Narrow Results By
Boundary Road Lumber Mill
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38262
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1908
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 9 x 12 cm on 12.5 x 15 cm backing
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified man standing in the forefront with a jersey cow to the right, while a row of cabins and cleared tress can be seen in the background. A caption written above the photograph reads: "Boundary Road Lumber Mill owned by E.W. Nicholson." Underneath the photograph is writte…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1908
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 9 x 12 cm on 12.5 x 15 cm backing
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-024
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an unidentified man standing in the forefront with a jersey cow to the right, while a row of cabins and cleared tress can be seen in the background. A caption written above the photograph reads: "Boundary Road Lumber Mill owned by E.W. Nicholson." Underneath the photograph is written: "The first Jersey cow on the farm." On the back of the photograph it is noted that the buildings in the background were workmen's buildings.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Still Creek
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Broadway Jersey Ranch
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38259
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1931
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 15.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a house and barn identified as E.W. Nicholson's "Broadway Jersey Ranch." Three men and a team of horses can be seen to the right of the house. The men may be E.W. Nicholoson, John McCallum and George Dell.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1931
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 15.4 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-021
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a house and barn identified as E.W. Nicholson's "Broadway Jersey Ranch." Three men and a team of horses can be seen to the right of the house. The men may be E.W. Nicholoson, John McCallum and George Dell.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Coburn House
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark510
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- The Coburn House is a two and one-half storey plus basement Foursquare farm house. Prominently situated on a rise of land along the east side of Boundary Road overlooking Kingsway, it stands among single-family houses later constructed on its subdivided farm land.
- Associated Dates
- 1910
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Other Names
- Minerva Jane Coburn House
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- Minerva Jane Coburn House
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Associated Dates
- 1910
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 9184
- Enactment Date
- 08/05/1989
- Description
- The Coburn House is a two and one-half storey plus basement Foursquare farm house. Prominently situated on a rise of land along the east side of Boundary Road overlooking Kingsway, it stands among single-family houses later constructed on its subdivided farm land.
- Heritage Value
- The Coburn House is important as a surviving representation of Burnaby’s early settlement period, when the municipality was largely an agricultural and residential suburb. It was built in 1910 by carpenter William Kirkham for Minerva Jane Coburn (1868-1940), and three years later the builder and client were married. Together, they operated the Surprise Poultry Farm, and were frequent participants at the local Central Park Farmers' Institute Exhibitions. This house is valued as an excellent and well-preserved example of a substantial Edwardian era Foursquare farm house. Significant due to its generous size, dominant symmetry, the prominent verandah that wraps around the front and both sides, and the three roof dormers, this house retains a high degree of original material and integrity. The elevated siting of the house, its tall proportions and symmetrical appearance combined with its fine condition make this an excellent example of its type.
- Defining Elements
- Key elements that define the heritage character of the Coburn House include its: - prominent location on Boundary Road, on an elevated site overlooking Vancouver - residential form, scale and massing as expressed by its cubic massing and tall, dominant roof form - Foursquare style as exemplified by its symmetry, square floor plan, pyramidal bellcast roof and three hipped dormers - Edwardian era construction details such as narrow bevelled wooden siding, broad horizontal eave band with scroll-cut eave brackets, and simple window surrounds - wraparound verandah encircling three main facades, with hipped roof, square columns and closed balustrades, connected to one storey extension at rear - projecting bay window on the main floor south facade - original double-hung 1-over-1 wooden-sash windows, some in double assembly on the ground floor - internal red brick chimney
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Garden Village Area
- Function
- Primary Historic--Single Dwelling
- Primary Current--Single Dwelling
- Community
- Burnaby
- Cadastral Identifier
- 002-653-427
- Boundaries
- The Coburn House is comprised of a single residential lot located at 5170 Boundary Road, Burnaby
- Area
- 541.91
- Contributing Resource
- Building
- Ownership
- Private
- Street Address
- 5170 Boundary Road
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Cows in the field at the Nicholson Farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38257
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Jersey cows in the field on E.W. Nicholson's Farm. The Dominion Bridge Building can be seen faintly in the backgound (at 3880 Henning Drive).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-019
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Jersey cows in the field on E.W. Nicholson's Farm. The Dominion Bridge Building can be seen faintly in the backgound (at 3880 Henning Drive).
