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Subject
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards 1
- Buildings - Civic 2
- Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants 2
- Buildings - Industrial - Refineries 1
- Buildings - Recreational 7
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards 4
- Education 1
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- Geographic Features - Inlets 3
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- Geographic Features - Parks 7
Person / Organization
- Bailey, Robert 1
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- Gordon, Merrill 5
Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 10
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory481
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1965-1990
- Length
- 00:15:42
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s views about SFU and its relations with and contributions to Burnaby. He details the founding of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society with Dean Lamont and its work to have SFU transfer unused land to Burnaby to preserve as parkland
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s views about SFU and its relations with and contributions to Burnaby. He details the founding of the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society with Dean Lamont and its work to have SFU transfer unused land to Burnaby to preserve as parkland
- Date Range
- 1965-1990
- Photo Info
- Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
- Length
- 00:15:42
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Lamont, Dean
- Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- March 19, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
- Total Tracks
- 11
- Total Length
- 1:31:44
- Interviewee Name
- Gordon, Merrill
- Interview Location
- unknown
- Interviewer Bio
- Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Transcript Available
- Transcript available
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interviews were digitized in 2015 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.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track ten of interview with Merrill Gordon
Track ten of interview with Merrill Gordon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-020/MSS187-020_Track_10.mp3
Burnaby Mountain Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93640
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the top of Burnaby Mountain Park and the view of Vancouver from the hillside, with a man standing in the foreground. The photograph is taken facing west of southwest. Capitol Hill, the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver, and Stanley Park are visible in the distance.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-597
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the top of Burnaby Mountain Park and the view of Vancouver from the hillside, with a man standing in the foreground. The photograph is taken facing west of southwest. Capitol Hill, the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver, and Stanley Park are visible in the distance.
- Names
- Burnaby Mountain Park
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- McGillivray, Don
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 46
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93645
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the view from Burnaby Mountain of the Burrard Inlet, the oil refinery, and the mountains. The photograph is taken from Burnaby Mountain Park, facing north.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-602
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the view from Burnaby Mountain of the Burrard Inlet, the oil refinery, and the mountains. The photograph is taken from Burnaby Mountain Park, facing north.
- Subjects
- Geographic Features - Inlets
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Geographic Features - Mountains
- Buildings - Industrial - Refineries
- Names
- Burnaby Mountain Park
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- van Mannen, Mark
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 52
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Burrard Inlet
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Park and Centennial Pavilion
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37408
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the Burnaby Mountain Park sign a Centennial Pavilion. The caption on the back of the postcard reads: "The Centennial Pavilion was built in 1958 during British Columbia's Centenary. It is situated on Burnaby Mountain at an elevation of 1000 feet. Numerous footpaths througho…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Robert Prittie subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 369-007
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-01
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the Burnaby Mountain Park sign a Centennial Pavilion. The caption on the back of the postcard reads: "The Centennial Pavilion was built in 1958 during British Columbia's Centenary. It is situated on Burnaby Mountain at an elevation of 1000 feet. Numerous footpaths throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds lead to interesting view points which provide magnificent scenery of Burrard Inlet, Coast Range Mountains, City of Vancouver, and other surrounding Municipalities."
- Subjects
- Symbols - Flags
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Buildings - Recreational
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- George Allen Aerial Photos Limited
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Centennial Way
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Park Looking West
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93707
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- February 15, 1978
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the view from Burnaby Mountain Park. The photograph is taken facing west and shows the park, part of the parking lot at the Burnaby Centennial Pavilion, and Capitol Hill and the mountains in the distance.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- February 15, 1978
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-664
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the view from Burnaby Mountain Park. The photograph is taken facing west and shows the park, part of the parking lot at the Burnaby Centennial Pavilion, and Capitol Hill and the mountains in the distance.
