"Occupations" found 397 records

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…

1 image 1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (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

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

Documents

2023_0016_0006_004

Audio Tracks

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

Dr. Kenneth Strand

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45910

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1970, published May 30, 1970

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 18.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Kenneth Strand, president of Simon Fraser University, speaking into a microphone at the opening of the new Burquitlam elementary school in Coquitlam. Visible sitting in chairs behind him are; school principal C.J. Webb, chairman of Coquitlam school board W.M. Johnstone, Rev. H.J.H…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1970, published May 30, 1970

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 18.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-804

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2003-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Kenneth Strand, president of Simon Fraser University, speaking into a microphone at the opening of the new Burquitlam elementary school in Coquitlam. Visible sitting in chairs behind him are; school principal C.J. Webb, chairman of Coquitlam school board W.M. Johnstone, Rev. H.J.H. Oldfield, and architect R.B. Howard.

Subjects: Occupations - Teachers; Occupations - Clergy; Officials - Elected Officials; Events - Openings

Names: Strand, Dr Kenneth; Webb, C.J.; Johnstone, WM; Oldfield, Rev. H.J.H.; Howard, RB

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Symonds, John

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Dr. Kenneth Strand, 1970, published May 30, 1970 thumbnail

Ernie Olson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46218

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1978]

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 11.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Burnaby Director of Engineering, Ernie Olson. He was the Director of Engineering from 1963 until his retirement in 1989.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1978]

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 11.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1106

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2003-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Burnaby Director of Engineering, Ernie Olson. He was the Director of Engineering from 1963 until his retirement in 1989.

Subjects: Occupations - Civic Workers; Occupations - Engineers

Names: Olson, Ernie

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Battistoni, Peter

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ernie Olson with Mayor Tom Constable

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46219

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: July 16, 1979

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 23 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Burnaby municipal engineer Ernie Olson being congratulated by Mayor Tom Constable for receiving the Cyril Henderson Award from the Association of Municipal Administrators.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: July 16, 1979

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 23 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1107

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2003-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Burnaby municipal engineer Ernie Olson being congratulated by Mayor Tom Constable for receiving the Cyril Henderson Award from the Association of Municipal Administrators.

Subjects: Ceremonies - Awards; Occupations - Civic Workers; Occupations - Engineers; Officials - Mayors and Reeves

Names: Olson, Ernie; Constable, Thomas W. "Tom"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Battistoni, Peter

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "ENGINEER TOPS ... Burnaby municipal engineer Ernie Olson (right) accepts congratulations from Mayor Tom Constable after Olson was chosen as the winner of the Cyril Henderson Award from the Association of Municipal Administrators. His computer-assisted mapping facility was judged the best entry in Canada. Along with the plaque, Olson received a cheque for $200."

Images

Ernie Olson with Mayor Tom Constable, July 16, 1979 thumbnail

Ernie Winch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35648

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [194-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ernie Winch (left) and an unidentified helper working as stone masons building a brick chimney.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [194-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-506

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ernie Winch (left) and an unidentified helper working as stone masons building a brick chimney.

Subjects: Construction; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Labourers

Names: Winch, Ernest "Ernie"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ernie Winch, [194-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Farrington brothers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35231

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [194-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Farrington brothers; Richard and Thomas. Thomas and Richard Farrington founded Wheat Sheaf Poultry Ranch in 1919. It was located at 3907 Chesham Avenue (later renumbered 5384 Chesham Avenue).

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [194-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-088

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Farrington brothers; Richard and Thomas. Thomas and Richard Farrington founded Wheat Sheaf Poultry Ranch in 1919. It was located at 3907 Chesham Avenue (later renumbered 5384 Chesham Avenue).

