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Interview with Kay Zimmerman by Rod Fowler [February] 1990 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory531
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1967-1990
Length
00:04:42
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Kay Zimmerman’s discussion about the pros and cons of volunteer organizations operating public services for the municipality, in particular the Parks and Recreation Commission taking control of Heritage Village, a volunteer initiated Centennial Project
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Kay Zimmerman’s discussion about the pros and cons of volunteer organizations operating public services for the municipality, in particular the Parks and Recreation Commission taking control of Heritage Village, a volunteer initiated Centennial Project
Date Range
1967-1990
Photo Info
Kay Zimmerman, [1973]. Item no. 231-021
Length
00:04:42
Subjects
Public Services - Municipal Services
Organizations - Historical Societies
Persons - Volunteers
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
[February] 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Kay Zimmerman, conducted by Rod Fowler. Kay Zimmerman 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 Kay Zimmerman’s political activities in Burnaby and her description of her Lochdale neighbourhood in the 1960s. She provides an excellent overview of the municipal political groups and important political issues in Burnaby from 1960 to 1980. She tells the story about an early and successful political action that convinced her that an individual can make a difference. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Kathleen “Kay” Zimmerman, her husband Gordon and their young son Rick moved to Burnaby from Vancouver in 1960 to a house on Curtis Avenue near Duthie Street (a second son Bruce was born in Burnaby). Kay Zimmerman worked 12 years at Royal Columbian Hospital in the admitting office, then 4 years (1974-1979) as special assistant to Senator Ray Perrault, followed by work as a judge on the Citizenship Court before retiring. Gordon Zimmerman worked at the Shell Refinery. A member of the Liberal Party and political activist before arriving in Burnaby, Kay Zimmerman continued her involvement in national and local politics. She campaigned for Ray Perrault during the Trudeau years, and was a founder and active member of the Burnaby Voters Association (BVA). Her political activities encompassed 30 years that saw major changes in Burnaby, including the building of SFU, creation of Heritage Village, an awakening environmental sensibility, and a dramatic increase in population and development in Burnaby.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
01:04:36
Interviewee Name
Zimmerman, Kay
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Kay Zimmerman

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory479
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1956-1990
Length
00:10:17
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributi…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributions of Ratepayer groups and volunteers
Date Range
1956-1990
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
Length
00:10:17
Subjects
Persons - Volunteers
Sports - Soccer
Public Services - Municipal Services
Planning
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 19, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
1:31:44
Interviewee Name
Gordon, Merrill
Interview Location
unknown
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Merrill Gordon

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Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

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

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

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3
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Burnaby - Royal Area "Our Campsites"

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4944
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[ca. 1975]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 poster : 4 photographs : col. + textual record mounted on board 28 x 40.5 cm and laminated
Scope and Content
Item consists of a handwritten poster titled "Burnaby - Royal Area / "Our Campsites"" with four colour photographs of Girl Guide campsites in Sechelt and West Vancouver. Handwritten annotations describe each photograph from the top right to left "Galalina / at / Camp Olave / on / Sechelt Peninsu…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Series
Burnaby Girl Guides administrative records and histories series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 poster : 4 photographs : col. + textual record mounted on board 28 x 40.5 cm and laminated
Scope and Content
Item consists of a handwritten poster titled "Burnaby - Royal Area / "Our Campsites"" with four colour photographs of Girl Guide campsites in Sechelt and West Vancouver. Handwritten annotations describe each photograph from the top right to left "Galalina / at / Camp Olave / on / Sechelt Peninsula" "Cottage - sleeps 10 / Six cabins - sleeps 5each / Tent sites / Kitchen & Dining Shelter / Forest setting on / seashore" "Burna [bee] Chalet / on / Hollyburn Mountain / West Vancouver / Summer / Winter" "Two story building - rustic / propane and wood fuel / Water from creek. Hiking / snowshoeing, skiing. / Accomodates 20. A favourite / with all ages" "Reservations through M. Matthews ___-____"
Subjects
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Recreational Activities - Camping
Natural Phenomena - Snow
Geographic Features - Beaches
Names
Girl Guides of Canada
Accession Code
BV015.35.213
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[ca. 1975]
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Notes
Transcribed title
Images
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Stream in Robert Burnaby Park

