112 records – page 1 of 6.

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory245
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1904-1975
Length
0:09:45
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's opinion of shopping at a store in the present day. He mentions George Green's book "History of Burnaby", the Royal Oak Hotel and the development of Alta Vista. As well, Murdock mentions his father Robert William McMurray. Lillian (Wray) M…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's opinion of shopping at a store in the present day. He mentions George Green's book "History of Burnaby", the Royal Oak Hotel and the development of Alta Vista. As well, Murdock mentions his father Robert William McMurray. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.
Date Range
1904-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:45
Names
McMurray, R.W.
Royal Oak Hotel
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
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 three of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory244
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1906-1975
Length
0:09:00
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his fath…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his father's ranch of six acres, which grew mostly strawberries to sell in Vancouver.
Date Range
1906-1975
Photo Info
Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
Length
0:09:00
Subjects
Agriculture - Fruit and Berries
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
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 two of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Interview with John Burton by Jim Wolf - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory224
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1912-1933
Length
0:09:07
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's memories of first coming to Burnaby. He discusses his school years, his father's work and his own employment, including the two years he worked for his uncle at the Orangeville Sun in Ontario.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's memories of first coming to Burnaby. He discusses his school years, his father's work and his own employment, including the two years he worked for his uncle at the Orangeville Sun in Ontario.
Date Range
1912-1933
Photo Info
Burton family home, [1945]. Item no. 216-002
Length
0:09:07
Geographic Access
12th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with John Burton conducted by Jim Wolf on March 4, 1987 in New Westminster. Major themes include New Westminster businesses and his grandfather's newspaper.
Biographical Notes
John Burton was born in 1912 in New Westminster. He went to Second Street School, then Edmonds, then Saint Anne's Convent, and St. Louis College and Connaught before graduating from Burnaby South School in 1930. While at High School, John worked at Cowan's Music Store at 716 Columbia Street in New Westminster on Saturdays and after school. John Burton's grandfather John Foley was the founder of the Orangeville Sun newspaper in Orangeville, Ontario, established in 1861. He ran the paper until his death in 1882, when his son, John Foley Jr. took over as editor and publisher at the age of sixteen. Two of his daughters were involved in the newspaper; Margaret Foley was a regular contributor to the paper, and John Burton's mother was a typesetter. When John Burton was a teenager, he went to Orangeville to learn the trade from his uncle. Unfortunately, he was only there eighteen months when his uncle died December 21, 1932. The family was unable to hold on to the business and the paper amalgamated with the Orangeville Banner newspaper in 1933.
Total Tracks
5
Total Length
0:45:27
Interviewee Name
Burton, John
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 interview with John Burton by Jim Wolf

Less detail

Car repair at Burnaby Garage

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1486
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[after 1914]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.5 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby fireman and mechanic Bill Banks cranking the engine of a 1914 Model T Ford, while two unidentified men sit in the car and wait. Burnaby Garage was owned by Bill Banks and located at 1869 Kingsway and Britton Street (later renumbered as the 7300 block of Kingsway).
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.5 x 13 cm
Material Details
Photograph has an embossed border
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby fireman and mechanic Bill Banks cranking the engine of a 1914 Model T Ford, while two unidentified men sit in the car and wait. Burnaby Garage was owned by Bill Banks and located at 1869 Kingsway and Britton Street (later renumbered as the 7300 block of Kingsway).
Subjects
Occupations - Mechanics
Transportation - Automobiles
Names
Burnaby Garage
Banks, William "Bill"
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Accession Code
BV999.55.35
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
[after 1914]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in pencil on verso of photograph reads: "Burnaby Garage/ W.M. Banks, Prop."
Images
Less detail

Interview with Jack McGeachie June 18, 1975 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory35
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1914-1922
Length
0:09:27
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie's early childhood including the reasons why his family moved to Burnaby, the small pox house at the border of New Westminster and stories of the unfinished family home at Formby Street.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie's early childhood including the reasons why his family moved to Burnaby, the small pox house at the border of New Westminster and stories of the unfinished family home at Formby Street.
Date Range
1914-1922
Photo Info
McGeachie family; John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie is the eldest child, standing second from the right, 1925 (date of original). Item no. 204-464
Length
0:09:27
Subjects
Buildings - Residences - Houses
Geographic Access
Formby Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Second Street Area
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
June 18, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with John A."Jack" McGeachie by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury June 18, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression, the CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation) and farming in Burnaby. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
John Aloysius “Jack” McGeachie was born January 14, 1914 in Little Mountain, Vancouver to Helen and John McGeachie. Helen and John had four children; John Aloysius “Jack”, Florence Mary, Thomas Joseph “Tom” and Roderick Noel “Rod.” In 1922 the McGeachie family moved from Vancouver to East Burnaby where the children attended Edmonds School. John Sr. became ill and died, leaving the eldest Jack as the main breadwinner of the family when he was still just a teenager. He began his working life at a chicken farm, later learning his trade while working for the Hudson Bay Company. Jack McGeachie married Burnaby Historian Doreen Pixie Johnson. He and Pixie raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. 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.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
0:51:13
Interviewee Name
McGeachie, John Aloysius "Jack"
Interview Location
Rosewood
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 one of interview with Jack McGeachie

