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Burnaby Mountain Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark792
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- Burnaby Mountain had been dedicated as park in 1942, however the original park boundaries were reconsidered in 1952 with the development of the Trans Mountain Pipeline. Although the boundaries were adjusted to accommodate this project, significant conservation and park lands were left untouched. When, in 1962, the government of British Columbia determined the need for additional post-secondary facilities, Burnaby Mountain was chosen as the site for the new Simon Fraser University which opened in 1965. As early as 1964, the idea of establishing a townsite around the university had been discussed by Burnaby, but it was not until the mid-1990s that the idea came to fruition and by the early 2000s, a new housing development know as the UniverCity took shape on the mountain adjacent to the university.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Lake City Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark793
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- When Simon Fraser University opened in 1965, approximately sixteen industrial properties had been developed in the Lake City Industrial Park. In addition, significant tracts of land in the western portion had been pre-cleared and graded in anticipation of additional development, while most of the eastern half remained forested. Some of the early companies to locate in the area were Nabob Foods, Volkswagen Canada, British Columbia Television Broadcasting, Simpson Sears, and H.Y. Louie Company Limited. Both Imperial Oil and Shell Oil established petroleum storage and distribution facilities in the area. Initially a heavy industrial area, by 1979, single family neighbourhoods south of Lougheed Highway and west of Eagle Creek had been largely developed. By the mid1980's, the Burnaby 200 multi-family development along Forest Grove Drive had also been completed.
- Planning Study Area
- Lake City Area
Images
Fraser Wilson subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58314
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [19--]-1969
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records nd graphic material
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of one photographic album of locations in Vancouver photographed in the 1880s, sixteen original illustrations by Fraser Wilson and three files of textual records, including the comic book "Bill Northwood".
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [19--]-1969
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Fraser Wilson subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records nd graphic material
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1988-06
- BHS1985-23
- BHS1991-25
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of one photographic album of locations in Vancouver photographed in the 1880s, sixteen original illustrations by Fraser Wilson and three files of textual records, including the comic book "Bill Northwood".
- History
- Fraser Wilson was born in Vancouver on July 1, 1905 and brought up in the Grandview area, with fond memories of berry picking in the wilds of North Burnaby as a child. He left school in 1923 and, although interested in art, he didn’t try to make it a career until a double hernia forced him to stop working in factories and start apprenticing for commercial artists, later opening a sign shop of his own. In 1926 he worked in Australia as a set decoration painter, but had to return to Vancouver when his father fell ill in 1927. Wilson was a political cartoonist for the Vancouver Sun newspaper from 1937 to 1947. When he moved to Burnaby in April of 1943 he was also the artist and author of the cartoon-type serial “Bill Northwood - the personification of the modern Resource Manager” which served to teach the community why forests are important and should be preserved. He lost his job at the Vancouver Sun in 1947; he was the chairman of the Co-ordinating Committee of Newspaper Unions which was involved in the Vancouver Province strike and his publisher didn’t approve. Soon after, Bill White, then-president of the Marine Workers’ and Boilermakers Union, asked Wilson to decorate the Marine Workers’ Auditorium at 3337 West Pender, the Union's hall. The mural that Wilson painted depicts the BC labour movement to honour British Columbia’s workers. This mural launched a new career for Wilson; to this day, hospitals and libraries across British Columbia display his work in lobbies. In 1988, when the building housing the Marine Workers’ Auditorium was sold to a new owner, Fraser Wilson’s mural was removed from the wall, restored by Ferdinand Petrov of the Vancouver Centennial Committee, and installed permanently at the new Maritime Labour Centre on Victoria Drive in Vancouver. Throughout the 1960s, Wilson served as president of the Burnaby Historical Society. He ran for City Council as a Burnaby Citizens Association candidate in 1969 and 1970. Fraser Wilson died on 31 July 1992.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Wilson, Fraser
- Notes
- PC492, MSS062
- Title based on contents of subseries
Modern materia medica and therapeutics
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary442
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Edition
- 3rd ed. , ent. rewritten
- Publication Date
- c1903
- c1894
- Call Number
- 615.1 STE
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV988.68.19
- Call Number
- 615.1 STE
- Edition
- 3rd ed. , ent. rewritten
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Publisher
- W. B. Saunders Co.