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93668
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
January 15, 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a mostly dry stream in Robert Burnaby Park. The stream is surrounded by a forested area and the photograph shows a footbridge in the background. The photograph is taken in front of the stream, facing south.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
January 15, 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
556-625
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2017-57
Scope and Content
Photograph of a mostly dry stream in Robert Burnaby Park. The stream is surrounded by a forested area and the photograph shows a footbridge in the background. The photograph is taken in front of the stream, facing south.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Geographic Features - Streams
Structures - Bridges
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Surridge, Jack
Notes
Title taken from project information form
Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
BPL no. 74
Geographic Access
Robert Burnaby Park
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lakeview-Mayfield Area
Images
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Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 10

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory546
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1950-1990
Length
00:09:22
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby
Date Range
1950-1990
Photo Info
Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
Length
00:09:22
Names
Lawson, Doreen A.
Emmott, Alan H
Swangard Stadium
Subjects
Public Services - Municipal Services
Planning
Industries
Geographic Features - Parks
Buildings - Recreational
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
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Interview with Shirley Cohn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19597
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (16 min., 57 sec.) (50 min., 36 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (50 min., 36 sec.)
Scope and Content
File consists of two recordings of oral history interviews with Shirley Cohn conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. The first interview was conducted on April 14, 2023 and the second interview was conducted on September 6, 2023. Summary of interview conducted on …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (16 min., 57 sec.) (50 min., 36 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (50 min., 36 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Shirley Cohn Location of Interviews: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Dates: April 14, 2023 and September 6, 2023 Total Number of Tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 67 min., 33 sec. Digital master recording (wav) recording of second interview (50 min., 36 sec.) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
File consists of two recordings of oral history interviews with Shirley Cohn conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. The first interview was conducted on April 14, 2023 and the second interview was conducted on September 6, 2023. Summary of interview conducted on September 6, 2023: 0:00 – 16:09 Shirley Cohn shares background information about her parents who immigrated to Detroit from Hungary in the 1930’s. Shirley recalls what it was like for her parents being Jewish during World War II and how many of their relations were killed in the Holocaust. Shirley talks about her Jewish Hungarian heritage, what it was like growing up in Detroit, the Jewish community in Detroit and the Jewish holidays and traditions that her family celebrated. Shirley recalls her high school and University education and experiences, starting her career in social work and how she met her future husband, Theodore “Ted” Cohn. 16:10 – 18:27 Shirley shares the story about her father in law, Dr. Daniel E. Cohn who was Harry Houdini’s doctor at the time of his death in Detroit on Oct. 31, 1926. Shirley explains that she donated some of Dr. Daniel E. Cohn’s original documents pertaining to this event to the New York Public Library. 18:28 – 26:04 Shirley describes her experiences living and working in London Ontario while her husband was a professor at University of Western Ontario and Shirley worked as a social worker in family services. Shirley recalls experiences of anti-Semitism while living in London. Shirley talks about moving to Burnaby in 1977 after her husband took a job as a professor at Simon Fraser University. Shirley describes her experiences living in Burnaby, raising a family and working as a social worker at Burnaby General Hospital. 26:05 – 26:18 Shirley talks about her interests outside of work, her family’s involvement in the Burquest Jewish Community Association and being a member of Temple Shalom. Shirley conveys information about other Jewish synagogues in Greater Vancouver, describes Reform Judaism at Temple Shalom and some Jewish cultural practices that her family has been involved with. 26:19 – 33:12 Shirley describes her family’s experiences living in the Garden Village nieghbourhood in Burnaby, her involvement sharing Jewish cultural traditions at her children’s school and recalls her children’s experiences attending school in Burnaby. 33:13 – 40:46 Shirley conveys the career paths that her children took and talks about what she likes about living in Burnaby including; the walking and hiking trails, the cultural and art performances and her involvement in local politics. Shirley talks about her and her husband’s involvement in the SFU retirees association and the SFURA walking and hiking group. Shirley reflects on her husband’s academic career, experiences teaching at SFU and the role of the Hillel Jewish Students Association at the Simon Fraser University. Shirley talks about the difficulties of discussing political views about the State of Israel. Shirley describes some traditional Jewish foods, the roles that they play and a local bakery that carries Jewish bake goods. 40:47 – 50:36 Shirley describes her current daily life in Burnaby; working one day a week as a social worker, gardening, her involvement at Temple Shalom and the Jewish Community Centre and how she travels in Burnaby. Shirley recalls the changes that she’s encountered in Burnaby and in her career over the years, shares a story about her husband losing his thesis and describes what Burnaby was like while she was raising her family. Shirley shares what she thinks about the areas of development in Burnaby and conveys the importance of having parks and affordable housing. In closing, Shirley reflects on what is like to be a Jewish person living in Burnaby.
History
Interviewee biography: Shirley Tanner was born in Detroit in 1947. Her parents were both Jewish. Her mother fled Hungary as a refugee in 1939, while her father emigrated from there in 1934. Shirley attended public schools in Detroit, and then studied social work at the University of Michigan. After marriage, Shirley and Ted Cohn moved to Ontario where Ted had a faculty appointment at the University of Western Ontario in political science. Six years later they moved to Burnaby for Ted’s teaching position in political science at Simon Fraser University. While living in Burnaby, Shirley took care of a growing family while also practicing social work, mainly at Burnaby Hospital. The family enjoyed Burnaby’s libraries and parks. Shirley helped out at her children’s schools, became a Block Watch captain, and the family joined Burquest Jewish Community Association. The Cohns later became members of Temple Sholom Synagogue in Vancouver, while remaining in Burnaby. Beginning in 2009, Ted started an informal hiking group for retired Simon Fraser University staff. This group has been open to others, so now has a wide variety of members. Shirley has also helped lead hikes in the region. 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
Recreational Activities - Hiking
Organizations
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Migration
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Religions - Judaism
Social Issues - Racism
Social Issues
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Cohn, Dr. Daniel E.
Cohn, Shirley
Cohn, Theodore H. "Ted"
Burquest
Hillel Jewish Students Association
Simon Fraser University
SFURA walking and hiking group
Simon Fraser University Retirees Association "SFURA"
Temple Shalom
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Accession Code
BV023.16.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of file
Summary, recording and transcript of second interview available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Shirley Cohn, [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023