Less detail

Edmonds Street School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36497
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1915 and 1930]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Edmonds Street School. This photograph was used as promotional material for Ward and Leverington Contractors.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1915 and 1930]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Ward family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
280-007
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1992-10
Scope and Content
Photograph of Edmonds Street School. This photograph was used as promotional material for Ward and Leverington Contractors.
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Names
Edmonds Community School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Continuation of title:"...- WARD & LEVERINGTON CONTRACTORS -"
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7641 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Stride family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34025
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1915 and 1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of the exterior of the Stride family home located at Kingsway and 18th Avenue. Two people are traveling in a Model T Ford (with the top down) along the street in front of the house.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1915 and 1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Stride family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8 x 14 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
001-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of the exterior of the Stride family home located at Kingsway and 18th Avenue. Two people are traveling in a Model T Ford (with the top down) along the street in front of the house.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Transportation - Automobiles
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
18th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Less detail

Interview with Florence Hart Godwin by Bettina Bradbury July 2, 1975 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory11
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1917-[1929]
Length
0:03:29
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Florence (Hart) Godwin's time in Vancouver and her early married life in the Edmonds district, as well as her husband's work at Fraser Mills.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Florence (Hart) Godwin's time in Vancouver and her early married life in the Edmonds district, as well as her husband's work at Fraser Mills.
Date Range
1917-[1929]
Photo Info
Florence Hart Godwin on her wedding day, August 7, 1922. Item no. 477-601
Length
0:03:29
Names
Fraser Mills
Godwin, Harold
Subjects
Industries - Pulp and Paper
Transportation - Buses
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
July 2, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with Florence Hart Godwin by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury, July 2, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) and the Edmonds Historic Neighbourhood. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes."
Biographical Notes
Florence Hart was born in 1898 in New Westminster. Florence first saw Burnaby in April of 1905 on a trip made by horse and buggy from the family home in New Westminster where her father worked as a real estate agent. By 1911, he had built a permanent home for his family in Burnaby, building what is now known as the Hart house and is currently owned by the municipality. Frederick John “Fred” Hart married Alice Chapman in Yale BC on August 13, 1895. They had four children together; Kingsley Chapman born May 27, 1897, Florence Elizabeth born October 23, 1898, and ten years later, Edwyna and Jack. They followed their family nurse, Miss Maude Woodward to Burnaby and purchased thirteen acres of land at Deer Lake to build a summer cottage. Mrs Hill and the children spent the summer months there while Frederick continued working in New Westminster, joining his family on the weekends. Florence Hart attended Douglas Road School before boarding at Crofton House in Vancouver. Kingsley Hart had enlisted in the army on March 23, 1915 when he was only seventeen years old. He was killed in action on September 26, 1916. The Hart family then moved to Kerrisdale, Vancouver. Florence worked at the Carnegie Library. On August 7, 1922 Florence Hart married Harold “Hal” Godwin and moved back to Edmonds in Burnaby where they remained for their entire married lives. In 1929, Florence and Harold’s daughter, Elizabeth Godwin was born. Alice (Chapman) Hart died May 24, 1935 at the age of sixty-eight. Frederick John Hart died August 29, 1945 at the age of seventy-seven. Florence Hart Godwin was named Good Citizen of Burnaby in 1971 and received a life membership to the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire) for her long tenure. Both Florence and her husband Harold were awarded life memberships from the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) for more than half a century of service. Harold Ward Godwin died December 12, 1962 at the age of sixty-six.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
0:47:57
Interviewee Name
Godwin, Florence Hart
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 Florence Hart Godwin by Bettina Bradbury

