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Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory542
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1947-1976
Length
00:09:36
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the functions at the “Gai Paree”, including its popularity as a wedding reception venue; how customers circumvented the 1950’s restrictive liquor laws; and the kinds of clubs in Burnaby in the 1950’s
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the functions at the “Gai Paree”, including its popularity as a wedding reception venue; how customers circumvented the 1950’s restrictive liquor laws; and the kinds of clubs in Burnaby in the 1950’s
Date Range
1947-1976
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
00:09:36
Names
Gai Paree Supper Club
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Dancing
Legal System
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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program

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90324
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.8.12
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.8.12
Description
Program; green ink printed on cardstock folded in centre; one side reads: "Alpha Junior High School / Grade 9 / Awards Party Programme / June 1960 / Autographs"; inside reads: "Grade 9 / Awards Night / Party Programme / June 10, 1960_8:45-11:15..." ; includes schedule of dances.
Object History
Donor attended Alpha Junior Secondary School.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Other Documents
Object Term
Program
Marks/Labels
Alpha Junior Secondary School
Measurements
23 x 30.5 cm folded to 23 x 15 cm
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Burnaby
Title
Alpha Junior High School / Grade 9 / Awards Party Programme / June 1960
Publication Date
[c. 1956]
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts - Programs
Buildings - Schools
Events - Parties
Recreational Activities - Dancing
Names
Alpha Secondary School
Geographic Access
Parker Street
Street Address
4600 Parker Street
Planning Study Area
Brentwood Area
Images
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Interview with Maninder Arora

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19351
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (67 min., 25 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (66 min., 45 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Maninder Arora conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Museum Registrar James Binks. 0:00 – 07:33 Interview opens with introductions. Maninder Arora shares her immigration story and how she came to emigrate from India to Canada…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (67 min., 25 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (66 min., 45 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik Co interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Maninder Arora Location of Interview: In Burnaby at the home of Maninder Arora Interview Date: December 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: (01:07:25) Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Maninder Arora conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Museum Registrar James Binks. 0:00 – 07:33 Interview opens with introductions. Maninder Arora shares her immigration story and how she came to emigrate from India to Canada at 16 years of age with her mother, her older sister (18 yrs) and her younger brother (11 yrs) in 1974. Maninder explains how her sister immigrated first after marrying a South Asian Canadian and subsequently was able to sponsor members of her family to immigrate about one year later. Arora describes what life was like for her and her family in the northern part of Punjab in India prior to immigration to Canada. Arora describes her family composition with her being the second youngest of eight children and how at the time of immigrating, four of her elder siblings (three sisters and one brother) stayed behind. 07:34 – 16:23 As a new immigrant to Canada at the age of 16 years of age, Maninder Arora recalls the many challenges that she faced. Maninder describes how she attended Vancouver Technical School and then worked at a restaurant on Friday nights and weekends. She recollects how she got her first job through the Sikh community from the Akali Singh Sikh Gurdwara on Fraser Street. Maninder recalls that during the first five months in Canada, Maninder, her mother, sister and brother lived with her elder sister, her husband and child before finding a place of their own. Arora recalls where her family shopped for traditional Indian spices and foods. 16:24 – 25:50 Maninder Arora describes the next home that her family moved to and how she and her brother attended David Thompson Secondary School. Maninder explains that she dropped out of school in Grade 12 to go to work full time to help her family repay the debt that they owed for their immigration expenses. Around 1981, her mother was able to purchase a house at Marine Drive and Ross Street and her mother got work at the same restaurant that Maninder was working. Maninder shares and reflects on a disturbing encounter of racism that she and her older sister faced while taking local transit. 25:51 – 34:17 Maninder Arora talks about her past work experience. Maninder describes how with the help of her sister, she began working as a nurses' aide at care homes and private hospitals. Maninder reflects on how she intended to get a job in a unionized care home where she can make a better living wage. Maninder describes some of the places that she worked before obtaining certification as a nurse’s aide from Kwantlen College. 