- Publication Date
- c1903
- c1894
- Physical Description
- 663 p. ; 24 cm.
- Inscription
- inside front cover: "D.G. H(ewitt?)"[handwritten in ink] "Wpg, Man" "McPh.(?) " "1910-11" sticker, printed label: "bought of J.A. Carveth & Co. Ltd., Medical Books 434 Yonge St., Toronto" article stapled to inner front page: "Canadian Conference of Pharmaceutical Faculties - The Preparation of Isotonic Solutions" "Chas Kerr" inside back cover page: "F.W.F. [handwritten in pencil] Sept.23/13 Edmonton, Alta."
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Materia medica
- Therapeutics
- Pharmacology
- Notes
- Includes index
- 16 pages of advertisements following the index.
- Author's given name and dates : Stevens, Arthur A. (Arthur Albert), 1865-
Portraits of the premiers : an informal history of British Columbia
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary717
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 324.2092 JAC
- Place of Publication
- Sidney, B.C.
- Publisher
- Gray's Pub.
- Publication Date
- c1969
- Physical Description
- xii, 272 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Premiers (Canada)--British Columbia
- Biography
Paddlewheels on the frontier : the story of B.C. sternwheel steamers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary785
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 386 DOW v. 1
- Author
- Downs, Art
- Place of Publication
- Cloverdale, B.C.
- Publisher
- B.C. Outdoors Magazine
- Publication Date
- c1967
- Physical Description
- 2 v. : ill. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Paddle steamers--British Columbia--History
- Navigation--British Columbia--History
- Navigation--Yukon--History
Paddlewheels on the frontier : the story of B.C.-Yukon sternwheel steamers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary786
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Downs, Art
- Publication Date
- c1967-1971
- Call Number
- 386 DOW v. 1
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 386 DOW v. 1
- Author
- Downs, Art
- Place of Publication
- Surrey, B.C.
- Publisher
- Foremost Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- c1967-1971
- Physical Description
- 2 v. : ill. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Paddle steamers--British Columbia--History
- Navigation--British Columbia--History
- Navigation--Yukon Territory--History
Wagon road north : the story of the Cariboo gold rush in historical photos
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1125
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 917.11 DOW
- Author
- Downs, Art
- Place of Publication
- [Quesnel, B.C.]
- Publisher
- Northwest Digest
- Publication Date
- c1960
- Physical Description
- 76 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 28 cm.
- Inscription
- "Art Downs" , handwritten in ink on title page.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Gold mines and mining--British Columbia--Cariboo (Regional district)--History
- Roads--British Columbia--Cariboo (Regional district)--History
- Cariboo (B.C. : Regional district)--Gold discoveries
- Cariboo Wagon Road (B.C.)
- British Columbia--History--Pictorial works
- Notes
- "Autographed souvenir of historic Cariboo"--Cover.
- "Historic photos of the Cariboo gold rush"--Cover.
No power greater : a century of labour in B.C.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3651
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV999.40.2
- Call Number
- 331.8809 PHI
- Place of Publication
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Publisher
- B.C. Federation of Labour
- Publication Date
- c1967
- Printer
- Broadway Printers Limited
- Physical Description
- iii-xiv, 189 p. : ill.; 23 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Labor Unions--British Columbia--History
Paddlewheels on the frontier : the story of B.C.-Yukon sternwheel steamers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5260
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Author
- Downs, Art
- Publication Date
- c1967-1971
- Call Number
- 386 DOW v. 2
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 386 DOW v. 2
- Author
- Downs, Art
- Place of Publication
- Surrey, B.C.
- Publisher
- Foremost Pub. Co.
- Publication Date
- c1967-1971
- Physical Description
- 2 v. : ill. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Paddle steamers--British Columbia--History
- Navigation--British Columbia--History
- Navigation--Yukon Territory--History
A synopsis of the British pharmacopoeia preparations : designed for the use of pharmaceutical and medical students
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5885
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Edition
- 10th ed.
- Publication Date
- c1916
- c1893
- Call Number
- 615.11 HEE 1916
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV988.68.13
- Call Number
- 615.11 HEE 1916
- Edition
- 10th ed.
