72 records – page 1 of 4.

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark806
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1960
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Willingdon Avenue
Associated Dates
1960
Heritage Value
The BC Vocational School was established in 1960 at Willingdon and Canada Way. By 1964, the British Columbia Insitute of Technology had opened and had 498 students enrolled. In the 1970s, the BC Vocational School had been renamed the Pacific Vocational Institute and in 1986 the two institutions merged. The school is a public post-secondary institution that is governed by a Board of Governors, under the authority of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology. By 2004, the annual enrolment of part-time and full-time students reached 48,000.
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Street Address
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Sambo's Pancake House

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35138
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. postcard ; 8.9 x 14.0 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of the exterior and parking lot of Sambo's Pancake House, Kingsway. Printed on the top of the front of the postcard is "Sambo's Pancake House," and a sign on the building read's "Sambo's." Written on the back of the postcard: "Please surrender this card for 10% discount on you…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. postcard ; 8.9 x 14.0 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
201-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1987-10
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of the exterior and parking lot of Sambo's Pancake House, Kingsway. Printed on the top of the front of the postcard is "Sambo's Pancake House," and a sign on the building read's "Sambo's." Written on the back of the postcard: "Please surrender this card for 10% discount on your next visit to Sambo's, 5550 Kingsway, Burnaby. Offer good until Feb. 28th, 1969. Your host Sambo's."
Subjects
Geographic Features - Automobile Parking Lots
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Names
Sambo's Pancake House
Media Type
Photograph
Responsibility
Printed on back of postcard: "Pub. by Living Colour Advertising Agencies, 809 21st St., New West'r, BC - 526-6612" and "Made in Canada / Dexter Color, Canada Ltd., Cornwall, Ontario"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
5550 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Windsor Area
Images
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BC Council of Girl Guides at banquet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4936
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1962
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 19 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the BC Council of Girl Guides at a banquet at the Bayshore Inn. Girl Guide leaders are gathered together seated around tables with most of the leaders dressed in uniform. This was a three day annual meeting of the BC Council of Girl Guides in the West Vancouver community centre. Mrs. …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Series
Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 19 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the BC Council of Girl Guides at a banquet at the Bayshore Inn. Girl Guide leaders are gathered together seated around tables with most of the leaders dressed in uniform. This was a three day annual meeting of the BC Council of Girl Guides in the West Vancouver community centre. Mrs. Roy Holmes, provincial chairman welcomed the delegates. Guest speakers on the programme for the banquet included: Boy Scouts of Canada Mr. Larry Dampier Pres. B.C. and Yukon Council; Lieut Governor of BC and Mrs. Pearl Steen, President of Vancouver Branch of the U.N. in Canada.
Subjects
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Girl Guides of Canada
Galbraith, Eleanor Lois
Accession Code
BV016.49.97
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1962
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
05/11/2018
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph is part of scrapbook BV016.49.84
Images
Less detail

