003, Skulski became president of the Pertez Centre for Secular Jewish Culture. In 2005, Skulski became principal oboist of the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra and between 2009 and 2019 he was the principal oboist for the Pilgrim Orchestra under Pilwon Suk. David has served as president of the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture and since 2022, he’s served on the board of the Vancouver Chamber Music Society. Skulski has taught summer courses in Renaissance music in Austria (1972-1979), has been a music resident at Simon Fraser University (1973-1976), has lectured on the history of musical instruments at SFU and UBC and in 2008 began teaching at the Pacific Coast School of Music, Richmond School of Music and Oakridge Music Studios. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Foods
Music
Musical Instruments
Occupations - Musicians
Performances - Concerts
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Religions - Judaism
Names
Burnaby Symphony Orchestra
Burnaby South High School
Burquest
Skulski, Murray "David"
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Vancouver Society for Early Music
Peretz Centre
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Geographic Access
Deer Lake
Deer Lake Park
Accession Code
BV023.16.10
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023

Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/Hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0010_003.mp3
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Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Environmental Issues
Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
Geographic Features
Geographic Features - Parks
Housing
Occupations
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Writers
Persons - Volunteers
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Religions
Religions - Judaism
Names
Schwartz, William "Bill"
Schwartz, Ellen
City of Burnaby
Polestar Communications
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Accession Code
BV023.16.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3
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Interview with Jean Scott on the subject of Tom Irvine September 19, 1978 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory229
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1913-1958
Length
0:09:40
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of her former neighbour, Burnaby pioneer, Tom Irvine.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of her former neighbour, Burnaby pioneer, Tom Irvine.
Date Range
1913-1958
Photo Info
Tom Irvine sitting with a young girl, 1919. Item no. HV975.33.3o
Length
0:09:40
Names
Irvine, Tom
Geographic Access
Laurel Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Stevens, Colin
Interview Date
September 19, 1978
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Jean Scott conducted by Colin Stevens on September 19, 1978. Major themes include: Tom Irvine and Laurel Street.
Biographical Notes
Jean Scott came from Scotland to Burnaby with her family in 1913 when she was five years old. The Scott family settled on Laurel Street, at the northwest end of Burnaby Lake.
Total Tracks
3
Total Length
0:28:08
Interviewee Name
Scott, Jean
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Jean Scott on the subject of Tom Irvine

Less detail

Interview with Jean Scott on the subject of Tom Irvine September 19, 1978 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory230
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1913-1958
Length
0:08:56
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of Tom Irvine's house, next door to the Scott family's home on Laurel Street.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of Tom Irvine's house, next door to the Scott family's home on Laurel Street.
Date Range
1913-1958
Photo Info
Tom Irvine sitting with a young girl, 1919. Item no. HV975.33.3o
Length
0:08:56
Names
Irvine, Tom
Geographic Access
Laurel Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Stevens, Colin
Interview Date
September 19, 1978
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Jean Scott conducted by Colin Stevens on September 19, 1978. Major themes include: Tom Irvine and Laurel Street.
Biographical Notes
Jean Scott came from Scotland to Burnaby with her family in 1913 when she was five years old. The Scott family settled on Laurel Street, at the northwest end of Burnaby Lake.
Total Tracks
3
Total Length
0:28:08
Interviewee Name
Scott, Jean
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Jean Scott on the subject of Tom Irvine

Less detail

Interview with Jean Scott on the subject of Tom Irvine September 19, 1978 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory231
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1913-1958
Length
0:09:31
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of Tom Irvine as well as the layout of his house, next door to the Scott family's home on Laurel Street.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of Tom Irvine as well as the layout of his house, next door to the Scott family's home on Laurel Street.
Date Range
1913-1958
Photo Info
Tom Irvine sitting with a young girl, 1919. Item no. HV975.33.3o
Length
0:09:31
Names
Irvine, Tom
Geographic Access
Laurel Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Stevens, Colin
Interview Date
September 19, 1978
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Jean Scott conducted by Colin Stevens on September 19, 1978. Major themes include: Tom Irvine and Laurel Street.
Biographical Notes
Jean Scott came from Scotland to Burnaby with her family in 1913 when she was five years old. The Scott family settled on Laurel Street, at the northwest end of Burnaby Lake.
Total Tracks
3
Total Length
0:28:08
Interviewee Name
Scott, Jean
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Jean Scott on the subject of Tom Irvine

Less detail

Interview with Jean Scott September 19, 1978 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory232
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1913-1958
Length
0:04:24
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of her neighbourhood.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of her neighbourhood.
Date Range
1913-1958
Photo Info
Tom Irvine sitting with a young girl, 1919. Item no. HV975.33.3o
Length
0:04:24
Geographic Access
Laurel Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Stevens, Colin
Interview Date
September 19, 1978
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Jean Scott conducted by Colin Stevens on September 19, 1978. Major themes include: Burnaby Lake and Laurel Street.
Biographical Notes
Jean Scott came from Scotland to Burnaby with her family in 1913 when she was five years old. The Scott family settled on Laurel Street, at the northwest end of Burnaby Lake.
Total Tracks
2
Total Length
0:09:38
Interviewee Name
Scott, Jean
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Less detail

Interview with Jean Scott September 19, 1978 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory233
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1913-1958
Length
0:05:15
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of the houses in her neighbourhood. She also mentions participating in skating parties on Burnaby Lake.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Jean Scott's memories of the houses in her neighbourhood. She also mentions participating in skating parties on Burnaby Lake.
Date Range
1913-1958
Photo Info
Tom Irvine sitting with a young girl, 1919. Item no. HV975.33.3o
Length
0:05:15
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Stevens, Colin
Interview Date
September 19, 1978
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Jean Scott conducted by Colin Stevens on September 19, 1978. Major themes include: Burnaby Lake and Laurel Street.
Biographical Notes
Jean Scott came from Scotland to Burnaby with her family in 1913 when she was five years old. The Scott family settled on Laurel Street, at the northwest end of Burnaby Lake.
Total Tracks
2
Total Length
0:09:38
Interviewee Name
Scott, Jean
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Less detail

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