Interview with Shirley Cohn, [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0001_003.mp3
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Lee's Benevolent Association of Canada

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16723
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1968 and 1972], copied 2021
Collection/Fonds
Quon Lip Lee fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff)
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Lee's Benevolent Association of Canada taken during the installation ceremony of the asset management department. Members identified include; Quon Lip Lee (front row, second from left), Henry Lok Tin Lee (second row, fourth from the right) and Ron Bick Lee (front row, …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Quon Lip Lee fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff)
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Lee's Benevolent Association of Canada taken during the installation ceremony of the asset management department. Members identified include; Quon Lip Lee (front row, second from left), Henry Lok Tin Lee (second row, fourth from the right) and Ron Bick Lee (front row, fourth from the right). The photo was likely taken prior to 1972, in the association's original building located at 131 East Pender Street. In 1972, the building was almost completely destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1973 behind the newly restored original facade.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Organizations
Organizations - Men's Societies and Clubs
Names
Lee, Quon Lip
Lee's Benevolent Association of Canada
Lee, Henry Lok Tin
Lee, Ron Bick
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
BV021.18.7
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1968 and 1972], copied 2021
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
April 8, 2021
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Chinese characters written in black ink, appear on the mattboard surrounding the photograph
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Works Yard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93651
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 20, 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of cars and City of Burnaby vehicles in a parking lot and the exterior of some buildings at the Laurel Street Works Yard. The photograph is taken from a high point, facing west.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 20, 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
556-608
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2017-57
Scope and Content
Photograph of cars and City of Burnaby vehicles in a parking lot and the exterior of some buildings at the Laurel Street Works Yard. The photograph is taken from a high point, facing west.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Automobile Parking Lots
Public Services - Public Works
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Surridge, Jack
Notes
Title taken from project information form
Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
BPL no. 58
Geographic Access
Laurel Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
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Jensine Andersen honoured as a Burnaby pioneer