Subjects: Occupations - Farmers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Agriculture - Poultry

Names: Farrington, Richard; Farrington, Thomas

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Farrington brothers, [194-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Gilmore School staff

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription174

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1970 or 1971]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Gilmore School staff from the year 1970-1971. The people are identified as follows (front row to back row, left to right). Row 1: Miss Brenda Granger, Mrs. Marylou Leung, unidentified woman, Miss Bev Cowie, Miss Pam Box, unidentified woman, Miss Kathy Coles, and Mrs. Doreen Welt…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Gilmore School staff from the year 1970-1971. The people are identified as follows (front row to back row, left to right). Row 1: Miss Brenda Granger, Mrs. Marylou Leung, unidentified woman, Miss Bev Cowie, Miss Pam Box, unidentified woman, Miss Kathy Coles, and Mrs. Doreen Weltens. Row 2: Mrs. Lydia Derkson, Miss Michi Lee, unidentified woman, Mrs. Ruth Calder, Miss Betty Manring, Mrs. Stella Peterson, Miss Tracy Wilson, and Mrs. Kitty Warren. Row 3: Mrs. Queenie Scargill, Mrs. Wendy Matthison, Mrs. Ruth MacKenzie, Mrs. Ruth Cross, Mrs. Gladys Heshedahl, Miss Ann Malcolm (school nurse), Miss Ruth Carrington, Mrs. Eileen Duthie (Steno), and Mrs. Ingrid ?. Row 4: Mrs. Evelyn Boyle, Mr. Harry Mazur (Vice Principal), Mr. Robert Thomson (principal / donor), Mr. Ron Henderson, Mr. Art Robinson, Mr. Nick Calderone, and Mrs. Dorothy Raines. Annotations on the back of the photo read: "70/71" and "Harry Mazur 2nd from left / back row."

Subjects: Occupations - Teachers; Occupations - Nurses

Names: Box, Pam; Boyle, Evelyn; Calder, Ruth; Calderone, Nick; Carrington, Ruth; Coles, Kathy; Cowie, Bev; Cross, Ruth; Derkson, Lydia; Duthie, Eileen; Gilmore Avenue School; Granger, Brenda; Henderson, Ron; Heshedahl, Gladys; Lee, Michi; Leung, Marylou; Malcolm, Ann; Manring, Betty; Mazur, Harry; Peterson, Stella; Raines, Dorothy; Robinson, Art; Scargill, Queenie; Thomson, Robert; Warren, Kitty; Weltens, Doreen; Wilson, Tracy

Geographic Access: Gilmore Avenue

Street Address: 50 Gilmore Avenue

Accession Code: BV985.87.5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1970 or 1971]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-19

Photographer: Croton Studio Limited

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Gilmore School staff, [1970 or 1971] thumbnail

Interview with Eileen Kernaghan by Rod Fowler April 10, 1990 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory497

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1939-1990

Length: 00:09:08

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Eileen Kernaghan’s childhood, her education and teaching career, her marriage to Pat Kernaghan and their move to Burnaby, his work at Oakalla Prison, the opening of their Neville Street bookstore, and changes in their neighbourhood

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Eileen Kernaghan’s childhood, her education and teaching career, her marriage to Pat Kernaghan and their move to Burnaby, his work at Oakalla Prison, the opening of their Neville Street bookstore, and changes in their neighbourhood

Date Range: 1939-1990

Photo Info: Eileen Kernaghan standing in front of four poets at the Poetry Pocket Cafe in New Westminster, October 15, 1995. Item no. 535-0014

Length: 00:09:08

Subjects: Education; Occupations - Teachers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Clinton-Glenwood Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: April 10, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Eileen Kernaghan, conducted by Rod Fowler. Eileen Kernaghan 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 Eileen Kernaghan’s activities with the Burnaby Writers’ Society and the Burnaby Arts Council, describing the history of these organizations between 1967 and 1990. She describes the financial and other challenges facing the arts community, the various programs initiated by the Arts Council, and the development of the Burnaby Arts Centre facilities at Deer Lake. She also talks about her education, writing career, the Neville Street neighbourhood, and her and her husband’s bookstore business. Ghosts believed to inhabit some of the Arts Centre's heritage buildings are also a topic of conversation. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Eileen Kernaghan was born January 6, 1939, to William Alfred Monk (1910-2003) and Belinda Maude Monk (1908-1996), and grew up on a dairy farm near Grindrod in the North Okanagan. She attended a two room school in Grindrod, completed Junior and Senior High School in Enderby, and at age 17 in 1956, left home to attend UBC. She taught school in the North Okanagan area in the late 1950s, during which time she married her husband Patrick Kernaghan. They moved to Vancouver in 1961, Burnaby in 1963, and settled on Neville Street in the South Slope area in 1966 with their three children. Pat Kernaghan worked at Oakalla Prison as a correctional officer until his retirement in 1988. Eileen and Patrick Kernaghan owned and operated a bookstore on Neville Street from 1987 to 1999. They later moved to New Westminster. Eileen Kernaghan began her writing career at twelve years old with a story published in the Vancouver Sun. After her youngest child began school, with more free time, she started writing again and has become an award winning author of fantasy and science fiction novels. She helped found the Burnaby Writers’ Society in 1967, taught writing workshops, and wrote its popular Newsletter for many years. In 1971 the Society put together a small handbook for BC writers, a venture that was expanded and published by Douglas MacIntyre in 1975 as “The Upper Left-Hand Corner: a writer’s handbook for the Northwest”. The book became a Canadian best-seller. During this same period Eileen Kernaghan began her successful “Grey Isles” trilogy. In 1967 she joined the Burnaby Arts Council, worked as its Coordinator from 1973 to 1984, and was a determined advocate for municipal government support for the arts in Burnaby.

