Narrow Results By
Person / Organization
- Bateman, Edwin W. 1
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority 1
- Burnaby Central Secondary School 1
- Burnaby Lake Post Office 1
- Burnaby South High School 1
- Burnaby Symphony Orchestra 1
- Burnaby Village Museum 2
- Burquest 1
- Chan, Puy Yuen 1
- City of Burnaby 1
- Douglas Road School 1
- Dowad, Kathleen "Kay" 1
Interview with Norman Dowad
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19638
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Norman Dowad Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: August 14, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:14:37 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information about his grandfather Samuel Dowad's immigration to Canada and his father Wilfred Dowad's military service and successes as a property developer. 00:14:39 – 00:17:26 Norm provides background information on his mother’s side of the family. 00:17:27 – 00:31:36 Norm talks about his childhood, growing up in the Deer Lake neighbourhood, his early education in Burnaby and sports that he played. 00:31:37 – 00:39:59 Norm talks about his educational experiences attending Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall law school and information regarding his law career. 00:40:00 – 00:45:03 Norm reflects on his childhood growing up in Burnaby and on his experiences and relationships as a student and in his career as a lawyer. 00:45:04 – 01:01:37 Norm talks about his siblings and shares information about family property development projects as well as career and business successes. In closing he talks about research that he’s done through Archives Canada on his grandfather Sam Dowad and father Wilfred Dowad.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Norm Dowad was born in Burnaby, December 1948 to parents Wilfred “Wilf” (1925-2011) and Cherry Dowad. His father, Wilfred (1925-2011) was born in Winnipeg to parents Samuel “Sam” (Salim in Arabic) Esper Dowad (1895-1969) and Martha (Shaheen) Dowad (1894-1955). Sam and Martha Dowad were both born in a province of the Ottoman Empire which is now present day Lebanon. In 1912, while trying to immigrate to Canada, several of Sam’s relatives including his mother died tragically as steerage passengers on the ill fated Titanic. In 1913, at the age of 18 years, Sam immigrated to Canada to join other family members who'd already arrived here safely. As a new immigrant in Canada, Sam worked with other Labanese immigrants in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the United States. In December 1921, Sam's wife, Martha immigrated to Canada arriving by ship in St. John, New Brunswick. Sam and Martha established their home in Winnipeg where they began to start a family. Their first two children died in infancy and son Wilfred was born in 1925 and daughter Kathleen was born in 1926. While living in Winnipeg, Sam worked as a grocer and in the 1930’s he got work as a farmer in a nearby town. In 1943, Wilf joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCVNR) and served as a gunner on merchant ships during World War II. In 1945, while Wilf was away serving, his parents, Sam and Martha moved to Burnaby. After discharge in 1945, Wilf joined his parents in Burnaby, began working at Fraser Mills and commenced his studies in construction and drafting. In 1949, with his father’s help Wilf acquired a lot next door to his parents’ home and built his first apartment block. After Martha died in 1954, Sam moved to Kelowna where he bought an orchard. Sam remarried in 1957 to Naomi “Mamie” (David) Dowad (1899-1978) who was also from a Lebanese family. Sam and Mamie lived in Kelowna until the mid 1960s when they moved to White Rock. While living in Burnaby, Wilf met and married Cherry Piggott and the couple had six children; Norm, Bruce, Michael, Kathie, Phil and Tom. In 1955, Wilfred Dowad established "W. Dowad Ltd." and over the years he was successful in developing and subdividing land to build housing and commercial developments in Burnaby, New Westminster and Vancouver. Wilf was the first president of the Burnaby Winter club and was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce holding office at the local, provincial and national level. In 1970, Wilf purchased 238 acres of land bordering the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh River and relocated there the following year. While living in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Wilf became actively engaged in local business and community affairs. Wilf was later remarried to Grethe Dowad and he died in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in 2011.Wilf's six children are the sole owners of "W.Dowad Ltd." and his daughter, Kathie Smillie is the president and CEO. While growing up in Burnaby, Norm Dowad attended Schou Street School, Douglas Road School, Kensington School and graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School. Following graduation from high school, Norm attended Simon Fraser University for one year, travelled in Europe, attended University of British Columbia and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall at York University. Norman has been practicing law for 49 years and has his own law practice that he operates out of Vancouver. 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
