447 records – page 1 of 23.

Charles R. Shaw House

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark525
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
The Charles R. Shaw House is a one and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame late Victorian era residence, located on the grounds of the Normanna Rest Home development in East Burnaby, near its original location on this site. Originally a modest vernacular Victorian structure, it has been enlarg…
Associated Dates
1891
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Other Names
Charles R. & Mary Shaw House
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Other Names
Charles R. & Mary Shaw House
Geographic Access
12th Avenue
4th Street
13th Avenue
Associated Dates
1891
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 10739
Enactment Date
06/04/1998
Description
The Charles R. Shaw House is a one and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame late Victorian era residence, located on the grounds of the Normanna Rest Home development in East Burnaby, near its original location on this site. Originally a modest vernacular Victorian structure, it has been enlarged and embellished through later additions.
Heritage Value
The Shaw House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Burnaby, and is valued as a representation of a typical vernacular pioneer house in Burnaby, and a rare survivor from the late Victorian era. The original portion of the house displays a simplicity of form and detail consistent with early local construction, while the later additions display a more sophisticated approach. Originally built in 1891, this house is valued for its association with first owner, Charles R. Shaw (1834-1916) and Mary D. Shaw (1848-1897), one of Burnaby’s earliest settlers. Born in England, Shaw immigrated to Toronto in 1869, and relocated to New Westminster in 1889, where he worked as an employee of the Mechanic's Mill Company, an early woodworking plant. After moving to Burnaby, he was unanimously elected by acclamation as first reeve (mayor) of the new municipality in 1892. In 1894, Shaw sold his house and farm and moved his family to Kamloops due to his wife Mary's failing health. After Mary died in 1897, the Shaw family returned to Toronto. The Shaw House is additionally valued for its association with a later owner, James Brookes (1884-1953), founder of James Brookes Woodworking Ltd., a mill that was a major employer in East Burnaby. Brookes bought and renovated the house in 1917. In 1927, he built a much larger house on the property (now demolished), and the original house was moved to the corner of the property to serve as a gardener's cottage for Brookes' estate. The additions made to the house at this time employed sash and milled products produced by the Brookes plant. Although altered, this Victorian era residence remains largely intact, with Brookes’s later additions.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Shaw House include its: - modest vernacular residential form, scale and massing, as exemplified by its one and one-half storey plus basement height, front gabled roof, shed roofed verandah and asymmetrical plan - asymmetrical front entrance - cladding: horizontal wooden drop siding on the original portion of the house; cedar shingles on additions; decorative octagonal cedar shingles in the front gable; original decorated bargeboards at front, with cut-out details - later renovations to the front verandah and side addition which resulted in a partially glazed porch entrance and addition with large window assemblies - square verandah columns - irregular fenestration: double-hung wooden-sash windows in a variety of configurations such as 6-over-1 and 4-over-1 windows in the original portion of the house, 12-over-1 windows, and one 24-over-1 window in the front addition - small window at front entry - fifteen-pane French front entry door - internal red brick chimney with corbelled cap
Historic Neighbourhood
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Function
Primary Historic--Single Dwelling
Primary Current--Single Dwelling
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
003-253-848
Boundaries
The Shaw House is comprised of a single residential lot located at 7725 Fourth Street (legal address), Burnaby
Area
9199.27
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Names
Shaw, Charles R
Street Address
7725 4th Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

voters list

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact28296
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV973.26.146
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV973.26.146
Description
City of Vancouver Voters' List - Booklet -- [1896]. The cover is red and badly stained and torn. The booklet was produced by Vancouver News-Advertiser and Bookbinding on Cambie Street. Voters are listed by ward, 1-4, in alphabetical order with property details.
Maker
News-Advertiser Printing and Book Binding Establishment
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Vancouver
Patent Date
1896
Publication Date
1896
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
Elections
Images
Less detail

voters list

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact28188
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV973.26.38
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV973.26.38
Description
City of Vancouver Voters' List - Booklet -- [1897]. The booklet is buff cover with black print. The booklet was produced by the Vancouver News-Advertiser Printing and Bookbinding on Cambie Street Vancouver. Handwritten on cover and crossed out, "Jas Clandening"; voters are listed by wards, 1-4, alphabetically, with their property details.
Maker
News-Advertiser Printing and Book Binding Establishment
Country Made
Canada
Province Made
British Columbia
Site/City Made
Vancouver
Title
City of Vancouver Voters' List
Publication Date
1897
Subjects
Elections
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
Images
Less detail

