88 records – page 1 of 5.

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 Florence Hart Godwin by Bettina Bradbury July 2, 1975 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory13
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1922-1942
Length
0:09:04
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Florence (Hart) Godwin's volunteer work with the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) with Nurse Woodward and the Well Baby Clinic.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Florence (Hart) Godwin's volunteer work with the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) with Nurse Woodward and the Well Baby Clinic.
Date Range
1922-1942
Photo Info
Florence Hart Godwin on her wedding day, August 7, 1922. Item no. 477-601
Length
0:09:04
Names
Victorian Order of Nurses
Woodward, Maude
Subjects
Organizations - Womens' Societies and Clubs
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
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 four of interview with Florence Hart Godwin by Bettina Bradbury

Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory186
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1929-1964
Length
0:08:19
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's memories of the sports activities and other recreational activities that took place while teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's memories of the sports activities and other recreational activities that took place while teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Date Range
1929-1964
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:08:19
Names
Burnaby South High School
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Southoaks Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Catherine Rees

Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory187
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1929-1964
Length
0:10:03
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's strongest memories of teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's strongest memories of teaching at Burnaby South High School.
Date Range
1929-1964
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:10:03
Names
Burnaby South High School
Geographic Access
Southoaks Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Catherine Rees

Less detail

Teachers next to a woodpile

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35968
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1930 and 1949]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of four teachers in suits, from the Edmonds Street School, next to a woodpile. Three are seated on the ground, while the fourth is standing with his hands in his pockets.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1930 and 1949]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Edmonds School subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 5.5 x 8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
207-017
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1988-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of four teachers in suits, from the Edmonds Street School, next to a woodpile. Three are seated on the ground, while the fourth is standing with his hands in his pockets.
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Names
Edmonds Community School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
18th Avenue
Street Address
7651 18th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon July 9, 1975 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory94
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1932-1943
Length
0:07:55
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Charles and May Purdon's memories of the Burnaby government going into receivership. The Purdons discuss their neighbours' jobs and the employment situation at the time.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Charles and May Purdon's memories of the Burnaby government going into receivership. The Purdons discuss their neighbours' jobs and the employment situation at the time.
Date Range
1932-1943
Length
0:07:55
Subjects
Officials - Commissioners
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
July 9, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon by SFU graduate student Bettina Bradbury July 9, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression and Canadian politics. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
May Eliza was born in London, England in 1907. She came out to Regina with her family when she was eleven. Charles A. Purdon was born February 28, 1904 in London, England. He came to Canada in 1925 from China where he had been working as an accountant for the previous three years. Charles first came to Vancouver and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but within a week he was sent to Regina. This is where he met May. May and Charles got married in 1926 and Charles began working as an accountant for the Saskatchewan Wheat Growers, then for the Canadian Wool Growers before being laid off. In October of 1930, Charles and May left Regina for Vancouver Island. Charles drove himself out and May rode the train with her children; twin boys and a daughter, only one year apart. They settled at May’s parent’s second house in Coombs. The Purdons arrived in Burnaby in December of 1932 and rented a house on Edmonds Street. Charles was unable to do road work and instead found work through the Liberal Party and also with the Municipal engineers indoors on a number of projects. In 1938 the Purdons were able to get into a reverted house built by Ernie Winch at Maple Avenue (then Jubilee) and Nelson Avenue that had nine bedrooms. They paid ten dollars a month to the municipality for use of this property. May Eliza Purdon died April 6, 1983 at the age of seventy-six.
Total Length
1:40:03
Interviewee Name
Purdon, Charles A.
Purdon, May Eliza
Interviewer Bio
Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon

Less detail

Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34512
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of Municipal Hall at Kingsway and Edmonds Street. A sign above the door reads, "Municipal Hall / Burnaby." The First World War memorial fountain, dedicated to Municipal employees who died in the War, can be seen on the left. In 1974, this memorial was relocated from i…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
032-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of Municipal Hall at Kingsway and Edmonds Street. A sign above the door reads, "Municipal Hall / Burnaby." The First World War memorial fountain, dedicated to Municipal employees who died in the War, can be seen on the left. In 1974, this memorial was relocated from its original setting to the site of the Burnaby Village Museum on Deer Lake Avenue.
Subjects
Buildings - Civic - City Halls
Monuments - War Memorials
Wars - World War, 1914-1918
Fountains
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 students

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34811
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1940]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.6 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of four Edmonds School students in costume as cast members of the play, "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1940]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Helen Davy subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.6 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
138-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1985-08
Scope and Content
Photograph of four Edmonds School students in costume as cast members of the play, "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves."
Subjects
Clothing - Costumes
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Names
Edmonds Community School
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

Burnaby South High School students

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34813
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1940 and 1945]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8.7 x 13.8 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of a class of young women at Burnaby South High School posed outside of the building.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1940 and 1945]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Helen Davy subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8.7 x 13.8 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
138-004
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1985-08
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of a class of young women at Burnaby South High School posed outside of the building.
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Names
Burnaby South High School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Southoaks Crescent
Street Address
6650 Southoaks Crescent
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Images
Less detail

