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Interview with Robert Lowe by Eric Damer November 5, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory354
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-2012
Length
0:09:13
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of the development of property Burnaby. He discusses houses being built by his father, grandfather and himself; this includes the property that he and his wife bought in 1961. Bob also discusses the rise of the automobile.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of the development of property Burnaby. He discusses houses being built by his father, grandfather and himself; this includes the property that he and his wife bought in 1961. Bob also discusses the rise of the automobile.
Date Range
1939-2012
Photo Info
Robert "Bob" Lowe (at center) and friends riding soap box race cars, [1939]. Item no. 549-041.
Length
0:09:13
Subjects
Agriculture - Farms
Transportation - Automobiles
Planning Study Area
Government Road Area
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 5, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Robert "Bob" Lowe conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 5, 2012. Major theme discussed: the rise of the automobile and its effect on development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Robert "Bob" Lowe has lived his entire life in Burnaby. During his childhood, Bob’s family lived at several addresses near Royal Oak and what is now Canada Way. He attended Douglas Road Elementary and South Burnaby High Schools. After graduating, Bob worked for a few years before enrolling in Normal School for a teaching certificate. He began teaching in Vancouver, married in 1952, and started a family. The Lowes moved to Government Road in 1961 and began a hobby farm, while Bob upgraded his formal education and became an administrator in the new college system.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:36:54
Interviewee Name
Lowe, Robert "Bob"
Interview Location
Interviewee's residence
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 two of recording of interview with Bob Lowe

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Man and a dog standing by a bus stop

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59031
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 13.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man standing at a bus stop for the 33, 35, and 160 buses. He has a small dog zipped up into his coat.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 13.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1437
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man standing at a bus stop for the 33, 35, and 160 buses. He has a small dog zipped up into his coat.
Subjects
Animals - Dogs
Transportation - Buses
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Battistoni, Peter
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "PMT 100% / page 1 / Burnaby Today"
Images
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Farming in the rain

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45325
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
July 13, 1981
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of three farmers wearing straw hats and plastic shawls working in the rain in an onion field on the Burnaby flats near Meadow Street (now named Meadow Avenue).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
July 13, 1981
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 22.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-220
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of three farmers wearing straw hats and plastic shawls working in the rain in an onion field on the Burnaby flats near Meadow Street (now named Meadow Avenue).
Subjects
Occupations - Farmers
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Battistoni, Peter
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Newspaper clipping on verso of photograph reads: "WET WORK... Plastic sheets and broad straw hats protect field workers from the cool, wet elements at a farm on the Burnaby flats near Meadow Street this week. More seasonal weather, however, including rising temperatures and clearly [sic] skies, promises that life in the onion fields will be more tolerable, at least for the next little while."
Geographic Access
Meadow Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Images
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Prospector in Lotto BC commercial

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13486
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
14 May 1987
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of prospector and crew during the shooting of Lotto BC commercial "The Pick" filmed at Burnaby Village Museum. The prospector and crew are standing next to two donkeys loaded with packs filled with prospecting tools and equipment. Actor, Chris Wiggins starred as the prospector.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of prospector and crew during the shooting of Lotto BC commercial "The Pick" filmed at Burnaby Village Museum. The prospector and crew are standing next to two donkeys loaded with packs filled with prospecting tools and equipment. Actor, Chris Wiggins starred as the prospector.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - Museums
Animals - Horses
Animals
Industries - Mining
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.5.830
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
14 May 1987
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
25-Aug-2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Star is "Chris Wiggins"? from Toronto / as the Prospector / Lotto BC Commercial for "The Pick" / Filmed at Burnaby Village Museum / 76381-12A / 14 May 1987"
Images
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M. G. Hill and unidentified guests