- Place of Publication
- Toronto
- Publisher
- Chas. F. Heebner
- Publication Date
- c1916
- c1893
- Printer
- University of Toronto Press
- Physical Description
- 109 p. ; 20 cm.
- Inscription
- inside front cover: "The J.F. Hartz Co. Limited" [paper sticker label] "Medical Books Toronto" inside front page: "2.00" [handwritten in pencil] "Druggist and Stationer" [purple ink stamp] "G.S. Wood, Phan.B." "Prince George, B.C."
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Pharmacopoeias--Great Britain
- Medicine--Formulae, receipts, prescriptions
- Notes
- Includes index.
- Author full name: Heebner, Chas. F. (Charles Frederick), 1859-1933.
The Story of Pacific Salmon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7500
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Publication Date
- c[1962]
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Photograph
- Accession Code
- BV991.45.566
- Contributor
- Licastro, Joseph
- Stanley, Cameron
- Moller, Hans
- Place of Publication
- Canada
- Publisher
- National Film Board of Canada
- Publication Date
- c[1962]
- Physical Description
- 1 filmstrip (unknown length) : cellulose acetate, col. interpositive ; 35 mm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Documentary Films
- Filmstrips
- Pacific salmon--British Columbia
- Pacific salmon fisheries--British Columbia
- Salmon--Life cycles
- Object History
- Came in with Oakalla Prison records and artifacts in 1991. Filmstrip was utilized by staff and inmates of Oakalla. Digitized by BVM into preservation and accessible formats in 2020.
- Notes
- Educational filmstrip describing the five species of Pacifc Salmon, their life cycle including migration, spawining and growth. Audio commentary is missing.
Images
Documents
NDP records
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82744
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1969-1996]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hazel Simnett collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of textual materials dealing with the BC NDP party, in particular the campaign for Joan Sawicki for the Burnaby-Willingdon riding. Included in this file is the contact information for the Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association ("Fax - 437-5836 / Phone - 437-5700 / 4561 Kings…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1969-1996]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hazel Simnett collection
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS167-011
- Accession Number
- 2013-22
- Scope and Content
- File consists of textual materials dealing with the BC NDP party, in particular the campaign for Joan Sawicki for the Burnaby-Willingdon riding. Included in this file is the contact information for the Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association ("Fax - 437-5836 / Phone - 437-5700 / 4561 Kingsway / B'by / V5H 2B3") and three sheets relating to the cost of lawn signs from 1990 to 1991 for the Joan Sawicki campaign. Also included is a map of the federal Burnaby-Douglas riding (ca. 1990). Also included is typed copy of R. A. McMath's Comments on "A Report of Saskatchewan's Socialist Government" which appeared as a paid advertisement in both Vancouver daily papers on election day August 27, 1969. McMath challenges the "Report" which contains excerpts of a speech by Ross Thatcher, Saskatchewan's Liberal Premier, on the CCF and the NDP. Also included is a informational flyer on the BC Parliament Buildings from 1969 (28th Parliament, 3rd Session) and lists the members of Parliament. Also included is a booklet from Simon Fraser University listing the donors, which Hazel Simnett is one of, from July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1990. Also is an envelope in which the following was found: 1990 BC Election Act, three sheets referring to Joan Sawicki's election expenses, Canada Post receipt, report on Joan Sawicki's campaign from 1991, list of Burnaby Willingdon team, notice of nomination meeting in 1990, BC election calendar, 1990 Guide to the Elections Act of British Columbia, faxed letter from John Pollard to campaign managers, six sheets of Appointment of Scrutineer (one blank, rest signed by Hazel Simnett), fax of Provincial General Election Calendar of Events, receipt for nomination paper for Joan Sawicki, receipt for declaration of candidate for Joan Sawicki and two copies of photocopy of signatures on Nomination Paper for Joan Sawicki. Also included is Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association Minutes of March 14, 1996 Executive Meeting.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on note accompanying file ; Receipts for lawn signs and the Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association contact information were bound together with a metal paper clip ; Comments on "A Report of Saskatchewan's Socialist Government" was bound together with a staple ; election expenses were bound together with a staple ; two sheets of report on Joan Sawicki's campaign were stapled together ; Guide to the Elections Act was stapled together ; two sheets with "New Democrats" letterhead were stapled together ; each copy of Nomination Paper signatures were stapled together
- Simnett political papers series
Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory404
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1969-2012
- Length
- 0:08:06
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
- Date Range
- 1969-2012
- Photo Info
- Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
- Length
- 0:08:06
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- November 15, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
- Biographical Notes
- Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:46:51
- Interviewee Name
- Smitherman, Ron
- Interview Location
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Interviewer Bio
- Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track two of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman
Track two of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-025/MSS171-025_Track_2.mp3Oral history research materials