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13178
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[16 May 1971]
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Jensine Andersen (seated in an armchair) with her daughter, Hazel Kellett and two Job's Daughters. Jensine Andersen is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Jensine Andersen (seated in an armchair) with her daughter, Hazel Kellett and two Job's Daughters. Jensine Andersen is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Subjects
Persons - Pioneers
Persons - Seniors
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Andersen, Jensine
Kellett, Hazel
Accession Code
BV005.54.124
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[16 May 1971]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
July 20, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Jensine Andersen receiving tea from Job's Daughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13174
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
16 May 1971
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby pioneer, Jensine Anderson receiving a cup of tea from two Job's Daughters. Jensine is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby pioneer, Jensine Anderson receiving a cup of tea from two Job's Daughters. Jensine is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Subjects
Persons - Seniors
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Persons - Pioneers
Names
Andersen, Jensine
Accession Code
BV005.54.120
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
16 May 1971
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
July 20, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Jensine Andersen receiving tea from Job's Daughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13181
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
16 May 1971
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby pioneer, Jensine Anderson receiving a cup of tea from two, Job's Daughters. Jensine is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby pioneer, Jensine Anderson receiving a cup of tea from two, Job's Daughters. Jensine is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Subjects
Persons - Pioneers
Persons - Seniors
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Andersen, Jensine
Accession Code
BV005.54.121
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
16 May 1971
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
July 20, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Jensine Andersen receiving tea from Job's Daughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13182
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
16 May 1971
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby pioneer, Jensine Anderson receiving a cup of tea from two Job's Daughters. Jensine is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby pioneer, Jensine Anderson receiving a cup of tea from two Job's Daughters. Jensine is being honoured as a Burnaby Pioneer during the Burnaby's British Columbia Centennial celebrations.
Subjects
Persons - Pioneers
Persons - Seniors
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Andersen, Jensine
Accession Code
BV005.54.122
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
16 May 1971
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
July 20, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Queen Elizabeth II during royal visit to Burnaby Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3589
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
7 May 1971
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Queen Elizabeth II visiting with a boy scout and the crowd that have gathered during her royal visit to Burnaby Municipal Hall on May 7, 1971. Acting-mayor Hugh Ladner and his wife Valerie Ruth Ladner are standing behind. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made an official visit to …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Queen Elizabeth II visiting with a boy scout and the crowd that have gathered during her royal visit to Burnaby Municipal Hall on May 7, 1971. Acting-mayor Hugh Ladner and his wife Valerie Ruth Ladner are standing behind. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip made an official visit to Burnaby as part of their Centennial tour.
Subjects
Events - Royal Visits
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Persons - Royalty
Celebrations - Centennials
Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs
Names
Elizabeth II Queen of Great Britain, 1926-2022
Ladner, Hugh G.
Ladner, Valerie Ruth Grant
Boy Scouts of Canada
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4949 Canada Way
Accession Code
BV005.54.40
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
7 May 1971
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
July 16, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Interview with Tony Fabian by Eric Damer October 10, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory325
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1972-2012
Length
0:11:59
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Fabian's involvement in the development of the Stream Preservation Bylaw in Burnaby. He discusses fish populations, air quality, and bird populations in Burnaby as well.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Fabian's involvement in the development of the Stream Preservation Bylaw in Burnaby. He discusses fish populations, air quality, and bird populations in Burnaby as well.
Date Range
1972-2012
Photo Info
Tony Fabian relaxing at a picnic table, [1970]. Item no. 549-026.
Length
0:11:59
Subjects
Geographic Features - Streams
Animals - Birds
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 10, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Tony Fabian conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 10, 2012. Major theme discussed: environmental conservation practices in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Tony Fabian was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan in 1934. He and his wife moved to Burnaby in 1957, where he worked for the telephone company and raised a family. Tony has been an advocate for preservation of parklands and watercourses, helping to protect Burnaby and Deer Lake Parks and to create the Burnaby Fraser Foreshore and Barnet Marine Parks in the early nineteen-seventies, serving as a member of Burnaby’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Tony Fabian was presented with the 2008 City of Burnaby Environment Award for Community Stewardship.
Total Tracks
5
Total Length
0:47:48
Interviewee Name
Fabian, Tony
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Tony Fabian

