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Columbian Newspaper collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription31
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [195-]-1985
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1579 photographs : b&w + col.
- Scope and Content
- Collection consists of photographs created by or for the Columbian Newspaper and the Burnaby Today newspaper (child company to the Columbian). Photographs depict various people, organizations, and events in Burnaby that had historical interest. Many of the photographs within this collection have ne…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [195-]-1985
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1579 photographs : b&w + col.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- 2009-01
- Scope and Content
- Collection consists of photographs created by or for the Columbian Newspaper and the Burnaby Today newspaper (child company to the Columbian). Photographs depict various people, organizations, and events in Burnaby that had historical interest. Many of the photographs within this collection have newspaper photographers identified as: Peter Battistoni, Tom Braid, Campbell, Randy Glover, Craig Hodge, B.C. Jennings, Basil King, Ken Oakes, Sheamus Smith, John Symonds, Don Trimbell and Don Whistler.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of collection
- Photo catalogue 480, photo catalogue 222
Columbian Newspaper subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97177
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1865]-1983
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs from the Columbian Newspaper collected by the Burnaby Historical Society.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1865]-1983
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Columbian Newspaper subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1989-19
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs from the Columbian Newspaper collected by the Burnaby Historical Society.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Creator
- The Columbian
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- PC 222
- History/Bio adapted from New Westminster Archives
Committee Administration subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96376
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1960]-2020
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 10 folders of textual records + 3 rolls of microfilm
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Committee Administration including directories, terms of reference, commissioner appointments, committee applications, successful candidates, and delegations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1960]-2020
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Committee administration subseries
- Physical Description
- 10 folders of textual records + 3 rolls of microfilm
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Committee Administration including directories, terms of reference, commissioner appointments, committee applications, successful candidates, and delegations.
- History
- Committee Administration is responsible for the administrative management of Burnaby's various committees, commissions, and boards.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Community Heritage Commission subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96378
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1989-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 46 folders of textual records + 2 photographs + 1 portrait
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Community Heritage Commission including agendas, minutes, correspondence, committee reports, and heritage sites.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1989-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Community Heritage Commission subseries
- Physical Description
- 46 folders of textual records + 2 photographs + 1 portrait
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Community Heritage Commission including agendas, minutes, correspondence, committee reports, and heritage sites.
- History
- The Community Heritage Commission was established December of 1994. This committee was formerly known as the Heritage Advisory Committee. The Community Heritage Commission supports efforts to increase public awareness of and provide management for constructed and natural heritage in the City of Burnaby.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Graphic Material
Community Issues and Social Planning Committee subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96423
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1989-2003
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 46 folders of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Community Issues and Social Planning Committee including agendas, minutes, correspondence, committee reports, local heroes applications, and local heroes nominations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1989-2003
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Physical Description
- 46 folders of textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Community Issues and Social Planning Committee including agendas, minutes, correspondence, committee reports, local heroes applications, and local heroes nominations.
- History
- The Community Issues and Social Planning Committee was established on November 20, 1989. The Community Issues and Social Planning Committee was struck to manage matters dealing with crime prevention, seniors, youth, and disabled services, healthy community issues, and multiculturalism. On January 13, 2003 Council renamed this committee Social Issues Committee.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Community Standards Committee subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96427
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1984-1993
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 4 folders of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Community Standards Committee including agendas, correspondence, and committee reports.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1984-1993
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Community Standards Committee subseries
- Physical Description
- 4 folders of textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Community Standards Committee including agendas, correspondence, and committee reports.
- History
- The Community Standards Committee was established on May 7, 1984. The Committee's purpose was to define community standards in Burnaby and to facilitate public education and awareness about community standards. This committee disbanded on December 8, 1986.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Confederation Community Centre for the Retired subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1967-1988
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of records related to the Confederation Community Centre for the Retired, also known as Confederation House. Records include minutes, reports, and correspondence, as well as photographs that depict some events held at the Centre.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1967-1988
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Physical Description
- Textual records and photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1997-03
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of records related to the Confederation Community Centre for the Retired, also known as Confederation House. Records include minutes, reports, and correspondence, as well as photographs that depict some events held at the Centre.