- Agriculture - Farms
- Education
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Migration
- Sports
- Sports - Football
- Wars - World War, 1939-1945
- Names
- Dowad, Norman W. "Norm"
- Dowad, Samuel Esper "Sam"
- Dowad, Wilfred "Wilf"
- Dowad, Naomi "Mamie" David
- Dowad, Martha Elias Shaheen
- Dowad, Kathleen "Kay"
- Rideout, Dr. John Anthony
- Burnaby Central Secondary School
- Douglas Road School
- W. Dowad Limited
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Geographic Access
- Buckingham Avenue
- Deer Lake
- Street Address
- 5533 Buckingham Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.16
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0016_002.mp3![Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2017/2017_0024_0027_001.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12338
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)
- Scope and Content
- Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 sound recording (mp3) (00:53:46 min.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Julie Lee Location of Interview: Home of Julie and Cecil Lee Interview Date: February 6, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:53:46
- Scope and Content
- Recording consists of an interview with Julie Lee conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong. Julie Lee shares information about her mother, Suey Ying Jung's (Laura's) experiences growing up as a Chinese Canadian on a farm in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She also shares some information about her father Puy Yuen Chan. 0:00- 01:47 Julie Lee provides background information on her families’ connection to Burnaby and conveys how her maternal grandparents farmed a five acre lot at Still Creek and Douglas Road. Her grandparents grew vegetable produce and operated a piggery at this location. Her mother, Suey Ying Jung (Laura) was the middle child between two older sisters, Maida and Annie and her two younger brothers Gordon and Harry. They were all born at home and educated at Edmonds Elementary School. 01:48- 11:47 Julie provides some background information about her mother, the friendships she made growing up, when she got married and places that she lived. She tells of her mother marrying in 1942 at age 30 years, moving to Fraser Mills and then onto Maillardville in 1958. There was easy access to the Interurban tram so her mother was able to have a social life with others in Vancouver’s Chinatown. She says that many of the only existing photographs of the family living on the farm at Still Creek and Douglas Road can be attributed to her mother’s friend Lil Mau [sic] who owned a camera. The farm was sold around 1949 when her grandparents moved to East Vancouver. While operating the farm, her grandparents only hired Chinese workers who spoke the same language and ate the same foods as them. Despite this, her grandparents made friends with the Collin’s family who assisted them in adjusting to the Canadian way of life. Julie tells that her mother’s sister Maida and brother in law lived with them at Fraser Mills. Her mother’s sister Maida had nine children so Julie’s mother helped her in raising them. 11:48 – 16:53 - Julie talks about racial prejudice towards the Chinese in Burnaby during the 1920s and 1930s. She says that for the most part, her mother’s family had a very insular life on the farm and mainly socialized only within the Chinese community. Julie tells of how she recently became aware of a memoir “The Way it Was”, written by Burnaby resident, Fannie Waplington. The memoir is held as part of the Burnaby Village Museum collection. In the memoir, Fannie Waplington tells of how she was forbidden from visiting Julie’s mother on their farm due to her ethnic background. Julie conveys that it seems like it was a missed friendship for both her mother and Fannie. 