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19604
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their p…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 6 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 7 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah Location of Interview: Nalliah family home Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 68 min., 6 sec. Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Ruth (Angela) Nalliah with husband Samuel Nalliah WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this interview (00:40:58 – 00:57:31) regarding the Tamil genocide may be upsetting to some people.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. 00:00:00 - 00:13:30 Interview opens with introductions. Samuel (Sam) and Angela Nalliah provide biographical details including their parentage, place of birth (Sri Lanka), spoken language and education. Sam Nalliah shares details on his education while living in Sri Lanka, his later education in Wales where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and his migration to Halifax in 1978 after obtaining a job at Dalhousie University as a systems analyst. Sam conveys how he decided to relocate from Halifax to Vancouver in 1986 and started his employment with BC Tel. Angela Nalliah shares details on her education and employment after immigrating to Canada from Sri Lanka in 1986. Angela conveys how she first lived in Ottawa, moved to Toronto in 1989 where she began working for TD bank and moved to Vancouver in 1999. 00:13:31 – 00:20:03 Sam Nalliah talks about how he and his wife Angela first met and married in 1999 and moved to Vancouver. Sam shares information on where his other family members immigrated to and why he decided to immigrate to Canada. Angela shares information on other members of her family who immigrated to Canada before her and how her uncle sponsored them all to come. 00:20:04 – 00:29:30 Sam provides further details regarding his family make up including; his first wife, his daughters (born in 1983 and 1985), his step daughter (born in 1991) and his youngest daughter (born in 2000). Sam tells how he worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Sam provides locations of homes that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver. Sam and Angela describe what they liked about living in Burnaby, where their daughter attended school and where they did their shopping. 00:29:31 – 00:32:11 Angela talks about working for Prospera Credit Union from 2003 after TD bank downsized. Sam describes how they rented out their house in Vancouver and lived in a rental home in Burnaby that was owned by the City of Burnaby. Sam and Angela recollect the time period that they lived in Burnaby and Vancouver before deciding to move to Surrey in 2015. 00:32:12 – 00:35:59 Sam and Angela provide details regarding their daughter’s post-secondary education and careers. Angela talks about her social activities, volunteer work and involvement with the Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia, the Women’s Network as well as the Westminster Bible Chapel Church in Burnaby and the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church in Surrey. 00:36:00 – 00:40:57 Sam recalls hearing Prime Minster Pierre Elliott Trudeau speak about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Dalhousie University and the effect that his speech made on him. Sam talks about joining the National Democratic Party when Peter Julian was elected as a Member of Parliament for Burnaby. 00:40:58 – 00:57:31 (WARNING: Some of the content discussed in this portion of the interview may be upsetting to some people) Sam and Angela speak about their involvement with the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC). Angela describes the brutal violence that she witnessed while living in Sri Lanka during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide in the 1980’s. Sam and Angela recollect and discuss their views and actions pertaining to the MV Sun Sea incident where a Thai cargo ship carrying Sri Lankan Tamil refugees to British Columbia were identified as terrorists by the Canadian Government and held in detention facilities. 00:57:32 – 01:08:07 Sam reflects on what he likes about Burnaby. Angela and Sam talk about Hindu temples attended by many Tamil and Sri Lankan people living in Burnaby and the lower mainland. Angela talks about the many cultural events and celebrations that are celebrated within the Tamil and Sri Lankan community including the Pongal Festival. Angela and Sam reflect on how grateful they are to be residents of Canada.
History
Interviewees biographies: Samuel (Sam) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1949. Sam immigrated to Halifax in 1977 after obtaining a position as a systems analyst at Dalhousie University. In 1986, Sam sponsored his parents to come to Canada. In 1986, after being introduced to the milder weather in Victoria, Sam decided to move to British Columbia. He moved to Burnaby in 1990 and began working for BC Tel in Burnaby. Following his job at BC Tel, Sam worked as a Systems and Operations Manager at Shaughnessy Hospital and later at BC Hydro. Ruth (Angela) Nalliah was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka in 1964 and immigrated to Canada in 1986. As a Tamil living in Sri Lanka in the 1980’s Angela witnessed first hand the brutal violence during the Anti-Tamil state sponsored genocide. In 1986 Angela was relieved to be able to immigrate to Canada after being sponsored by her uncle. Angela first lived and worked in Ottawa and Toronto before marrying Samuel Nalliah in Ottawa in 1999 and the couple moved to Burnaby. Angela worked for TD bank in both Toronto and Vancouver until it downsized in 2003 and she began working for Prospero Credit Union. While living in Burnaby, Angela attended the Westminster Bible Chapel and after moving to Surrey she became a member of the Green Timbers Evangelical Covenant Church. Sam and Angela Nalliah have four daughters and since moving to British Columbia they’ve lived in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey. Both Sam and Angela are involved with the Tamil Cultural Association of British Columbia and the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) as well as participates in Sri Lankan and Tamil community cultural events. Interviewer biography: 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
Education
Events - Festivals
Government
Government - Federal Government
Migration
Occupations
Organizations - Political Parties
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Religions
Religions - Christianity
Religions - Hinduism
Rights
Rights - Human Rights
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Social Issues - Discrimination
Names
Nalliah, Ruth "Angela"
Nalliah, Samuel "Sam"
Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC)
Westminster Bible Chapel
Thamil Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCSBC)
Responsibility
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV023.16.8
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Images
Audio Tracks