- History
- In 1959, Commissioner George McLean, a former Alderman, first met with the elder citizens of northern Burnaby who, not wanting to be programmed into other recreation centres, expressed their need for their own community building. Over the next decade, representatives of the O.A.P.O., Senior Citizen Associations, and the existing elder citizen’s programme at Willingdon Heights met with members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and staff to discuss what type of facility was needed to meet the recreational needs of the retired population in North Burnaby. In 1971, the Burnaby Parks and Recreation Commission authorized the building of the Confederation Community Centre for the Retired (also known as Confederation House) at 4585 Albert Street. Architect Norman S. Jones designed the building with the assistance of Consultant W.D. McKinnon of Industrial Construction Centre Ltd. A sod turning ceremony was held on Friday, June 11, 1971. A minimal mandatory membership fee was established in order to establish a membership list. As it was then, and continues to be today, anyone fifty or over and retired is eligible for membership. The Centre offers exercise classes, credit and non-credit college courses, drop-in, club activities and social events.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- PC343, PC344, MSS083
Constance Cooter subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97414
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1907-1981
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of greeting cards collected by Constance Cooter and the Cooter family.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1907-1981
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Constance Cooter subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-21
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of greeting cards collected by Constance Cooter and the Cooter family.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Creator
- Cooter, Constance
- Notes
- Title based on creator of subseries
Cornelius and Lucy Hiemstra family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19120
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1960-2003
- Collection/Fonds
- Cornelius and Lucy Hiemstra family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 24 photographs
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs of the Middlegate Bakery, staff and bakery equipment, the Hiemstra family and their home on Canada Way.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Cornelius and Lucy Hiemstra family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 24 photographs
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs of the Middlegate Bakery, staff and bakery equipment, the Hiemstra family and their home on Canada Way.
- History
- Cornelius "Cor" Hiemstra was born on Feb 3, 1929 in Haulerwijk, Friesland, in the Netherlands and was the eldest of five children. Lucy was born on February 6, 1927 in Buitenpost, Friesland, in the Netherlands and was the fourth of ten children. Cor came to Canada in 1953, from the Netherlands. He worked at the Valley Bakery on Hastings in Burnaby from 1958 to 1959. Lucy came to Canada in 1956. The couple met at a wedding in 1956, and were married in 1958 in Kitchener Ontario. Lucy and Cornelius "Cor" Hiemstra purchased a home in Burnaby in October 1959 on 5363 Canada Way and raised their six children there. Eldest to youngest: Sjouke (son), Jacqueline (daughter), Patricia (daughter), Edward (son), Barbara (daughter) and Robert (son). In 1959, Cor purchased Gibbons Bakery on Kingsway and moved his business to the Middlegate Shoppping Centre in 1960 which he named "Middlegate Bakery". Cor ran the bakery until 1974 when it was sold to Kim and Jennifer Wong. The Wongs ran the bakery for 37 years. In 2012, the bakery was purchased by Chef Reza Amiri and renamed Aroma Bakery. Chef Amiri immigrated to Burnaby from Iran in 2005. After Cor sold the bakery, he became a school bus driver and a hospital bus driver for Burnaby Hospital. The Hiemstra family home was renovated and enlarged to accommodate the growing family in 1974. Lucy Hiemstra completed her nursing upgrade in 1974 and worked at the Carleton Hospital and the Burnaby Hospital until she retired in 1994. Cor passed away at the age of 93 in Feburary 2022, and Lucy passed away at the age of 89 in 2018.
- Responsibility
- Hiemstra, Cornelius "Cor"
- Accession Code
- BV022.15
- Date
- 1960-2003
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
Court of Revision subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96429
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1911-2001
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 24 folders of textual records + 1 roll of microfilm + 3 bound books
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Court of Revision including assessment rolls, business taxes, local improvements, and lists of electors.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1911-2001
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Court of Revision subseries
- Physical Description
- 24 folders of textual records + 1 roll of microfilm + 3 bound books
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Court of Revision including assessment rolls, business taxes, local improvements, and lists of electors.