- Subjects
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Geographic Features - Mountains
- Geographic Features - Automobile Parking Lots
- Names
- Burnaby Mountain Park
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Surridge, Jack
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 112
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Park Pavilion Building
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93642
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Burnaby Centennial Pavilion in Burnaby Mountain Park. The pavilion was built in 1958 for the British Columbia Centenary and became Horizons Restaurant in 1986 and may have housed The Owl and the Oarsman Restaurant at this time. Two individuals are standing on the deck and looking …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-599
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Burnaby Centennial Pavilion in Burnaby Mountain Park. The pavilion was built in 1958 for the British Columbia Centenary and became Horizons Restaurant in 1986 and may have housed The Owl and the Oarsman Restaurant at this time. Two individuals are standing on the deck and looking toward the mountains. The photograph is taken from across the lawn, facing north of northwest.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- McGillivray, Don
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 49
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Centennial Pavilion
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37407
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the Centennial Pavilion located in Burnaby Mountain Park. The caption on the back of the postcard reads: "The Centennial Pavilion, located in Burnaby Mountain Park was built in 1958 to commemorate the centenary of the Province of British Columbia. Numerous view points on be…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Robert Prittie subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 369-006
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-01
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the Centennial Pavilion located in Burnaby Mountain Park. The caption on the back of the postcard reads: "The Centennial Pavilion, located in Burnaby Mountain Park was built in 1958 to commemorate the centenary of the Province of British Columbia. Numerous view points on beautifully landscaped grounds provide interesting panoramic views of the lower mainland."
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- George Allen Aerial Photos Limited
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Centennial Way
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Centennial Pavilion and Burnaby Mountain Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37410
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the rear portion of the Centennial Pavilion along with a view of some of the landscaping at Burnaby Mountain Park. The caption on the back of the photograph reads: "This park is situated on the western portion of Burnaby Mountain. Numerous view points throughout beautiful…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Robert Prittie subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 369-009
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-01
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of the rear portion of the Centennial Pavilion along with a view of some of the landscaping at Burnaby Mountain Park. The caption on the back of the photograph reads: "This park is situated on the western portion of Burnaby Mountain. Numerous view points throughout beautifully landscaped grounds provide magnificent views of Burrard Inlet, Coast Range Mountains, City of Vancouver and surrounding Municipalities."
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- George Allen Aerial Photos Limited
- Notes
- Title based on caption
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Centennial Way
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Golf Course photographs
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66715
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965-1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Robert Bailey fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 39 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
- Scope and Content
- Photographs of the construction and opening of the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, taken by Robert Bailey.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965-1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Robert Bailey fonds
- Physical Description
- 39 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 526-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2011-14
- Scope and Content
- Photographs of the construction and opening of the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, taken by Robert Bailey.
- Subjects
- Recreational Activities - Golf
- Names
- Bailey, Robert
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Bailey, Robert
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Note on verso of 526-001-4 reads: "Burnaby clearing"
- Note on verso of 526-001-14 reads: "Ravine Burnaby"
- Note on verso of 526-001-17 reads: "Burnaby GClub / Apr 26 68"
- Note on verso of 526-001-29 reads: "#8 Tee Burnaby / Apr 26 68"
- Date on stamp on verso of 526-001-30 reads: "Mar 69V3"
- Note on recto of 526-001-30 reads: "Burnaby in Fall #7"
- Note on verso of 526-001-31 reads: "Burnaby Lake & Clubhouse / April [?] / 68"
- Note on verso of 526-001-32 reads: "Burnaby Const[?] / Bob Bailey - Emilio"
- Date stamp on verso of 526-001-33:526-001-39 reads: "May 69V2"
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93639
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the hillside on the top of Burnaby Mountain Park, with a person in the foreground looking out to the view. The photograph is taken facing northwest and shows the view over the the Burrard Inlet. Capitol Hill, the North Shore Mountains, and downtown Vancouver are visible in the distanc…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- November 19, 1977
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-596
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the hillside on the top of Burnaby Mountain Park, with a person in the foreground looking out to the view. The photograph is taken facing northwest and shows the view over the the Burrard Inlet. Capitol Hill, the North Shore Mountains, and downtown Vancouver are visible in the distance.
- Names
- Burnaby Mountain Park
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- van Mannen, Mark
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 45
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Park
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37403
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Burnaby Mountain Park looking west towards Vancouver. The caption on the back of the postcard reads: "This view was taken from Burnaby Mountain Park, which is adjacent to Simon Fraser University. Some of the most spectacular views can be seen from this high elevation."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1970
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Robert Prittie subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. postcard ; 9 x 14 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 369-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1999-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Burnaby Mountain Park looking west towards Vancouver. The caption on the back of the postcard reads: "This view was taken from Burnaby Mountain Park, which is adjacent to Simon Fraser University. Some of the most spectacular views can be seen from this high elevation."