34;18 – 51:15 Maninder Arora describes the events that led to her marrying her future husband in 1986 and how it wasn’t an easy decision for her. Maninder describes where she and her family lived after her marriage and how her hard work led her to obtaining full time employment as a nurses' aide in Richmond. 51:16 - 56:16 Maninder Arora tells of how she decided to move to Burnaby where her sister and extended family were living. Maninder recalls what lead to her decision to move from Surrey to Burnaby in 1992. 56:17 - 1:04:23 Maninder Arora shares some experiences of her life in Burnaby. Maninder further reflects on her decisions for moving to Burnaby including providing what she thought would be a safer environment and education for her children. Maninder conveys how racism is still very much prevalent in society and recounts a personal encounter that she experienced while shopping for shoes at Metrotown. 1:04:24 – 1:06:45 The interviewer asks Maninder Arora what she would like to see conveyed as a message for younger people in an upcoming exhibit at Burnaby Village Museum on South Asian history. Maninder conveys that she would like all Canadian citizens living in Burnaby to make the environment better by not littering, living peacefully together and not causing people grief or struggle for nothing, “Be kind to each other”. In closing Arora shares the transportation route she took when emigrating from India to Canada.
History
Interviewee biography: Maninder Arora was born in the northern part of Punjab, India. Her sister immigrated to Canada in 1974 after marrying a South Asian Canadian. In 1975, after her father died, her sister was able to bring her mother, her 11 year old brother and Maninder at 16 years of age. After arriving in British Columbia, they first lived with her sister and family before finding a place of their own. Maninder attended Vancouver Technical School and later David Thompson Secondary School and worked in a restaurant on weekends to help her family out. Maninder and her family were members of the Sikh community and attended Akali Singh Sikh Gurdwara on Fraser Street. Maninder left school in Grade 12 to work full time to help her family repay the debt that they owed for their immigration expenses. In the early 1980’s Maninder’s family moved to a house near Marine Drive and Ross Street that her mother was able to purchase. With the help of her sister, Maninder got work as a nurses’ aide at care homes and private hospitals which eventually led her to obtaining certification from Kwantlen College. Maninder married in 1986 and had two children while living in Richmond. Around 1992, she moved from Surrey to Burnaby to be closer to her sister and to provide as safer environment for her children. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Occupations
Occupations - Nurses
Migration
Names
Arora, Maninder
Responsibility
Malik, Anushay
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV022.29.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Maninder Arora, [1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022

Interview with Maninder Arora, [1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0006_003.mp3
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fishing rod with cloth case

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact80105
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.4
Description
This is a four piece fishing rod with a cloth segmented case to hold the individual section of the rod. The rod has line eyes of a fly rod type but the butt piece is set up as a light casting rod. The segments of the rod may be hollow metal. The reel seat is chrome plated and the segments of the rod have a black finish. It is marked "STAG BRAND" on the rod seat
Object History
Used by M. Thomson when growing up in Kerrisdale area of Vancouver.
Marks/Labels
"STAG BRAND" stamped in the reel seat
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities - Fishing
Recreational Devices
Recreational Devices - Fishing Rods
Fishing And Trapping Tools and Equipment
Images
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fishing rod with cloth case

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact80107
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.7
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.7
Description
This is a three piece fly fishing style rod with a cloth segmented case to hold the individual section of the rod. The line guides are bent wire tied to the rod. The segments of the rod appear to be hexagonal cane.
Object History
Used by M. Thomson when growing up in Kerrisdale area of Vancouver.
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities - Fishing
Recreational Devices
Recreational Devices - Fishing Rods
Fishing And Trapping Tools and Equipment
Images
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Interview with John Kirbyson by Kathy Bossort September 28, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory556
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1954-1978
Length
0:09:35
Summary
This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s early life, his family’s move to Burnaby in 1969, his connection to the outdoors, and his experience as a student at SFU earning his bachelors degree in Physical Geography. He also talks about hiking on Burnaby Mountain and working for the City…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about John Kirbyson’s early life, his family’s move to Burnaby in 1969, his connection to the outdoors, and his experience as a student at SFU earning his bachelors degree in Physical Geography. He also talks about hiking on Burnaby Mountain and working for the City of Burnaby while going to school.