- History
- The Court of Revision was established in 1989. The Court of Revision had the authority to revise the voters' list, the real property assessment roll, the business tax roll, and local improvement proposals, as determined by provincial statutes. It was also responsible for considering any complaints regarding assessment rolls and imposing parcel taxes. A Court of Revision was scheduled each year to provide an opportunity for property owners to appeal Local Area Services and Sewer Parcel taxes that were being charged for the first time. The assessments confirmed by the Court of Revision were the basis for the preparation of Local Area Services and Sewer Assessment tax rolls. In 2015, the Court of Revision became known as the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Crime Prevention Committee subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription96430
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1983-1989
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 8 folders of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Crime Prevention Committee including agendas, correspondence, committee reports, and terms of reference.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1983-1989
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Series
- Council Committee series
- Subseries
- Crime Prevention Committee subseries
- Physical Description
- 8 folders of textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of committee records for the Crime Prevention Committee including agendas, correspondence, committee reports, and terms of reference.
- History
- The Crime Prevention Committee was established on February 22, 1982. On November 20, 1989 this committee disbanded and all matters relating to crime prevention became the responsibility of the Community Issues and Social Planning Committee.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Digney Family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85415
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1936-19[61]
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Dign…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1936-19[61]
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Digney in 2012. The 16mm film is divided into the following segments: the Oak Theatre in 1936 (construction and opening); the Royal Visit (from the King and Queen) in 1939; Burnaby Sports and May Day events (ca. 1937); and the Labour parade (ca. 1935). The 18 film segments contain footage of the Digney family at their home in Brandon, Manitoba, and Burnaby; views of the Oak Theatre and Digney Speedway in operation; and their travels throughout British Columbia and abroad. The 18 film segments are described at the item level and titled: Andy's first film; Brandon, Manitoba; Burnaby and Digney recreational events; Trip to Kamloops; Burnaby; Burnaby, Vancouver and the north shore; Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary; Travels to Ontario, Quebec and England; Travels to England #2; Travels to England #3; Parades; Digney family in Burnaby; Paul Digney and family; Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens; Digney family at Bonsor Avenue and family outings; Building and opening the Digney Speedway; Digney family travel the praries; and San Francisco Trip.
- History
- Andy Digney was born in London, England, on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles. In 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore, Saskatchewan, and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty, Saskatchewan, where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry, Manitoba, where Andy worked selling lightning rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time, he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns, showing movies. Eventually, Digney purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba, where he purchased a restaurant, which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba, when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1935 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community, becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945, he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a home on Bonsor Avenue on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association [original name retained for historical accuracy], who were looking for a good location to race the smaller racing cars popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948, with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of this kind of racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951, Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over 40 cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s, the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Dig worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce, returned to Burnaby in 1953, moving into a 550-square-foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954, Simpson Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19, 1955, and Andy, Alice, Dig, and Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the bowling alley. In 1956, Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son Dig, which he paid for over time. Dig and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in 1964 while travelling with his wife in England. Alice died on June 3, 1982, and Dig died on November 27, 2009.
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Photographer
- Digney, Andy
- Creator
- Digney family
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- Photo/MI catalogue 562
Digney Family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10597
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1954 and 1964] (date of originals), copied in 2016 and 2019
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 video recordings (mp4) (approx. 3hr., 18 min.) : digital, 23 fps
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of compilation of six films (including film clips) created by Andy Digney and his son Ernest "Dig" Digney. Film content includes footage of members of the Digney family and friends in Burnaby; the Digney homes on Bonsor Avenue and Kaymar Drive; construction of the Digney Bowling Alle…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 video recordings (mp4) (approx. 3hr., 18 min.) : digital, 23 fps
- Material Details
- Films were digitized in 2019 from original 8 mm format
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of compilation of six films (including film clips) created by Andy Digney and his son Ernest "Dig" Digney. Film content includes footage of members of the Digney family and friends in Burnaby; the Digney homes on Bonsor Avenue and Kaymar Drive; construction of the Digney Bowling Alley and the Simpsons-Sears building; Lawn bowling at Central Park as well as various family events, gatherings, vacations and trips.