16:54 – 22:30 Julie describes what school life was like for her mother and what she may have done outside of school. Her mother attended Edmonds School in the 1920s up to Grade 7 or Grade 8. Julie explains that Asian girls were never offered the opportunity to pursue higher education while her mother’s brothers continued with their education attending Vancouver Technical School. Her mother continued to work on the farm until she was married cooking for workers and helping her mother. Outside of school, she may have helped with looking after nieces and nephews, played cards and mahjong. She says that her mother continued to play cards with her own children and was a skilled knitter into her 80s. 22:31 – 30: 53 Julie tells of what she knows about the Chinese workers on the farm and Fraser Mills and what they did on the weekends. She figures that many may have played card games to pass the time and at Fraser Mills gambling occurred. Fishing was a highlight for her father and she recalls him fishing sturgeon. Single workers may have gone into Vancouver on the weekends. Julie says that her parents had a hobby farm while living at Fraser Mills and that they grew enough garlic to sell in Chinatown. She thinks that before living at Fraser Mills, her mother must have went to Chinatown quite a bit, assisting with banking and enjoying a social life. Julie shares that her father, Puy Yuen Chan came to Canada from China at twelve years of age but working as a shingle packer, he never learned to speak English. She figures that her parents must have met at Fraser Mills while her mother was visiting her sister Maida. 30:54 – 37:33 Julie describes her mother as the cook, caregiver and the “one man show”. She says that her mother enjoyed cooking traditional Chinese recipes. Julie talks of her own cooking and gardening skills which she may have inherited from her parents including her large patch of garlic. 37:34- 40:23- Julie is asked as to whether her mother attended Chinese school and says that she had some Chinese schooling. She could read and write a little but didn’t attend a formal school as far as she knows. Julie shares some background information on her own husband Cecil, who grew up in East Vancouver. She shares that Cecil’s family went back to China from 1931 until 1939 when they returned to Queensborough. Cecil attended Chinese school in New Westminster. 40:24 – 42:19 Julie speaks briefly about what type of medical care her mother and her family had. She relates that all births took place at home and they accessed a Chinese herbalist in Chinatown. Hospitals were accessed in 1950s—1960s. The family did use Western doctors that were insured under the medical system. She recalls growing up and having to drink a particular herbal brew at least once a month to stay well. 42:20- 46:47 Julie describes how her parents stayed connected with their families in China. She says that her mother’s family didn’t stay in touch with relatives in China and that her uncles rejected anything to do with the past. On her father’s side they maintained a connection with cousins. She recalls that her father, Puy Yuen Chan supported some of his relatives back home in China and stayed in touch with some. Her mother, Laura travelled to China in 1991 and 1992 and connected with some relations on Julie’s father’s side. 46:48- 53:46 In this segment, Julie speaks of her mother’s character being very self-assured, independent and goal oriented. She feels that her mother valued being surrounded by her family and friends and felt very comfortable growing up in Burnaby and with the relationships that she had. She feels that her mother adapted to her roles being the last of four children on the farm and that she was very self-sufficient and determined.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Julie Lee (nee Chan) is the daughter of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan. Her mother's family owned and operated a vegetable and piggery farm on Douglas Road near Still Creek in the early 1900s. Their farm was located in front of the Douglas Road interurban tram station. Her mother had two older sisters named Maida and Annie and two younger brothers Harry and Gordon. Her mother was born in 1912 and left the farm for Fraser Mills when she was married in 1942. Julie grew up with her parents and siblings on the Fraser Mills site during the 1940s and 1950s. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Names
- Lee, Julie Cho Chan
- Chan, Puy Yuen
- Jung, Suey Ying "Laura"
- Wong, Suey Fong "Maida" Jung
- Jung, Suey Cheung "Harry"
- Jung, Suey Yook "Gordon"
- Jung, Gee Shee
- Jung, Chung Chong
- Jong, Suey Kin "Annie" Jung
- Responsibility
- Fong, Denise
- Geographic Access
- Douglas Road
- Accession Code
- BV020.6.2
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Related Material
- See also BV018.16.1
- Scan Resolution
- 1000
- Scan Date
- 01-Oct-2017
- Scale
- 96
- Notes
- Title based on contents of interview
- Photograph info: Suey Ying (Laura) with produce baskets [between 1940 and 1942]. BV017.24.27
Images
![Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Images/2017/2017_0024_0027_001.jpg)
Audio Tracks
Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020
Interview with Julie Lee by Denise Fong February 6, 2020, [1920-1992] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 6, 2020
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0002_001.mp3Interview with David Skulski
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19606
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, at…