Date Range
1954-1978
Length
0:09:35
Names
Crampton, Colin
Simon Fraser University
City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Subjects
Education
Occupations
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Historic Neighbourhood
Lozells (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Government Road Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
September 28, 2015
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with John Kirbyson conducted by Kathy Bossort. John Kirbyson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about John Kirbyson’s education and career as parks planner for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and the development of the 1999 Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area Management Plan. The interview explores how parks management balances environmental and recreational values and safety, and the importance of good guidelines and public input in the parks planning process. John Kirbyson also talks about recreational activities and various developments on Burnaby Mountain in the 1990s, such as the Kamui Mintara sculptures.
Biographical Notes
John Kirbyson was born in Vancouver in 1954, to Arnold and Winnifred Kirbyson. After several years spent in Winnipeg and Calgary, the Kirbyson family moved to Hunter Street in Burnaby in 1969 where John remembers living near the City’s nursery. John earned his BSc degree at SFU in Physical Geography (1973-1978) and then worked for the City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services between 1978 and 2005, where he moved from labourer to management positions. Supported by the City, he returned to SFU to earn his Masters degree in the School of Resource and Environment Management in 1991, his thesis being on restoration of Deer Lake. He was Manager of Parks Planning, Design and Development in the 1990s at the time that land on Burnaby Mountain was transferred from SFU to the City of Burnaby, and had the opportunity to direct the development of the first management plan for the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. From 2005 to 2010 John was Manager of the Parks, Recreation and Culture Dept. in Penticton, after which he has worked as an environmental consultant for Lees & Associates Landscape Architects and Planners. He is married to wife Linda and has three children: Linnaea, Jeremy and Colin.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
1:33:43
Interviewee Name
Kirbyson, John W.
Interview Location
John Kirbyson's son's home in Langley
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with John Kirbyson

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Interview with Gordon Davis - November 21, 2002 - Tape 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13083
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
November 21, 2002 (interview content), digitized in 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Oral History collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 audio cassette (29 min., 8 sec.)
Scope and Content
Recording is the second part of an interview with (John) Gordon Davis conducted by Mabel F. Nichols with her husband Jack Nichols. In this segment of the interview, Gordon provides more background information about his wife Anne while, interviewer Mabel, explains to Gordon how she came about discov…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Oral History collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 audio cassette (29 min., 8 sec.)
Material Details
Side A of audio cassette
Scope and Content
Recording is the second part of an interview with (John) Gordon Davis conducted by Mabel F. Nichols with her husband Jack Nichols. In this segment of the interview, Gordon provides more background information about his wife Anne while, interviewer Mabel, explains to Gordon how she came about discovering Anne's trunk and old nursing uniform. She explains how the information that he provides will benefit the Burnaby Village Museum who are accepting the uniform into their collection. 00:00 - 4:55 Gordon shares information about serving in the Middle East during WWII and the Dresden bombing raids. He provides biographical information about Anne and her siblings. 4:46 - 06:41 Poor audio quality- hard to discern content from Interviewee- Gordon Davis. 06:42 - 08: Gordon talks more about Anne and how he was attracted to her. 08:37-22:26 Interviewer, Mabel Nichols explains how this interview with Gordon will assist in providing provenance to Anne's uniform that is being donated to the Burnaby Village Museum. Mabel describes how she discovered the uniform in a trunk that Anne shipped from England to Burnaby in 1946. The trunk was addressed to, "Mrs. A. Davis, 4212 Douglas Road, New Westminster". Years later, the trunk was discovered by a friend of hers with Mabel's uniform and hat inside. 22:27-29:08 Mabel shares her own life experiences living in the Fraser Canyon while Gordon recollects some of his own experiences during the war. Mabel reads from the notes that she has created from her interview with Gordon. Gordon provides more details as needed. Mabel shares information about her brother, Bill who was wounded in World War II.