- History
- Andy Digney was born in London, England on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles and in 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore Saskatchewan and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty Saskatchewan where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry Manitoba where Andy worked selling lightening rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife, traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns showing movies. Eventually, he purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba where he purchased a restaurant which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1936 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945 he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a house at 2698 Bonsor Avenue (after 1959-6521 Bonsor Ave.) on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association, who were looking for a good location to race the smaller, racing cars, popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948 with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of midget racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951 Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over forty cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Ernest Digney (also known as Dig) worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce returned to Burnaby in 1953 moving into a 550 square foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954 Simpsons-Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19,1955 and Andy Digney, his wife Alice, son 'Dig' and daughter in law Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the Bowling Alley. In 1956 Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son 'Dig' which he paid for over time. 'Dig' and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in England in 1964 while on his world tour. His wife Alice died on June 3, 1982 and their son, Ernest ('Dig') died November 27, 2009.
- Accession Code
- BV019.18
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 1954 and 1964] (date of originals), copied in 2016 and 2019
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Related Material
- See also City of Burnaby Archives Digney Family fonds Photo/MI catalogue 562
- Arrangement
- Films are arranged and described at item level along with film clip segments. Master film footage numbered BV019.18.3 through BV019.18.8 were described in original order at item level. Digitized film content within the master film footage was also broken down into shorter film clips according to natural breaks within the original content and described separately as film clips (accession parts) in their original order: BV019.8.3.1 to BV019.8.3.28; BV019.8.4.1 to BV019.8.4.16; BV019.18.5.1 to BV019.8.5.7; BV019.18.6.1 to BV019.18.6.8; BV019.18.7.1 to BV019.18.7.15; BV019.18.8.1 to BV019.18.8.20
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
Disney Family collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97178
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1914-1963]
- Collection/Fonds
- Disney Family collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : pencil and ink on paper ; 52 cm x 77 cm and smaller + 1 p. of textual records (40 cm. x 31 cm.) + 1 plan : col. ; 55 cm x 75 cm folded to 28 cm x 10 cm + 1 map : diazo print ; 39 cm x 28 cm.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of maps and plans created and collected by Jack Disney.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1914-1963]
- Collection/Fonds
- Disney Family collection
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : pencil and ink on paper ; 52 cm x 77 cm and smaller + 1 p. of textual records (40 cm. x 31 cm.) + 1 plan : col. ; 55 cm x 75 cm folded to 28 cm x 10 cm + 1 map : diazo print ; 39 cm x 28 cm.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Accession Number
- 2016-03
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of maps and plans created and collected by Jack Disney.
- History
- John Howard "Jack" Disney served as Burnaby Surveyor from 1911 to 1919.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of collection
- MSS199
Donald N. Brown subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1925 (date of original)-1995
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and other material
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs taken by Freeman Donald N. Brown while involved in Burnaby Historical Society activities and textual records pertaining to his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also included in the subseries are documents and photographs from his involvement with vari…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1925 (date of original)-1995
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Donald N. Brown subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and other material
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1987-03
- BHS2003-04
- BHS1992-20
- BHS1995-09
- BHS2000-10
- BHS1991-41
- BHS2001-12
- BHS2004-01
- BHS2004-12
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs taken by Freeman Donald N. Brown while involved in Burnaby Historical Society activities and textual records pertaining to his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also included in the subseries are documents and photographs from his involvement with various community groups including the Oakalla Lands Citizens' Committee, renovations of Burnaby Village Museum, and the restoration of Interurban tram no. 1223.
