Narrow Results By
Vivian's Tapestry
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9670
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (9 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Vivian Lee’s short film covers six decades of her life experience. The film tells the story of Vivian’s parents and their difficult time during the Second World War, including a harrowing journey on the Burma Road. Vivian describes her idyllic childhood in post-war Burma, where she was the sixth of…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (9 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Vivian Lee’s short film covers six decades of her life experience. The film tells the story of Vivian’s parents and their difficult time during the Second World War, including a harrowing journey on the Burma Road. Vivian describes her idyllic childhood in post-war Burma, where she was the sixth of eight children, and her life in Singapore and Hong Kong as a young woman. The film includes Vivian and husband Alan’s decision to move to Canada. The couple briefly lived in Burnaby for a short period, during which time their daughters were born. A short while later they moved to Vancouver to care for Alan’s parents. The film concludes with the couple’s return to Burnaby for their retirement, and Vivian’s expressions of appreciation for the many things that bring her joy.
- History
- Vivian Lee was born in Rangoon, Burma, in 1950. Her parents moved to Burma from China in the 1930s. Vivian was the sixth of eight children. Two older siblings were born in Burma, and survived a perilous escape from Burma along the Burma Road during the Second World War. Vivian was the first child to be born in post-war Burma, after her parents returned following the war. The family lived in Rangoon for a period, before moving to a home in the suburbs where Vivian spent an idyllic childhood. After graduating from university, Vivian moved to Singapore, and then to Hong Kong. She worked for a large pharmaceutical company in Hong Kong, where she met her husband, Alan. The couple emigrated to Canada with Alan’s parents (in the 1980s?). Daughters Cynthia and Adrienne were born in Burnaby, before the family moved to Vancouver to care for Alan’s parents. Alan and Vivian have recently returned to Burnaby for their retirement years. They are active volunteers and grand-parents, and Vivian has been developing her watercolour painting skills. Vivian produced the short film in order to pass the legacy of her family’s history on to her children and their offspring. She notes: “I am happy and honoured to share my life story with others in the community. I think it gives all of us a chance to contribute to the mosaic of our shared heritage. I am so proud to be a Canadian citizen and feel very fortunate to live in a multicultural society. I believe it is through sharing these life stories that will make us stronger as a nation.”
- Creator
- Lee, Vivian
- Other Title Information
- title supplied by film maker
- Subjects
- Persons - Chinese Canadians
- Names
- Lee, Vivian
- Accession Code
- BV016.37.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 2016
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Transcribed title
Images
Video
Vivian's Tapestry, 2016
Vivian's Tapestry, 2016
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2016_0037_0001_001.mp4Sister Cities series
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription160
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1964-2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of records created during the establishment and maintenance of Sister-City relationships between Burnaby and the cities of Kushiro (Japan), Loughborough (England), El Zapotal (El Salvador), Mesa (Arizona), Gatineau (Quebec), Hwaseong (Korea), Zhongshan City (P.R. China). Records in…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1964-2015
- Collection/Fonds
- Mayor's Office fonds
- Series
- Sister Cities series
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of records created during the establishment and maintenance of Sister-City relationships between Burnaby and the cities of Kushiro (Japan), Loughborough (England), El Zapotal (El Salvador), Mesa (Arizona), Gatineau (Quebec), Hwaseong (Korea), Zhongshan City (P.R. China). Records include: reports, correspondence, photographs and photograph albums, memoranda, newspaper clippings, speeches, certificates, itineraries, presentation material, invitations, agendas, and minutes. The sister city movement gained momentum in North America after the Second World War with a goal to encourage cooperation between international communities. Burnaby became a part of that movement in the hopes that sister city relationships would create meaningful industrial, economic, educational, and cultural ties between Burnaby citizens and those of other countries. Burnaby’s first sister city was Kushiro, Japan. The formal agreement for the establishment of a sister city relationship between the two communities was signed on September 9, 1965. Following this twinning, the two cities have enjoyed numerous exchanges and visits, the records of which are contained within this series. While the sister city status between Burnaby and Kushiro has endured for over three decades, Burnaby has also maintained shorter-lived relationships with Loughborough, England and El Zapotal, El Salvador. The 1986 twinning with Loughborough was undertaken to recognize the importance of that city to the history of Burnaby in that Loughborough was the ancestral home of Burnaby’s namesake, Robert Burnaby. The twinning between Burnaby and El Zapotal came after Mayor Copeland visited El Salvador in the early 1990s and returned with a desire to see the citizens of Burnaby assist in the rebuilding of that community after a 12-year civil war was brought to an end in 1992. In 1998, Burnaby entered into two North American Sister City relationships with Mesa, Arizona and Gatineau, Quebec, and in 2010, it formulated a sister city agreement with Hwaseong, Korea. In 2011, a further agreement was signed with Zhongshan, China which expanded a previous “friendship” agreement into a Sister City relationship. Series also consists of records related to Friendship Agreements with Taichung (Taiwan), Dongcheng District (formerly Chongwen District) of Beijing (P.R. China), Dongli District of Tianjin, Changshu (P.R. China), and Kunming, Yunnan Province (P.R. China); as well as Memorandums of Understanding with a number of other cities. The records in this series reflect both the actions that led up to the creation of these relationships as well as the numerous cultural, economic and educational exchanges that have been undertaken between the communities over the years.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