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82685
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1950-1980]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a man, three women, a fawn, and a dog. The man is identified as Minard Hill. The others are unidentified.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1950-1980]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-238
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a man, three women, a fawn, and a dog. The man is identified as Minard Hill. The others are unidentified.
Subjects
Animals - Dogs
Animals - Deer
Names
Hill, Minard Gerald "Gerry"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on note accompanying photograph
Note in pencil on album page reads: "M G Hill, Guests, Fawn (Y P)"
Images
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Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.
History
Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Buildings - Schools
First Nations reserves - British Columbia
Names
Chow, Josephine
Glenwood Elementary School
McPherson Park Junior Secondary School
ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Byrne Road
Accession Code
BV020.6.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Related Material
See also BV017.36*
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12/3/2017
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of interview
Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4
Images
Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3
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Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12338
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Julie Lee Location of Interview: Home of Julie and Cecil Lee Interview Date: February 6, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:53:46
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some information about her father Puy Yuen Chan. 0:00- 01:47 Julie Lee provides background information on her families’ connection to Burnaby and conveys how her maternal grandparents farmed a five acre lot at Still Creek and Douglas Road. Her grandparents grew vegetable produce and operated a piggery at this location. Her mother, Suey Ying Jung (Laura) was the middle child between two older sisters, Maida and Annie and her two younger brothers Gordon and Harry. They were all born at home and educated at Edmonds Elementary School. 01:48- 11:47 Julie provides some background information about her mother, the friendships she made growing up, when she got married and places that she lived. She tells of her mother marrying in 1942 at age 30 years, moving to Fraser Mills and then onto Maillardville in 1958. There was easy access to the Interurban tram so her mother was able to have a social life with others in Vancouver’s Chinatown. She says that many of the only existing photographs of the family living on the farm at Still Creek and Douglas Road can be attributed to her mother’s friend Lil Mau [sic] who owned a camera. The farm was sold around 1949 when her grandparents moved to East Vancouver. While operating the farm, her grandparents only hired Chinese workers who spoke the same language and ate the same foods as them. Despite this, her grandparents made friends with the Collin’s family who assisted them in adjusting to the Canadian way of life. Julie tells that her mother’s sister Maida and brother in law lived with them at Fraser Mills. Her mother’s sister Maida had nine children so Julie’s mother helped her in raising them. 11:48 – 16:53 - Julie talks about racial prejudice towards the Chinese in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She says that for the most part, her mother’s family had a very insular life on the farm and mainly socialized only within the Chinese community. Julie tells of how she recently became aware of a memoir “The Way it Was”, written by Burnaby resident, Fannie Waplington. The memoir is held as part of the Burnaby Village Museum collection. In the memoir, Fannie Waplington tells of how she was forbidden from visiting Julie’s mother on their farm due to her ethnic background. Julie conveys that it seems like it was a missed friendship for both her mother and Fannie. 16:54 – 22:30 Julie describes what school life was like for her mother and what she may have done outside of school. Her mother attended Edmonds School in the 1920s up to Grade 7 or Grade 8. Julie explains that Asian girls were never offered the opportunity to pursue higher education while her mother’s brothers continued with their education attending Vancouver Technical School. Her mother continued to work on the farm until she was married cooking for workers and helping her mother. Outside of school, she may have helped with looking after nieces and nephews, played cards and mahjong. She says that her mother continued to play cards with her own children and was a skilled knitter into her 80s. 22:31 – 30: 53 Julie tells of what she knows about the Chinese workers on the farm and Fraser Mills and what they did on the weekends. She figures that many may have played card games to pass the time and at Fraser Mills gambling occurred. Fishing was a highlight for her father and she recalls him fishing sturgeon. Single workers may have gone into Vancouver on the weekends. Julie says that her parents had a hobby farm while living at Fraser Mills and that they grew enough garlic to sell in Chinatown. She thinks that before living at Fraser Mills, her mother must have went to Chinatown quite a bit, assisting with banking and enjoying a social life. Julie shares that her father, Puy Yuen Chan came to Canada from China at twelve years of age but working as a shingle packer, he never learned to speak English. She figures that her parents must have met at Fraser Mills while her mother was visiting her sister Maida. 30:54 – 37:33 Julie describes her mother as the cook, caregiver and the “one man show”. She says that her mother enjoyed cooking traditional Chinese recipes. Julie talks of her own cooking and gardening skills which she may have inherited from her parents including her large patch of garlic. 37:34- 40:23- Julie is asked as to whether her mother attended Chinese school and says that she had some Chinese schooling. She could read and write a little but didn’t attend a formal school as far as she knows. Julie shares some background information on her own husband Cecil, who grew up in East Vancouver. She shares that Cecil’s family went back to China from 1931 until 1939 when they returned to Queensborough. Cecil attended Chinese school in New Westminster. 40:24 – 42:19 Julie speaks briefly about what type of medical care her mother and her family had. She relates that all births took place at home and they accessed a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Hospitals were accessed in 1950s—1960s. The family did use Western doctors that were insured under the medical system. She recalls growing up and having to drink a particular herbal brew at least once a month to stay well. 42:20- 46:47 Julie describes how her parents stayed connected with their families in China. She says that her mother’s family didn’t stay in touch with relatives in China and that her uncles rejected anything to do with the past. On her father’s side they maintained a connection with cousins. She recalls that her father, Puy Yuen Chan supported some of his relatives back home in China and stayed in touch with some. Her mother, Laura travelled to China in 1991 and 1992 and connected with some relations on Julie’s father’s side. 46:48- 53:46 In this segment, Julie speaks of her mother’s character being very self-assured, independent and goal oriented. She feels that her mother valued being surrounded by her family and friends and felt very comfortable growing up in Burnaby and with the relationships that she had. She feels that her mother adapted to her roles being the last of four children on the farm and that she was very self-sufficient and determined.
History
Interviewee biography: Julie Lee (nee Chan) is the daughter of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan. Her mother's family owned and operated a vegetable and piggery farm on Douglas Road near Still Creek in the early 1900s. Their farm was located in front of the Douglas Road interurban tram station. Her mother had two older sisters named Maida and Annie and two younger brothers Harry and Gordon. Her mother was born in 1912 and left the farm for Fraser Mills when she was married in 1942. Julie grew up with her parents and siblings on the Fraser Mills site during the 1940s and 1950s. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Buildings - Schools
Names
Lee, Julie Cho Chan
Chan, Puy Yuen
Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"
Wong, Suey Fong "Maida" Jung
Jung, Suey Cheung "Harry"
Jung, Suey Yook "Gordon"
Jung, Gee Shee
Jung, Chung Chong
Jong, Suey Kin "Annie" Jung
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Douglas Road
Accession Code
BV020.6.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Related Material
See also BV018.16.1
Scan Resolution
1000
Scan Date
01-Oct-2017
Scale
96
Notes
Title based on contents of interview
Photograph info: Suey Ying (Laura) with produce baskets [between 1940 and 1942]. BV017.24.27
Images
Audio Tracks