History
Interviewee biography: John Gordon Davis was born to Elizabeth Ann Vert (nee Eyres) and Gilbert Davis on September 13, 1913 in North Cobalt, Ontario. Gordon was the second youngest of six children. After graduating from high school he attended Radio College in Toronto. He spent two years prior to World War II working in radio on British ships. In 1940, after retiring, his parents moved to British Columbia. They purchased the Flowerland Auto Court in 1941 at 4212 Douglas Road, Burnaby. During this time, Gordon moved to Ontario and sought employment in radio range stations that were dealing with new technology throughout Europe. He joined the RCAF in 1941. While in London, in May of 1941, he met his future wife Anne Williams. In World War II, Anne served as a nurse in Queen Alexandra's Imperial Army Nursing Corps. In November 1943, Anne survived the bombing of the Dutch passenger ship, SS Marnix while it sailed in a convoy from England to the Mediterranean. Gordon did many tours throughout the Middle East, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the Battle of the Bulge, Sarnia before he was known as “surplus to requirement”. Since Anne was still in the nursing corps, Gordon signed on for another year and was sent north of London to a Repair Squadron where he worked on operational repairs of Mosquito bombers which were manufactured in Canada. Anne and Gordon continued their correspondence and eventually married in North Wales on January 23, 1945. Gordon was shipped back to Canada in October of 1945 and moved in with his parents at their auto court on Douglas Road in Burnaby. Anne joined Gordon in Burnaby in April 1946 when her mission was completed. Anne packed up her things in a large trunk that she addressed to Gordon’s parents on Douglas Road. Gordon moved around British Columbia in his work for BC Electric and eventually retired with HB Contracting Ltd. in Surrey working on the BC pipeline between 1953 and 1954. In the late 1950s, Gordon and Anne purchased a home in Burnaby at 1508 6th Street (now 7591 6th Street) which they lived in until 1984. In 1985, Anne and Gordon sold their house in Burnaby and moved to Hyack House in New Westminster. Anne Davis died in 1989 at the age of 76 years. Gordon's father, Gilbert died in 1957 and his mother Elizabeth Ann Verta died in 1968. Interviewer biography: Mabel F. Nichols (nee Lawrence) was one of six children born in Hope [ca.1932] to Elmer E. Lawrence and Louise (nee Pennier). Elmer and Louise married in Yale B.C. in 1916. Mabel’s mother, Louise Pennier was part of the Sts'ailes Nation (Chehalis First Nation). Elmer and Louise had three sons and three daughters. Both of Mabel’s parents died in Langley in 1960. Mabel married Jack (John) Nichols [between 1959 and 1960]. They lived at 6004 Wilson Street, Burnaby in 1959; 4910 Willingdon Avenue [between 1960 and 1962] and 4662 Hazel Street [between 1963 and 1987] before moving to Surrey. Jack Nichol's parents, George and Alma Nichols owned and operated Nichols Family Meat Market at 4018 Kingsway (later renumbered 4500 Kingsway). The family lived behind the butcher shop.
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Occupations - Nurses
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Davis, John Gordon "Gordon"
Davis, Anne Williams
Davis, Gilbert
Nichols, Mabel F. Lawrence
Accession Code
BV005.37.2
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
November 21, 2002 (interview content), digitized in 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of sound recording
Recording is closed due to poor sound quality
See also: Anne Davis' (nee Williams) WWII nursing uniform- BV003.15.10 & BV03.15.11 & BV003.15.12
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Interview with John Gordon Davis November 21, 2002 - Tape 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13082
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1940-1989] (interview content), November 21, 2002 (interview date), digitized in 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Oral History collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 audio cassette (50 min., 53 sec)
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with (John) Gordon Davis conducted by Mabel F. Nichols with her husband Jack Nichols. Mabel is interviewing Gordon as part of a research project to provide background information to the Burnaby Village Museum who are accepting a donation of Gordon's wife Anne's World War I…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Oral History collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 audio cassette (50 min., 53 sec)
Material Details
Interviewer: Mabel F. Nichols and husband Jack Nichols Interviewee: John Gordon Davis Location of Interview: New Westminster Interview Date: November 21, 2002 Total Number of tracks: 2 (side A & B of audio cassette) Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 53 sec.