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Interview with Samuel Nalliah and Ruth (Angela) Nalliah, 1949-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0008_003.mp3
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Canadian Girl Guides scrapbook

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4580
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1953 -1967 (date of orignal), copied 2016
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
1 scrapbook (9 photographs + textual records + ephemera)
Scope and Content
File consists of a scrapbook that was created by Eleanor Galbraith containing newspaper clippings, photographs and memorabilia pertaining to guiding in Burnaby between 1953 and 1967. The scrapbook includes a photograph of the BC Council of Girl Guides at a banquet in West Vancouver community centre…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
Series
Burnaby Girl Guides scrapbooks and photographs series
Description Level
File
Physical Description
1 scrapbook (9 photographs + textual records + ephemera)
Scope and Content
File consists of a scrapbook that was created by Eleanor Galbraith containing newspaper clippings, photographs and memorabilia pertaining to guiding in Burnaby between 1953 and 1967. The scrapbook includes a photograph of the BC Council of Girl Guides at a banquet in West Vancouver community centre, a series of photographs entitled "Practical Weekend for Camper's License / Camp Olave / May 25 - 26, 1963"; a colour program for B.C. Commissioner Training in Kelowna 1965 and group portraits of Girl Guides and leaders ca. 1960. Eleanor Galbraith joined Canadian Girl Guides in 1952 in New Brunswick. She moved to BC and Burnaby Heights in 1954 where she became lieutenant in a local Guide Company. Through the years until 1985 she served as a Guide Captain, District Guider, District Commissioner and finally Division Commissioner of Burnaby Heights Division. She was a founding member of the Burnaby North Trefoil Guild and was awarded her 50 Years of Service award in 2005.
Creator
Galbraith, Eleanor Lois
Subjects
Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
Names
Girl Guides of Canada
Galbraith, Eleanor Lois
Accession Code
BV016.49.84
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1953 -1967 (date of orignal), copied 2016
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of scrapbook
Record available online has sections redacted in compliance of Section 22 of FIPPA
Photographs selected from scrapbook are described at item level: BV016.49.97 to BV016.49.99
Images
Documents

2016_0049_0084_folded_redacted

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Davis Confectionery, Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4939
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1950-1960
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : black and white ; 9.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
A woman and young boy are out front of Davis Confectionery. There is a street sign visible at corner of MacPherson Ave. and Beresford St. There are two metal mail boxes at the corner of the building. In the window is a sign saying "Post Office" and another smaller sign "Farm Fresh Eggs".
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : black and white ; 9.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
A woman and young boy are out front of Davis Confectionery. There is a street sign visible at corner of MacPherson Ave. and Beresford St. There are two metal mail boxes at the corner of the building. In the window is a sign saying "Post Office" and another smaller sign "Farm Fresh Eggs".
History
Mary Davis was born February 3, 1910 in Stafford, England to Sam and Edith Finney and came to Canada as a child. Her family settled in Saskatchewan. She married her first husband, Clifford Reynolds Hamilton in 1940 in Rossland BC and was subsequently divorced in 1949 in Vancouver BC. She moved to Burnaby somtime between 1940 and the mid-1950's. Mary owned Davis Confectionary with her second husband (presumably named Davis) at the corner of Beresford and MacPherson. The store acted as a grocery store and also a drug store. Mary and her husband owned the store in the 1950's /1960's. Mary passed away in 2001, and had no children.
Publisher
1960
Other Title Information
Title base on contents of photograph
Accession Code
BV017.50.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1950-1960
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12-Jun-2018
Images
Less detail