Total Tracks: 11

Total Length: 1:26:27

Interviewee Name: Kernaghan, Eileen

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

Eileen Kernaghan standing in front of four poets at the Poetry Pocket Cafe in New Westminster, October 15, 1995. Item no. 535-0014 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with Eileen Kernaghan

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-021/MSS187-021_Track%207.mp3

Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory540

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1938-1990

Length: 00:04:02

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s friendship and business partnership with CKNW broadcaster Jack Cullen; the entertainment people Sev Morin met; and a brief description of his early education at the Jesuit College in Edmonton

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s friendship and business partnership with CKNW broadcaster Jack Cullen; the entertainment people Sev Morin met; and a brief description of his early education at the Jesuit College in Edmonton

Date Range: 1938-1990

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

Length: 00:04:02

Names: Gai Paree Supper Club

Subjects: Occupations - Entertainers; Education; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: April 4, 1990

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

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

Total Tracks: 10

Total Length: 00:56:44

Interviewee Name: Morin, Severin "Sev"

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

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

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

Images

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

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Sev Morin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-021/MSS187-021_Track%204.mp3

John and Lois Shaw

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55572

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: November 25, 1942

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Shaw and Lois Shaw (nee Gilbert) on their wedding day. At the time of the wedding, John was working as a non-commissioned officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force but both John and Lois worked for the Municipality of Burnaby.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: November 25, 1942

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 13 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-047

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Shaw and Lois Shaw (nee Gilbert) on their wedding day. At the time of the wedding, John was working as a non-commissioned officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force but both John and Lois worked for the Municipality of Burnaby.

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Occupations - Civic Workers; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, Lois E. Gilbert; Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

John and Lois Shaw, November 25, 1942 thumbnail

Air force cadets

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55560

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 4.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of six air force cadets standing together in two rows outside their barracks in Vernon. Each of the three cadets in the front row have cigarettes in their hands. Written on the back of the photograph is: "Some of the boys on the porch." John Shaw is the third from the left; the rest are …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.5 x 4.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-035

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of six air force cadets standing together in two rows outside their barracks in Vernon. Each of the three cadets in the front row have cigarettes in their hands. Written on the back of the photograph is: "Some of the boys on the porch." John Shaw is the third from the left; the rest are unidentified.

Subjects: Clothing - Military Uniforms; Occupations - Military Personnel; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Air force cadet singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55553

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of fifteen air force cadets performing on stage at a show in Calgary, Alberta. John Shaw was a part of this musical group and he has written on the back of the picture: "The Captain looks a little nervous in this one, he's biting his lip. Sgt. Moody, leaning on the piano, takes the scrip…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-028

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of fifteen air force cadets performing on stage at a show in Calgary, Alberta. John Shaw was a part of this musical group and he has written on the back of the picture: "The Captain looks a little nervous in this one, he's biting his lip. Sgt. Moody, leaning on the piano, takes the script. Syd Bending is violinist, darn good too."

Subjects: Clothing - Military Uniforms; Occupations - Military Personnel; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Bending, Syd; Moody, Sgt.