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Animals - Cows
- Names
- Dominion Bridge Company
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph.
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Henning Drive
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- 3880 Henning Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
![Elsie Nicholson, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-002.jpg?width=280)
Elsie Nicholson
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38241
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.2 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Elsie Nicholson standing next to the horse named "Holly" at the Nicholson farm in the area of Boundary Road and the C.N.R. rail line. The barns and farm outbuildings can be seen in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.2 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Elsie Nicholson standing next to the horse named "Holly" at the Nicholson farm in the area of Boundary Road and the C.N.R. rail line. The barns and farm outbuildings can be seen in the background.
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Occupations - Farmers
- Agriculture - Crops
- Transportation - Horses
- Animals - Dogs
- Transportation - Wagons
- Names
- Nicholson, Elsie
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
![Elsie Nicholson, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-002.jpg)
![E.W. Nicholson at his farm, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-001.jpg?width=280)
E.W. Nicholson at his farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38240
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of E.W. Nicholson, haying on his farm at Boundary Road and the Canadian National Railway tracks with his horse "Holly."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 12.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of E.W. Nicholson, haying on his farm at Boundary Road and the Canadian National Railway tracks with his horse "Holly."
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Occupations - Farmers
- Agriculture - Crops
- Transportation - Horses
- Animals - Dogs
- Transportation - Wagons
- Names
- Nicholson, E.W.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
![E.W. Nicholson at his farm, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-001.jpg)
![E.W. Nicholson farm, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-005.jpg?width=280)
E.W. Nicholson farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38244
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 x 12.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of cattle grazing in the field on the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson Farm. The Roman Catholic Boys' School can be seen faintly in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 x 12.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-005
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of cattle grazing in the field on the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson Farm. The Roman Catholic Boys' School can be seen faintly in the background.
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Animals - Cows
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
![E.W. Nicholson farm, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-005.jpg)
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …
- 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 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Education
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports
- Events - Competitions
- Housing
- Performances
- Names
- Neel, Kanwal Singh
- Simon Fraser University
- Friends of Simon
- Canada Summer Games
- Swangard Stadium
- Punjabi Cultural Association
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Central Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.11
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
Images
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg)
Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory569
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1906-1950
- Length
- 0:09:08
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s parents immigration to Saskatchewan, her mother Kerstin in 1912 and father Axel in 1928, Maureen’s birth on a trip to Sweden in 1938, and her family’s move to Burnaby in 1942 and the start of their mink ranch, the GAK Fur Farm, near Curtis Av…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s parents immigration to Saskatchewan, her mother Kerstin in 1912 and father Axel in 1928, Maureen’s birth on a trip to Sweden in 1938, and her family’s move to Burnaby in 1942 and the start of their mink ranch, the GAK Fur Farm, near Curtis Avenue in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on Burnaby Mountain.
- Date Range
- 1906-1950
- Length
- 0:09:08
- Subjects
- Agriculture
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Westridge Area
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- October 14, 2015
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.
- Biographical Notes
- Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.
- Total Tracks
- 8
- Total Length
- 1:19:04
- Interviewee Name
- Olofson, B. Maureen
- Interview Location
- Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby
- 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
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track one of interview with Maureen Olofson
Track one of interview with Maureen Olofson
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_1.mp3Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory570
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1942-1952
- Length
- 0:14:54
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the operation and location of the Olofson’s mink ranch, the challenges of raising mink, and when the family gave up the farm in 1950/51. She describes how she and her sister Anita Lea used a bicycle to go to school.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the operation and location of the Olofson’s mink ranch, the challenges of raising mink, and when the family gave up the farm in 1950/51. She describes how she and her sister Anita Lea used a bicycle to go to school.
- Date Range
- 1942-1952
- Length
- 0:14:54
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Westridge Area
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- October 14, 2015
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.
- Biographical Notes
- Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.