Davis Confectionery, Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4940
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1950-1960
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : black and white ; 9 x 6 cm
Scope and Content
The corner of Davis Confectionery . There is a "CocaCola" sign visible on the store. There is also a sign at the doorway saying "On sale here Kodak film". There appears to be another two story building next to it. Tied to the fence at the side of the store in the foreground is a saddled horse graz…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : black and white ; 9 x 6 cm
Scope and Content
The corner of Davis Confectionery . There is a "CocaCola" sign visible on the store. There is also a sign at the doorway saying "On sale here Kodak film". There appears to be another two story building next to it. Tied to the fence at the side of the store in the foreground is a saddled horse grazing on some grass.
History
Mary Davis was born February 3, 1910 in Stafford, England to Sam and Edith Finney and came to Canada as a child. Her family settled in Saskatchewan. She married her first husband, Clifford Reynolds Hamilton in 1940 in Rossland BC and was subsequently divorced in 1949 in Vancouver BC. She moved to Burnaby somtime between 1940 and the mid-1950's. Mary owned Davis Confectionary with her second husband (presumably named Davis) at the corner of Beresford and MacPherson. The store acted as a grocery store and also a drug store. Mary and her husband owned the store in the 1950's /1960's. Mary passed away in 2001, and had no children.
Other Title Information
title based on content of photograph
Accession Code
BV017.50.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1950-1960
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12-06-2018
Images
Less detail

Mary Davis and her mother Edith Finney

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4938
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1950 and 1960]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 11.5 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Mary Davis and her mother Edith Finney walking hand and hand down a busy commercial street.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 11.5 x 8 cm
Scope and Content
Mary Davis and her mother Edith Finney walking hand and hand down a busy commercial street.
History
Mary Davis was born February 3, 1910 in Stafford, England to Sam and Edith Finney and came to Canada as a child. Her family settled in Saskatchewan. She married her first husband, Clifford Reynolds Hamilton in 1940 in Rossland BC and was subsequently divorced in 1949 in Vancouver BC. She moved to Burnaby somtime between 1940 and the mid-1950's. Mary owned Davis Confectionary with her second husband (presumably named Davis) at the corner of Beresford and MacPherson. The store acted as a grocery store and also a drug store. Mary and her husband owned the store in the 1950's /1960's. Mary passed away in 2001, and had no children. Photograph was taken by famous Vancouver street photographer Foncie Pulice. Foncie began working as a street photographer in 1934 and retired in 1979. Foncie died in 2003.
Names
Finney, Edith
Davis, Mary
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
BV017.50.4
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1950 and 1960]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12-Jun-2018
Photographer
Pulice, Foncie
Notes
Title base on contents of photograph
Stamped on verso: "FONCIE'S FOTOS/ 505 GRANVILLE ST./ VANCOUVER, B.C."
Images
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Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory244
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1906-1975
Length
0:09:00
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his fath…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his father's ranch of six acres, which grew mostly strawberries to sell in Vancouver.
Date Range
1906-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:00
Subjects
Agriculture - Fruit and Berries
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Interviewer
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Interview Date
November 17, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
Biographical Notes
Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:55
Interviewee Name
McMurray, Lillian Wray
McMurray, Murdoch
Interviewer Bio
Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

