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- Arts 5
- Buildings 1
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- Education 2
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- Holidays - Christmas 1
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia 1
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Languages 1
Inclusion of Milk Containers on the Provincial Beverage Container Deposit Refund Program
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport58047
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 79033
- Meeting Date
- 17-Oct-2011
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 79033
- Meeting Date
- 17-Oct-2011
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Cameron Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark824
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The Cameron Neighbourhood falls within the Lougheed Town Centre area - one of four Town Centres in Burnaby. The Cameron Neighbourhood - while containing significant high-density residential components - is also home to the Town Centre's office and commercial core. The Lougheed Mall is situated in this neighbourhood, which is served by the Millennium Line SkyTrain.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Cameron Area
Images
Richmond Park Neighbourhood
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark828
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1955-2008
- Heritage Value
- The Richmond Park Neighbourhood is part of the larger Edmonds Town Centre - one of four official Town Centres in the City. Richmond Park contains a residential subdivision that developed during the 1950s as well as a strong commercial and retail centre along Edmonds and Kingsway.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Richmond Park Area
Images
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
- 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
Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary7493
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Digital Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Digital Resource
- Accession Code
- BV019.64.1
- Call Number
- 971.100497 BVM
- Edition
- First
- Contributor
- Kwantlen First Nation
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh First Nation
- Tsleil-Waututh First Nation
- ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation
- Place of Publication
- Burnaby, BC
- Publisher
- City of Burnaby
- Publication Date
- 2019
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Indigenous peoples--British Columbia
- Indigenous peoples--British Columbia--History
- Indigenous peoples--Canada--History
- Subjects
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Languages
- Indigenous peoples - British Columbia - Societies, etc.
- Name Access
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Object History
- 2019 version of working document developed by Burnaby Village Museum in collaboration with a number of First Nations partners over the course of several years. We recognize that Burnaby falls within the shared, ancestral and unceded territories of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking people. We equally respect each of the Nations who share territory in Burnaby, and invite and welcome their ongoing participation in developing the contents of the Indigenous History in Burnaby Resource Guide.
Images
Digital Books
BHS minutes 1957
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98240
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957-1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes and minutes of the Society's Sub-Committee on Project meeting on July 3, 1957. File also contains meeting notices, members list, fee list 1957-1965, and "scribbler" notebook containing meeting notes and minutes 1957-1962.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957-1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 1 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-001
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes and minutes of the Society's Sub-Committee on Project meeting on July 3, 1957. File also contains meeting notices, members list, fee list 1957-1965, and "scribbler" notebook containing meeting notes and minutes 1957-1962.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
- Some restrictions on access
BHS minutes 1967
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98277
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1967-1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including regular meetings, Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains a notebook containing handwritten minutes from 1967 and 1968 meetings and other miscellaneous notes including a membership phone list
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1967-1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-011
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including regular meetings, Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains a notebook containing handwritten minutes from 1967 and 1968 meetings and other miscellaneous notes including a membership phone list
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
- Some restrictions on access
BHS minutes 1960
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98243
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1960
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and Spring Dinner meeting. File also contains 1960 financials and annual report of the Society for the year 159 and some projects for 1960.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1960
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-004
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and Spring Dinner meeting. File also contains 1960 financials and annual report of the Society for the year 159 and some projects for 1960.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 1961
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98244
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and Spring Dinner meeting. File also contains 1961 financials.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1961
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-005
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and Spring Dinner meeting. File also contains 1961 financials.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 1962
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98272
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1962
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains 1962 financials.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1962
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-006
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains 1962 financials.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 1963
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98273
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1963
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting, and reports. File also contains 1963 financials and list of officers elected for 1963.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1963
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-007
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting, and reports. File also contains 1963 financials and list of officers elected for 1963.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 1964
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98274
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1964
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting, and reports. File also contains the 1964 financials and list of officers elected for 1964.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1964
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-008
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting, and reports. File also contains the 1964 financials and list of officers elected for 1964.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 1965
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98275
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains the 1965 financials and list of officers elected for 1965.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-009
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains the 1965 financials and list of officers elected for 1965.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 1966
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98276
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1966
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains 1966 financials.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1966
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-010
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society meeting minutes, including Executive meetings and the annual meeting. File also contains 1966 financials.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
BHS minutes 2011
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98331
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2011
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society regular meeting minutes and reports, as well as the minutes of the annual general meeting. File also contains an invitation to the official plaque unveiling of the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room at the City of Burnaby Archives and event program.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 2011
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 0.5 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS205-055
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains Burnaby Historical Society regular meeting minutes and reports, as well as the minutes of the annual general meeting. File also contains an invitation to the official plaque unveiling of the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room at the City of Burnaby Archives and event program.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from original file folder
Burnaby Art Gallery articles
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58345
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965-1980
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of newspaper and magazine pages (in some cases whole magazines) that were collected because they contain various articles on the Burnaby Art Gallery.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1965-1980
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Art Gallery subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS066-001
- Accession Number
- BHS1990-05
- Scope and Content
- File consists of newspaper and magazine pages (in some cases whole magazines) that were collected because they contain various articles on the Burnaby Art Gallery.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
![Burnaby Historical Society Christmas, [between 1999 and 2010] thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/629/633-011-1.jpg?width=280)
Burnaby Historical Society Christmas
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98456
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1999 and 2010]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 24 photographs : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs from a Burnaby Historical Society Christmas party held in the ice cream parlour at the Burnaby Village Museum. The party included a performance by a group of burlesque dancers in retro costumes and visit by Santa Claus.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1999 and 2010]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Series
- Administration series
- Physical Description
- 24 photographs : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 633-011
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Accession Number
- 2020-06
- Scope and Content
- File contains photographs from a Burnaby Historical Society Christmas party held in the ice cream parlour at the Burnaby Village Museum. The party included a performance by a group of burlesque dancers in retro costumes and visit by Santa Claus.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photographs
- Photographs were originally contained in a photograph album and removed by Archives staff for preservation purposes. Original order of photographs within the album is maintained.