Less detail

Prime Minister of Canada

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4012
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21.3 x 16.1 cm mounted on cardboard 29.0 x 23.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Canadian Prime Minister, the Honourable Arthur Meighan, taken on the front steps of the 1912 Burnaby Municipal Hall at Edmonds. The Prime Minister stands on the far right, and his aide-de-camp is on the left. Burnaby Reeve Thomas F. Sanderson stands between them and clerk A.G. Moore…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 21.3 x 16.1 cm mounted on cardboard 29.0 x 23.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Canadian Prime Minister, the Honourable Arthur Meighan, taken on the front steps of the 1912 Burnaby Municipal Hall at Edmonds. The Prime Minister stands on the far right, and his aide-de-camp is on the left. Burnaby Reeve Thomas F. Sanderson stands between them and clerk A.G. Moore stands higher up the Municipal Hall steps. Police officers in uniform and other men wearing suits and ties are standing at the base of the steps.
Subjects
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Officials - Prime Ministers
Occupations - City Clerks
Names
Sanderson, Thomas F.
Meighan, Arthur
Moore, Arthur G.
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Edmonds Street
Accession Code
BV016.36.5
Date
[1920]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
20-Mar-2018
Notes
Title based on similar photograph held by Burnaby Archives and on contents of photograph.
Images
Less detail

Welcome Committee for Earl Haig's visit to Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription234
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[192-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a group of people gathered along the side of a street in front of the Municipal Hall on Edmonds, with a large sign that reads, "EARL HAIG WELCOME TO BURNABY". The crowd is mostly men in suits, women in dresses and hats, and two girls. There are flags and streamers flying in the backgr…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a group of people gathered along the side of a street in front of the Municipal Hall on Edmonds, with a large sign that reads, "EARL HAIG WELCOME TO BURNABY". The crowd is mostly men in suits, women in dresses and hats, and two girls. There are flags and streamers flying in the background. According to the accession register, they are the Welcome Committee for the visit of Earl Haig to Burnaby Municipal Hall. Only three people in the photograph have been tentatively identified: In the centre of the picture, directly behind the little girl it appears to be L. Claude Hill and to the right of him, his wife Annie. The third man to the left of Claude Hill appears to be Burnaby Reeve Thomas F. Sanderson. The rest are unknown.
Subjects
Events - Visits of State
Names
Hill, Louis Claude "Claude"
Hill, Annie Sara Kenrick
Burnaby City Hall
Sanderson, Thomas F.
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
7282 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV985.3137.4
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[192-]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2024-02-02
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Images
Less detail

Edmonds Street School class

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1107
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[192-?]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of students about thirteen years of age, on the steps at Edmonds Street School. There are twelve girls and twenty-five boys. The girls are mostly wearing sweaters an skirts to just above the knees, some with knee socks while others have stockings. Their hair is short, straight and parted…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of students about thirteen years of age, on the steps at Edmonds Street School. There are twelve girls and twenty-five boys. The girls are mostly wearing sweaters an skirts to just above the knees, some with knee socks while others have stockings. Their hair is short, straight and parted. The boys are wearing mostly patterned sweaters, with cardigans or pullovers. Only a few have ties under V-neck pullovers. Their hair is short and swept to one side. An earlier catalogue record from 1976 and a signed gift form from the donor identify this photograph as a class at Edmonds Street School. Inscribed on the negative and printed on the lower right of the photograph: "9."
Names
Edmonds Community School
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7641 Edmonds Street
Accession Code
HV972.200.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[192-?]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-18
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34291
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.4 x 17.1 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Municipal Hall grounds and building at Kingsway and Edmonds Street. This was the second Municipal Hall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.4 x 17.1 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
017-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Municipal Hall grounds and building at Kingsway and Edmonds Street. This was the second Municipal Hall.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - City Halls
Names
Burnaby City Hall
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
7282 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Images
Less detail

Edmonds School building

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34292
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.6 x 14.6 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of Burnaby's first school building, located on Douglas Road near Edmonds Street. It was originally named Burnaby School, then East Burnaby School, and later Edmonds Street School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.6 x 14.6 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
018-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of Burnaby's first school building, located on Douglas Road near Edmonds Street. It was originally named Burnaby School, then East Burnaby School, and later Edmonds Street School.
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph has a Christmas greeting written on the back
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
7376 Canada Way
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Water tank on Edmonds Street School site

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34556
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 27.7 x 22.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the water tank at the Edmonds Street school site. An accompanying typed caption reads, "Water Tank East Burnaby School House. British Columbia. 25 x 50 Ft. / Painted with Wailes Doves' "Bitumastic" Solution. Sole Agents: N. Thomspon & Co. Ltd., 847 Beatty St., Vancouver, B.C."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 27.7 x 22.7 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
047-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the water tank at the Edmonds Street school site. An accompanying typed caption reads, "Water Tank East Burnaby School House. British Columbia. 25 x 50 Ft. / Painted with Wailes Doves' "Bitumastic" Solution. Sole Agents: N. Thomspon & Co. Ltd., 847 Beatty St., Vancouver, B.C."
Subjects
Structures - Water Tanks and Towers
Public Services - Utilities
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7641 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Children at Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34965
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby school children waiting in front of Burnaby Municipal Hall on Kingsway near Edmonds Street to welcome a dignitary (possibly Lord Willingdon or the Prince of Wales).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
167-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1986-15
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby school children waiting in front of Burnaby Municipal Hall on Kingsway near Edmonds Street to welcome a dignitary (possibly Lord Willingdon or the Prince of Wales).
Subjects
Persons - Crowds
Events - Royal Visits
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
7282 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Images
Less detail