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57967
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1969-1979
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photocopies of two guides on how to record oral (aural) histories as well as an educational series publication on transcripts entitled "People in Landscapes" produced by the Provincial Archives of British Columbia in 1969.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1969-1979
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Edmonds School subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS036-009
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Accession Number
- BHS1988-07
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photocopies of two guides on how to record oral (aural) histories as well as an educational series publication on transcripts entitled "People in Landscapes" produced by the Provincial Archives of British Columbia in 1969.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Notes on the pages of one of the guides indicate that it was used as note paper when interviewing former Edmonds school student Roland Cope for a class project
Oral history subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64783
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1969-1989
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 4 boxes of audio/visual materials
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of oral history tapes created from interviews with early Burnaby residents. Interviews appear to have been conducted by both Burnaby Village Museum staff and Burnaby Historical Society members. Subseries also includes oral history tapes conducted by history students while atte…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1969-1989
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Physical Description
- 4 boxes of audio/visual materials
- Material Details
- Audio cassette tapes and 30 magnetic tape reels
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of oral history tapes created from interviews with early Burnaby residents. Interviews appear to have been conducted by both Burnaby Village Museum staff and Burnaby Historical Society members. Subseries also includes oral history tapes conducted by history students while attending Simon Fraser University. A number of the SFU tapes are titled either "Burnaby in the Thirties" or "Local History Tapes."
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- MSS137, 100-13-01:100-13-25
- Paper finding aids accompany this series
- Interviews were digitized in 2010 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council 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.
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Environmental Issues
- Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
- Geographic Features
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Housing
- Occupations
- Occupations - Entrepreneurs
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - Volunteers
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Religions
- Religions - Judaism
- Names
- Schwartz, William "Bill"
- Schwartz, Ellen
- City of Burnaby
- Polestar Communications
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.6
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3Burnaby Central Secondary School yearbook : 1968-1969
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5235
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV012.17.12
- Call Number
- 373.71 BUR 1969
- Place of Publication
- Winnipeg
- Publisher
- Inter-Collegiate Press of Canada
- Publication Date
- 1969
- Physical Description
- 112 p. : ill., ports. ; 28 cm
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Schools--British Columbia--Burnaby
- School yearbooks--1960-1969
- School yearbooks
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Notes
- High school annual for Burnaby Central high school
Burnaby South Secondary School yearbook : 1968-1969
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5357
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Special Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Accession Code
- BV005.79.32
- Call Number
- 373.71 BUR 1969
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, B.C.
- Publisher
- Burnaby South Secondary School
- Publication Date
- 1969
- Physical Description
- 96 p. : ill., ports. ; 28 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- School yearbooks--1960-1969
- Schools--British Columbia--Burnaby
- School yearbooks
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Windsor Area
- Geographic Access
- Rumble Street
- Street Address
- 5455 Rumble Street
- Notes
- High school annual for Burnaby South
Letter re entry in Provincial Housing Plans Competition
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15074
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 14 Aug. 1968
- Collection/Fonds
- Elmer Wilson Martin fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 p.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a letter and cheque stub addressed to Mr. E.W. Martin and J. Pearl from the Minister of Recreation and Conservation informing them of their award of one thousand dollars for their entry in the British Columbia Housing Plans Competition. Letter is signed by Ken Kiernan, Chairman of …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Elmer Wilson Martin fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 p.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a letter and cheque stub addressed to Mr. E.W. Martin and J. Pearl from the Minister of Recreation and Conservation informing them of their award of one thousand dollars for their entry in the British Columbia Housing Plans Competition. Letter is signed by Ken Kiernan, Chairman of the Competitiion Committee.
- Names
- Martin, Elmer Wilson
- Accession Code
- BV019.40.6
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 14 Aug. 1968
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- February 4, 2021
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file