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![Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_001.jpg?width=280)
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
![Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_001.jpg)
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.mp3
COVID-19 warming centre #2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15384
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 2 Apr 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (55 min.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- City of Burnaby informational film regarding the launch of a new warming centre for the community. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley explains how the city has consolidated two of it's smaller warming centres (Kensington and Swanguard) and opened a new larger one inside the Burnaby Lake Arena. The mayor exp…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (55 min.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- City of Burnaby informational film regarding the launch of a new warming centre for the community. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley explains how the city has consolidated two of it's smaller warming centres (Kensington and Swanguard) and opened a new larger one inside the Burnaby Lake Arena. The mayor explains the set up and precautions that have been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- History
- Video taken by the City of Burnaby Marketing Department in 2020. The original intent of the clip was to produce communications about the pandemic and changes throughout the City that residents needed to be aware of.
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Subjects
- Buildings - Recreational - Sports
- Officials - Mayors and Reeves
- Emergency Measures
- Public Services - Municipal Services
- Pandemics - COVID-19
- Names
- Hurley, Mike
- City of Burnaby
- Geographic Access
- Kensington Avenue
- Street Address
- 3676 Kensington Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV021.2.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 2 Apr 2020
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of film
Images
Video
COVID-19 warming centre #2, 2 Apr 2020
COVID-19 warming centre #2, 2 Apr 2020
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2021_0002_0001_001.mp4
Mayor's address re COVID-19
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15398
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 23 Mar. 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 14 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Film clip of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley delivering an online address to the citizens of Burnaby. The Mayor is seated at his desk at Burnaby City Hall. The Mayor provides his comments and concerns regarding the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the City of Burnaby and it's citizens. He speaks…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (3 min., 14 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Film clip of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley delivering an online address to the citizens of Burnaby. The Mayor is seated at his desk at Burnaby City Hall. The Mayor provides his comments and concerns regarding the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the City of Burnaby and it's citizens. He speaks about facility and community event closures as well as the financial concerns for home and business owners, renters and the unemployed.
- History
- Video taken by the City of Burnaby Marketing Department in 2020. The original intent of the clip was to produce communications about the pandemic and changes throughout the City that residents needed to be aware of.
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4949 Canada Way
- Accession Code
- BV021.2.11
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 23 Mar. 2020
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of film
Images
Video
Mayor's address re COVID-19, 23 Mar. 2020
Mayor's address re COVID-19, 23 Mar. 2020
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2021_0002_0011_001.mp4
Thank you to citizens of Burnaby
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15399
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- May 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (1 min., 37 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Film clip from the City of Burnaby thanking it's citizens for helping to flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Mayor Mike Hurley and narrator communicate that commitments made by citizens have helped set the stage for less restrictions whereby some facilities can be reopened…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (1 min., 37 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Film clip from the City of Burnaby thanking it's citizens for helping to flatten the curve of the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Mayor Mike Hurley and narrator communicate that commitments made by citizens have helped set the stage for less restrictions whereby some facilities can be reopened in a safe manner by following the guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. Film clip includes a compilation of footage taken by the City's marketing department between March and May 2020. Background music "We're all in this together"is written and performed by Joe Keithley and Mayor Mike Hurley.
- History
- Video taken by the City of Burnaby Marketing Department in 2020. The original intent of the clip was to produce communications about the pandemic and changes throughout the City that residents needed to be aware of.
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4949 Canada Way
- Accession Code
- BV021.2.13
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- May 2020
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of film
Images
Video
Thank you to citizens of Burnaby, May 2020
Thank you to citizens of Burnaby, May 2020
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2021_0002_0013_001.mp4
Thank you from City of Burnaby
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15400
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 9 Apr. 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (58 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Film clip of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Burnaby City staff showing their appreciation to frontline workers, first responders and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnaby City Hall and other city facilities have decorated windows with colourful hearts and staff members are standin…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (58 sec.) : digital, 24 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Film clip of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and Burnaby City staff showing their appreciation to frontline workers, first responders and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnaby City Hall and other city facilities have decorated windows with colourful hearts and staff members are standing outside buildings holding hearts of appreciation. The film closes with people holding hearts and conveying words of thanks in multiple languages.
- History
- Video taken by the City of Burnaby Marketing Department in 2020. The original intent of the clip was to produce communications about the pandemic and changes throughout the City that residents needed to be aware of.
- Creator
- City of Burnaby
- Subjects
- Officials - Mayors and Reeves
- Public Services - Health Services
- Public Services - Municipal Services
- Pandemics - COVID-19
- Geographic Access
- Canada Way
- Street Address
- 4949 Canada Way
- Accession Code
- BV021.2.14
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 9 Apr. 2020
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of film
Images
Video
Thank you from City of Burnaby, 9 Apr. 2020
Thank you from City of Burnaby, 9 Apr. 2020
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2021_0002_0014_001.mp4