- Street Address
- 6501 Deer Lake Avenue
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
![Burnaby Historical Society Christmas, [between 1999 and 2010] thumbnail](/media/Hpo/_Data/_Archives_Images/_Unrestricted/629/633-011-1.jpg)
Burnaby Mountain 4th Rover Crew In Pictures
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription55143
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1963-1964
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 scrapbook
- Scope and Content
- Scrapbook containing photographs of the Burnaby Mountain 4th Rover Crew. Scrabook has wooden covers and the front cover is engraved with "Burnaby Mountain 4th Rover Crew In Pictures" and a fleur de lis. Photographs depict the Rover Crew camping at Davis Lake and Osprey Lake and Jamboree on the Ai…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1963-1964
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Burnaby Scouts subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 scrapbook
- Material Details
- 48 photographs: b&w prints and negatives ; 9 cm x 9 cm and smaller
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 631-044
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1994-05
- Scope and Content
- Scrapbook containing photographs of the Burnaby Mountain 4th Rover Crew. Scrabook has wooden covers and the front cover is engraved with "Burnaby Mountain 4th Rover Crew In Pictures" and a fleur de lis. Photographs depict the Rover Crew camping at Davis Lake and Osprey Lake and Jamboree on the Air. File also contains a copy of Magazine of B.C. Rovering vol. 2 No. 5 Winter Issue published by Boy Scouts of Canada and photographs of an 18-mile hiking trip.
- Names
- Boy Scouts of Canada
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from scrapbook cover
- Photograph 631-044-28:631-044- were tucked into the middle of the scrapbook
- Magazine of B.C. Rovering originally tucked into front page of scrapbook
- Negatives originally stored in brown envelope whichr read: "Dates: May 19/62 May 23/62 / Subject: Dave Mabels 18 Mile Hike with Rovers R. Halliday, D. Jenson, B.Robarts in attendance / 8 negatives 127 Pan. Dev. June 22/62"
Images
Council minutes and agendas series
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription140
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-2018
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public healt…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1892-2018
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Series
- File Class
- 2430 09 (add. 2020)
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public health, and administrative decisions. Series includes minutes of “in camera,” or closed, Council meetings in which confidential issues are discussed. Some of the early minute books contain minutes of Court of Revision proceedings as well.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Access to in camera minutes is restricted in accordance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act legislation. Contact the City Archives for details.
Digney Family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85415
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1936-19[61]
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Dign…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1936-19[61]
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Digney in 2012. The 16mm film is divided into the following segments: the Oak Theatre in 1936 (construction and opening); the Royal Visit (from the King and Queen) in 1939; Burnaby Sports and May Day events (ca. 1937); and the Labour parade (ca. 1935). The 18 film segments contain footage of the Digney family at their home in Brandon, Manitoba, and Burnaby; views of the Oak Theatre and Digney Speedway in operation; and their travels throughout British Columbia and abroad. The 18 film segments are described at the item level and titled: Andy's first film; Brandon, Manitoba; Burnaby and Digney recreational events; Trip to Kamloops; Burnaby; Burnaby, Vancouver and the north shore; Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary; Travels to Ontario, Quebec and England; Travels to England #2; Travels to England #3; Parades; Digney family in Burnaby; Paul Digney and family; Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens; Digney family at Bonsor Avenue and family outings; Building and opening the Digney Speedway; Digney family travel the praries; and San Francisco Trip.
- History
- Andy Digney was born in London, England, on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles. In 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore, Saskatchewan, and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty, Saskatchewan, where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry, Manitoba, where Andy worked selling lightning rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time, he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns, showing movies. Eventually, Digney purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba, where he purchased a restaurant, which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba, when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1935 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community, becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945, he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a home on Bonsor Avenue on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association [original name retained for historical accuracy], who were looking for a good location to race the smaller racing cars popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948, with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of this kind of racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951, Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over 40 cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s, the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Dig worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce, returned to Burnaby in 1953, moving into a 550-square-foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954, Simpson Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19, 1955, and Andy, Alice, Dig, and Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the bowling alley. In 1956, Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son Dig, which he paid for over time. Dig and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in 1964 while travelling with his wife in England. Alice died on June 3, 1982, and Dig died on November 27, 2009.
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Photographer
- Digney, Andy
- Creator
- Digney family
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
- Photo/MI catalogue 562