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Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory245
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1904-1975
Length
0:09:45
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's opinion of shopping at a store in the present day. He mentions George Green's book "History of Burnaby", the Royal Oak Hotel and the development of Alta Vista. As well, Murdock mentions his father Robert William McMurray. Lillian (Wray) M…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's opinion of shopping at a store in the present day. He mentions George Green's book "History of Burnaby", the Royal Oak Hotel and the development of Alta Vista. As well, Murdock mentions his father Robert William McMurray. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.
Date Range
1904-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:45
Names
McMurray, R.W.
Royal Oak Hotel
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Interview Date
November 17, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
Biographical Notes
Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:55
Interviewee Name
McMurray, Lillian Wray
McMurray, Murdoch
Interviewer Bio
Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory246
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1916-1975
Length
0:09:05
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock and Lillian McMurray's trip back to Murdock's mother's hometown in in Northern Scotland. The discussion starts up again on the topic of Lillian (Wray) McMurray's father, Edward Wray's business, the Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office, then again with…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock and Lillian McMurray's trip back to Murdock's mother's hometown in in Northern Scotland. The discussion starts up again on the topic of Lillian (Wray) McMurray's father, Edward Wray's business, the Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office, then again with a description of the cordwood business Murdock had with Emerson Doran.
Date Range
1916-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:05
Names
Wray, Edward
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Interviewer
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Interview Date
November 17, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
Biographical Notes
Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:55
Interviewee Name
McMurray, Lillian Wray
McMurray, Murdoch
Interviewer Bio
Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory247
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1904-1975
Length
0:09:26
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of his first team of horses. Lillian (Wray) McMurray and her husband discuss their son Bob McMurray's volunteerism and professional activities.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of his first team of horses. Lillian (Wray) McMurray and her husband discuss their son Bob McMurray's volunteerism and professional activities.
Date Range
1904-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:26
Names
McMurray, Bob
Subjects
Transportation - Sleighs
Animals - Horses
Interviewer
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Interview Date
November 17, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
Biographical Notes
Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:55
Interviewee Name
McMurray, Lillian Wray
McMurray, Murdoch
Interviewer Bio
Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track five of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory248
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1975
Length
0:08:24
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's impressions of municipal politics. The McMurrays discuss the municipal hall. Murdock also mentions Constable Hatt-Cook. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's impressions of municipal politics. The McMurrays discuss the municipal hall. Murdock also mentions Constable Hatt-Cook. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.
Date Range
1919-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:08:24
Names
Hatt-Cook, H.
Interviewer
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Interview Date
November 17, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
Biographical Notes
Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:55
Interviewee Name
McMurray, Lillian Wray
McMurray, Murdoch
Interviewer Bio
Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track six of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Smith family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35452
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1960] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Smith family home at 6186 Royal Oak Road. Although this photograph was taken in the 1960s, this was one of the first houses built on Royal Oak, in 1907. This was the home of James Smith and his wife, Agnes Smith (nee Taylor). They had four children: Grace Smith (later Grace Pletc…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1960] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-310
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Smith family home at 6186 Royal Oak Road. Although this photograph was taken in the 1960s, this was one of the first houses built on Royal Oak, in 1907. This was the home of James Smith and his wife, Agnes Smith (nee Taylor). They had four children: Grace Smith (later Grace Pletcher), Bob Smith, Warden Smith, and Ada Smith. It was a BC Mill Timber and Trading Co. prefabricated house originally built in BC and shipped to this site.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Names
British Columbia Mills Timber and Trading Company
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Royal Oak Avenue
Street Address
6186 Royal Oak Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Windsor Area
Images
Less detail

1st Annual Burnaby Rhododendron and Spring Flower Show photographs

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription91570
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
May 1969
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
13 photographs : col. ; 9 cm x 12.5 cm and smaller
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs of the first annual Burnaby Rhododendron and Spring Flower Show. Photographs depict various exhibitors' displays, including the BC Nursery Trade Society, Planned Parenthood, Board of Parks and Public Recreation (City of Vancouver), and Burnaby Parks and Recreation.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
May 1969
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Physical Description
13 photographs : col. ; 9 cm x 12.5 cm and smaller
Description Level
File
Record No.
605-006
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-30
Scope and Content
File consists of photographs of the first annual Burnaby Rhododendron and Spring Flower Show. Photographs depict various exhibitors' displays, including the BC Nursery Trade Society, Planned Parenthood, Board of Parks and Public Recreation (City of Vancouver), and Burnaby Parks and Recreation.
Subjects
Ceremonies
Plants - Flowers
Officials - Alderman and Councillors
Names
Lawson, Doreen A.
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Brandson, Lloyd S.
Knudson, Art
Notes
Title based on contents of photographs
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph 605-006-1 reads: "Burnaby Centennial Committee / 25.00 / Doug Earlaw"
Note in pencil on verso of photographs 605-006-3 : 605-006-6 reads: "Lloyd. S. Brandson / [address] / [phone]
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph 605-006-7 reads: ""Golden Sunset" / Art Knudson / [address] / [phone]"
Note in blue ink on verso of photograph 605-006-13 reads: "Art Knudson / [contact information
Images
Less detail