Gordon Presbyterian Church

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35109
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied 1987
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 parishioners leaving a service at Gordon Presbyterian Church, 7457 Edmonds Street. People are on the steps outside the church, and two automobiles can be seen.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied 1987
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Gordon Presbyterian Church subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
193-010
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1987-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of parishioners leaving a service at Gordon Presbyterian Church, 7457 Edmonds Street. People are on the steps outside the church, and two automobiles can be seen.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Names
Gordon Presbyterian Church
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7457 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Images
Less detail

Gordon Presbyterian Church

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35110
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied 1987
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 parishioners leaving a service at Gordon Presbyterian Church, 7457 Edmonds Street. Men, women and children are seen on the steps and standing outside the church.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied 1987
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Gordon Presbyterian Church subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
193-011
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1987-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of parishioners leaving a service at Gordon Presbyterian Church, 7457 Edmonds Street. Men, women and children are seen on the steps and standing outside the church.
Subjects
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Names
Gordon Presbyterian Church
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7457 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Images
Less detail

Gordon Presbyterian Church

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35112
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied 1987
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 11.7 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of parishioners leaving a service at Gordon Presbyterian Church, 7457 Edmonds Street. Men, women and children are walking down the steps of the church. The minister can be seen by the door of the church. A boy with a bicycle is on the left side of the photo. A sign reads, "Gordon Pre…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (date of original), copied 1987
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Gordon Presbyterian Church subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 11.7 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
193-013
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1987-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of parishioners leaving a service at Gordon Presbyterian Church, 7457 Edmonds Street. Men, women and children are walking down the steps of the church. The minister can be seen by the door of the church. A boy with a bicycle is on the left side of the photo. A sign reads, "Gordon Presbyterian Church / Minister Rev. L.D. Hankinson / Services: Morning 11 AM, Evening 7:30 PM / Sunday School 9:45 AM / Come Let Us Worship."
Subjects
Transportation - Bicycles
Buildings - Religious - Churches
Names
Gordon Presbyterian Church
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Edmonds Street
Street Address
7457 Edmonds Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Richmond Park Area
Images
Less detail

Windsor School Parent-Teacher Association

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35716
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (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 Windsor School Parent-Teacher Association. Identified: (front row, far left) Mrs. Violet Terry Rogers. Mrs. Rogers's husband, Frederick Rogers, an electrical contractor, did the electrical wiring for Windsor School when it was built.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[194-] (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.
204-574
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Windsor School Parent-Teacher Association. Identified: (front row, far left) Mrs. Violet Terry Rogers. Mrs. Rogers's husband, Frederick Rogers, an electrical contractor, did the electrical wiring for Windsor School when it was built.
Subjects
Organizations
Names
Windsor Street School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Imperial Street
Street Address
6166 Imperial Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Windsor Area
Images
Less detail

Early elementary level class

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35972
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of an early elementary level school class lined up outside of their school in four rows, with the front row sitting cross-legged on the ground.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Edmonds School subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
207-021
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of an early elementary level school class lined up outside of their school in four rows, with the front row sitting cross-legged on the ground.
Names
Edmonds Community School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
18th Avenue
Street Address
7651 18th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Elementary school class

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35976
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Miss Benedict's class in lined up in rows outside of the Bungalow Building at the Edmonds Street School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Edmonds School subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
207-025
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of Miss Benedict's class in lined up in rows outside of the Bungalow Building at the Edmonds Street School.
Names
Edmonds Community School
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

Teacher on a bicycle

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35980
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 6 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a teacher on bicycle near the back staircase at Edmonds Street School.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Edmonds School subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 6 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
207-029
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of a teacher on bicycle near the back staircase at Edmonds Street School.
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Names
Edmonds Community School
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

Edmonds School grade 9 class

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35981
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 9.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Grade 9 class at Edmonds Street School. The students are lined up in four rows; the first row of girls are sitting on the ground with their legs tucked to the right.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Edmonds School subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 9.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
207-030
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Grade 9 class at Edmonds Street School. The students are lined up in four rows; the first row of girls are sitting on the ground with their legs tucked to the right.
Names
Edmonds Community School
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

Delores, Gerty, Iris, Jean, and Lillian

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35982
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 11 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Delores, Gerty, Iris, Jean, and Lillian standing on the playing fields, playing a game.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1940
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Edmonds School subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 11 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
207-031
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-07
Scope and Content
Photograph of Delores, Gerty, Iris, Jean, and Lillian standing on the playing fields, playing a game.
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Names
Edmonds Community School
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

John Burton family home

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36068
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1940 and 1949]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 7.5 x 12.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the John Burton family home at 661 12th Avenue. It has been renamed 7835 12th Avenue.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1940 and 1949]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
John Burton subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 7.5 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
216-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1989-05
Scope and Content
Photograph of the John Burton family home at 661 12th Avenue. It has been renamed 7835 12th Avenue.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 col. copy negative accompanying
Accompanying materials state that item no. 216-001 and no. 397-001 are of the same address as this item
Geographic Access
12th Avenue
Street Address
7835 12th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

88 records – page 1 of 5.