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Weinhaupl, George
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Centennial Way
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Burnaby Mountain Parking Lot & Restaurant
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93706
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- February 15, 1978
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the view of the mountains and park from a hill on Burnaby Mountain Park. The photograph is taken facing north. The photograph shows the parking lot and the Burnaby Mountain Centennial Pavilion.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- February 15, 1978
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-663
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the view of the mountains and park from a hill on Burnaby Mountain Park. The photograph is taken facing north. The photograph shows the parking lot and the Burnaby Mountain Centennial Pavilion.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
- Buildings - Civic
- Buildings - Recreational
- Geographic Features - Automobile Parking Lots
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Names
- Burnaby Mountain Park
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Surridge, Jack
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 111
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion, [between 1960 and 1979] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/222-026.jpg?width=280)
Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36103
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1960 and 1979]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13.5 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion, before it was rennovated to house the restaurant 'The Owl and the Oarsman'.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1960 and 1979]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Columbian Newspaper subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13.5 cm print
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 222-026
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1989-19
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion, before it was rennovated to house the restaurant 'The Owl and the Oarsman'.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Recreational
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- King, Basil
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Newspaper clipping glued to verso of photograph reads: "Burnaby centennial pavilion, built in 1958 at which time it was proposed that it would be used as a banquet hall, restaurant and tearoom, may become simply a restaurant under plans being considered by the parks and recreation commission. The parks commission plans to begin resevations about October of this year when the present tenants have vacated."
- Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "Basil King Photos"
- Geographic Access
- Centennial Way
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion, [between 1960 and 1979] thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/205/222-026.jpg)
Deer Crossing Sign on Road to SFU
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93671
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 18, 1978
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the road to Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain, with a deer crossing sign on the right-hand side of the photograph and a car driving ahead. The photograph appears to be taken from a car parked on the shoulder of the road, facing east.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- January 18, 1978
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Public Library Contemporary Visual Archive Project
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 556-628
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2017-57
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the road to Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain, with a deer crossing sign on the right-hand side of the photograph and a car driving ahead. The photograph appears to be taken from a car parked on the shoulder of the road, facing east.
- Names
- Simon Fraser University
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Surridge, Jack
- Notes
- Title taken from project information form
- Accompanied by a project information form and 1 photograph (b&w negative ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm)
- BPL no. 77
- Geographic Access
- University Drive
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Event at the Centennial Pavilion
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36102
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- June 29, 1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 14.5 x 19 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an event taking place at Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- June 29, 1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Columbian Newspaper subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 14.5 x 19 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 222-025
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1989-19
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of an event taking place at Burnaby Mountain's Centennial Pavilion.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Recreational
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- King, Basil
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- 2 b&w copy negatives accompanying
- Stamp on back of photograph reads: "Basil King Photo"
- Geographic Access
- Centennial Way
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Street Address
- 100 Centennial Way
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg?width=280)
Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19607
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (50 min., 32 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 30 fps