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Air force cadet singing group, [1941] thumbnail

Air force office

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55561

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of an air force office. John Shaw has written on the back of the picture: "The Orderly Room. Corporal Honey in the foreground leaning on the counter which holds all our forms in those pigeon holes you can see."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4 x 6.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-036

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of the interior of an air force office. John Shaw has written on the back of the picture: "The Orderly Room. Corporal Honey in the foreground leaning on the counter which holds all our forms in those pigeon holes you can see."

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Buildings - Military; Furniture; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Honey, Corporal

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Air Force personnel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55531

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of twelve men in Royal Canadian Air Force uniforms outside their barracks in Vernon, BC. John Shaw is in the middle row, second from left.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-006

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of twelve men in Royal Canadian Air Force uniforms outside their barracks in Vernon, BC. John Shaw is in the middle row, second from left.

Subjects: Clothing - Uniforms; Occupations - Military Personnel; Buildings - Military; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"; Royal Canadian Air Force; Hatton, Bill; Shields, Joe

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file; Note on verso of photograph reads: "All the gang from 220. Joe on my left and then Bill Hatton on his left, another fine lad. He was posted to Prince Edward Island, 60 miles from home. Will you please keep this for me?"

Images

Air force personnel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55547

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of five men, all in air force uniforms, standing outside. The man on the far left is John Shaw and he has written on the back of the photograph: "Another candid shot. My stand would be complete with a halo."

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-022

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of five men, all in air force uniforms, standing outside. The man on the far left is John Shaw and he has written on the back of the photograph: "Another candid shot. My stand would be complete with a halo."

Subjects: Clothing - Military Uniforms; Occupations - Military Personnel; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Air force personnel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55574

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: January 1941

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of fifty-three men sitting and standing in front of a building in their air force uniforms. The photograph is captioned "PL # 2 - No. 3 Co. / T.C. # 110 January 1941 / Vernon BC." This is the group of air force cadets that went through training with John Shaw at Vernon during the winter …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: January 1941

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-049

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of fifty-three men sitting and standing in front of a building in their air force uniforms. The photograph is captioned "PL # 2 - No. 3 Co. / T.C. # 110 January 1941 / Vernon BC." This is the group of air force cadets that went through training with John Shaw at Vernon during the winter of 1941. John can be seen third from the left in the second row (standing, with eyes closed).

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Buildings - Military; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Kermode, Douglas

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Air force personnel, January 1941 thumbnail

Air Force recruits

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55536

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 8 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of six men standing outside in the snow at the air force training camp in Vernon. All of the men are holding rifles.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 8 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-011

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of six men standing outside in the snow at the air force training camp in Vernon. All of the men are holding rifles.

Subjects: Clothing - Uniforms; Occupations - Military Personnel; Armament - Firearms; Buildings - Military; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of file.

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55563

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of eleven men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "Another informal one of the quartette. Cap's playing the accordion this time. The other …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-038

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of eleven men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "Another informal one of the quartette. Cap's playing the accordion this time. The other Salvation Army guy is just an old fuss bag."

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55564

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of ten men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The octet singing 'The West, A Nest and You.' We look kinda sick, I figure. Note the wedge…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-039

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of ten men in uniform performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: "The octet singing 'The West, A Nest and You.' We look kinda sick, I figure. Note the wedge in my pants - hasn't faded, even after two months." John is third from the right, looking down at the music sheet.

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Air force singing group

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55565

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of twelve men - most in uniform - and one woman, performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: ""Yours truly" relaxing over a cigarette during the interviews." …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941]

Collection/Fonds: John Shaw fonds

Series: Military series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 485-040

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2005-15; 2006-01; 2007-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of twelve men - most in uniform - and one woman, performing on stage for an audience. John Shaw was part of this air force singing group which performed in Calgary, Alberta and he has written on the back of the photograph: ""Yours truly" relaxing over a cigarette during the interviews." John can be seen near the right of the photograph leaning against the piano with a cigarette in his hand.

Subjects: Occupations - Military Personnel; Clothing - Military Uniforms; Musical Instruments; Wars - World War, 1939-1945

Names: Shaw, John Horace "Jack"

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Tigerstedt Studio

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Photographer's stamp on verso

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