Douglas Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription447
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1897] (date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Douglas Road (later renamed in part Canada Way), near Stanley Street. To the right is the Sprott family property, where a few wooden buildings are visible in the cleared area. Charles Sprott, head of the Sprott family, was an important Burnaby politician who was continuously elected t…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Douglas Road (later renamed in part Canada Way), near Stanley Street. To the right is the Sprott family property, where a few wooden buildings are visible in the cleared area. Charles Sprott, head of the Sprott family, was an important Burnaby politician who was continuously elected to serve in the municiality as councillor from 1895 to 1903 and as Reeve from 1904 to 1905.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Roads
Land Clearing
Geographic Access
Douglas Road
Canada Way
Stanley Street
Accession Code
HV978.1.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1897] (date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lakeview-Mayfield Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-25
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Duncan & Margaret McGregor Estate 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark518
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Overlooking the rich farmland of the Fraser River floodplain, 'Glen-Lyon' is an Edwardian era rural estate, with a tall, two and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame mansion, set in a pastoral and formal landscape with an associated barn and early log pond, located near a ravine and forested ar…
Associated Dates
1902
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Marine Drive
Associated Dates
1902
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 12183
Enactment Date
11/12/2006
Description
Overlooking the rich farmland of the Fraser River floodplain, 'Glen-Lyon' is an Edwardian era rural estate, with a tall, two and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame mansion, set in a pastoral and formal landscape with an associated barn and early log pond, located near a ravine and forested area adjacent to Marine Drive in South Burnaby.
Heritage Value
‘Glen-Lyon’ is valued as an excellent example of a privately-owned Edwardian era country estate built at the turn of the nineteenth century. The property retains significant heritage features including the Edwardian era mansion with rustic Arts and Crafts features, and elements of a working agricultural landscape. The property was originally the Royal City Mills logging camp, and in 1900 was purchased by Duncan Campbell McGregor (1853-1929) and Margaret Jane McGregor (1875-1960), who named their estate ‘Glen-Lyon’ after Duncan McGregor’s birthplace in Perthshire, Scotland. The McGregors were active in municipal affairs and social activities, and played a significant role in the early development of Burnaby. Duncan McGregor served as a city councillor from 1909 to 1912 and was elected reeve of Burnaby in 1913. Margaret McGregor was instrumental in the formation and fundraising activities of the Victoria Order of Nurses in Burnaby. Additionally, the site is historically significant for its association with early social welfare and correctional reform. The estate was sold in 1926 to an inter-denominational religious organization called the Home of the Friendless, which used it as their B.C. headquarters. The organization was charged with several cases of abuse and neglect in 1937, after which a Royal Commission was formed that led to new legislation to regulate and license all private welfare institutions. 'Glen-Lyon' was sold to the provincial government, and was dedicated in 1939 by the Lt.-Gov. E.W. Hamber for use as the New Haven Borstal Home for Boys and Youthful Offenders (later renamed the New Haven Correction Centre). The Borstal movement originated in England in the late nineteenth century, as an alternative to sending young offenders and runaways to prisons by providing reformatories that focused on discipline and vocational skill. This site’s role as the first North American institution devoted to the Borstal School philosophy was historic, and influenced corrections programs across Canada. The site retains significant features from its development in 1939 as the Borstal School, including a large gambrel-roofed barn designed by Chief Provincial Architect Henry Whittaker of the Department of Public Works that is the only remaining structure of its kind in Burnaby. Between 1941 and 1945 the mansion housed the Provincial School for the Deaf and Blind when the Borstal School was closed temporarily as a war measure during the Second World War.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion include its: - location on a sloping site with expansive southern exposure, adjacent to Marine Drive - residential form, scale and massing of the house as exemplified by its two and one-half storey height, above-ground basement and rectangular plan - Arts and Crafts elements of the house such as its stone foundation, multi-gabled roof line with steep central hipped roof, symmetrical cross-gables, side shed dormers, bellcast upper walls sheathed in cedar shingles and lower walls sheathed in narrow clapboard - original exterior features of the house such as the full width front verandah with square columns, central staircase on the southern elevation, original doors and stained glass windows; and the irregular fenestration such as double-hung 1-over-1 wooden-sash windows, bay windows, and projecting windows in the gable ends - original interior features of the house such as the U-shaped main stair designed around two symmetrically placed Ionic columns, and interior trim on the main floor including boxed beams and fireplaces - gambrel-roofed barn with roof vent with finial, sliding hay loft and access doors, small multi-pane windows, and lapped wooden siding - associated landscape features such as the original garden plantings with some exotic and many native specimen trees; the original log pond and its concrete Marine Drive causeway and culvert; rockeries and a rose garden
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Organization
Home of the Friendless
Borstal School
New Haven Correction Centre
Architect
Henry Whittaker
Function
Primary Historic--Estate
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
003-004-661
Boundaries
'Glen-Lyon' is comprised of a single residential lot located at 4250 Marine Drive, Burnaby.
Area
230873.18
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Names
McGregor, Duncan C. (1853-1929)
Whittaker, Henry
Home of the Friendless
Borstal School
New Haven Correction Centre
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities
Buildings - Residential
Street Address
4250 Marine Drive
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