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewee: Kanwal Singh Neel Interview Date: July 5, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 50 min., 32 sec. Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Kanwal Singh Neel conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. The interview was conducted and recorded on the Zoom platform. 00:00 – 00:06:47 Kanwal shares some of the mentors that influenced him in his life, education and career, how his three-year grandson has been an inspiration and how important it is to educate yourself in different ways. 00:06:48 - 00:19:02 Kanwal talks about the diversity in the schools that he’s encountered over the years as a student and as an educator and shares his experiences getting hired as an educator on public television and being known as "the math guy". 00:19:03 - 00:46:39 Kanwal talks about the “Friends of Simon” tutoring out-reach program and his involvement. 00:26:40 - 00:30:24 Kanwal shares his experiences officiating the Canada Summer Games, the Harry Jerome Track Classic, the Commonwealth Games and other world class sporting events. 00:30:25 - 00:38:58 Kanwal describes a typical day while working at Simon Fraser University as Associate Director of Professional Programs, as a sports official and his involvement with Friends of Simon. Kanwal speaks about the importance of finding a balance between staying connected, finding your purpose and carrying on the passions that you enjoy. Kanwal talks about some of his favourite places in Burnaby including Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain, Deer Lake and Central Park. 00:38:59 - 00:43:31 Kanwal talks about the changes that he’s seen in the lower mainland over his life time including; diminishing agricultural land, the fishing industry, public transportation, housing and retail infrastructure and homelessness. 00:43:32 - 00:50:32 Kanwal talks about his involvement with the Punjabi Cultural Association, the introduction of Punjabi language courses in public schools and his involvement in a Bhangra event. Kanwal imparts a final message to youth of today emphasizing the importance of, building relationships, giving back to your community, learning through education and being respectful of your own journey and others.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Kanwal Singh Neel was born in Mombasa, Kenya in 1953 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1969. For the first few weeks after immigrating the family stayed at the Sikh Temple on Second Avenue before moving into a house which they rented. Kanwal attended Kitsilano Secondary School and later transferred to Steveston High School when his family moved to Richmond. In 1972, Kanwal and friends formed a bhangra group "Punjab Cultural Association" and in 1974 they performed at the World Exposition in Spokane, Washington. The group performed at various venues including the Pacific National Exhibition and other cities in the Province. In 1973, Kanwal was an officiate during the Canada Summer Games at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby. Kanwal obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from University of British Columbia in computer science and mathematics and got his first teaching job in 1977. In 1978, he was an officiate of the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the next ten years he devoted himself to becoming an educator and during this time he became more involved with the B.C. Math Teachers Association. Kanwal and his wife Nancy married in 1982 and have two daughters. In the early 1990's, Kanwal joined Simon Fraser University as a faculty associate to work, train and mentor student teachers. Kanwal became President of the B.C. Math Teachers Association and travelled throughout the province to help solve issues being faced by students. In 1993, he co-hosted a TV show "Math Shop" on The Knowledge Network and he later co-authored a textbook series titled "Math Makes Sense". Kanwal continued to advance his knowledge in the field of mathematics obtaining a Doctorate from Simon Fraser University in 2008. Kanwal developed his doctoral work in Haida Gwaii, studying the mathematics that the Haida peoples used in day to day life, applying the applications and integrating the mathematics concepts with their cultural knowledge. Kanwal also worked with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and the Stó:lō Nation in helping to develop resources for them. Kanwal has been recognized with various awards and honours including being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kwantlen Polytechnic University and in 2017 as an inductee in the Sports Wall of Fame in Richmond for his outstanding contribution to amateur sport as an International Athletics Official. Since retirement, Kanwal continues to be involved in a project at Simon Fraser University "Friends of Simon" where university students go out and mentor and tutor immigrant and refugee children from South Asia and Africa and other countries. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Persons - South Asian Canadians
- Education
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Sports
- Events - Competitions
- Housing
- Performances
- Names
- Neel, Kanwal Singh
- Simon Fraser University
- Friends of Simon
- Canada Summer Games
- Swangard Stadium
- Punjabi Cultural Association
- Responsibility
- Rajdeep
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Central Park
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.11
- Date
- [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
Images
![Interview with Kanwal Singh Neel, [1973-2023] (interview content), interviewed 5 Jul. 2023 thumbnail](/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0011_002.jpg)
Mountain mural for Canada Summer Games
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18818
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1972
- Collection/Fonds
- Denise Dullum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Marnie Kennedy (left) and Denise Fouchard (Dullum) (right) on Burnaby Mountain posing with a rendering of the Canada Summer Games Sports Mural by Ken Rainford. The artwork was designed to become a twenty foot by thirty foot mural constructed of mosaic tiles when the 1973 Games are com…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Denise Dullum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Marnie Kennedy (left) and Denise Fouchard (Dullum) (right) on Burnaby Mountain posing with a rendering of the Canada Summer Games Sports Mural by Ken Rainford. The artwork was designed to become a twenty foot by thirty foot mural constructed of mosaic tiles when the 1973 Games are completed as a permanent momento to the event. The thousands of tiles were planned to make up the mural and were planned to be sold as a Summer Games fundraising project. Photograph appeared in a news article in The Columbian newspaper Nov. 24, 1972 with caption "GET WITH THE GAMES" as well as a news supplement "Canada Games Countdown" Vol. 1, No.1, December 1972 with caption on front page "A Mountain Mural". Marnie and Denise are dressed in "Canda Gamebirds" ensembles that were designed by Eaton's fashion department. Ensembles in the photograph consist of long sleeve striped shirts and ties, matching wide leg pants with a short plain coloured vest over top.