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0002_001.mp3
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Interview with Norman Dowad

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19638
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information …
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
1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Norman Dowad Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: August 14, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:14:37 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information about his grandfather Samuel Dowad's immigration to Canada and his father Wilfred Dowad's military service and successes as a property developer. 00:14:39 – 00:17:26 Norm provides background information on his mother’s side of the family. 00:17:27 – 00:31:36 Norm talks about his childhood, growing up in the Deer Lake neighbourhood, his early education in Burnaby and sports that he played. 00:31:37 – 00:39:59 Norm talks about his educational experiences attending Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall law school and information regarding his law career. 00:40:00 – 00:45:03 Norm reflects on his childhood growing up in Burnaby and on his experiences and relationships as a student and in his career as a lawyer. 00:45:04 – 01:01:37 Norm talks about his siblings and shares information about family property development projects as well as career and business successes. In closing he talks about research that he’s done through Archives Canada on his grandfather Sam Dowad and father Wilfred Dowad.
History
Interviewee biography: Normam Dowad was born and rasied in Burnaby. Norm graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School, Simon Fraser University for one year, and obtained his law degree from York University. Norman began practicing law in 1974 years and has his own law practice that he operates out of Vancouver as of 2023. 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
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Migration
Sports
Sports - Football
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Dowad, Norman W. "Norm"
Dowad, Samuel Esper "Sam"
Dowad, Wilfred "Wilf"
Dowad, Naomi "Mamie" David
Dowad, Martha Elias Shaheen
Dowad, Kathleen "Kay"
Rideout, Dr. John Anthony
Burnaby Central Secondary School
Douglas Road School
W. Dowad Limited
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Geographic Access
Buckingham Avenue
Deer Lake
Street Address
5533 Buckingham Avenue
Accession Code
BV023.16.16
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0016_002.mp3
Less detail