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with (John) Gordon Davis conducted by Mabel F. Nichols with her husband Jack Nichols. Mabel is interviewing Gordon as part of a research project to provide background information to the Burnaby Village Museum who are accepting a donation of Gordon's wife Anne's World War II nursing uniform. Gordon provides background information on his family history and describes his experiences while serving overseas during World War II (WWII) including his experiences as a radar operator and working at a military air squadron repair depot. Gordon also provides biographical information about his wife Anne Davis (nee Williams) and her experiences serving as a military nurse during WWII and their life in Burnaby. Interviewer, Mabel and Jack Nichols also provide anecdotal stories about their own life in Burnaby during the interview. Track 1 - Side A (30:34) 00:00 - 30:34 Interview opens with discussion between interviewer Mabel F. Nichols and Gordon Davis about his wife, Anne Davis' experience working in the nursing corps. Mr. Davis provides background information about working in mining between 1933 and 1940 before training in Ontario to become a radar operator during World War II. Gordon also describes his parents origins and how they moved to Burnaby in 1940 while Gordon headed off to Nova Scotia to serve with the RCAF. Gordon also shares information about his sister Anne Davis who married George L. Davis from Kirkland Lake and how they lived with Gordon's parents in the auto court in Burnaby. He tells of how George L. Davis worked for Dominion Bridge Co. and later as a meat cutter for Safeway near 6th Avenue and Kingsway in Burnaby. Mabel shares her own husband Jack's experiences growing up in Burnaby as the son of butcher, George Nichols, his career as a deisel mechanic and later in the GVRD Engineering Department. Gordon shares that his father, Gilbert died in 1957 and his mother Elizabeth died in 1968 and his older sister Ruth died in 1990. Gordon recollects his wedding day and honeymoon in North Wales in 1945 with his wife Anne. Track 2 - Side B (29:19) 00:00 - 14:37 Gordon continues with his recollections about his wedding and honeymoon in North Wales in 1945. The interviewers, Mabel and Jack discuss the geography of the area sharing their own experiences travelling in 1981 and try to get an idea of where Gordon and his wife were married. They agree that the place was Llandudno. He tells of signing up for another year of Military Service since his wife was still serving in the nursing corps. and describes working North of London at a Military facility to repair aircraft including mosquito bombers. 14:38 - 21: 53 Gordon shares information about working in the Middle East in 1943 while his wife Anne survived the bombing of the Dutch passenger ship, the Marnix that she was travelling on. Gordon tells of how Anne couldn't swim but had a life jacket on and was picked up by a life boat. Anne corresponded with Gordon to let him know that she was alright but had to be cryptic since all letters were censored. Gordon tells of how Anne then travelled to India. Interviewer, Mabel, speaks of her own brother Bill who was picked up in Gibralter and taken to England. 21:54 - 26:18 Gordon recollects first meeting his wife Anne in London and the bombing that occurred during WWII. He tells of how Anne trained as a midwife at the Royal College of Midwives in Yorkshire and how he attended Radio college in Ontario. 26:19- 29:19 Gordon speaks about his experience travelling east on the Queen Mary in World War II and how full the ship was. He says that they were 30 days at sea from May to June in 1942.