- Subjects
- Sports
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Accession Code
- BV022.17.22
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 1972
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2022-07-04
- Photographer
- King, Basil
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Stamp in blue ink on verso of photograph reads "BASIL KING PHOTO"
- Handwritten note in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "The Columbian"
Images
Mountain mural for Canada Summer Games
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18819
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Denise Dullum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Marnie Kennedy (left) and Denise Fouchard (Dullum) (right) on Burnaby Mountain posing with a rendering of the Canada Summer Games Sports Mural by Ken Rainford. The artwork was designed to become a twenty foot by thirty foot mural constructed of mosaic tiles when the 1973 Games are com…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Denise Dullum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Marnie Kennedy (left) and Denise Fouchard (Dullum) (right) on Burnaby Mountain posing with a rendering of the Canada Summer Games Sports Mural by Ken Rainford. The artwork was designed to become a twenty foot by thirty foot mural constructed of mosaic tiles when the 1973 Games are completed as a permanent momento to the event. The thousands of tiles were planned to make up the mural and were planned to be sold as a Summer Games fundraising project. Photograph appeared in a news article in The Columbian newspaper Nov. 24, 1972 with caption "GET WITH THE GAMES" as well as a news supplement "Canada Games Countdown" Vol. 1, No.1, December 1972 with caption on front page "A Mountain Mural". Marnie and Denise are dressed in "Canda Gamebirds" ensembles that were designed by Eaton's fashion department. Ensembles in the photograph consist of long sleeve striped shirts and ties, matching wide leg pants with a short plain coloured vest over top.
- Subjects
- Sports
- Geographic Access
- Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
- Accession Code
- BV022.17.23
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 1973
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2022-07-04
- Photographer
- King, Basil
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Stamp in blue ink on verso of photograph reads "BASIL KING PHOTO"
Images
Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 4
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory475
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1946-1987
- Length
- 00:06:32
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s career at Canadian Industries Inc (CIL) for a few years and then for Fleck Brothers until 1965, when he started his own business, Blaze Industries, which manufactured fire places and wood burning heaters. He also describes his short retirement…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s career at Canadian Industries Inc (CIL) for a few years and then for Fleck Brothers until 1965, when he started his own business, Blaze Industries, which manufactured fire places and wood burning heaters. He also describes his short retirement in 1980 and going back to work for a solar panel manufacturing company, which led to building a plant in India.
- Date Range
- 1946-1987
- Photo Info
- Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
- Length
- 00:06:32
- Subjects
- Occupations
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- March 19, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
- Total Tracks
- 11
- Total Length
- 1:31:44
- Interviewee Name
- Gordon, Merrill
- Interview Location
- unknown
- Interviewer Bio
- Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Transcript Available
- Transcript available
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interviews were digitized in 2015 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.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track four of interview with Merrill Gordon
Track four of interview with Merrill Gordon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-020/MSS187-020_Track_4.mp3
Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 6
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory477
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1956-1990
- Length
- 00:13:27
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about the circumstances behind Merrill Gordon’s founding of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club in 1956, his subsequent involvement and role as President of the club for 15 years, and the growth and history of soccer clubs in Burnaby. He also talks about his frien…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about the circumstances behind Merrill Gordon’s founding of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club in 1956, his subsequent involvement and role as President of the club for 15 years, and the growth and history of soccer clubs in Burnaby. He also talks about his friend Mark Stockdale who was second president of the club for 16 years and creator of the rose garden on Burnaby Mountain.
- Date Range
- 1956-1990
- Photo Info
- Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
- Length
- 00:13:27
- Subjects
- Persons - Volunteers
- Sports - Soccer
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- March 19, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
- Total Tracks
- 11
- Total Length
- 1:31:44
- Interviewee Name
- Gordon, Merrill
- Interview Location
- unknown
- Interviewer Bio
- Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Transcript Available
- Transcript available
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interviews were digitized in 2015 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.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track six of interview with Merrill Gordon
Track six of interview with Merrill Gordon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-020/MSS187-020_Track_6.mp3