- History
- Donald Neil "Don" Brown was born in Birmingham, England. In 1922, while still an infant, he and his family moved to Winnipeg, Canada. On September 8, 1939, Don left his Senior Matriculation classes to join the Royal Canadian Engineers. Two weeks later, he eloped with his high school sweetheart, Helen J., just months before he was to be shipped overseas with the 3rd Contingent of Canadian Troops. He served in the army with the Royal Canadian Engineer’s 12th Field Company and saw action in both Sicily and Italy. In 1945, Don returned to obtain his Senior Matriculation and a year of university studies before re-enlisting in the army as a Second Lieutenant. He spent the next two years stationed in Chilliwack with Helen and their first child. In 1947, he left the army to join the ranks of the British Columbia Provincial Police force, embarking on a three-decade long career. His first assignment brought him to Burnaby where he served from 1947-1954, first as a member of the BC Police Department and then as a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. In 1954, Don was transferred to Regina, Saskatchewan and then to Ottawa, Ontario to serve in the Crime Detection Laboratories. He became a qualified Examiner of Questioned Documents and provided expert testimony in handwriting, counterfeiting, graphic arts, and alterations. He attained the rank of first Corporal, and then Sergeant in the RCMP. He was transferred to Vancouver to be the Second in Charge of a new laboratory and head of the Document Section in July, 1963. On December 9, 1967, Helen Brown ran as an independent for the position of Alderman on the Burnaby Council. She was not elected. In May 1970, Don was promoted to Sub-Inspector and transferred to Edmonton to take command of the new Crime Detection Laboratory. By 1972, he was promoted to full Inspector. Transferred back to Vancouver in 1975, Don became the Officer-in-Charge of a new Crime Laboratory and took over the National Police Services pilot project for British Columbia. He was rewarded for this work with a promotion to Superintendent in September 1975. In 1976, after a distinguished 35 years combined service to the armed forces and the police, Don retired and founded his own laboratory to carry on his work in the field of questioned documents. He became a Fellow (Emeritus) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, a Life Member (Emeritus) and Past Director of the Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences, a Member of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners. After his retirement, Don became involved in local politics and, with the blessing of his wife and six children, joined the Burnaby Voters’ Association as their Secretary. In 1978 he was elected to a two-year term as a Burnaby School Trustee. During the next municipal election in November 1979, he successfully ran for Alderman. Don Brown served Burnaby as Alderman from 1979 to 1985. During this time, Don also became a member of the Community College for the Retired, the Horsemen’s Society and the Burnaby Historical Society. He also gave his support to Arts Council programs and numerous other community functions over the years and author "Why?: The Last Years of the British Columbia Policy 1858-1950" about the BC Provincial Police. In 1991, Don was appointed as Chair of the Burnaby Centennial Committee, dedicating himself to making Burnaby’s Centennial celebration a memorable success. His contributions were always supported by his wife Helen, and their work during the Centennial Year was just one example of the strength of their 66-year partnership. They were both formally recognized for their efforts when they were chosen to receive the Kushiro Cup and named the Citizens of the Year in 1992. Also that year, Don was a recipient of the Canadian 125 Medal and one year later, in March 1993, Donald Brown was awarded Burnaby’s highest honour and was made a Freeman of the City of Burnaby. Don passed away in 2009.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Moving Images
- Creator
- Brown, Donald N. "Don"
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- PC194, PC241, MSS098, MSS148
Don McQueen fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88836
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961-1964
- Collection/Fonds
- Don McQueen fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 99 photographs (35 large b&w prints; 36 medium b&w prints; 15 small b&w prints; 5 large b&w panoramas) + 0.5 cm. of textual records.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a scrapbook organized by Don McQueen containing photographs, newspaper articles, and clippings from the Fraser Valley Milk Producers Association (FVMPA) newsletter "Fraser Valley Milk Break". The scrapbook documents and chronologizes the planning, construction, and implementation …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961-1964
- Collection/Fonds
- Don McQueen fonds
- Physical Description
- 99 photographs (35 large b&w prints; 36 medium b&w prints; 15 small b&w prints; 5 large b&w panoramas) + 0.5 cm. of textual records.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- In Archives only
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2015-10
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a scrapbook organized by Don McQueen containing photographs, newspaper articles, and clippings from the Fraser Valley Milk Producers Association (FVMPA) newsletter "Fraser Valley Milk Break". The scrapbook documents and chronologizes the planning, construction, and implementation of the FVMPA Plant located on Lougheed Highway in Burnaby as well as providing some background history on this organization.