100 Years of Gilmore School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4488
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2017
- Collection/Fonds
- 100 Years of Gilmore School video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (34 min., 23 sec.) : digital, 29 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- "100 Years of Gilmore School". Filmed by Yunuen Perez Vertti and made by the Heights Neighbourhood Association. The film includes interviews with former students and highlights their experiences through the Great Depression, the Second World War and the 1960s.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- 100 Years of Gilmore School video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (34 min., 23 sec.) : digital, 29 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- "100 Years of Gilmore School". Filmed by Yunuen Perez Vertti and made by the Heights Neighbourhood Association. The film includes interviews with former students and highlights their experiences through the Great Depression, the Second World War and the 1960s.
- History
- Yunuen Perez Vertti is a filmmaker and digital media artist originally from Mexico City. She has produced films for many public, private and non-profit organizations.
- Creator
- Perez Vertti, Yunuen
- Names
- Gilmore Avenue School
- Responsibility
- Heights Neighbourhood Association
- Geographic Access
- Gilmore Avenue
- Street Address
- 50 Gilmore Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV018.13.1
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 2017
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Reproductions are restricted by copyright holder
Images
Video
100 Years of Gilmore School, 2017
100 Years of Gilmore School, 2017
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2018_0013_0001_001.mp4City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription29
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-2021
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 130m of textual records and other material
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-2021
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Physical Description
- 130m of textual records and other material
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- Subject to FOIPPA
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.
- History
- The City of Burnaby covers an area of approximately 98 square kilometers between the cities of Vancouver to the west, and Coquitlam and New Westminster to the east, Burrard Inlet to the north, and the Fraser River to the south. The municipality derived its name from Robert Burnaby, a prominent businessman and advisor to Sir James Douglas, the first Governor of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. Burnaby’s early development was closely tied to the development of the City of New Westminster. New Westminster became British Columbia’s capital in 1859, the year after the British Government proclaimed the establishment of British Columbia. Shortly thereafter, the Royal Engineers began exploring Burnaby to establish military defenses and secure natural resources. This involved the construction of a road linking New Westminster to Burrard Inlet for military purposes, which is present-day North Road. At this time, individuals and families began settling in Burnaby and were largely involved in agricultural and logging activities. Burnaby developed slowly until 1887, when the Canadian Pacific Railway was extended into Vancouver from the Port Moody terminal, causing a dramatic increase in traffic between New Westminster and Vancouver. To meet the new transportation demands, a tramline was built in 1891 connecting the two urban centers along what is now Kingsway. The creation and location of the tramline induced property owners to begin subdividing and selling their lands as early as October 1891. The property taxes the roughly 200 residents paid at this time went directly to the provincial government in Victoria. No local services were provided in turn, which prompted the formation of a committee to petition the provincial government for a municipal charter. As a result, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was incorporated by letters patent on September 22, 1892. Burnaby’s first Council was elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892 and consisted of Reeve Charles R. Shaw and councillors William Brenchley, Arthur De Windt Hazard, L. Claude Hill, William McDermott, and John Woolard.