127 records – page 1 of 7.

Interview with Dr Blythe Eagles and Dr Violet Eagles 10-Jun-75 - Track 9

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory49
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-1945
Length
0:10:53
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Dr Blythe Alfred Eagles and Dr Violet Evelyn (Dunbar) Eagles' memories of activities they were involved in during the war years, including Red Cross Garden Parties and how different this time was from the days of the Depression.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Dr Blythe Alfred Eagles and Dr Violet Evelyn (Dunbar) Eagles' memories of activities they were involved in during the war years, including Red Cross Garden Parties and how different this time was from the days of the Depression.
Date Range
1939-1945
Photo Info
Mrs. Dunbar, Dr. Blythe Eagles and Dr. Violet (Dunbar) Eagles, June 1967. Item no. 404-002
Length
0:10:53
Names
Red Cross
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
10-Jun-75
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with Dr Blythe Eagles and his wife Dr Violet Eagles by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury (and Ross S. McLeod) June 10, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression, the War Years and Burnaby Lake District. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Blythe's paternal grandparents, Charles and Maude Eagles immigrated to New Westminster in 1887. Their son Jack married Amelia Jane Johnston, and Blythe Eagles was born in New Westminster in 1902. In 1918 Blythe enrolled at the University of British Columbia, and took a Physiology class with eight other top students - his future wife, Violet Dunbar was the lone woman in the class. Blythe graduated in 1922, winning the Governor General's Gold Medal as top student. He received his MA in 1924 and his PhD in 1926 from the University of Toronto. He then completed his post-doctoral study at the National Institute for Medical Research in London, England. In 1933 Dr. Eagles became head of the Department of Dairying (1936-1955), Chairman of the Division of Animal Science (1955-1967), and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (in 1949 until his retirement in 1967). In 1968 he received an Honourary Doctor of Science Award from UBC Blythe was also one of the first appointments to the Burnaby Town Planning Commission. Violet Evelyn Dunbar was born September 29, 1899 in Ontario, the eldest child of John and Mary (Tompson) Dunbar. Violet attained her BA in 1921 and MA in 1922 from the University of British Columbia. In 1922 she attended the Provincial Normal School and within six months had a teaching certificate and taught at Lord Hudson School in 1923. In September 1923 she was awarded a two-year scholarship to the University of Toronto, where she joined Blythe in the Bio-Chemistry Department. She received a second MA and a PhD in 1929. Her graduate studies entailed research in pure proteins and enzymes related to the commercial production of cheese. Through this work she was recognized as one of the leading enzyme chemists in the country, being a senior lab instructor of biochemistry. Violet was one of the founders of the Burnaby Council of Women and active member of the International Council of Women. Blythe and Violet Eagles purchased property at Deer Lake in 1929 and began construction of their home shortly before their marriage on June 25, 1930. The Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles Estate is a unique expression of the talents and tastes of both the Eagles and Frank Ebenezer Buck (1875-1970) who was head of the Horticultural Department and the Campus Landscape Architect at U.B.C. and established the plan for the Eagles garden while Blythe selected many of the plantings. The Eagles themselves designed the house as a romantic cottage inspired by the British Arts and Crafts style. Violet was an enthusiastic amateur gardener, maintaining and continually developing the garden. The Eagles were active volunteers in the local community as well as at UBC. When Simon Fraser University opened in Burnaby, they became well-known for entertaining dignitaries and special guests of the university in their lavish garden. After Violet's death in 1993, the estate was sold to the City of Burnaby. The funds were used to establish a Chair in Agriculture at the University of British Columbia in their memory.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
1:24:01
Interviewee Name
Eagles, Dr. Blythe
Eagles, Dr. Violet
Interviewer Bio
Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track nine of interview with Dr Blythe Eagles and Dr Violet Eagles