History
Interviewee biography: John Gordon Davis was born to Elizabeth Ann Vert (nee Eyres) and Gilbert Davis on September 13, 1913 in North Cobalt, Ontario. Gordon was the second youngest of six children. After graduating from high school he attended Radio College in Toronto. He spent two years prior to World War II working in radio on British ships. In 1940, after retiring, his parents moved to British Columbia. They purchased the Flowerland Auto Court in 1941 at 4212 Douglas Road, Burnaby. During this time, Gordon moved to Ontario and sought employment in radio range stations that were dealing with new technology throughout Europe. He joined the RCAF in 1941. While in London, in May of 1941, he met his future wife Anne Williams. In World War II, Anne served as a nurse in Queen Alexandra's Imperial Army Nursing Corps. In November 1943, Anne survived the bombing of the Dutch passenger ship, SS Marnix while it sailed in a convoy from England to the Mediterranean. Gordon did many tours throughout the Middle East, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the Battle of the Bulge, Sarnia before he was known as “surplus to requirement”. Since Anne was still in the nursing corps, Gordon signed on for another year and was sent north of London to a Repair Squadron where he worked on operational repairs of Mosquito bombers which were manufactured in Canada. Anne and Gordon continued their correspondence and eventually married in North Wales on January 23, 1945. Gordon was shipped back to Canada in October of 1945 and moved in with his parents at their auto court on Douglas Road in Burnaby. Anne joined Gordon in Burnaby in April 1946 when her mission was completed. Anne packed up her things in a large trunk that she addressed to Gordon’s parents on Douglas Road. Gordon moved around British Columbia in his work for BC Electric and eventually retired with HB Contracting Ltd. in Surrey working on the BC pipeline between 1953 and 1954. In the late 1950s, Gordon and Anne purchased a home in Burnaby at 1508 6th Street (now 7591 6th Street) which they lived in until 1984. In 1985, Anne and Gordon sold their house in Burnaby and moved to Hyack House in New Westminster. Anne Davis died in 1989 at the age of 76 years. Gordon's father, Gilbert died in 1957 and his mother Elizabeth Ann Verta died in 1968. Interviewer biography: Mabel F. Nichols (nee Lawrence) was one of six children born in Hope [ca.1932] to Elmer E. Lawrence and Louise (nee Pennier). Elmer and Louise married in Yale B.C. in 1916. Mabel’s mother, Louise Pennier was part of the Sts'ailes Nation (Chehalis First Nation). Elmer and Louise had three sons and three daughters. Both of Mabel’s parents died in Langley in 1960. Mabel married Jack (John) Nichols [between 1959 and 1960]. They lived at 6004 Wilson Street, Burnaby in 1959; 4910 Willingdon Avenue [between 1960 and 1962] and 4662 Hazel Street [between 1963 and 1987] before moving to Surrey. Jack Nichols' parents, George and Alma Nichols owned and operated Nichols Family Meat Market at 4018 Kingsway (later renumbered 4500 Kingsway). The family lived behind the butcher shop.
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Occupations - Nurses
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Davis, John Gordon "Gordon"
Davis, Anne Williams
Davis, Gilbert
Nichols, Mabel F. Lawrence
Nichols Family Meat Market
Accession Code
BV005.37.1
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1940-1989] (interview content), November 21, 2002 (interview date), digitized in 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of sound recording
Recording is closed due to poor sound quality
See also: Anne Davis' (nee Williams) WWII nursing uniform- BV003.15.10 & BV03.15.11 & BV003.15.12
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lapel pin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact47439
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.85.51
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.85.51
Description
Pin; blue, white, and gold; "VON Canada" "Volunteer - Benevole" "15" "Years - Ans"; Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Memorabilia
Object Term
Commemorative
Marks/Labels
VON Canada / Volunteer - Benevole / 15 / Years - Ans
Subjects
Adornment - Lapel Pins
Occupations - Nurses
Images
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Wax seal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact36456
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV985.81.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV985.81.2
Description
Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.) seal is the tabletop stamping type which imprints the words "VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES" and "BURNABY BRANCH"; official; stamper is black metal, lever at top; "MADE IN CANADA" at side of base; seal disc is brass; label at front transcribes the words on the seal.