Oakalla Barn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38298
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1985
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the barn and silo at Oakalla Prison Farm.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1985
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
398-005
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the barn and silo at Oakalla Prison Farm.
Subjects
Buildings - Agricultural - Barns
Agriculture - Farms
Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities
Names
Oakalla Prison Farm
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Oakmount Crescent
Street Address
5220 Oakmount Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Oakalla Area
Images
Less detail

Ainsly Lubbock on horseback

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37240
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1983]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ainsly Lubbock on horseback, with a horse and rider standing to either side. They are in an arena during a competition.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1983]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Lubbock family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 14 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
342-014
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1994-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ainsly Lubbock on horseback, with a horse and rider standing to either side. They are in an arena during a competition.
Subjects
Animals - Horses
Events - Competitions
Names
Lubbock, Ainsly
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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BC Government Employees Union - "On Strike for Fair Wage Offer"

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59050
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the legs of demonstrators and two dogs at a BC Government Employees' Union strike.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1456
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of the legs of demonstrators and two dogs at a BC Government Employees' Union strike.
Subjects
Protests and Demonstrations - Strikes
Animals - Dogs
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Images
Less detail

Ainsly Lubbock and Ken Glanville

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37268
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1987
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ainsly Lubbock and Ken Glanville standing beside a team of horses. They were on a trip along the Gold Rush Trail, in covered wagons to Barkerville, BC.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1987
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Lubbock family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
342-043
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1994-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ainsly Lubbock and Ken Glanville standing beside a team of horses. They were on a trip along the Gold Rush Trail, in covered wagons to Barkerville, BC.
Subjects
Transportation - Carriages
Transportation - Horses
Names
Lubbock, Ainsly
Glanville, Ken
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Biology professor Peter Fankboner

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45538
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 22.5 x 19 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Simon Fraser University biology professor Peter Frankboner examining a pair of giant clams native to the South Pacific atolls. "It is believed that unless killed by some outside cause, the giant clams live forever. Frankboner hopes to gain information about aging from the clams."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 22.5 x 19 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-433
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Simon Fraser University biology professor Peter Frankboner examining a pair of giant clams native to the South Pacific atolls. "It is believed that unless killed by some outside cause, the giant clams live forever. Frankboner hopes to gain information about aging from the clams."
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Animals
Names
Simon Fraser University
Frankboner, Peter
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Hodge, Craig
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "SOME CLAM, SOME CHOWDER...SFU biology professor Peter Frankboner examines a pair of giant clams native to the South Pacific atolls. The clams, which he describes as 'miraculous creatures' grow to 4 1/2 feet and can weigh 1,000 pounds. It is believed that unless killed by some outside cause, the giant clams live forever. Frankboner hopes to gain information about aging from the clams."
Geographic Access
University Drive
Street Address
8888 University Drive
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Fire Department rescue truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1606
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[after 1976]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified fireman walking towards the open door of Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). Seven other unidentified men are visible standing in the background.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified fireman walking towards the open door of Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). Seven other unidentified men are visible standing in the background.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Transportation - Fire Trucks
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Accession Code
BV002.10.4
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[after 1976]
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
For another photograph of the rescue truck taken from a different angle, see BV002.10.5
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Fire Department rescue truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1607
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[after 1976]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of four unidentified firemen gathered beside Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). The truck's side compartments are visible, housing fire extinguishers and other equipment. The truck appears to be parked at fire hall no. 1 at Sperling and Canada Way.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of four unidentified firemen gathered beside Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). The truck's side compartments are visible, housing fire extinguishers and other equipment. The truck appears to be parked at fire hall no. 1 at Sperling and Canada Way.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Transportation - Fire Trucks
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Sperling Avenue
Accession Code
BV002.10.5
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[after 1976]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Related Material
For another photograph of the rescue truck taken from a different angle, see BV002.10.4
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Four Burnaby firemen