Charles Sprott

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38548
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1904]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10.8 cm mounted on 10.5 x 13.8 cm page.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Charles Frederick Sprott, Burnaby Reeve 1904-1905 and council member from 1895-1904 and again in 1907. A note accompanying the photograph reads: "Charles F. Sprott, Reeve for 1904 and 5. Councillor for nine years previously. Retired undefeated in any election."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1904]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
New Westminster Public Library subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10.8 cm mounted on 10.5 x 13.8 cm page.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
459-008
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2003-19
Scope and Content
Photograph of Charles Frederick Sprott, Burnaby Reeve 1904-1905 and council member from 1895-1904 and again in 1907. A note accompanying the photograph reads: "Charles F. Sprott, Reeve for 1904 and 5. Councillor for nine years previously. Retired undefeated in any election."
Subjects
Officials - Alderman and Councillors
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Names
Sprott, Charles Frederick
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Dugald Campbell Patterson, Sr

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription564
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1910 and 1914] (date of original), copied 1977
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.32 x 25.4 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph portrait of Dugald Campbell Patterson, Sr.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.32 x 25.4 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph portrait of Dugald Campbell Patterson, Sr.
History
Dugald Campbell Patterson Sr. arrived in Burnaby in 1894. He worked for Armstrong Morrison & Balfour and later became foreman boilermaker for the Vancouver Engineering Works. He was the first postmaster of Edmonds in 1909, and was elected a school trustee in 1912. He was a Director of the British Columbia Electric and Water Heat Company and was a member of the New Westminster Board of Trade. He founded an insurance and real estate company in Burnaby and New Westminster. Dugald Campbell Patterson Sr. was born in Partick, Scotland on January 2, 1860. He attended the Glasgow common school, and worked as a ship joiner at Barclay Curle & Company (founded in 1818) in Whiteinch, Scotland. After some years of study, he was employed in the Anchor Line Shipyards (founded in 1856) in Partick. Dugald arrived in Canada on July 1, 1884, and would soon add a second "T" to the spelling of his last name (changing it from "Paterson" to "Patterson"). He married Frances Mabel Webb on February 7, 1891. Together they helped form the Central Park Horticultural Society.Known for his expertise in the field of engineering, Dugald accepted a unique commission at the beginning of World War One. He travelled overseas to supervise a group of Canadians in the construction of submarines on the Clyde River in Glasgow. It was here that he sustained an injury which left him in a wheel chair. Upon his return home, he remained active in both municipal affairs and the arts. He developed a plan that would preserve ravines as parks in Burnaby, and he published a book of poetry. Dugald also served his communty through his membership in the Knights of Pythias,the Canadian Order of Forresters and the Home Reunion Association. Dugald died in Vancouver, BC on June 25, 1931. [Biography provided by Raymond Reitsma].
Names
Patterson, Dugald Campbell, 1860-1931
Accession Code
HV977.99.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[between 1910 and 1914] (date of original), copied 1977
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-07-11
Photographer
Ritchie, Samuel J.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "B. Paterson's [sic] father (Dougal [sic] Campbell Patterson). Owner Vulcan Iron Works, New Westminster, B.C. (He also started real estate business at Edmonds and K'way [Kingsway]."
For more information on D.C. Patterson's family, see Michael Sone's book, "Pioneer Tales of Burnaby," pg. 60.
The photographer Samuel J. Ritchie was active in New Westminster from 1910 to 1914. For reference, see David Mattison's Camera Workers: The British Columbia Photographic Directory, 1858-1950 - R - Volume 2 (1901-1950)
Images
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Thomas & Margaret Coldicutt Residence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark647
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Residential building.
Associated Dates
1911
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
6th Street
Associated Dates
1911
Description
Residential building.
Heritage Value