- 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) (80 min., 38 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (80 min., 38 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: David Skulski Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 6 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 80 min., 38 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
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Murray "David" Skulski conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00:00 – 00:22:22 David Skulski provides biographical information about himself. He talks about his childhood experiences growing up, attending school in New Westminster and Burnaby and Hebrew school in Vancouver. David recalls his early experiences in music, instruments that he played and describes some of his Jewish family traditions. 00:22:23 – 00:49:57 David talks about his experiences studying music at university and following his passion as a musician and oboist. He recalls his experiences of working with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the CBC Orchestra, Vancouver Society for Early Music, the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra, other musical ensembles and venues where he’s performed. 00:49:58 – 01:00:00 David talks about living in Burnaby in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. David describes some his experiences playing traditional music from different countries. 01:01:01 – 01:14:15 David comments on the changes that he’s seen in Burnaby over the years, some of his favourite places, activities, cultural amenities and development on the Fraser River. David talks about the Jewish community in Burnaby, his involvement with the Peretz Centre and examples of Jewish cuisine. 01:14:16 – 01:20:38 David talks about Yiddish being his first language, his language studies in Lithuania, the roots of the language and provides some examples of speaking Yiddish.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Murray "David" Skulski was born in 1942 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and moved to British Columbia with his parents in 1948. Skulski and his family settled in New Westminster before moving to Burnaby in the late 1950's. Skulski took piano lessons at an early age and began playing obo while attending junior high school in New Westminster. In 1960 at the age of 17 years, Skulski began performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as solo English horn and is the youngest player to ever be employed with the VSO. In 1991, Skulski started playing with the Vancouver Folk Orchestra and was the conductor between 1997 and 2004. Skulski has been the principal oboe player in many orchestras. In 1968, Skulski founded the Hortulani Musicae; in 1970, he founded the Vancouver Society for Early Music and in 1983 he founded Harmonie, an ensemble concentrating in classical wind music. In 2003, Skulski became president of the Pertez Centre for Secular Jewish Culture. In 2005, Skulski became principal oboist of the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra and between 2009 and 2019 he was the principal oboist for the Pilgrim Orchestra under Pilwon Suk. David has served as president of the Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture and since 2022, he’s served on the board of the Vancouver Chamber Music Society. Skulski has taught summer courses in Renaissance music in Austria (1972-1979), has been a music resident at Simon Fraser University (1973-1976), has lectured on the history of musical instruments at SFU and UBC and in 2008 began teaching at the Pacific Coast School of Music, Richmond School of Music and Oakridge Music Studios. 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
- Foods
- Music
- Musical Instruments
- Occupations - Musicians
- Performances - Concerts
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Religions - Judaism
- Names
- Burnaby Symphony Orchestra
- Burnaby South High School
- Burquest
- Skulski, Murray "David"
- Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
- Vancouver Society for Early Music
- Peretz Centre
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake
- Deer Lake Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.10
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
Interview with David Skulski, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 6 Jul. 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/Hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0010_003.mp3![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
postcard
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact5636
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV986.21.11
- Description
- Elworth House - Postcard - [197-?]. Advertising or souvenir card produced by Heritage Village Museum (Burnaby Village Museum) to promote Elworth House. The front of the card has an illustration by Max F of Elworth House. The back of the card gives a short description of Elworth House and its owner, Edwin Bateman.