- History
- Don McQueen was born September 7, 1918, in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, and was the son of Thomas Kerningham McQueen (1873-1948) and Ethel (Badley) McQueen (1889-1981) and brother to Tom Alexander McQueen (1920-1999). In 1924, Don moved with his family from Wilkie, Saskatchewan, to North Vancouver, where they lived until 1930 when they moved to Burnaby. In 1942, Don moved back to North Vancouver, and in 1951, he settled in West Vancouver. As a child, Don attended Queen Mary Elementary School in North Vancouver, followed by attending Burnaby North High School and completing a degree in Engineering at the University of British Columbia in 1948. Don married Rosina Amelia Hewett in 1942 and together they had four children: Donald James (Winnie) McQueen; Rose Anne (Wayne) McQueen; Robin Elaine (Robert) McQueen; and Robert Douglas McQueen. Following the death of Don's first wife, Rosina, in 1966, Don was married three more times, beginning with Laverne Cyr, followed by Marian Schreiber and Gregoria Noble. He had seven grandchildren: Tanja, Mark, Todd, Karina, Morgan, Anthony, and Kosal. During World War II, Don worked at Boeing Air Craft, building planes, and after the war, from 1945 until 1948, he worked at the shipyards in North Vancouver. In 1948, he joined Dairyland, which was affiliated with the Fraser Valley Milk Producers' Association (FVMPA), working as the head of Engineering until his retirement in 1980. Building the FVMPA plant, which opened in 1964, was a highlight of his career, where he was employed as the lead Engineer in creating a state-of-the-art plant located at Lougheed Highway and Sperling Avenue in Burnaby. Don spent three years directing research investigations into modern dairies and ice cream plants throughout Canada and the USA. This plant served the FVMPA for many years to come, and his dedication resulted in giving hundreds of hours of overtime for which he was never paid. The FVPMA was organized by farmers to protect the quality and price of milk. It was granted its charter on June 18th, 1913, and the organization was represented by farmers of every district in the Fraser Valley with 22 locals. In 1919, the Association purchased manufacturing plants and a milk company, and in 1920, the firm acquired another milk company and condensery. In 1923, the FVPMA became the first Canadian dairy organization to establish a quality control laboratory and employ a bacteriologist, and in 1943, the Association established Dairyland dairies. The original headquarters for the FVMPA was located at 425 W. 8th Avenue in Vancouver and as a result of FVMPA's growing success and need for expansion, a modern plant was opened in Burnaby in 1964. The four-million-dollar plant was built on a 24-acre site located at Sperling and Lougheed Highway. This location also housed the association's head office, the Dairyland Fluid Milk Division plant and offices, the Arctic Ice Cream Division plant and offices and the Concentrated Milk Division (Pacific Evaporated and Powder) sales and offices. The facility included a processing plant, service block, garage, primary and secondary mechanical and electrical services, and air conditioned office space. The general contract to build the plant was awarded to John Laing and Son (Canada) Ltd. and was overseen by the FVMPA engineering department, headed by D.R. McQueen, P. Eng. Don belonged to the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. (APEGB) from 1948, was a founding member of the Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver, and between 1950 and the 1960s, was a director on the board for the West Vancouver YMCA. Don had many hobbies including Russian ballet, kinesiology, drawing, photography, sailing, canoeing, and teaching ballroom dancing and downhill skiing. He competed in fencing in the Empire Games in the 1950s and was slated to canoe for Canada in the 1940 Olympics but was prevented by the war. He was a carpenter and handyman, beginning with building his first sailboat at 12 years of age, and later enjoyed building and restoring furniture. Don passed away on October 22, 2017 at the age of 99.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- McQueen, Don
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- MSS193, photo catalogue 588
Doreen Lawson fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58356
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1950-2002
- Collection/Fonds
- Doreen Lawson fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 18 cm of textual records + approx. 1000 photographs
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of records created and received by Doreen Lawson during her career as Parks Commissioner (1965-1971), Burnaby City Council member (1972-1985, 1990-1999) and environmental advocate following her retirement from Council in 1999. Records include election campaign materials, congratulat…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1950-2002
- Collection/Fonds
- Doreen Lawson fonds
- Physical Description
- 18 cm of textual records + approx. 1000 photographs
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Accession Number
- 2003-30
- 2015-15
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of records created and received by Doreen Lawson during her career as Parks Commissioner (1965-1971), Burnaby City Council member (1972-1985, 1990-1999) and environmental advocate following her retirement from Council in 1999. Records include election campaign materials, congratulatory letters and correspondence, community speeches and slideshow presentations regarding the conservation of Burnaby Lake, the administrative papers of the Burnaby Centennial Rhododendron and Spring Flower Show Society, and photographs of Burnaby waterways and wildlife.