This house was built by Thomas Davis Coldicutt (1879-1970) and Margaret Jane Coldicutt, pre-eminent local citizens. Thomas Coldicutt was born in Birmingham and arrived in Canada in 1900, finding success in the steamboat industry. In 1902, he married Margaret Jane Styler who had been born in Redditch, Worcester, England, and in 1908 they settled in East Burnaby–some of the first pioneers to the area–and established a fruit farm. Thomas had a successful real estate, insurance and brokerage business, and was elected as a councillor for East Burnaby in 1909. He was also active in civic, political and social circles in Burnaby and became president of the Burnaby Board of Trade. "East Burnaby is booming and the signs of prosperity that may be seen on every hand. Most of these are substantial dwellings, such as effect a permanent improvement to the countryside. Among those whose homes have been completed, or on the point of completion may be mentioned. Councillor Coldicutt, who has built himself a habitation on Second Avenue at a cost of $4,000. (The British Columbian, 1911). In 1913, Coldicutt sold his original farm described as “the show place of Burnaby” to the Burnaby School Board for the development of Second Street School and this house was moved from Second Street and Sixteenth Avenue to this site. It has been extensively altered, but retains its original form, scale and massing.
Locality
East Burnaby
Historic Neighbourhood
East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Area
557.42
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
7510 6th Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

Interview with W.H. O'Brien July / August 1975 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory18
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1914-1932
Length
0:08:44
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's early childhood including the reasons why his family first moved to Burnaby, his first experiences of unemployment and what initially drew him to the Working Organization in Burnaby and their protest against evictions.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's early childhood including the reasons why his family first moved to Burnaby, his first experiences of unemployment and what initially drew him to the Working Organization in Burnaby and their protest against evictions.
Date Range
1914-1932
Photo Info
Harry and Gertrude (Sutherland) O'Brien on their wedding day, October 12, 1940. Item no. 315-005
Length
0:08:44
Subjects
Organizations
Protests and Demonstrations
Geographic Access
Inman Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
July / August 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with W.H. "Harry" O'Brien by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury. Major themes discussed are: the Army of the Common Good, the Union of the Unemployed and the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union). To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
W.H. “Harry” O’Brien was born in the coal mining town of Nanaimo, British Columbia on October 20, 1914. He came to Burnaby with his parents and five siblings in 1927. Harry’s mother, a school teacher, wanted her children to live closer to school in order to obtain a better education, so the O’Brien family settled at Inman Avenue, Burnaby. Harry's mother, Mary Anne Crossan, was Gilmore Avenue School's first teacher. Harry left school in June of 1929. Harry’s father worked as the caretaker at Central Park around this time and Harry helped him to clear brush, plant trees and enforce the land clearing and wood cutting permit regulations held by men who were on script. Although too young to vote by just over a week, Harry O'Brien worked as a scrutineer for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) during the 1935 Federal Election. On October 12, 1940 Harry O'Brien married Gertrude Sutherland at St. John the Divine in Burnaby. The Sutherland family came to Burnaby from Winnipeg in 1933 and settled at Nelson Avenue. Harry began his involvement with the Unemployment Organization in Burnaby by participating in an organised protest against the municipality for homeowner evictions brought on by unpaid taxes. The South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed organised in order to protest rules around receiving Relief. Harry became involved, eventually becoming one of the spearheads of the organization, taking over as secretary by 1936. Harry was an original member of the Army of the Common Good, helping to produce over one hundred and twenty-five tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed Burnaby citizens suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The members of the Army of the Common Good who cut wood for consumption or worked in the gardens were given credit for their work through LU (Labour Units) which they could then use to buy groceries and that at the Army's Cooperative stores, one of which was at McKay Avenue, where Harry began working as Manager of Groceries in 1937. The Credit Union movement of British Columbia was also organized by Harry O'Brien and his fellow Army of the Common Good members. W.H. "Harry" O'Brien died July 1, 1992.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:17:56
Interviewee Name
O'Brien, Harry
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
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Ernest Winch with Two Others