* The first formal Council election was conducted three months later. Nicolai Shou became the first elected reeve of Burnaby by ballot. Council met at various locations, including the tramline’s power house, private homes, and offices until the first municipal hall was built at Kingsway and Edmonds in 1899. Council is ultimately responsible for the government of the City of Burnaby. The Mayor (formally called “Reeve” prior to 1968) and Council are elected by the residents of Burnaby to represent them in decisions with respect to the provision of public services and facilities. Additionally, the Mayor represents the citizens of Burnaby at various public functions and events. Burnaby was without Council representation during most of the Great Depression and part of the Second World War. Council was disbanded on December 31, 1932 as a result of financial difficulties. The Provincial Government appointed a Commissioner to take over the duties of Reeve and Council beginning in 1933. This system of government was retained until January 1943, when Burnaby residents could once again elect their local government officials. The following individuals have served as Mayor (or Reeve) of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Schou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 John W. Weart 1911-1912 Duncan C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 Thomas Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 William L. Burdick 1929 William A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorley 1954-1957 Alan H. Emmott 1958-1968 Robert W. Prittie 1969-1973 Thomas W. Constable 1973-1979 David M. Mercier 1979-1981 William A. Lewarne 1981-1987 William J. Copeland 1987-1996 Douglas P. Drummond 1996-2002 Derek R. Corrigan 2002-2018 Mike Hurley 2018-present The following individuals have served as provincially appointed Commissioners for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby: John Bennett 1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R.S. Gilchrist 1941-1942* B.C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner. Closely associated with the functions of Council is the City Clerk. The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the statutory duties of the municipal clerk including the preparation and preservation of all minutes books and records of Council business, custody of City bylaws, administrative support to Council and its Committees, preparation of Council and Committee agendas and the conduct of local government elections. The Clerk’s Office is the communications link between Council and other City Departments and the general public, and provides assistance and advice to citizens with respect to Council and Council Committee processes, reporting procedures and decisions. At the time of Burnaby’s incorporation in 1892, the municipal Clerk had the responsibility to attend all meetings of Council, keep all records of Council, prepare and alter voters’ lists, conduct Council elections, collect revenue, as well as having the responsibility to prepare balance sheets and audits. An advertisement in a local newspaper for the appointment of the Clerk dated February 1, 1905 states the “united offices of clerk, collector and assessor” receive a salary of $65.00 per month. Originally the treasurer, assessor and records manager for the corporation, the Clerk eventually became the municipal Council liaison. The primary functions of the City Clerk over time have been the keeping of minutes for the meetings of City Council and related bodies; keeping the records of the City of Burnaby as required by the Local Government Act (formally Municipal Act); keeping all records related to City Council decision making; carrying out correspondence on behalf of Council; assembling voters’ lists and carrying out elections; providing communication, information, and public relations services, including responsibility for civic ceremonies/events, and the municipal archives. The following individuals have served as City Clerk: Alexander Philip 1892–1894 Alfred Smither 1894–1899 F.J.H. Shirley 1899–1901 Arthur De Windt Haszard 1901–1902 Walter J. Walker 1902–1905 Benjamin George Walker 1905–1908 Charles Thomas Saunders 1908–1911 W.M. Griffiths 1911–1912 Arthur G. Moore 1912–1933 Charles Boyer Brown 1933–1959 John H. Shaw 1959–1973* James Hudson 1974–1984 Charles A. Turpin 1984–1995 Debbie R. Comis 1995–2011 Anne Skipsey (Acting) 2011-2012 Maryann Manuel (Acting) 2012-2014 Dennis Back 2014-2018 Kate O'Connell 2018-2020 Blanka Zeinabova 2020-2022 *Deputy City Clerk T. Ward took over many of the Clerk’s duties from 1972 to 1973 due to Shaw’s ill health during these years.
- Formats
- Microforms exist for some records. See series descriptions.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Notes
- Title based on creators of fonds
Community Hero: Recalling a Strathcona Story
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9681
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (7 min., 9 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- The digital video tells the story of Gee Lam’s childhood experience of growing up in the Vancouver’s East End neighbourhood known as Strathcona. His story revolved around his father’s friend Harry Con who was a community activist in the Strathcona neighbourhood, as well as a volunteer “spy” for the…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Film and Video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (7 min., 9 sec.) : digital, 25 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- The digital video tells the story of Gee Lam’s childhood experience of growing up in the Vancouver’s East End neighbourhood known as Strathcona. His story revolved around his father’s friend Harry Con who was a community activist in the Strathcona neighbourhood, as well as a volunteer “spy” for the Canadian Armed forces in World War 2. Gee shares his personal life lessons learned from “uncle Harry” regarding the importance of standing up and fighting for what is right. Harry’s community contribution had embodied Martin Luther King’s social activist principles: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In the eyes of Gee, Harry Con was an exemplary who modeled an old Chinese proverb: “Each generation will reap what the former generation has sown. To enjoy the benefits of the hard work of one’s predecessors.” Harry’s life of selfless contributions in shaping the Vancouver Chinese community will impact generations to come. This is a story that needs to be told to the next generation to encourage them to respect and remember that the benefits of a thriving community is derived from both past and present continuous collaborations for paving long term beneficial outcomes for everyone.