1200 Year Old Log

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51441
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1967
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph of a log that has been put on display at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, BC. The log was dated as being 1200-years old and markers were placed on various rings to date the tree and make mention of historical events that took place in those years. The signs read: 770 AD See…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1967
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Item
Record No.
483-062
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2008-08
Scope and Content
Photograph of a log that has been put on display at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, BC. The log was dated as being 1200-years old and markers were placed on various rings to date the tree and make mention of historical events that took place in those years. The signs read: 770 AD Seed sprouted during life of Charlemagne / 1066 AD Battle of Hastings, Beginning of Norman Rule in England / 1215 AD Magna Carta signed by King John / 1497 AD John Cabot Reached Cape Breton / 1620 AD Pilgrim Fathers Aboard Mayflower Arrive at Cape Cod / 1808 AD Simon Fraser Reached Mouth of Fraser River / 1867 AD Confederation of Canada.
Subjects
Exhibitions
Maunfactured Products - Logs
Names
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Johnston, Harold H.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Academic Quadrangle construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38215
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
August 5, 1966 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 4.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the construction of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Academic Quadrangle building, phase two. Information at lower right corner of photograph reads, "Academic Quadrangle Building / Phase Two / Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC / Z.S. Kiss - Architect / Laing Construction & Equipme…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
August 5, 1966 (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Image Bank subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.3 x 4.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-802
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the construction of the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Academic Quadrangle building, phase two. Information at lower right corner of photograph reads, "Academic Quadrangle Building / Phase Two / Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC / Z.S. Kiss - Architect / Laing Construction & Equipment Ltd, General Contractors / No14 Date Aug 5, 1966, Facing E."
Subjects
Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges
Construction
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Frank, Leonard
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Geographic Access
University Drive
Street Address
8888 University Drive
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Less detail

Allen La Croix

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription45802
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1968
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 16.5 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Voters Association school board candidate Allen La Croix.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1968
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 16.5 x 12 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-696
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Voters Association school board candidate Allen La Croix.
Names
La Croix, Allen G.
Burnaby Voters Association
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer identifies photograph as no. A2474-8
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Frundig/ Century 21/ Photographers Ltd./ TR9-4021_3346 Cambie St/ Vancouver 9, BC"
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph gives a detailed biographical sketch
Images
Less detail

B.C. Hydro engine no. 961

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2894
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1 May 1964
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w print ; 10.5 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of BC Hydro engine no. 961, with the operator in the cab and two other crew men. One crew man is standing on the engine walkway and the other is standing beside the engine. Buildings are visible behind
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w print ; 10.5 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of BC Hydro engine no. 961, with the operator in the cab and two other crew men. One crew man is standing on the engine walkway and the other is standing beside the engine. Buildings are visible behind
Subjects
Transportation - Rail
Names
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Accession Code
BV012.36.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1 May 1964
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2022-07-26
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Handwritten note on verso of photograph reads: "May 1, 1964"
Images
Less detail

Bowling tournament in California

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1907
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[196-?]
Collection/Fonds
Harry Royle fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of a large bowling alley in California during a competition taken from behind the bowlers' benches, looking towards the lanes. There is a painted panel of a bear leading a donkey towards a city along the top and a sign that reads, "AMERICAN BOWLING." Beneath the sign are …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Harry Royle fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of a large bowling alley in California during a competition taken from behind the bowlers' benches, looking towards the lanes. There is a painted panel of a bear leading a donkey towards a city along the top and a sign that reads, "AMERICAN BOWLING." Beneath the sign are score panels for the teams. Participating teams from British Columbia include; "Austin Van B.C. Hotel", "Alcazar Hotel, Van, BC", "Dairyland", "The Rose Bowl Alleys" and "Pacific Meats/ North Star."
Subjects
Sports - Team Sports
Sports - Bowling
Events - Competitions
Accession Code
BV005.20.36
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[196-?]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
14/01/2010
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "4328"
Images
Less detail

72 records – page 1 of 4.