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Interview with Elsie Ansdell by Eric Damer September 18, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory289
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-2012
Length
0:07:05
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Elsie (Brown-John) Ansdell's early years of marriage while also a member of the work force. She talks about her own children; their early years spent in South Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Elsie (Brown-John) Ansdell's early years of marriage while also a member of the work force. She talks about her own children; their early years spent in South Burnaby.
Date Range
1939-2012
Photo Info
Elsie Brown-John (bottom, far right) with her class at Kitchener Street School, [1936]. Item no. 549-001.
Length
0:07:05
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
September 18, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with early Burnaby resident Elsie (Brown-John) Ansdell conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, September 18, 2012. Major themes discussed are: settling in Burnaby and the early years of the Brown-John family.
Biographical Notes
Elsie (Brown-John) Ansdell’s father, a trained carpenter and cabinet maker, Victor Brown-John came to Canada from Wales in 1910. He cleared three lots at Napier and Gilmore Streets and built a two-roomed house. In 1912, he was joined by his wife and two eldest sons, Victor and Archie. Twin boys, Frank and Roy, were born in 1914 in the Burnaby home and their fifth son, Clive, was born in 1915. From 1916 to 1919 Victor John-Brown left Burnaby to serve overseas. Elsie Brown-John (later Ansdell) was born in 1921. Her younger brother, Gwyn "Jerry" was born in 1923. In 1925 Victor Brown-John suffered a fatal accident while working as a longshoreman in Northern British Columbia. Elsie attended Kitchener Elementary and North Burnaby High School. She married during the Second World War and moved to South Burnaby to raise her family whilst continuing to work in various department stores both in Vancouver and Burnaby.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
33:02
Interviewee Name
Ansdell, Elsie Brown-John
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Elsie Ansdell

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Interview with Betty Blair by Eric Damer October 17, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory297
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-1945
Length
0:10:29
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair's memories of the war years, including her involvement in fundraising activities. She discusses her high school experience, her sister's influence in her life, taking the Central Park interurban line and playing field hock…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair's memories of the war years, including her involvement in fundraising activities. She discusses her high school experience, her sister's influence in her life, taking the Central Park interurban line and playing field hockey.
Date Range
1939-1945
Photo Info
Graduating class at Burnaby South High School; Betty Warburton is third from the right in the front row, [1942 or 1943]. Item no. BV004.82.5.
Length
0:10:29
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Sports - Field Hockey
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 17, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 17, 2012. Major theme discussed: life in Burnaby during the war years.
Biographical Notes
Betty Warburton (later Atkinson) (later Blair) was born in 1926 and grew up at three different locations on Frederick Avenue in Burnaby. She went to school in Burnaby; first at Kingsway West for two years, then Nelson Avenue and then Burnaby South High School where she completed senior matriculation. After graduation, Betty worked for a few years in Vancouver before marrying her first husband Don Atkinson and raising their children in Burnaby. Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair has participated in a range of activities from hiking and Girl Guides to volunteer arthritis care. By the nineteen-sixties she had began to learn pottery and take lessons at Mather House in Burnaby.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:59:03
Interviewee Name
Blair, Betty Warburton Atkinson
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Betty Blair

Less detail

Interview with Betty Blair by Eric Damer October 17, 2012 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory301
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-2012
Length
0:10:46
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair's memories of popular culture activities that she has enjoyed. Betty discusses listening to the radio, singing around the piano and going out to the theatre as a girl. She also mentions her more recent pottery practice.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair's memories of popular culture activities that she has enjoyed. Betty discusses listening to the radio, singing around the piano and going out to the theatre as a girl. She also mentions her more recent pottery practice.
Date Range
1939-2012
Photo Info
Graduating class at Burnaby South High School; Betty Warburton is third from the right in the front row, [1942 or 1943]. Item no. BV004.82.5.
Length
0:10:46
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 17, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 17, 2012. Major theme discussed: life in Burnaby during the war years.
Biographical Notes
Betty Warburton (later Atkinson) (later Blair) was born in 1926 and grew up at three different locations on Frederick Avenue in Burnaby. She went to school in Burnaby; first at Kingsway West for two years, then Nelson Avenue and then Burnaby South High School where she completed senior matriculation. After graduation, Betty worked for a few years in Vancouver before marrying her first husband Don Atkinson and raising their children in Burnaby. Betty (Warburton) (Atkinson) Blair has participated in a range of activities from hiking and Girl Guides to volunteer arthritis care. By the nineteen-sixties she had began to learn pottery and take lessons at Mather House in Burnaby.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:59:03
Interviewee Name
Blair, Betty Warburton Atkinson
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track six of recording of interview with Betty Blair

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Interview with Robert Lowe by Eric Damer November 5, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory354
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-2012
Length
0:09:13
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of the development of property Burnaby. He discusses houses being built by his father, grandfather and himself; this includes the property that he and his wife bought in 1961. Bob also discusses the rise of the automobile.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of the development of property Burnaby. He discusses houses being built by his father, grandfather and himself; this includes the property that he and his wife bought in 1961. Bob also discusses the rise of the automobile.
Date Range
1939-2012
Photo Info
Robert "Bob" Lowe (at center) and friends riding soap box race cars, [1939]. Item no. 549-041.
Length
0:09:13
Subjects
Agriculture - Farms
Transportation - Automobiles
Planning Study Area
Government Road Area
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 5, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Robert "Bob" Lowe conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 5, 2012. Major theme discussed: the rise of the automobile and its effect on development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Robert "Bob" Lowe has lived his entire life in Burnaby. During his childhood, Bob’s family lived at several addresses near Royal Oak and what is now Canada Way. He attended Douglas Road Elementary and South Burnaby High Schools. After graduating, Bob worked for a few years before enrolling in Normal School for a teaching certificate. He began teaching in Vancouver, married in 1952, and started a family. The Lowes moved to Government Road in 1961 and began a hobby farm, while Bob upgraded his formal education and became an administrator in the new college system.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:36:54
Interviewee Name
Lowe, Robert "Bob"
Interview Location
Interviewee's residence
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Bob Lowe

Less detail

Interview with Robert Lowe by Eric Damer November 5, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory355
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1939-1972
Length
0:10:04
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of growing up in Burnaby. He discusses transportation in Burnaby, including the first cars in his family. Bob talks about recreational activities available to Burnaby residents in the late nineteen-thirties and early nineteen-fo…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Robert "Bob" Lowe's memories of growing up in Burnaby. He discusses transportation in Burnaby, including the first cars in his family. Bob talks about recreational activities available to Burnaby residents in the late nineteen-thirties and early nineteen-forties, as well as changes that he has seen from his time growing up to the time of raising his own children.
Date Range
1939-1972
Photo Info
Robert "Bob" Lowe (at center) and friends riding soap box race cars, [1939]. Item no. 549-041.
Length
0:10:04
Subjects
Transportation - Buses
Transportation - Automobiles
Agriculture - Farms
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 5, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Robert "Bob" Lowe conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 5, 2012. Major theme discussed: the rise of the automobile and its effect on development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Robert "Bob" Lowe has lived his entire life in Burnaby. During his childhood, Bob’s family lived at several addresses near Royal Oak and what is now Canada Way. He attended Douglas Road Elementary and South Burnaby High Schools. After graduating, Bob worked for a few years before enrolling in Normal School for a teaching certificate. He began teaching in Vancouver, married in 1952, and started a family. The Lowes moved to Government Road in 1961 and began a hobby farm, while Bob upgraded his formal education and became an administrator in the new college system.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:36:54
Interviewee Name
Lowe, Robert "Bob"
Interview Location
Interviewee's residence
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Bob Lowe

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Frances Mabel (Webb) Patterson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64347
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1939]
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg)
Scope and Content
Studio porait of France Mabel Patterson (nee Webb).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1939]
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
326-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2010-01
Scope and Content
Studio porait of France Mabel Patterson (nee Webb).
Names
Patterson, Frances Mabel Webb
Media Type
Photograph
Images
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Wedding Photograph of Frances Mabel Lili (Patterson) Duke with her niece (flower girl) Doreen Nettie (Patterson) Reitsma

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64348
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1939
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg)
Scope and Content
Wedding portrait of bride Frances Mabel Lili Duke (nee Patterson) with flower girl Doreen Nettie Patterson (later Reitsma).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1939
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
326-004
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2010-01
Scope and Content
Wedding portrait of bride Frances Mabel Lili Duke (nee Patterson) with flower girl Doreen Nettie Patterson (later Reitsma).
Subjects
Ceremonies - Weddings
Names
Duke, Frances Mabel Lili Patterson
Reitsma, Doreen Nettie Patterson
Media Type
Photograph
Images
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Jubilee Grove Arch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark533
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
The Jubilee Grove Arch sits at the corner of Kingsway and Patterson Avenue. Located within Central Park, the ceremonial arch and its decorative plantings provide a visual anchor to the northeast corner and entry point to the park.
Associated Dates
1939
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Associated Dates
1939
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 9807
Enactment Date
23/11/1992
Description
The Jubilee Grove Arch sits at the corner of Kingsway and Patterson Avenue. Located within Central Park, the ceremonial arch and its decorative plantings provide a visual anchor to the northeast corner and entry point to the park.
Heritage Value
Jubilee Grove Arch was dedicated as part of the municipality’s celebration of the Jubilee of the coronation of King George V and was dedicated during Burnaby’s annual May Day celebrations in 1935. Much of the construction work was carried out by local citizens under the direction of the Burnaby Engineering Department through a Depression era work relief program that provided a way for local residents to pay their taxes. The garden was also chosen as the site for the ceremonial planting of an oak tree from the Royal Forest at Windsor, in honor of the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. The original bronze garden dedication plaque and oak tree remain at the site today. The decorative stone arch was erected in 1939 as a symbol of Burnaby's, and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia’s, strong ties to the English monarchy at the time, and the arch’s unveiling during May Day ceremonies shows the social role that such a commemorative feature played both to the local government and people of Burnaby. It was erected just prior to the Royal Visit of 1939, the first time that reigning British monarchs had travelled to Canada. Built of Haddington Island sandstone, the arch itself was reconstructed from a salvaged architectural element of a historic Vancouver landmark. The arch originally framed the entrance door to the Vancouver Club building in Vancouver, built in 1893-94 on West Hastings Street and designed by architect C.O. Wickenden. The building was demolished in 1930, however the arch was stored and rebuilt as the focal point of the Jubilee Grove after being bought by the Municipality of Burnaby. The work was undertaken by Italian-born stone mason Rizieri Stefanini (1879-1954), the owner of Burnaby Monumental Works. The re-use of the arch symbolizes the close tie between Vancouver and Burnaby and the joint evolution of the neighbouring cities.
Defining Elements
The Jubilee Grove Arch has character-defining elements that recognize it both as a remnant of a past building and as a new and individual structure. These include its: - axial diagonal placement and prominent corner location marking one of the entries to Central Park - visibility and accessibility as a public monument - hand carved stone blocks of Haddington Island sandstone - decorative twisted-rope motif carved to outline the arch - supporting rusticated sidewalls with planting urns - original bronze dedication plaque - flanking ornamental gardens - Royal Oak tree and plaque
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Organization
City of Burnaby
Architect
C.O. Wickenden
Builder
Rizieri Stefanini
Burnaby Monumental Works
Function
Primary Current--Park Fixture
Primary Historic--Park Fixture
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
P.I.D. No. 017-767-172 Legal Description: Block B of Lot 2 Except Firstly: Part on Plan 8669 and Secondly: Part on Plan LMP4689 District Lot 151, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 3443
Boundaries
The property (Central Park) is a municipally-owned park that lies at the western edge of Burnaby, between 49th Avenue to the south, Kingsway to the north, Boundary Road to the west and Patterson Avenue to the east.
Area
853,403.82
Contributing Resource
Structure
Landscape Feature
Ownership
Public (local)
Documentation
Heritage Site Files: PC77000 20. City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 1M2
Names
Burnaby Monumental Works
Street Address
3883 Imperial Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Kapoor Mill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark683
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1939
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1939
Heritage Value
In 1939, Mr. Kapoor Singh Siddoo purchased the eastern section of the former Barnet Mill site from the City of Burnaby and founded Kapoor Sawmills Ltd. The mill was struck by disaster in 1947 when a fire caused $500,000.00 in damage to the property. A smaller mill was rebuilt and was in operation until 1959. Mr. Siddoo, who had been considered to be one of the most influential men in Vancouver's East Indian Community, died in 1964. The mill site became inactive except for a sand and gravel storage area that was used by the Kask Brothers Company, and in 1972 the family sold the property to the Municipality of Burnaby who later turned it into the Barnet Marine Park.
Historic Neighbourhood
Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
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Pixie McGeachie fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10417
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1939 and 1949] (date of originals), copied 2008 ; 1976
Collection/Fonds
Pixie McGeachie fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
24 photographs (tiffs) : b&w + 1 membership card
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs from a McGeachie family album documenting a time that Jack and Pixie McGeachie spent at their log cabin on Mount Seymour and a membership card for the Century Park Museum Association. Jack McGeachie, Maurice Skinner and Jack Gannon built and maintained the cabin with f…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Pixie McGeachie fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
24 photographs (tiffs) : b&w + 1 membership card
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs from a McGeachie family album documenting a time that Jack and Pixie McGeachie spent at their log cabin on Mount Seymour and a membership card for the Century Park Museum Association. Jack McGeachie, Maurice Skinner and Jack Gannon built and maintained the cabin with friends on Mount Seymour from 1938 until after the Second World War. Fonds is arranged into series: 1) Pixie McGeachie photographs series 2) Pixie McGeachie documents series
History
Doreen "Pixie" Johnson was born in 1922 and married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie in April 1942. Jack and Pixie McGeachie lived on Rosewood Street (formerly named Campbell Street pre 1951) in Burnaby from 1948 where they raised their two children; David and Kathi. Pixie was well known for her volunteer work in Burnaby. Pixie served for over 20 years as the volunteer archivist for the Burnaby Historical Society; served as president of the Century Park Museum Association and the Friends of the Interurban 1223 and a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission. Pixie was also a Burnaby historian and author who published a column in the Burnaby Examiner Newspaper entitled "Burnaby History" as well as three books about Burnaby History entitled "Bygones of Burnaby"; "Burnaby - A Proud Century" and "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." Due to her diligent volunteer work in Burnaby, Pixie was the recipient of many awards between 2002 and 2008. Awards included: 2002 - the Kushiro cup for Citizen of the Year; 2006 - Heritage BC project award for her work with Friends of the Interurban 1223 and in 2008 - Heritage BC - Ruby Nobb Award. Jack McGeachie passed away in 1981, at the age of 67 years and Pixie McGeachie passed away in August 2010 at the age of 88 years. On September 24, 2010, Pixie was honoured by the City of Burnaby when they dedicated the reading room of the City of Burnaby Archives by naming it the "Pixie McGeachie Reading Room".
Creator
McGeachie, Doreen "Pixie"
Accession Code
BV008.17; BV013.4.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1939 and 1949] (date of originals), copied 2008 ; 1976
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
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Bateman family World War II letters series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15159
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1939-1947, predominant 1942-1945
Collection/Fonds
E.W. Bateman family fonds
Description Level
Series
Physical Description
6 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Series consists of letters written to Marianne "May" Bateman and Jessie (Bateman) and Ernest Fox. The majority of the letters are written by Colin Rhodes Fox during World War II along with one letter written to May Bateman by a friend named Murray. Letters from Colin Fox were written during his ini…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
E.W. Bateman family fonds
Series
Bateman family World War II letters series
Description Level
Series
Physical Description
6 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Series consists of letters written to Marianne "May" Bateman and Jessie (Bateman) and Ernest Fox. The majority of the letters are written by Colin Rhodes Fox during World War II along with one letter written to May Bateman by a friend named Murray. Letters from Colin Fox were written during his initial training in Edmonton and while serving overseas with his unit, the 13th Field Regiment , 44th Canadian Field Battery of the Royal Canadian Artillery and later as part of the 78th Canadian Field Battery.
Accession Code
BV020.27
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1939-1947, predominant 1942-1945
Media Type
Textual Record
Related Material
See also: Interview with Marianne May Bateman February 22, 1978 - Tracks 1-4. City of Burnaby Archives Item No. MSS137-014-1
Notes
Title based on contents of series
Less detail

Cunningham and Montgomery families

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77526
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
August 1937
Collection/Fonds
Montgomery family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 12 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Cunningham and Montgomery families standing in front of Fred and Edna Cunningham's house on Douglas Road (this house was given heritage designation by the City of Burnaby in 1996). Fred Cunningham Junior is standing at the back on the far left, Claire Carpenter is in fr…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
August 1937
Collection/Fonds
Montgomery family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 12 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
554-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2013-14
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Cunningham and Montgomery families standing in front of Fred and Edna Cunningham's house on Douglas Road (this house was given heritage designation by the City of Burnaby in 1996). Fred Cunningham Junior is standing at the back on the far left, Claire Carpenter is in front of him holding young Margery Kathleen "Kathleen" Montgomery (later Green) at her waist. Marjorie Montgomery is behind and to the right of them both. Beside Kathleen is her sister Janet Montgomery (later Fernau). Fred Cunningham has his hand on Janet's shoulder with Harold Carpenter visible in behind Fred. Dot Clark is standing between Fred and his wife Edna Cunningham who has her head turned away from the camera. Elsepth Montgomery is to the right of Edna and Reg Clark is last, on the far right.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Buildings - Heritage
Names
Cunningham, Edna Elizabeth
Cunningham, Fred
Cunningham, Fred Jr
Montgomery, Marjorie Elizabeth Carpenter
Carpenter, Claire
Green, Margery Kathleen "Kathleen" Montgomery
Fernau, Janet Elspeth Montgomery
Carpenter, Harold
Clark, Dot
Montgomery, Elsepth
Clark, Reg
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Montgomery, Samuel Clifford "Monty"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "3555 Douglas Road / 1979 - All gone except Auntie - / Kath - + Janet -"
1 duplicate (jpeg) accompanying
Street Address
3555 Douglas Road
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Images
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Interview with Aili Topalian by Eric Damer October 11, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory421
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1937-1949
Length
0:10:42
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's childhood along the waterfront at Burrard Inlet (the homes of Crabtown were built on decks which were on top of pilings, that were sunk deep into the sand). Aili describes her childhood neighbours, her family home, family friends,…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's childhood along the waterfront at Burrard Inlet (the homes of Crabtown were built on decks which were on top of pilings, that were sunk deep into the sand). Aili describes her childhood neighbours, her family home, family friends, dance halls, and the Marine Building in Vancouver.
Date Range
1937-1949
Photo Info
Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) holding cat, next to her sister who has a rooster in her arms, [1937]. Item no. 337-003.
Length
0:10:42
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 11, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Aili (Rintanen) Topalian conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 11, 2012. Major theme discussed: growing up in Crabtown.
Biographical Notes
Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) came to British Columbia in 1936 from a homestead near Burnt Lake, Alberta. After a few months in Vancouver and then a Burnaby apartment, the Rintanens moved to a house on the Burrard Inlet. The family lived over the water, in a house built on a deck, secured to the top of pilings that were sunk deep into the sand. Aili's mother Aune Rintanen found work at a fish and chip shop in downtown Vancouver and her father Gus Rintanen worked in a nearby mill. Aili and her sister Trudi (later Tuomi), attended school in Burnaby. For nine years the Rintanens created a home for themselves in an area now called Crabtown, although no one living there called it that.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:39:00
Interviewee Name
Topalian, Aili Rintanen
Interview Location
Interviewee's residence
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Aili Topalian

Less detail

Interview with Aili Topalian by Eric Damer October 11, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory422
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1937-1979
Length
0:10:15
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's memories of her early life in Burnaby. Aili discusses family friends, Maplewood flats in North Vancovuer, the waterfront at Burrard Inlet, owning Bantam Roosters and an Alsatian dog. She mentions some of the more challenging aspec…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Aili (Rintanen) Topalian's memories of her early life in Burnaby. Aili discusses family friends, Maplewood flats in North Vancovuer, the waterfront at Burrard Inlet, owning Bantam Roosters and an Alsatian dog. She mentions some of the more challenging aspects of Crabtown.
Date Range
1937-1979
Photo Info
Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) holding cat, next to her sister who has a rooster in her arms, [1937]. Item no. 337-003.
Length
0:10:15
Geographic Access
Burrard Inlet
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 11, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Aili (Rintanen) Topalian conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 11, 2012. Major theme discussed: growing up in Crabtown.
Biographical Notes
Aili Rintanen (later Topalian) came to British Columbia in 1936 from a homestead near Burnt Lake, Alberta. After a few months in Vancouver and then a Burnaby apartment, the Rintanens moved to a house on the Burrard Inlet. The family lived over the water, in a house built on a deck, secured to the top of pilings that were sunk deep into the sand. Aili's mother Aune Rintanen found work at a fish and chip shop in downtown Vancouver and her father Gus Rintanen worked in a nearby mill. Aili and her sister Trudi (later Tuomi), attended school in Burnaby. For nine years the Rintanens created a home for themselves in an area now called Crabtown, although no one living there called it that.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:39:00
Interviewee Name
Topalian, Aili Rintanen
Interview Location
Interviewee's residence
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Aili Topalian

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Interview with Eddy Wood by Eric Damer September 24, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory423
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1937-1975
Length
0:09:15
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Eddy Wood's memories of the Regent Fish Market. Eddy describes how his family came to own Regent Fish Market and what it was like to grow up with a family-owned business in Vancouver Heights.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Eddy Wood's memories of the Regent Fish Market. Eddy describes how his family came to own Regent Fish Market and what it was like to grow up with a family-owned business in Vancouver Heights.
Date Range
1937-1975
Length
0:09:15
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
September 24, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Eddy Wood conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, September 24, 2012. Major themes discussed are: Regent Fish Market and the Vancouver Heights business district.
Biographical Notes
Eddy Wood was born in 1943 and grew up working in various shops in the Vancouver Heights area of Burnaby. Eddy's father, also Eddy Wood, bought the Regent Fish Market in 1947 or 1948. When the senior Eddy Wood died in 1960, his wife took over the fish market and ran it for the next fifteen years. Their son Eddy then stepped in and continued with the family business. Through this, the Wood family was able to run the Regent Fish Market for over fifty years. Eddy Wood recalls the busy nature of the business in the post-war period, the role of the streetcar in bringing customers to the area and the preferences of the local customers. Vancouver Heights merchants joined together to form the North Burnaby Merchants in 1954. During Eddy Wood's tenure, the North Burnaby Merchants created “Hats Off Day” and organized to fight the Provincial Department of Highways’ plan to remove street level parking along Hastings Street.
Total Tracks
3
Total Length
0:29:32
Interviewee Name
Wood, Eddy
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Eddy Wood

Less detail

Interview with Norm and Kathleen Henderson by Eric Damer October 25, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory339
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1936-1944
Length
0:08:54
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Norman "Norm" Henderson's memories of his early life in Saskatchewan and his family's move to Burnaby. He talks about Old Orchard Auto Park, where his father was owner and operator for three years.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Norman "Norm" Henderson's memories of his early life in Saskatchewan and his family's move to Burnaby. He talks about Old Orchard Auto Park, where his father was owner and operator for three years.
Date Range
1936-1944
Length
0:08:54
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Hotels and Motels
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 25, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Norm and Kathleen Henderson conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 25, 2012. Major themes discussed are: the making of the film "Investment in Youth" in 1945 and working as an educator system in British Columbia.
Biographical Notes
Norm Henderson came from Saskatchewan to Burnaby with his parents in December of 1940 to visit his grandmothers. Norm and his parents stayed on and bought the Old Orchard Auto Park on the corner of Kingsway and Willingdon Avenue, which they ran until 1944. Norm attended Burnaby South High School from 1941 to 1947, during which time he was involved in the production of the Burnaby School Board film; “Investment in Youth." In 1945 Norm got a part time job at Woodward’s Department Store in Vancouver where he worked until he went into teacher training at Vancouver Normal School in the early nineteen-fifties. Kathleen MacFarlane (later Henderson) was born in 1929 and grew up in Vancouver. Kathleen also went through teacher training at Vancouver Normal School. Norm and Kathleen (MacFarlane) Henderson were married in 1953 and moved to a small suite at Patterson Avenue and Kingsway. Norm was a teacher at Gilmore Avenue School and Kathleen taught at Nelson Avenue Elementary School. Norm was a member of West Burnaby United Church from 1941 until he and Kathleen moved to Richmond in 1959.
Total Tracks
5
Total Length
0:47:34
Interviewee Name
Henderson, Kathleen
Henderson, Norman "Norm"
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Norm and Kathleen Henderson

Less detail

Interview with Georgina Nicholson by Eric Damer November 2, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory367
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1936-2012
Length
0:11:19
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Georgina Nicholson's parents' early years of marriage as well as her own childhood in Burnaby. Georgina discusses recreational activities that she took part in as a young person as well as the culture at school.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Georgina Nicholson's parents' early years of marriage as well as her own childhood in Burnaby. Georgina discusses recreational activities that she took part in as a young person as well as the culture at school.
Date Range
1936-2012
Length
0:11:19
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Geographic Features - Parks
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 2, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Georgina Nicholson conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 2, 2012. Major theme discussed: the life of a teenager in the nineteen-sixties.
Biographical Notes
Georgina Nicholson's parents were married in 1929 and moved into their house in North Burnaby. Georgina Nicholson was born in 1948 and grew up playing in neighbourhood parks. Georgina went to Rosser Avenue Elementary, Alpha and Burnaby Heights Junior Secondary, and North Burnaby High Schools. She later studied at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and pursued a career as a laboratory technologist.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:38:20
Interviewee Name
Nicholson, Georgina
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Georgina Nicholson

Less detail

Interview with Richard Liu

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20283
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (153 min., 33 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (152 min., 59 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Richard Liu conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 11, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:26:39 Richard Liu shares biographical information about himself and his family in China. He talks about his family being forced…
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
3 sound recordings (wav) (153 min., 33 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (152 min., 59 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Richard Liu Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: September 11, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:33:33 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together into one track and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Richard Liu conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 11, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:26:39 Richard Liu shares biographical information about himself and his family in China. He talks about his family being forced out by the communist regime in the early ‘50s and their experiences immigrating to Hong Kong, Europe and Canada. 00:26:40 - 00:32:59 Richard talks about his parents’ experiences living in Toronto, Victoria and Burnaby and shares some of his father’s business accomplishments including establishing the first direct flight to Beijing in 1987 and the first sister city between China and Canada. 00:33:00 – 01:13:59 Richard talks about living in Burnaby and his educational experiences at Thomas More Collegiate. He recalls his experience of travelling to North Korea in 1988 and being a student at Peking University in Beijing during the student-led demonstrations in Tiananmen Square and the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. 01:14:00 – 01:26:16 Richard talks about his education and reflects on how his experiences in Beijing influenced his education and career choices including working in the Prime Minister’s office on trade missions to China and talks about the importance of leaning French. 01:26:17 – 01:48:35 Richard shares his memories and experiences of; being on the Canadian Paralympic Committee during the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in China, supporting Rick Hansen during his visit to China for the 25th anniversary of the Man in Motion World Tour and working with Team Canada in China for the 2022 Olympic Games. 01:48:36 – 01:52:22 Richard talks about his life in Burnaby after moving back from China in 2014 and the changes he’s noticed since being away. Richard talks about his involvement with St. John Ambulance, his role as the Honorary Brigade Division President and his role as Heritage Commissioner for the City of Burnaby. 02:14:32 – 02:29:27 Richard talks about his investiture to the Order of Saint John in 2023 and reflects on the accomplishments of his great uncle Dr. Shin-Shu Liu (China’s first Ambassador to Canada). 02:29:28 – 02:32:59 In closing Richard imparts some words of wisdom for future generations.
History
Interviewee biography: Richard N. Liu was born in 1970 in Toronto and raised in British Columbia. Richard's family has distinguished Canada-China ties for three generations. His Great-Uncle, Dr. Liu Shih-shun, was China's first Ambassador to Canada in 1942 and his father, Dr. Liu Dun-ren, built relations in education, culture and tourism for three decades including establishing the first Twin Sister City between Canada and China with Victoria and Suzhou in 1980. Richard's maternal great-grandfather, Dr. Wu Han-chi (1872-1913) played an active role in uprisings that shaped the future of modern China, was an elected member of the lower house of the first formal parliament in 1913 and was assassinated on political grounds. Dr. Wu's daughter, Dr. Wu Chi-mei served Dr. Sun Yat-sen, was elected as a Guangzhou City Councillor and visited Vancouver in 1929 and 1932. After graduating from St. Thomas More Collegiate in Vancouver, Richard Liu moved to China to begin his studies at Peking University but in 1989, following the Tiananmen Square protest and massacre, he was evacuated from China and returned to Canada. While back in Canada, Liu completed a BA in East Asian Studies from the University of British Columbia and in 1993, he returned to China to continue his Chinese studies at Peking University and continued to live in China for twenty years. In 2008, Richard worked as Team Canada’s Attaché for the Paralympic Summer Games that took place in Beijing. In 2014, Liu returned to Canada and made his home in Burnaby with his wife and two children. In 2022, Liu returned to Beijing to serve as Mission Staff member for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics. Richard has also played a leading role with the Terry Fox Run, Special Olympics and Rick Hansen's visit to Beijing in 2011. Liu’s areas of expertize include; public relations, diplomacy, major events organization and education. Liu works as an advisor in East Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia and is a MA Candidate at Peking University. Richard founded the Canadian Alumni Network that connects over 16,000 alumni in China who’ve attended Canada's post-secondary institutions. Liu has been a commissioner with the City of Burnaby’s Heritage Commission (2018-2023) and sits on various boards advising companies and organizations on a variety of sectors pertaining to Asia. In 2019, Liu was appointed the Honorary Brigade Division President for St. John Ambulance and was among 13 UBC Alumni to be recognized and awarded the 2018-2019 UBC Alumni Builder Award “For his service, dedication, and contribution to UBC and its alumni community. For his long record of service fostering connections with alumni and students in Beijing and Asia as well as dedication to mentoring students in the Faculty of Arts.” On June 24 2023, Richard was formally invested into the Order of St. John, one of five national orders in the Canadian Honours System. 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
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Migration
Officials
Education
Protests and Demonstrations
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Sports
Travel
Religions - Christianity
Names
Canadian Paralympic Committee
Chak, Dr. Po Tin
Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC
Liu, Richard N.
Liu, Dr. Dun-ren
Liu, Dr. Shih-Shun
Gigli, Beniamino
Hansen, Richard Marvin "Rick"
Olympic Games
Paralympic Games
Peking University
St. John Ambulance
St. Thomas More Collegiate
Tiananmen Square
University of British Columbia
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Accession Code
BV023.16.17
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Richard Liu, [1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023

Interview with Richard Liu, [1936-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0017_004.mp3
Less detail

Newton Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription95965
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1935]
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph of Newton Farm, located at Patterson Avenue and Marine Drive.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1935]
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph (tiff) : b&w
Description Level
Item
Record No.
625-037
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-31
Scope and Content
Photograph of Newton Farm, located at Patterson Avenue and Marine Drive.
Subjects
Agriculture - Farms
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on content of photograph
Geographic Access
Patterson Avenue
Marine Drive
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
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127 records – page 1 of 7.