- Total Tracks
- 8
- Total Length
- 1:19:04
- Interviewee Name
- Olofson, B. Maureen
- Interview Location
- Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby
- 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
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track two of interview with Maureen Olofson
Track two of interview with Maureen Olofson
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_2.mp3Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory571
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1942-1980
- Length
- 0:06:55
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the food sources on the farm including the garden, food animals, berry picking and bears. She also describes what her parents did after giving up the farm, opening sporting good stores on Hastings Street and then in North Vanco…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s description of the food sources on the farm including the garden, food animals, berry picking and bears. She also describes what her parents did after giving up the farm, opening sporting good stores on Hastings Street and then in North Vancouver.
- Date Range
- 1942-1980
- Length
- 0:06:55
- Names
- Olofson, Axel
- GAK Fur Farm
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Westridge Area
- Lochdale Area
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- October 14, 2015
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.
- Biographical Notes
- Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.
- Total Tracks
- 8
- Total Length
- 1:19:04
- Interviewee Name
- Olofson, B. Maureen
- Interview Location
- Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby
- 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
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track three of interview with Maureen Olofson
Track three of interview with Maureen Olofson
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-004/MSS196-004_Track_3.mp3
John McCallum at Nicholson Farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38260
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1931
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.4 x 15.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of three men and a team of horses standing in a field next to the home and farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1931
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.4 x 15.4 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-022
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of three men and a team of horses standing in a field next to the home and farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- A note on the back of the photograph reads: "Home of E.W. Nicholson. John McCallum and team. George Dell near steps."
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
![Nicholson farm, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-003.jpg?width=280)
Nicholson farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38242
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 12.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four men standing alongside a team of horses working in the field at the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson. The house and barns can be seen in the background.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1921]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 12.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four men standing alongside a team of horses working in the field at the farm belonging to E.W. Nicholson. The house and barns can be seen in the background.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
![Nicholson farm, [1921] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/371/375-003.jpg)
Nicholson Farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38255
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1910
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.2 x 15.2 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the home and barns at the farm of E.W. Nicholson and Elsie Nicholson.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1910
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.2 x 15.2 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-017
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the home and barns at the farm of E.W. Nicholson and Elsie Nicholson.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- A note on the back of the photograph reads: "Home of E.W. Nicholson 1900-1951 and Elsie Nicholson 1934-1951. Boundary Road and Great Northern Railway. Property sold to Link-Belt Co. in 1951."
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Nicholson Farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38258
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 15.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph looking over a field toward a house and barn identified as E.W. Nicholson's Broadway Jersey Ranch.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 15.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-020
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph looking over a field toward a house and barn identified as E.W. Nicholson's Broadway Jersey Ranch.
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Buildings - Agricultural - Barns
- Agriculture - Crops
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- A note on the back of the photograph reads: "Our farm home - Broadway Jersey Ranch 1993. 3704 Boundary Road at G.N.Ry Crossing Burnaby BC. Property occupied and owned by E.W. Nicholson from May 23, 1900 to Sept. 29, 1951. Property sold to Link-Belt Co. in 1951."
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Ploughing at Nicholson farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38261
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1931
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 15.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four farmers and a team of horses ploughing a field and the E.W. Nicholson farm in the Broadview district. In the background, to the right, can be seen the Dominion Bridge Co. building (at 3880 Henning Drive).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1931
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.5 x 15.4 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-023
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four farmers and a team of horses ploughing a field and the E.W. Nicholson farm in the Broadview district. In the background, to the right, can be seen the Dominion Bridge Co. building (at 3880 Henning Drive).
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Occupations - Farmers
- Transportation - Horses
- Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Plows
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- A note on the back of the photograph reads: "Ploughing on farm of Mr. E.W. Nicholson - Boundary Road and Great Northern Rlwy. John McCallum in foreground. Dominion Bridge Co. in background.)
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Henning Drive
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- 3880 Henning Drive
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
Towards Nicholson Farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38256
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph looking over a field towards a house and barn in the background. The farm has been identified as that belonging to E.W. Nicholson of the Broadview district.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Margaret McCallum subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 375-018
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1986-42
- Scope and Content
- Photograph looking over a field towards a house and barn in the background. The farm has been identified as that belonging to E.W. Nicholson of the Broadview district.
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Farms
- Buildings - Agricultural - Barns
- Agriculture - Crops
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on caption.
- A note on the back of the photograph reads: "Haying time on farm of E.W. Nicholson."
- Geographic Access
- Boundary Road
- Street Address
- 2550 Boundary Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- West Central Valley Area
Images