- Classification
- Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
- Object Term
- Postcard
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake Avenue
- Street Address
- 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
bottle
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact10433
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV999.41.1
- Description
- Bottle, ceramic, Chinese Tiger Whiskey; "Ta-Ga-Napi"; brown; globe shape tapers to narrow neck, which flares out around opening; no stopper; inside is light brown; ridged area near bottom; bottom and part of side broken off; some cracks, crazing, two chips on rim; soil adhering to surface
- Object History
- This artifact was found during construction of replacement foundations of Estate Cottage building at Fairacres (now Burnaby Art Gallery). It was found in 1998 during the restoration project.
- Category
- 04.Tools & Equipment for Materials
- Classification
- Food Service T&E - - Drinking Vessels
- Object Term
- Bottle, Drinking
- Subjects
- Persons - Chinese Canadians
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
postal scale
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact15965
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV983.61.3
- Description
- Postal scale, "IDEAL POSTAL SCALE"
- Object History
- Postal scale used by Harriet Woodward at the Burnaby Lake Post Office. The Burnaby Lake Post Office was run out of the Woodward cottage, owned by Harriet and Maude Woodward. The cottage was a prefabricated cottage erected in 1904. Harriet also began a small private school in the cottage, the first in Burnaby Lake. The cottage was enlarged with several additions until 1912 when the Woodwards built a new house.
- Classification
- Weights and Measurements Tools and Equipment - Scales
- Object Term
- Scale, Postal
- Geographic Access
- Sperling Avenue
- Street Address
- 5141 Sperling Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
projectile point
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact19193
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV002.57.6
- Description
- Projectile point, stone; rounded end. Bifacially flaked – stone removed on both sides of the point; basalt and lead shaped
- Object History
- The donor inherited this artifact from his mother, Katherine Maude (Kitty) Peers, who inherited them from her father, Louis Claude Hill. The artifacts were found on his farm, Brookfield Farm, at Douglas Road and Sperling Avenue (now site of Burnaby Village Museum).
- Culture Phase: Possibly Locarno Beach phase (3520 -2200 Before Present)
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Documents
projectile point
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact19194
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV002.57.7
- Description
- Projectile point, stone; indented on one side. Triangular stemmed projectile point
- Object History
- The donor inherited this artifact from his mother, Katherine Maude (Kitty) Peers, who inherited them from her father, Louis Claude Hill. The artifacts were found on his farm, Brookfield Farm, at Douglas Road and Sperling Avenue (now site of Burnaby Village Museum).
- Culture Phase: Possibly Locarno Beach phase (3520 -2200 Before Present)
- Geographic Access
- Deer Lake Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
Images
Documents
projectile point
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact19195
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV002.57.8
- Description
- Projectile point, stone. Lancelot, parallel stemmed – stem has straight sides (squared off appearance).
- Object History
- The donor inherited this artifact from his mother, Katherine Maude (Kitty) Peers, who inherited them from her father, Louis Claude Hill. The artifacts were found on his farm, Brookfield Farm, at Douglas Road and Sperling Avenue (now site of Burnaby Village Museum).
- Longer points like this were used on spears; sometimes in combination with a tool called an atl atl (spear thrower).
- Culture Phase: Possibly Locarno Beach phase (3520 -2200 Before Present)
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Documents
candleholder
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact25481
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV975.61.115
- Description
- Candleholder, composition; painted gold; small moulded rose on base
- Object History
- This candle holder belonged to a family who moved to Burnaby in the 1930s at 8006 Government Road.
- Category
- 02. Furnishings
- Classification
- Lighting Equipment - - Lighting Holders
- Object Term
- Candleholder
- Subjects
- Lighting Devices
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Government Road Area
Images
candle
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact25543
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV975.61.177
- Description
- Candle, wooden
- Object History
- This candle holder belonged to a family who immigrated to Burnaby in the 1930s at 8006 Government Road.