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64704
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1917]
Collection/Fonds
Ernest Winch fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 12.5 x 7.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of three young men sitting and standing together at a photographic studio. Ernest E. (Ernie) Winch is sitting in a chair on the left. The other two men have not been identified, but all three men are wearing lapel pins which read "L" and are believed to signify labour movement…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1917]
Collection/Fonds
Ernest Winch fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 12.5 x 7.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
514-023
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2010-06
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard of three young men sitting and standing together at a photographic studio. Ernest E. (Ernie) Winch is sitting in a chair on the left. The other two men have not been identified, but all three men are wearing lapel pins which read "L" and are believed to signify labour movement involvement.
Subjects
Officials - Elected Officials
Names
Winch, Ernest "Ernie"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Ernest Winch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64730
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1917
Collection/Fonds
Ernest Winch fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 15 x 10 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ernest E. (Ernie) Winch wearing a lapel pin which reads "L" and is believed to signify labour movement involvement.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1917
Collection/Fonds
Ernest Winch fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 15 x 10 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
514-028
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2010-06
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ernest E. (Ernie) Winch wearing a lapel pin which reads "L" and is believed to signify labour movement involvement.
Subjects
Officials - Elected Officials
Names
Winch, Ernest "Ernie"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Councillor Charles Rummel

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37056
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-?] (date of original), copied 1992
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.7 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Councillor Charles Rummel (1868-1929) who was elected to Burnaby Council for the District of Lozells (Ward 3) from 1920 to 1925. He also served as Chairman on the Finance Committee from 1921 to 1924.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-?] (date of original), copied 1992
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.7 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
315-519
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1994-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Councillor Charles Rummel (1868-1929) who was elected to Burnaby Council for the District of Lozells (Ward 3) from 1920 to 1925. He also served as Chairman on the Finance Committee from 1921 to 1924.
Subjects
Officials - Alderman and Councillors
Names
Rummel, Charles
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Ernest Winch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64692
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-]
Collection/Fonds
Ernest Winch fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 15 x 10 cm , mounted to grey card 16 x 11 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ernest E. (Ernie) Winch in a three-piece suit. He was a long-time Co-operative Commonwealth Federation Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[192-]
Collection/Fonds
Ernest Winch fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 15 x 10 cm , mounted to grey card 16 x 11 cm
Material Details
Photograph is mounted to grey card with grey photo corners
Description Level
Item
Record No.
514-018
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2010-06
Scope and Content
Photograph of Ernest E. (Ernie) Winch in a three-piece suit. He was a long-time Co-operative Commonwealth Federation Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Burnaby.
Subjects
Officials - Elected Officials
Names
Winch, Ernest "Ernie"
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Columbia Studio
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's mark (in pencil) on recto of photograph reads: "Columbia Studio"
Images
Less detail