- History
- Doreen Anne Fowler Lawson was born July 8, 1928, to Eva Barnhill and Leonard Fowler. Her parents met in Alberta but decided to move to Vancouver where they got married and Doreen was born. The family moved to the north side of Claude Avenue in Burnaby when Doreen was a few months old. In 1931, they moved to a house with an acre of land directly across the street from their first house.
- When Doreen was six, her family moved to Collingwood, Vancouver, near where her father grew up. This is where her brother Ron was born. The family moved again to County Line in Langley Prairie in 1944, which is where Doreen met Edward Lawson, her future husband. Soon after, they moved to a seven-acre plot in Burquitlam. Ed and Doreen Lawson’s eldest daughter, Linda, was born in 1954. Their second daughter, Wendy, was born in 1959 and their youngest, Lisa, was born in 1961. They lived in the Brentwood area, where all three daughters attended Brentwood Elementary School. Linda went on to Alpha Secondary School.
- In 1945, Doreen began her first of several office jobs, and in the early 1950s she became the first woman to be elected into a vice-president position within the BC Trade Union Congress (now the BC Federation of Labour).
- Doreen Lawson had a long and prolific political career, starting as Parks Commissioner in 1965, and serving as its chair from 1969 to 1971. She was instrumental in the selection and promotion of the rhododendron as the official flower of Burnaby in 1966. In 1971, she was elected to Burnaby City Council and, in 1972, Doreen proposed that Council take action to declare Burnaby Lake a wildlife sanctuary. After a 10-year campaign, she was able to convince Council to declare the park “a nature conservation area.” She put forward a policy of preservation for creeks and streams, as well as a proposal to preserve trees in subdivisions, both of which were adopted by Council. Doreen continued to serve on Council until 1985, during which time she initiated and chaired the Burnaby Information Committee, which designed the present Burnaby logo (and official flower pins) and established the Information Burnaby Newsletter. In 1979 Doreen Lawson won Vancouver Natural History Society’s Frank Sanford Award.
- In 1984, Doreen was elected the first woman president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Doreen ran as a BC Liberal Party candidate in the new Federal Riding of Burnaby in 1979, and from 1985 to 1987, she served as the Executive Director of the British Columbia Liberal Party. As the B.C. Liberal Party Executive Director, her major responsibility was to work with both the Federal and Provincial Associations in implementing riding organizations and fundraising programs in preparation for election time. In the 1980s, Doreen was an active guest lecturer at Burnaby Elementary and High Schools as well as at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Doreen was active in a variety of community clubs and organizations including: the Burnaby Library Board; Greater Vancouver Spinners and Weavers Guild; and Vancouver Natural History Society. She was an executive member of the Burnaby-New Westminster Canada Summer Games; the Burnaby Division of the United Way; Information Burnaby Committee; and the Brentwood Parent Teachers Association; as well as serving as the President of the Burnaby Voters Association from 1988-1990.
- In 1990, Doreen was elected back to Burnaby Council and put forward the rejuvenation of Burnaby Lake which she saw completed before her final year on Council in 1999. Doreen continued to be a strong environmental advocate for the protection and rejuvenation of Burnaby Lake after she retired from council.