- History
- Gee Lam immigrated from Hong Kong and grew up in the Strathcona neighbourhood that was adjacent to Vancouver’s Chinatown. He is a long-time resident of Burnaby. He has lived in North Burnaby with his wife since 1985. He attended Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Burnaby campus and graduated in 1983. He obtained his M.Ed. in 2013 from SFU. He worked as a research assistant and workshop facilitator on the Elders’ Digital Storytelling project. He currently works at SFU’s Teaching and Learning Centre on top of Burnaby Mountain.
- Creator
- Lam, Gee Chung
- Other Title Information
- title supplied by film maker
- Subjects
- Persons - Chinese Canadians
- Names
- Lam, Gee Chung
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
- Accession Code
- BV016.37.12
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 2016
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Transcribed title
Images
Video
Community Hero: Recalling a Strathcona Story, 2016
Community Hero: Recalling a Strathcona Story, 2016
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2016_0037_0012_001.mp4
Film of Bruce McRae discussing Gilmore Avenue School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription5118
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- January 17, 2017
- Collection/Fonds
- 100 Years of Gilmore School video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 15 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of anecdotes shared by Bruce McRae pertaining to Gilmore Avenue School in Burnaby. Bruce recalls that he didn’t attend Gilmore Avenue School, but his mother, Sheila McRae, worked there as an assistant. He describes her work and her enjoyment of it. Bruce also notes that the school had …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- 100 Years of Gilmore School video collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 15 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Material Details
- Film recorded at the McGill Library on January 17, 2017 as part of an event to screen "100 Years of Gilmore School" by filmmaker Yunuen Perez Vertti.
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of anecdotes shared by Bruce McRae pertaining to Gilmore Avenue School in Burnaby. Bruce recalls that he didn’t attend Gilmore Avenue School, but his mother, Sheila McRae, worked there as an assistant. He describes her work and her enjoyment of it. Bruce also notes that the school had an air raid siren mounted on its roof which sounded terrifying to him when it was tested periodically during the 1950s Cold War era.
- Creator
- Perez Vertti, Yunuen
- Geographic Access
- Gilmore Avenue
- Street Address
- 50 Gilmore Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV017.48.4
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- January 17, 2017
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Heights Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of film
Images
Video
Film of Bruce McRae discussing Gilmore Avenue School, January 17, 2017
Film of Bruce McRae discussing Gilmore Avenue School, January 17, 2017
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2017_0048_0004_001.mp4![In and Out of a Cedar Shake Shack, [ca. 2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Textual_Records/2016/2016_0046_0051_002.jpg?width=280)
In and Out of a Cedar Shake Shack
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4617
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [ca. 2000]
- Collection/Fonds
- Waplington family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 manuscript : 200 pages
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a copy of an unpublished manuscript titled "In and Out of a Cedar Shake Shack The life of a little girl from World War I to Canada's Diamond Jubilee" written by Frances L. Fleming (nee Waplington).
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Waplington family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 manuscript : 200 pages
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a copy of an unpublished manuscript titled "In and Out of a Cedar Shake Shack The life of a little girl from World War I to Canada's Diamond Jubilee" written by Frances L. Fleming (nee Waplington).
- Other Title Information
- Title continues:... The life of a little girl from World War I to Canada's Diamond Jubilee
- Accession Code
- BV016.46.51
- Access Restriction
- Restricted access
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproductions subject to FIPPA
- Date
- [ca. 2000]
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Experts from this manuscript (pages 113-126) “Christmas Time” and “The Fire Brigade”. have been made available as a pdf. Contact Burnaby Village Museum to view the Manuscript in it's entirety.
Images
![In and Out of a Cedar Shake Shack, [ca. 2000] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Textual_Records/2016/2016_0046_0051_002.jpg)
Documents
South Burnaby Garden Club fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97232
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1983-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- South Burnaby Garden Club fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 11.2 cm of textual records; 180 col. prints; 119 col. neg.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs and documents created and collected by the South Burnaby Garden Club, detailing Club activities including the Fall Fair.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1983-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- South Burnaby Garden Club fonds
- Physical Description
- 11.2 cm of textual records; 180 col. prints; 119 col. neg.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Accession Number
- 2008-17
- 2014-14
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs and documents created and collected by the South Burnaby Garden Club, detailing Club activities including the Fall Fair.