- Category
- 04.Tools & Equipment for Materials
- Classification
- Lighting Equipment - - Lighting Devices
- Object Term
- Candle
- Subjects
- Lighting Devices
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Government Road Area
Images
scale
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact29503
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV973.56.53
- Description
- Scale, "Family Scale" "22 lb"; green painted cast metal; scratched into underside, "CLAUDE HILL DEC. 30 1---"
- Object History
- The scale was used by the Hill family. The family farm stood on Douglas Road at Deer Lake - where Burnaby Village Museum is today. The homestead was built in 1892, and as enlarged in 1905. The family grew strawberries on the farm. Bernard Hill worked as a surveyor for the municipality of Burnaby. He and his brother Claude were Alderman for the municipality of Burnaby.
- Category
- 04.Tools & Equipment for Materials
- Classification
- Weights and Measurements Tools and Equipment - Scales
- Object Term
- Scale
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
dress
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39966
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV999.28.5
- Description
- Dress, c.1930s. Light blue cotton with rayon rick-rack trim and celluloid buttons. The button-front bodice is fitted with darts, and the skirt is knee length. The close collar is edged with purple rayon rick-rack ribbon. The centre front opens with three white octagonal celluloid buttons, and it is shaped with darts: two on each side panel front and back, and one on each shoulder front and back. There is also an inverted box pleat inserted into the centre back, closed at its top and bottom, for ease. At the end of each short sleeve there is the same purple trim as on the collar. The centre front opening continues through the natural waistline, with two hidden circular white celluloid buttons. There is a front and back slightly flared panel to the skirt, plus two godets on either side of each side seam. The trim and the rest of the garment is machine sewn, with flat felled seams.
- Object History
- Donor inherited object from her mother and grandmother, ca. 1994.
- Subjects
- Clothing
- Clothing - Costumes
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
Images
dress
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39967
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV999.28.6
- Description
- Dress, c.1940s. Floral cotton print with faced collar in neckline, gathered skirt, short sleeves, calf length hem. Hand made by donor's grandmother. The dress is made with a pink, blue, purple and green floral print in the 1940s style. The collar is sewn with a facing out of a split down the centre front. The shoulders are gathered at the front, and the double fold hem for the short sleeves are hand finished. The bodice slants slightly inward towards the natural waistline; other than that, there is no shaping for this easy fitting dress. The skirt has eight gores, each somewhat flared. It is gathered quite a bit in the centre front gore, and slightly at centre back. The hem extends to the calves; it is hand finished. All of the seams are unfinished and all machine sewn.
- Object History
- Donor inherited object from her grandmother, ca. 1994. This dress was homemade, but was never worn.
- Subjects
- Clothing
- Clothing - Costumes
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
Images
dress
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39968
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV999.28.7
- Description
- Dress, c.1940s. Cotton, blue pinstripes on white background. White panels up sides of flared calf length skirt, pockets, v-neck with collar, buttons centre front. The collar is on top of a square yoke that extends around the shoulders. It also has revers that extend from the turn of the bodice fabric. This creates a V neck in the 1940s style. White plastic buttons close the dress down centre front. Three pleats open up from the waist on each side front, and two on each side back. The sleeves extend up from the bottom in a kimono cut, and are constructed on the top half as set-in sleeves. The two types join in the middle, and are finished with a small cuff. The skirt has ten slightly flared gores, set into the waistband with small pleats. The side gores are made of white cotton. Down centre front, the opening continues over the hips with more buttons. On each side at hip level, there is a square patch pocket cut on the bodice. Inside the back of the neck, there is a cotton tag that has embroidered in green: "This is a Colleen Brawn Reg'n Garment / Made in Canada / 5994 34."
- Object History
- Donor inherited object from her mother and grandmother, ca. 1994.