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Men at Heritage Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2507
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
11 April 1971
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two unidentifed men (one in hard hat) and two children standing in a field next to a creek bed during the official sod-turning for Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum), April 11, 1971. Burnaby fire hall number is visible in the distance behind trees.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two unidentifed men (one in hard hat) and two children standing in a field next to a creek bed during the official sod-turning for Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum), April 11, 1971. Burnaby fire hall number is visible in the distance behind trees.
Subjects
Events
Geographic Features - Streams
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV005.54.556
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
11 April 1971
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
August 18, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Men at on site of Heritage Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13669
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
11 April 1971
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two unidentifed men (one in hard hat) and two children standing in a field next to a creek bed during the official sod-turning for Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum), April 11, 1971. Burnaby fire hall number is visible in the distance behind trees.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Donald Copan collection
Series
Copan album series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two unidentifed men (one in hard hat) and two children standing in a field next to a creek bed during the official sod-turning for Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum), April 11, 1971. Burnaby fire hall number is visible in the distance behind trees.
Subjects
Events
Geographic Features - Streams
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV005.54.575
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
11 April 1971
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
August 18, 2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 14

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory454
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1970-1990
Length
00:09:06
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s involvement in Burnaby organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s involvement in Burnaby organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation
Date Range
1970-1990
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012
Length
00:09:06
Subjects
Organizations
Persons - Volunteers
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with former Mayor William “Bill” Lewarne, conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Lewarne 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 Bill Lewarne’s business and political careers, and memories of growing up in South Burnaby in the 1930s. Bill Lewarne talks about his parent’s origins, his family and community struggles during the Depression, the interurban, his education, war service, and joining his father's business. He describes the start, operation and expansion of the family ice cream business, and how business life compared to political life. The interview explores the role of politics in community affairs, his political activities, the history of the BVA, and his involvement in various community organizations. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track, expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
William Alfred “Bill” Lewarne was born in Burnaby in 1926 to Ethel Cecilia Leer (1899- ) and Alfred Lewarne (1893-1962). The family, Ethel, Alfred and their three children Patricia, Beverley and William, moved to a house on Nelson Avenue in Alta Vista in 1931. Ethel still lived in the family home in 1990. Bill Lewarne attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). His father Alfred worked at Colony Farms as a dairy inspector and then for the Port of Vancouver Dairy before being laid off early in the Depression. The family struggled until in 1936 Alfred started his own ice cream business. After graduation Bill was in the army for two years, taking a refrigeration course under the veteran’s training benefit, before joining his father’s business. Three generations of the family operated the successful company, expanding from wholesale, retail and distribution of ice cream products into refrigerated warehouses and the wholesale ice business, until the business was sold to its competitor Dairyland in 1989. Bill Lewarne entered politics in 1965, first with the Nonpartisan Association (NPA) and then as a founder of the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). He served as an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. In 1979 he ran for provincial office for the Social Credit Party against Rosemary Brown but lost. Bill Lewarne married June Lawrence and they had three children Robert, Leslie and Janice. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, and continued to be active on the Board of the BCA. Bill Lewarne died in 1995.
Total Tracks
14
Total Length
1:34:40
Interviewee Name
Lewarne, William A. "Bill"
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 business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track fourteen of interview with Bill Lewarne

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Arminson, George - Burnaby Sanitation

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58829
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1970
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of George Arminson from Burnaby Sanitation.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1970
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1290
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of George Arminson from Burnaby Sanitation.
Subjects
Public Services - Sewerages
Public Services - Municipal Services
Names
Armison, George
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory435
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1960-1990
Length
00:03:16
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's involvement in the International Association of Fire Fighters union.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's involvement in the International Association of Fire Fighters union.
Date Range
1960-1990
Photo Info
Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067
Length
00:03:16
Subjects
Public Services - Fire Protection
Organizations - Unions
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
February 18, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland 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 Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections
Biographical Notes
William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:25:35
Interviewee Name
Copeland, William J
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 business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with William J. Copeland

Less detail

100 records – page 1 of 5.