- History
- The South Burnaby Garden Club was formed in 1901 when a group of Central Park residents met to form a Farmers’ Institute. They leased 17 acres of Central Park from the Provincial Government and with the support of government grants constructed a two-story building on the property. The building was constructed in time for the first annual Fall Fair in September 1901. In 1903, the Institute amalgamated with the South Vancouver and Burnaby Agricultural Society to become the Central Park Agricultural Association & Farmers Institute. In 1907, the membership doubled to 520 members. Increasing urbanization and the First World War saw the last exhibition in 1919, and then lease on the building expired in 1921. The Society continued to meet and hold small exhibitions in rented halls under the South Burnaby Horticultural Association name. After several name changes, the association became the South Burnaby Garden Club in 1958 and continues to this day.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Photo catalogue 489
- MSS124
- MSS182
St. Helen's Parish fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77922
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1992-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- St. Helen's Parish fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1.5 cm. of textual records + 1 medallion
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of posters, cards, anniversary programs, a pictorial photo directory, a calendar, a book and a medallion related to St. Helen's Parish. Items in this fonds depict its Centennial Celebrations.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1992-2012
- Collection/Fonds
- St. Helen's Parish fonds
- Physical Description
- 1.5 cm. of textual records + 1 medallion
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Accession Number
- 2013-10
- 2013-11
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of posters, cards, anniversary programs, a pictorial photo directory, a calendar, a book and a medallion related to St. Helen's Parish. Items in this fonds depict its Centennial Celebrations.
- History
- In the first years of the 20th century, the hill overlooking the city of Vancouver was barely developed. This area, known as Vancouver Heights, commands a magnificent view of the city, the north shore mountains, and the sea. During the first decade, there was just a handful of people willing to brave the inconvenience of living in a remote area to dwell in such splendour. Among them were 10 Catholic families. They dreamt about establishing a Catholic community, a church, and perhaps even a school of their own. They knew it would take hard work and sacrifice to realize their dream. In 1912, the Second Narrows Bridge and several industrial plants were built in this area. Archbishop Neil McNeil, recognizing the potential for greater development, requested aid from Toronto's Catholic Extension Society, to help purchase property at the corner of Pandora and Ingleton to build a small church and home for the priest. The $6000 construction expense was donated by Mr. Justice Kelly, who requested that the church be named Saint Helen in memory of his daughter, Helen. On August 11, 1912, Saint Helen's church was blessed. 12 years later, in 1923, a second dream was realized with the construction of Saint Helen's School. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul would staff the school for over 50 years, dedicating their lives to the education of thousands of children. 1936 began an era of unprecedented growth under the leadership of Msgr. Daniel Carey. In 1948, despite post-war hardships, he was able to inspire his community to build a new school. He then turned his attention to the over-crowded church and, in 1956, to the delight of the parishioners, the new Saint Helen's Church was blessed. By 1973, the demographics of Saint Helen's Parish had experienced a dramatic change. From the Anglo-Irish parishioners of the early years, Saint Helen's was experiencing a huge increase in parishioners of Italian descent. Archbishop James Carney, realizing the need to better serve these immigrants, asked the Scalabrinian Congregation to take the parish under its care. The second era of physical growth and development in the parish would come under the direction of these missionary priests. The 1970s, with Father Joseph Ponti as pastor, would see the construction of a new rectory, a state-of-the-art hall/gymnasium, and a fully renovated school. Father Joe's dream was the construction of a church, with this in mind, he began to purchase the necessary land. Succeeding pastors Father Angelo Calandra and Father Peter Sordi continued to work towards this dream, accumulating land and initiating the process. Father Claudio Holzer, upon assuming the responsibilities of pastor, took a firm hold of the dreams of his predecessors and shaped them into the reality of the new Saint Helen's Church. From the beginning, St. Helen's Parish has been an active community participant in this area of Burnaby and continues to enjoy this participation not only here but in Metro Vancouver as well. On August 11, 2012, St. Helen's Catholic Church and Parish celebrated its 100th anniversary. -Information contributed by M. Tesan has been combined with information from the official website of the church.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Creator
- St. Helen's Catholic Church
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- MSS174