- Doreen Lawson died October 11, 2003.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Lawson, Doreen A.
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- MSS071, photo catalogue 605, photo catalogue 618
Dorothy Atkinson fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription17532
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1929-2004, predominant 1929-1940
- Collection/Fonds
- Dorothy Atkinson fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 3 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of school report cards and certificates belonging to Dorothy Atkinson (nee Mallett) along with a Vancouver Daily Province Pioneer's Honour Roll Certificate awarded to her parents, Percy and Alice Mallett (nee Lowry).
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Dorothy Atkinson fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 3 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of school report cards and certificates belonging to Dorothy Atkinson (nee Mallett) along with a Vancouver Daily Province Pioneer's Honour Roll Certificate awarded to her parents, Percy and Alice Mallett (nee Lowry).
- History
- Alice (nee Lowry) (1879-1954) and Percy Mallett (1882-1955) were married in Vancouver, British Columbia on January 26, 1910. Alice Lowry was born in Kinnear’s Mills, Quebec and Percy Mallett was born in Cornwall, England. Alice and Percy had four children Percival “Perc” (1916-1971), Alan (1919-2006), Dorothy (1923-2016) and a son who died in infancy. Alice and Percy resided in Vancouver until 1914. In 1915, they moved to 3965 Cambridge Street in Burnaby and lived there with their three children until 1934. The Mallett family lived at various other locations in Burnaby including 4119 East Hastings (1935-1937), 4075 Triumph Street (1938-1949) and 4211 Oxford Street (1950-1954). All three children attended Gilmore Avenue School and North Burnaby High School. After graduating from North Burnaby High School, Dorothy Mallett worked at B.C. Telephone and B.C. Electric in downtown Vancouver. Dorothy attended University of British Columbia for one year with her earnings from these jobs. While working at B.C. Electric, Dorothy met her future husband, Charles McDonald "Mac" Atkinson. In 1949, Dorothy Mallett married Charles McDonald “Mac” Atkinson at Willingdon Heights United Church in Burnaby with Dorothy’s brother, Reverend Percival Mallett officiating. In 1965, Dorothy and Mac moved to Nanaimo. Dorothy taught piano and was an accomplished singer and musician performing in various recitals. Dorothy died in 2016 and her husband Mac Atkinson died in 2012.
- Responsibility
- Atkinson, Dorothy Mallett
- Accession Code
- BV021.28
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Date
- 1929-2004, predominant 1929-1940
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
Douglas Road School subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956-[1985]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs and textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs of the demolition and construction of buildings at the Douglas Road school site, as well as a photocopied guest book of attendees to a Douglas Road school reunion.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1956-[1985]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Douglas Road School subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs and textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1985-28
- BHS2005-3
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs of the demolition and construction of buildings at the Douglas Road school site, as well as a photocopied guest book of attendees to a Douglas Road school reunion.
- History
- The Douglas Road School was originally established as a two-room school in 1908, which later expanded to four classrooms. Anticipating rapid settlement of this district, the School Board purchased two acres adjoining the original building. Two of the four rooms were designed to become one large auditorium suitable for special events and public gatherings, with seating for two hundred people. Designed by McCarter & Nairne, the school was built by contractor A.S. Perry.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Douglas Road School
- Notes
- Title based on contents of collection
- PC471, MSS023
Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19279
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1984]
- Collection/Fonds
- Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs : col.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of two photographs of actors from Vancouver Sath performing in the play "Maluka" at Sexsmith Elementary School.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Dr. Sadhu Binning fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 2 photographs : col.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of two photographs of actors from Vancouver Sath performing in the play "Maluka" at Sexsmith Elementary School.
- History
- Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur’ (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips.
- Creator
- Binning, Dr. Sadhu
- Accession Code
- BV023.7
- Date
- [1984]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- See also artifacts descriptions for related materials re: Vancouver Sath and Watan magazine: BV023.7.1 to BV023.7.16
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds