104 records – page 1 of 6.

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory253
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1903-1940
Length
0:09:46
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's descriptions of road construction in Burnaby, including the names of the settlers and logging companies involved in their construction. Alfred discusses the changes that took place during World War I, along with municipal Relief work that he t…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's descriptions of road construction in Burnaby, including the names of the settlers and logging companies involved in their construction. Alfred discusses the changes that took place during World War I, along with municipal Relief work that he took part in at Burnaby Mountain. Alfred also discusses early schools and mentions his wife, Ada Bingham.
Date Range
1903-1940
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:09:46
Subjects
Construction - Road Construction
Land Clearing
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Scope and Content
Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
Total Tracks
12
Total Length
1:38:06
Interviewee Name
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Transcript Available
MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories
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 three of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

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Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory243
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1892-1911
Length
0:09:58
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of the work that he and his brother did on the roadways; Canada Way, Kingsway. He discusses helping out at the Hatt-Cook residence as a boy as well as the tram system of the time. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husb…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of the work that he and his brother did on the roadways; Canada Way, Kingsway. He discusses helping out at the Hatt-Cook residence as a boy as well as the tram system of the time. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.
Date Range
1892-1911
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:58
Subjects
Construction - Road Construction
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
Interview Date
November 17, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
Biographical Notes
Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:55
Interviewee Name
McMurray, Lillian Wray
McMurray, Murdoch
Interviewer Bio
Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
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 one of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

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Interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell 24-Jun-75 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory51
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1931
Length
0:05:37
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne's memories of living through the Depression with her husband's job loss, three children and an unfinished house.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne's memories of living through the Depression with her husband's job loss, three children and an unfinished house.
Date Range
1931
Photo Info
Leer family; Ethel Leer Lewarne is standing on the far right, 1911. Item no. 204-052
Length
0:05:37
Subjects
Construction
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
24-Jun-75
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with Ethel (Leer) Lewarne and Beverley (Lewarne) Burrell by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury June 24, 1975. Major theme discussed is: the Depression. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Ethel Cecilia Leer was born in 1899 in London, England to George Frederick and Sarah Ann Leer. In 1908, the Leer family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. George Frederick Leer began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Ethel’s younger brother George Leer was born about this time. A third child was born but unfortunately did not live past infancy. The Leers arrived in Burnaby in 1911 and bought two lots in Alta Vista at the corner of Portland and McGregor. George Frederick and Sarah Ann were active members of the All Saints Anglican Church on Royal Oak. Ethel went to Dundonald school from 1911 to 1913 with Miss Bowell as her teacher, then on to Britannia High School from 1913 to 1915. Ethel’s father, George Frederick Leer died March 23, 1919 at the age of forty-one. Ethel Cecilia Leer married Alfred Lewarne on December 26, 1921 in Burnaby. Alfred was born February 9, 1893 in Cornwall, England. Before marriage he worked for a creamery in Vancouver. After marriage, Alfred began his own ice cream business in Burnaby. The Lewarnes bought a lot along Nelson Avenue and built a house. Their first child Patricia "Tricia" (later McCleod) was born in 1923, their second was Beverley “Bev” (later Burrell). Their third child, William A. “Bill” Lewarne was born in 1926. Bill grew up to become one of the most popular Mayors in Burnaby’s history, serving from 1981 to 1987. He also served as a member of Council from 1973 to 1975 and 1977 to 1981. After Alfred Lewarne’s death on May 5, 1962 at the age of sixty-nine, Ethel continued living in the family home. Ethel’s mother, Sarah Ann Leer died May 11, 1963 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
1:00:59
Interviewee Name
Lewarne, Ethel Leer
Burrell, Beverley "Bev" Lewarne
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
Transcript Available
None
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 two of interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell

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Interview with Jim and Linda Champion by Eric Damer October 21, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory316
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1951-1954
Length
0:09:21
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Jim Champion's memories of the help he received building a house for his family and the barn he built at the back for their horse. He describes household amenities of the time.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Jim Champion's memories of the help he received building a house for his family and the barn he built at the back for their horse. He describes household amenities of the time.
Date Range
1951-1954
Length
0:09:21
Subjects
Construction
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 21, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Jim Champion and his daughter Linda Champion conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 21, 2012. Major themes discussed are: raising a family in Burnaby as well as the experience of growing up in the area as it developed from farmland to suburbia.
Biographical Notes
Although Jim Champion was born in Burnaby in 1924, he grew up and attended school in White Rock. After serving in the navy during the war, Jim Champion came back to Vancouver, met and married Ethel (Danielson) Champion and began working for the Vancouver Fire Department. Jim and Ethel Champion's eldest daughter, Linda Champion, was born in 1948. In 1949, the Champions bought 1.8 undeveloped acres on Gilpin Street and began to build. By the time their house was built, they had become a family of six, so Jim and Ethel worked to built a larger house adjacent to the first. The Champions had chickens and a horse as their neighbourhood changed from farmland to suburbia. Jim has retired from the Vancouver Fire Department and his daughter Linda Champion is currently a City of Burnaby employee.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:41:09
Interviewee Name
Champion, Jim
Champion, Linda
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 two of recording of interview with Jim and Linda Champion

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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory403
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1945-1979
Length
0:08:43
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of his early years in construction. Ron discusses what it was like to be in construction during the postwar era. He also discusses his father's work as a carpenter and the changes that occurred with the introduction of electric car…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of his early years in construction. Ron discusses what it was like to be in construction during the postwar era. He also discusses his father's work as a carpenter and the changes that occurred with the introduction of electric carpentry tools.
Date Range
1945-1979
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:08:43
Subjects
Construction Tools and Equipment
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory404
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1969-2012
Length
0:08:06
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to house construction over the years. Ron discusses working in construction, designing his own house and changes to the process of obtaining building permits (including a situation involving direct wiring in his home).
Date Range
1969-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:08:06
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Residences - Houses
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory405
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1949-2012
Length
0:07:25
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the postwar construction boom in comparison to the modern day. Ron discusses the changes in construction practices which lead to the leaky condo phenomenon.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the postwar construction boom in comparison to the modern day. Ron discusses the changes in construction practices which lead to the leaky condo phenomenon.
Date Range
1949-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:07:25
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Residences
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory406
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1949-2012
Length
0:09:51
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to construction regulations over the years. Ron discusses Burnaby's industrial construction during the postwar era and beyond. He explains environmental and municipal regulations in relation to common practices within th…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of changes to construction regulations over the years. Ron discusses Burnaby's industrial construction during the postwar era and beyond. He explains environmental and municipal regulations in relation to common practices within the construction industry.
Date Range
1949-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:09:51
Subjects
Construction
Buildings - Industrial
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory407
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1949-2010
Length
0:04:54
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of construction regulations and public policies that made Burnaby unique. Ron discusses the impact of paved lanes and unusual lot widths.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of construction regulations and public policies that made Burnaby unique. Ron discusses the impact of paved lanes and unusual lot widths.
Date Range
1949-2010
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:04:54
Subjects
Construction
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track five of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory408
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1970-2012
Length
0:07:50
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the construction of industrial areas in Burnaby. Ron discusses the progressive construction of industrial buildings and goes on to describe independent construction projects.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the construction of industrial areas in Burnaby. Ron discusses the progressive construction of industrial buildings and goes on to describe independent construction projects.
Date Range
1970-2012
Photo Info
Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.
Length
0:07:50
Subjects
Construction
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 15, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:46:51
Interviewee Name
Smitherman, Ron
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track six of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

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Pioneer tales of Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5860
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
c1987
Call Number
971.133 SON COPY 4
house was located at Westminster R o a d (now K i n g s w a y ) a n d a trail later n a m e d W i l s o n A v e n u e i n honor of the family. M i s s W i l s o n ' s mother h a d arrived i n Burnaby i n 1891 as M r s . Samuel Walmsley, whose husband was w o r k i n g o n the construction
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
096928280x
Call Number
971.133 SON COPY 4
Contributor
Sone, Michael
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
Corporation of the District of Burnaby
Publication Date
c1987
Physical Description
495 p. : ill. ; 31 cm.
Inscription
"TR687 - Bryburgh" / handprinted in pencil on frontend page
Library Subject (LOC)
Pioneers--British Columbia--Burnaby
Frontier and pioneer life
Biography
Object History
Early Burnaby as recalled by the settlers themselves who arrived from every corner of the world between 1888 and 1930, some witnessing incorporation of the district in 1892, all seeking a better life for themselves and especially for their children, all helping transform the wilderness into the modern municipality of today.
Notes
"Editor Michael Sone".
Includes index.
4 copies held: copy 4
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Inkwells to Internet: A History of Burnaby Schools

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7551
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Carter, David
Cooke, Rosemary
Pride, Harry, 1925-
White, Janet
Yip, Gail
Publication Date
2020
Call Number
371 CAR
to accommodate the increase in population. At this point in Burnaby’s population explosion, many children of WW II veterans were entering grade 8, requiring the construction of several Junior High Schools over the next ten years, including McPherson, Alpha, Moscrop, Kensington and Cariboo Hill. There was no
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Reference Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
978-0-9781979-2-6
Call Number
371 CAR
Author
Carter, David
Cooke, Rosemary
Pride, Harry, 1925-
White, Janet
Yip, Gail
Place of Publication
Burnaby
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
2020
Physical Description
vii, 35 p. : ill. ; 29 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Schools--British Columbia--Burnaby
Subjects
Education
Notes
"Includes index"
A history of the Burnaby school district and individual school buildings in Burnaby, BC, between 1893 and 2013.
The “First Nations cemetery” described on page 109 in Mary Johnson’s recollections was originally written as “Indian” and may refer to the Khalsa Diwan Society’s Sikh cremations at the Vancouver Cemetery.
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Burnaby's heritage : an inventory of buildings and structures

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5437
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Luxton, Donald, 1954-
Wolf, Jim
Edition
Rev.
Publication Date
2011
c2007
Call Number
971.133 LUX COPY 1
in 1886. The construction of an electric interurban tramline between these two cities created the impetus for local landowners and residents to incorporate the Municipality of Burnaby in 1892. Early growth, however, was hampered by the onset of an economic depression in the 1890s. Despite this setback
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282893
Call Number
971.133 LUX COPY 1
Edition
Rev.
Author
Luxton, Donald, 1954-
Wolf, Jim
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
2011
c2007
Physical Description
157 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Architecture
Historic buildings
Buildings
Historic sites
Subjects
Buildings
Buildings - Heritage
Notes
Includes bibliographical references and index.
2 copies held: copy 1.
Digital Books
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In the shadow by the sea : recollections of Burnaby's Barnet Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5173
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
c2004
Call Number
971.133 PRI Copy 2
in the inlet was revived with the announcement chat Port Moody would become the terminus for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1879. It provided the only route for New Westminster residents who wished to access Burrard Inlet during the real estate frenzy and construction activity that began at the head of Port
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282885
Call Number
971.133 PRI Copy 2
Contributor
Wolf, Jim
Pride, Harry, 1925-
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
c2004
Physical Description
246 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Industries--British Columbia--Burnaby--History
Barnet Marine Park--Burnaby, B.C.
Geographic Access
Barnet Road
Burrard Inlet
Notes
Includes bibliographical references (p. 246) and index.
"edited by Harry Pride and Jim Wolf"
Copy 2 of 2
Digital Books
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Deer Lake Park : heritage resource inventory

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5468
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Wolf, Jim
Publication Date
c1998
Call Number
971.133 WOL COPY 2
with the beauty of the lake and its valley, realizing its recreational value for his men, their families and the future residents of the Capital City. He immediately ordered the construction of a trail to link the Royal Engi- neers camp at Sapperton with Burnaby Lake. Called "the pleasure path" when it was com
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Reference Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282834
9780969282839
Call Number
971.133 WOL COPY 2
Author
Wolf, Jim
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby, Community Heritage Commission
Publication Date
c1998
Physical Description
47 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Deer Lake Park (Burnaby, B.C.)--History
Historic buildings--British Columbia--Burnaby
Burnaby (B.C.)--Buildings, structures, etc.
Notes
2 copies held : copy 2.
Digital Books
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Burnaby centennial anthology : stories of early Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5472
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Edition
Rev. ed.
Publication Date
1994
Call Number
971.133 BUR COPY 3
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282826
Call Number
971.133 BUR COPY 3
Edition
Rev. ed.
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
1994
Physical Description
531 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Burnaby (B.C.)
Biography
Notes
Includes index.
3 copies held: copy 3.
Digital Books
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History of Burnaby and vicinity

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary6890
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Green, George, 1872-1955
Publication Date
1947
Call Number
971.133 GRE Copy 2 Ver. 1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Special Collection
Material Type
Book
Accession Code
BV017.17.1
Call Number
971.133 GRE Copy 2 Ver. 1
Author
Green, George, 1872-1955
Place of Publication
[S.l.]
Publisher
[s.n.]
Publication Date
1947
Printer
Shoemaker , McLean & Veitch
Physical Description
233 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 23 cm.
Inscription
"Presented To my valued fried Rev. D. W. Scott. a former neighbor at Capitol Hill with best wishes of the author George Green Victoria March 1 1947" [handwritten in black ink on page opposing front pastedown] "BMMM-WU SIGNED 1st ED 50.00" [handwritten in pencil on page opposing front pastedown]
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Burnaby (B.C.)
Biography
Name Access
Green, George
Notes
Autographed by author
"By George Green, pioneer resident of Burnaby, and an ex-Councillor. Charter Member of the British Columbia Historical Association, Vancouver Branch, and an Executive Member."
Copy 2 of 2
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Follow that fire : the history of the Burnaby Fire Department

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5194
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Penn, Douglas H. (Douglas Harold), 1947-
Publication Date
1997
Call Number
363.378 PEN COPY 3
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282826
Call Number
363.378 PEN COPY 3
Author
Penn, Douglas H. (Douglas Harold), 1947-
Place of Publication
[Burnaby, B.C.]
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
1997
Physical Description
160 p. : ill. (some col.), 2 maps, ports. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Fire departments
Fire fighters
Name Access
Burnaby Fire Department
Notes
Maps on lining papers.
3 copies held: copy 3.
Digital Books
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Bygones of Burnaby : an anecdotal history

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5462
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
Publication Date
1976
c1975
Call Number
971.133 MCG COPY 4
." In those early days land could be procured by a settler staking out a parcel of ground, registering it and 1 �agreeing to pay the government $1.00 per acre for his holdings. If the settler did not have the required dollars then he could work out the amount on road construction in and around New Westminster
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
Call Number
971.133 MCG COPY 4
Author
McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
Century Park Museum Association
Publication Date
1976
c1975
Physical Description
108 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Notes
4 copies held: copy 4.
Digital Books
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Chinese Canadian history in Burnaby resource guide

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7608
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
[2022]
Call Number
971.1 CHI
and European miners. RBCM d-08746 �Chinese railroad workers played a key role in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). From 1881 to 1885, over 17,000 Chinese railroad workers were recruited to complete the western portion of the railway, which connected British Columbia to Nova Scotia across
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Digital Resource
Accession Code
BV022.8.1
Call Number
971.1 CHI
Contributor
City of Burnaby
Place of Publication
Burnaby, BC
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
[2022]
Physical Description
36 p. ; ill. (some col.), maps, ports
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Burnaby (B.C.)--Social Life and Customs
Chinese Canadians--British Columbia--Burnaby--History
Chinese--British Columbia--History
Pharmacy--Canada
Pharmacy--United States
Pharmaceutical museums
Directories
Object History
Chinese Canadians have contributed to Burnaby’s growth for over a century. The long and intertwining histories between Chinese Canadians, Indigenous people and other communities have shaped the founding of Burnaby and British Columbia. This resource guide was created because their life experiences and important contributions to Burnaby’s development are not widely known.
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104 records – page 1 of 6.