Object History
The Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada is a non-profit charitable organization created for the purposes of home care and social services established in 1898 to perpetuate the memory of Victoria the Good. The Burnaby Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) was established in 1912 with Miss Colhoun as its first nurse. Florence Hart was born in 1898 in New Westminster, and moved to Burnaby when she was 13. Her family lived in what is now known as Hart House. Both Florence and her husband Harold Godwin were awarded life memberships from the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) for more than half a century of service. Hear her discuss her involvement with VON during the Great Depression: https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/oralhistory13 https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/oralhistory14 https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/oralhistory15
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Written Communication T&E - - Writing Accessories
Object Term
Wax, Sealing
Subjects
Communication Artifacts
Occupations - Nurses
Organizations - Charities
Public Services - Health Services
Images
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fishing reel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact80113
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.13
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.13
Description
Small bait casting fishing reel. The metal parts of the reel are chrome plated. The crank handle has a single crank knob and a counter weight to balance it. I has the mounting foot to attach to a fishing rod and is loaded with a heavy plastic fishing line. The reels approximate diameter is 5.7 cm.
Object History
Used by M. Thomson when growing up in Kerrisdale area of Vancouver.
Marks/Labels
"TRADE MARK / REG. US. PAT OFF", stamped in side of reel forming a diamond shape with company logo inside. "UTK", company logo stamped on side of reel inside above text.
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities - Fishing
Fishing And Trapping Tools and Equipment
Images
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fishing wallet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact80114
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.14
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.19.14
Description
Leather wallet to carry fishing flies, hooks and leaders. The light tan (pig skin ?) leather cover holds pockets at each cover and a variety of pages for holding flies, snelled hooks and leaders (25 pages in total). There are a five packages of various hooks and lures in the end pockets. There is an attached leather strap to hold the wallet closed.
Object History
Used by M. Thomson when growing up in Kerrisdale area of Vancouver.
Marks/Labels
"Melville G. Thomson", stamped in blue ink inside covers of wallet "MADE IN eNGLAND", stamped in the centre of the edge of the outside cover, under the top flap. Hard to see.
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities - Fishing
Fishing And Trapping Tools and Equipment
Images
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postcard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact84669
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV007.43.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV007.43.2
Description
postcard; Auto Tourist Camp - Postcard -- [1926]. Postcard with a black and white photograph; inscription in white at bottom reads: "Auto Tourist Camp, Central Park B.C." The postcard was published by the Gowen Sutton Company Limited of Vancouver, BC. Verso of postcard includes a postage stamp with King George in the upper right corner and is post marked Sept. 6 and includes a handwritten letter by "Violet" and is addressed to "Roseline Rondeau.../ Oregon".
Category
06.Tools & Equipment for Communication
Classification
Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
Object Term
Postcard
Colour
Brown
Black
White
Measurements
w: 14 cm h: 9 cm
Maker
Gowen, Sutton Company Limited
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Vancouver
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Geographic Features
Geographic Features - Parks
Recreational Activities
Recreational Activities - Camping
Names
Central Park Auto Camp
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
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script

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90314
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.13.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.13.2
Description
This is a stack of yellowed paper with two staples holding it together. The front cover has been torn off, exposing the third page which reads "Cast of Characters", and a full listing of the characters. The name "Grieg" is written in cursive in pencil on this page. The pages are tattered and torn. The back cover has a description of the play "Pollyanna" and "The Charm School", each with a synopsis. It also has the playwright's details: Samuel French 25 West 45th Street, New York City.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Literary Works
Object Term
Script
Marks/Labels
Cast of Characters Pollyanna The Charm School
Colour
Yellow
Brown
Measurements
19 cm high x 12 cm wide x 0.5 cm deep
Title
The Hidden Guest
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Arts
Documentary Artifacts - Scripts
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Images
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programme

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90313
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.13.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.13.1
Description
This programme is a blue 8.5 x 11 folded sheet with black print. The front page shares the details of the play called "The Hidden Guest" presented by The Unity Club and performed by the Edmonds Baptist Young People's Union. It took place at the Edmonds Public Hall on Friday April 26, 1929 at 8:15pm. The Edmonds BYPU Orchestra is listed on the front also. The second and fourth pages are non-illustrated advertisements for local businesses. Page three lists the cast character name and given name, in order of appearance.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Memorabilia
Object Term
Program
Marks/Labels
Calam & Thomas Dyers and Cleaners, 1202 Kingsway Barber Shop and Beauty Parlour, 7th Avenue and 12th Street Edmonds Woods Yard: Wood Coal and General Teaming Bennet Meat Market, 12th Street Davies & Son, 1349 Kingsway Edmonds Meat Market, 1380 Edmonds Street
Colour
Blue
Black
Measurements
8.5" x 11" sheet folded, once.