Louis & Annie Hill Residence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark504
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
The Louis and Annie Hill Residence is a modest one-storey, wood-frame, side-gabled Arts and Crafts bungalow with two projecting front gables, that was originally part of the Deer Lake Crescent Subdivision. The lot is heavily treed, and sits near the east end of Deer Lake.
Associated Dates
1925
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Associated Dates
1925
Description
The Louis and Annie Hill Residence is a modest one-storey, wood-frame, side-gabled Arts and Crafts bungalow with two projecting front gables, that was originally part of the Deer Lake Crescent Subdivision. The lot is heavily treed, and sits near the east end of Deer Lake.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of the Louis and Annie Hill Residence lies in its association with prominent Burnaby pioneers, Louis Hill (1860-1931) and his wife, Annie Sara Hill (née Kenrick, 1864-1957). Originally from London, England, Louis Hill immigrated to Burnaby circa 1887, and established a small fruit farm on this site in 1891. Hill was elected to the first municipal council in 1892, when Burnaby was incorporated, and was later responsible for the subdivision of Buckingham Estate in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. The Louis and Annie Hill Residence, built as a retirement home in 1925, is further valued as a representation of the continued suburban development of the Deer Lake Crescent Subdivision, that was originally promoted in 1911 as an upper class suburban neighbourhood. Its modest nature illustrates the reduced scale of residential construction during the austere times that followed the end of the First World War. The style of the house demonstrates the late persistence of the Arts and Crafts movement, which remained a strong influence on domestic architecture. In 2006, the Louis and Annie Hill Residence was purchased by the City of Burnaby, and today it is part of the Deer Lake Park Heritage Precinct, Burnaby's most significant collection of historic sites.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Louis and Annie Hill Residence include its: - location within the Deer Lake Park Heritage Precinct - residential form, scale and massing as expressed by its one-storey height plus crawlspace, side-gabled-roof, front projecting gables, square projecting front bay and open front porch - wood-frame construction with original wood siding intact under a later coat of stucco - modest Arts and Crafts details such as diamond-point triangular eave brackets - windows, including double-hung, 1-over-1 wooden sash windows with horns - associated landscape features, including mature cedars lining the driveway
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Function
Primary Historic--Single Dwelling
Primary Current--Single Dwelling
Community
Deer Lake
Cadastral Identifier
P.I.D.012-446-963
Boundaries
The Louis and Annie Hill Residence is comprised of a single residential lot located at 6570 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
Area
1521.75
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Public (local)
Documentation
City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, Heritage Site Files
Street Address
6570 Deer Lake Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Opening of the Hastings-Barnet Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38660
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 17.5 x 26.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the official opening of the newly paved Hastings-Barnet Road which opened on Saturday December 10, 1927. In the foreground the Provincial Minister of Public Works Dr. W.H. Sutherland is opening a wooden gate, with a large crowd gathered around. The Barnet Lumber Company Ltd. building …
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
North Burnaby Board of Trade subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 17.5 x 26.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
476-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2005-8
Scope and Content
Photograph of the official opening of the newly paved Hastings-Barnet Road which opened on Saturday December 10, 1927. In the foreground the Provincial Minister of Public Works Dr. W.H. Sutherland is opening a wooden gate, with a large crowd gathered around. The Barnet Lumber Company Ltd. building on Hastings Street is in the background.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Roads
Persons - Crowds
Buildings - Industrial - Mills
Officials - Elected Officials
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Barnet Mill
Sutherland, W.H.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Street Address
3995 Hastings Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Images
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Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory438
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1927-1990
Length
00:06:37
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's childhood in Burnaby and Vancouver, his father's work as a miner, his war service, education, and his three children
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's childhood in Burnaby and Vancouver, his father's work as a miner, his war service, education, and his three children
Date Range
1927-1990
Photo Info
Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067
Length
00:06:37
Subjects
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Education
Industries - Mining
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
February 18, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections
Biographical Notes
William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
0:25:35
Interviewee Name
Copeland, William J
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with William J. Copeland

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Lord Willingdon at Burnaby Municipal Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34506
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1928
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 24.8 x 19.8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lord Willingdon and Civic Officials standing on the steps of Burnaby Municipal Hall. A sign above the door reads, "Burnaby / Lord Willingdon."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1928
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 24.8 x 19.8 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
027-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lord Willingdon and Civic Officials standing on the steps of Burnaby Municipal Hall. A sign above the door reads, "Burnaby / Lord Willingdon."
Subjects
Officials - Alderman and Councillors
Buildings - Civic - City Halls
Events - Royal Visits
Officials - Elected Officials
Names
Burnaby City Hall
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Lloyd's Studio
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Annotation on lower right corner reads, "Lloyd Studio, McKay, BC / 14"
Key identifying a few people shown in the picture is taped to the back of the photo
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
7282 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Stride Avenue Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Florence Hart Godwin by Bettina Bradbury July 2, 1975 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory16
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1930-1939
Length
0:05:09
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Florence (Hart) Godwin's thoughts on Municipal politics of the time.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Florence (Hart) Godwin's thoughts on Municipal politics of the time.
Date Range
1930-1939
Photo Info
Florence Hart Godwin on her wedding day, August 7, 1922. Item no. 477-601
Length
0:05:09
Names
Pritchard, William A.
Subjects
Elections
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 seven of interview with Florence Hart Godwin by Bettina Bradbury