- Maker
- Colleen Brawn
- Subjects
- Clothing
- Clothing - Costumes
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
Images
shirt dress
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39970
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV999.28.9
- Description
- Shirt dress, c.1950s. Rayon 'corklin' turquoise. White buttons with decorative white thread, pockets, short sleeves, belt, calf length slightly flared skirt. The bodice has a pleat in each shoulder, one in each side back, and a dart at each side front. The collar has revers that extend from the centre front opening, creating a V neck. The short sleeves have a fold over cuff, and are set in. The dress opens completely down centre front with five small white plastic buttons in the bodice, and fifteen in the skirt. They each have decorative machined button holes in white fabric that extend a few centimetres more than needed. There are four gores in the skirt, two in the front and two in the back, each somewhat flared. In each side seam there is a pocket decorated with four of the same buttons as on centre front. The skirt extends to just below the knees. At the natural waistline of the dress, there is a snap closure in to hold it in place. Sitting on top, there is a thin adjustable belt with a loop at each side seam. On the right loop a white, yellow, and black paper tag hangs. It reads: "An 'Easy Living' Fabric. Corklin by Burlington. Rayon." On the back it says: "Burlington's CORKLIN is an all rayon quality fabric with the look and feel of fine linen. Here's what makes CORKLIN an easy living fabric: 1. Machine wash, 2. Drip dry, 3. If touch up required, use a dry iron on dry fabric. Burlington Mills, Burlington quality, 'Woven into the Life of America.' A member of Burlington Industries. Printed in U.S.A." On the inside back of the neck, there is a small cloth tag that reads: "Style / Size 16 1/2." The seams of the dress are finished with pinking shears, and the hems are hand finished. It has never been worn.
- Object History
- Donor inherited object from her mother and grandmother, ca. 1994.
- Maker
- Corklin by Burlington
- Subjects
- Clothing
- Clothing - Costumes
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
Images
.jpg)
tobacco pipe
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact44530
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV002.37.3
- Description
- Pipe, imitation corncob bowl and black bakelite? stem; round label on bottom of bowl; bowl is yellow; "R&H" "Topper" "Made in U.S.A."
- Object History
- The pipe belonged to Walter Lainsbury, who immigrated to Burnaby from Scotland in the 1930s.
- Category
- 04.Tools & Equipment for Materials
- Classification
- Personal Gear - - Smoking & Recreational Drug Equipment
- Object Term
- Pipe, Smoking
- Country Made
- United States of America
- Subjects
- Personal Gear
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
hand maul
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact44853
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV002.57.1
- Description
- Nipple topped stone maul. It has a pointed tip and a slight indentation on side of base. There is adhesive residue on bottom of base.
- Object History
- The donor inherited this artifact from his mother, Katherine Maude (Kitty) Peers, who inherited them from her father, Louis Claude Hill. The artifacts were found on his farm, Brookfield Farm, at Douglas Road and Sperling Avenue (now site of Burnaby Village Museum). In general, hand mauls are used in woodworking todrive antler wedges or spreading sticks into logs and split planks. They were also used in combination with chisels for detail work. Their presence at an archeological site is viewed as evidence of long term habitations. They are associated with house building, canoe building, housepost and welcome figure carving. Nipple top hand mauls are identified as Marpole Culture (400 BC - 400 AD).
- Subjects
- Persons
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment - Maul
- Archeological Specimen
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Documents
hand maul
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact44854
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV002.57.2
- Description
- Conical topped stone maul; damaged by a plow.
- Object History
- The donor inherited this artifact from his mother, Katherine Maude (Kitty) Peers, who inherited them from her father, Louis Claude Hill. The artifacts were found on his farm, Brookfield Farm, at Douglas Road and Sperling Avenue (now site of Burnaby Village Museum).
- In general, hand mauls are used in woodworking todrive antler wedges or spreading sticks into logs and split planks. They were also used in combination with chisels for detail work. Their presence at an archeological site is viewed as evidence of long term habitations. They are associated with house building, canoe building, housepost and welcome figure carving. Flat and conical topped hand mauls are identified as Gulf of Georgia Culture (400 AD - 1800).
- Subjects
- Persons
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment
- Woodworking Tools and Equipment - Maul
- Archeological Specimen
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