Urquhart Family

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35286
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Urquhart family. Back, left to right: Mrs. Lillias Urquhart, Margaret Urquhart Frederick, and Mr. William Urquhart. Front, left to right: Kathleen Brown (friend) and Alex McKenzie, Jr. (cousin).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1920 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-143
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Urquhart family. Back, left to right: Mrs. Lillias Urquhart, Margaret Urquhart Frederick, and Mr. William Urquhart. Front, left to right: Kathleen Brown (friend) and Alex McKenzie, Jr. (cousin).
Subjects
Transportation - Bicycles
Names
Brown, Kathleen
Frederick, Margaret "Peggy" Urquhart
McKenzie, Alex, Jr.
Urquhart, Lillias
Urquhart, William
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Griffiths Avenue
Street Address
6626 Griffiths Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Images
Less detail

Urquhart family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35288
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1920] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Urquhart menagerie: dog, Fluff; goats Patsy (black) and Corey (white); goose, Mollie, and her goslings, Goosey and Gander; and, miscellaneous ducks and chickens. This photograph was taken at the Urquhart family home, "Rowanlea," located at Griffiths Avenue and Burford Street. Th…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1920] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-145
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Urquhart menagerie: dog, Fluff; goats Patsy (black) and Corey (white); goose, Mollie, and her goslings, Goosey and Gander; and, miscellaneous ducks and chickens. This photograph was taken at the Urquhart family home, "Rowanlea," located at Griffiths Avenue and Burford Street. The house was previously numbered 2674, then changed to 6625, and later 6637 Griffiths Avenue.
Subjects
Animals - Dogs
Geographic Features - Gardens
Animals - Goats
Animals - Poultry
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Griffiths Avenue
Street Address
6637 Griffiths Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Images
Less detail

Urquhart family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35289
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1920] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the backyard garden at "Rowanlea" including Peggy's swing. "Rowanlea" was the home of William Urquhart, his wife, Lillias Urquhart, and daughter Margaret Urquhart (aka Peggy Urquhart). William and Lillias were expert gardeners. The house was previously numbered 2674, then changed to …
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1920] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-146
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the backyard garden at "Rowanlea" including Peggy's swing. "Rowanlea" was the home of William Urquhart, his wife, Lillias Urquhart, and daughter Margaret Urquhart (aka Peggy Urquhart). William and Lillias were expert gardeners. The house was previously numbered 2674, then changed to 6625, and later 6637 Griffiths Avenue.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Gardens
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Griffiths Avenue
Burford Street
Street Address
6637 Griffiths Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Images
Less detail

Urquhart family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35294
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of goats, Patsy and Corey, by the duck pond in the back yard of "Rowanlea," the Urquhart family home built by William Urquhart at Griffiths Avenue and Burford Street. The house was previously numbered 2674, then changed to 6625, and later 6637 Griffiths Avenue.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-151
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of goats, Patsy and Corey, by the duck pond in the back yard of "Rowanlea," the Urquhart family home built by William Urquhart at Griffiths Avenue and Burford Street. The house was previously numbered 2674, then changed to 6625, and later 6637 Griffiths Avenue.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Gardens
Animals - Goats
Animals - Poultry
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Griffiths Avenue
Street Address
6637 Griffiths Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Images
Less detail

East Burnaby Methodist Church

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35639
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of East Burnaby Methodist Church, dedicated in June, 1910, and located at the corner of Douglas Road (later Canada Way) and 12th Avenue. It was raised during the time Rev. William Beamish was minister, 1924-1930, and also became part of the United Church of Canada. On the left, the man…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-] (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-497
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of East Burnaby Methodist Church, dedicated in June, 1910, and located at the corner of Douglas Road (later Canada Way) and 12th Avenue. It was raised during the time Rev. William Beamish was minister, 1924-1930, and also became part of the United Church of Canada. On the left, the manse can be seen on the same lot. The church was torn down in 1956 and a new one built on another property.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Names
East Burnaby Methodist Church (1904-1925)
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
12th Avenue
Street Address
7707 12th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

112 records – page 1 of 6.