Maker
Unity Club
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Burnaby
Title
The Hidden Guest: A Three Act Comedy
Publication Date
1929
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts - Programs
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Religions - Christianity
Buildings - Recreational - Community Halls
Names
Edmonds Baptist Church
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
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booklet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact25620
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV975.68.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV975.68.1
Description
Fancy Drills - Booklet -- [1897]. Produced by the Metropolitan Pamphlet Series this booklet called Fancy Drills for Evening and Other Entertainments, is a book on changing military drills into performance pieces for women using brooms, fans, hoops and other props. The book provides diagrams and illistrations for the demonstration as well as costume suggestions. The booklet was published by The Butterick Publishing Company in May 1897.
Maker
Butterick Publishing Company
Country Made
United States of America
Province Made
New York
Site/City Made
New York
Title
Fancy Drills for Evening and Other Entertainments
Publication Date
1897
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
Recreational Activities
Images
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Brochure

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90939
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.12
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.12
Description
B.C. Summer GamesEvents Schedule brochure. "EVENTS/SCHEDULE!" "SUMMER/ GAMES" in blue text with green games logo followed by "BURABY/ BRITISH COLUMBIA / JULY 20,21,22, 1984" U shaped image with Illustrations of athlethes over yellow background with "Enjoy Coke" logo. 15 pages in folded binding with two staples.
Object History
Item pertaining to BC Summer Games which took place in Burnaby July 19-22, 1984.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Advertising Media
Object Term
Brochure
Colour
White
Blue
Yellow
Red
Measurements
Length: 21.5 cm
Width: 10 cm
Subjects
Sports
Recreational Activities
Images
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Business card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90940
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.21
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.21
Description
White business card with green BC Games logo. "HAZEL TURNER / Executitve Secretary / Phone: 526-2934" in black; "Your Game is in Burnaby - Get Involved" red; "Burnaby 1984/ B.C. Sumemr Games" in green.
Object History
Item pertaining to BC Summer Games which took place in Burnaby July 19-22, 1984.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Personal Symbols - - Personal Identification
Object Term
Card, Identification
Colour
White
Blue
Yellow
Red
Measurements
5 cm high x 9 cm wide
Subjects
Sports
Recreational Activities
Images
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Button

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90931
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.4
Description
Yellow "B.C. Summer Games" round event button with black writing. Cartoon bee carrying a torch followed by "Burnaby 1984" / "July 19-20-21-22". Silver backer with clasp pin.
Object History
Item pertaining to BC Summer Games which took place in Burnaby July 19-22, 1984.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Advertising Media
Object Term
Button, Promotional
Colour
Yellow
Silver
Measurements
4 cm x 4 cm
Subjects
Sports
Recreational Activities
Souvenirs
Images
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Button

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90932
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.5
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.4.5
Description
Yellow "B.C. Summer Games" round event button with black writing. Cartoon bee carrying a torch, with a slight scratch through image. Followed by "Burnaby 1984" / "July 19-20-21-22". Silver backer with clasp pin.
Object History
Item pertaining to BC Summer Games which took place in Burnaby July 19-22, 1984.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Advertising Media
Object Term
Button, Promotional
Colour
Yellow
Silver
Measurements
4 cm x 4 cm
Subjects
Sports
Recreational Activities
Souvenirs
Images
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100 records – page 1 of 5.