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1605
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[after 1976]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of four unidentified Burnaby firemen in Burnaby Fire Department jackets, standing in front of the cab of what looks to be Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). One fireman appears to be holding a rope that is also attached to the truck, while another fir…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of four unidentified Burnaby firemen in Burnaby Fire Department jackets, standing in front of the cab of what looks to be Burnaby Fire Department's Rescue 1 truck (1976 Ford C 600 Rescue unit). One fireman appears to be holding a rope that is also attached to the truck, while another fireman holds a loop of rope.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Transportation - Fire Trucks
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Accession Code
BV002.10.3
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[after 1976]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

"The Weed Man"

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58936
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 14 x 20.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man posing with his pick-up truck containing lawn and landscaping equipment. His truck, hat, and shirt all read "The Weed Man."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 14 x 20.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1385
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man posing with his pick-up truck containing lawn and landscaping equipment. His truck, hat, and shirt all read "The Weed Man."
Subjects
Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Gardening Equipment
Maintenance Tools and Equipment
Occupations
Transportation - Trucks
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Hodge, Craig
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Burnaby Today / A-8 / 47% PMT"
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Lake Show / originals

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91683
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1962-1995
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
71 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs compiled by Doreen Lawson for a slideshow presentation about Burnaby Lake. Slideshow primarily depicts the wildlife and foliage of Burnaby Lake, including: the American coot, green-winged teal, bufflehead, heron, american bittern, barn swallow, barn owl, painted turtle,…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1962-1995
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Physical Description
71 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
Description Level
File
Record No.
618-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2015-15
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs compiled by Doreen Lawson for a slideshow presentation about Burnaby Lake. Slideshow primarily depicts the wildlife and foliage of Burnaby Lake, including: the American coot, green-winged teal, bufflehead, heron, american bittern, barn swallow, barn owl, painted turtle, muskrat, Canadian goose, beaver, wood duck, bullrushes, yellow and white waterlilies, yellow iris, and loosestrife. Also included in the slideshow are photographs of the BC Wildlife rescue and fisherman working in the Brunette River.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds
Animals - Birds
Animals
Geographic Features - Forests
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Lawson, Doreen A.
Chapman, Fred
Notes
Transcribed title
Title transcribed from sheets slides
Photographs contents are identified on many of the slide cases within the file.
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Lake slide show

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91684
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1976-1999
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
85 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs compiled by Doreen Lawson for slideshow presentations about Burnaby Lake. Slideshow primarily depicts the wildlife and foliage of Burnaby Lake, including: the painted turtle, heron, American coot, coyote, barn owl, rainbow fry, Canadian goose, and beaver, as well as a v…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1976-1999
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Physical Description
85 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
Description Level
File
Record No.
618-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2015-15
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs compiled by Doreen Lawson for slideshow presentations about Burnaby Lake. Slideshow primarily depicts the wildlife and foliage of Burnaby Lake, including: the painted turtle, heron, American coot, coyote, barn owl, rainbow fry, Canadian goose, and beaver, as well as a variety of scenic photographs of the Burnaby Lake shoreline with mountains and the Metrotown skyline in distance. Also included in file are photographs of people canoeing, kayaking, feeding geese, and participating in conservation activities including fencing trees and testing water levels. Photographs also depict the pipeline leading into Burnaby Lake, lake dredging equipment, and an oil slick.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds
Animals - Birds
Animals
Geographic Features - Forests
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Lawson, Doreen A.
Notes
Title based on contents of photographs
Note in black ink on recto of slide sheet photographs 618-002-1 : 618-002-9 originally housed in read: "Burnby Lake Slideshow"
Note in black ink on recto of slide sheet photographs 618-002-10 : 608-002-19 originally housed in read: "Burnaby Lake / Rejects (My Fav!)"
Photographs contents are identified on many of the slide cases within the file.
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Images
Less detail

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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100 records – page 1 of 5.