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Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory543
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1930-1990
Length
00:07:36
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s involvement in the federal Liberal Party and in municipal politics with Alan Emmott; his mother Anne Marie Morin’s CCF work in Alberta and his brother Rudy Morin’s union activities and affiliation with Harvey Murphy; the political events held at “S…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s involvement in the federal Liberal Party and in municipal politics with Alan Emmott; his mother Anne Marie Morin’s CCF work in Alberta and his brother Rudy Morin’s union activities and affiliation with Harvey Murphy; the political events held at “Severin’s”; and Sev Morin’s centrist political views
Date Range
1930-1990
Photo Info
Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
Length
00:07:36
Names
Liberal Party
Emmott, Alan H
Subjects
Organizations - Unions
Elections
Political Theories
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
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Interview with W.H. O'Brien July / August 1975 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory19
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1932-1936
Length
0:09:26
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's decision to join the Army of the Common Good and its Cooperative (CG Co-op) as well as the South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed. Harry discusses his father's work as caretaker at Central Park and helping to deal with wood cutting per…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's decision to join the Army of the Common Good and its Cooperative (CG Co-op) as well as the South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed. Harry discusses his father's work as caretaker at Central Park and helping to deal with wood cutting permits and land clearing by men who were on script.
Date Range
1932-1936
Photo Info
Harry and Gertrude (Sutherland) O'Brien on their wedding day, October 12, 1940. Item no. 315-005
Length
0:09:26
Names
Central Park
Subjects
Organizations
Geographic Access
Central Park
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
July / August 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with W.H. "Harry" O'Brien by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury. Major themes discussed are: the Army of the Common Good, the Union of the Unemployed and the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union). To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
W.H. “Harry” O’Brien was born in the coal mining town of Nanaimo, British Columbia on October 20, 1914. He came to Burnaby with his parents and five siblings in 1927. Harry’s mother, a school teacher, wanted her children to live closer to school in order to obtain a better education, so the O’Brien family settled at Inman Avenue, Burnaby. Harry's mother, Mary Anne Crossan, was Gilmore Avenue School's first teacher. Harry left school in June of 1929. Harry’s father worked as the caretaker at Central Park around this time and Harry helped him to clear brush, plant trees and enforce the land clearing and wood cutting permit regulations held by men who were on script. Although too young to vote by just over a week, Harry O'Brien worked as a scrutineer for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) during the 1935 Federal Election. On October 12, 1940 Harry O'Brien married Gertrude Sutherland at St. John the Divine in Burnaby. The Sutherland family came to Burnaby from Winnipeg in 1933 and settled at Nelson Avenue. Harry began his involvement with the Unemployment Organization in Burnaby by participating in an organised protest against the municipality for homeowner evictions brought on by unpaid taxes. The South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed organised in order to protest rules around receiving Relief. Harry became involved, eventually becoming one of the spearheads of the organization, taking over as secretary by 1936. Harry was an original member of the Army of the Common Good, helping to produce over one hundred and twenty-five tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed Burnaby citizens suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The members of the Army of the Common Good who cut wood for consumption or worked in the gardens were given credit for their work through LU (Labour Units) which they could then use to buy groceries and that at the Army's Cooperative stores, one of which was at McKay Avenue, where Harry began working as Manager of Groceries in 1937. The Credit Union movement of British Columbia was also organized by Harry O'Brien and his fellow Army of the Common Good members. W.H. "Harry" O'Brien died July 1, 1992.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:17:56
Interviewee Name
O'Brien, Harry
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
Less detail

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