Narrow Results By
Subject
- Artifacts 1
- Buildings - Civic - Museums 4
- Buildings - Commercial 1
- Buildings - Commercial - Banks 1
- Buildings - Commercial - Offices 1
- Buildings - Commercial - Stores 1
- Buildings - Heritage 1
- Buildings - Industrial - Factories 1
- Buildings - Residential - Houses 2
- Construction 5
- Education 1
- Environmental Issues 1
Person / Organization
- Bradbury, Dr. Bettina 1
- British Columbia Electric Railway Company 9
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority 3
- British Columbia Teachers Credit Union 1
- Burnaby Automotive 1
- Burnaby Historical Society 1
- Burnaby Kingsway Rotary Club 1
- Burnaby Mountain Autobody 1
- Burnaby Village Museum 18
- Burnham, Edward Lewis "Ted" 1
- City of Burnaby 1
- Clark, Warren R. 2
Interview with Harry Royle June 20, 1975 - Track 6
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory116
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1930-1975
- Length
- 0:10:04
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to Harry Royle's thoughts on the unions of today. He also talks about Reeve William A. Pritchard and the Capitol Hill neighbourhood at the time of the Depression.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to Harry Royle's thoughts on the unions of today. He also talks about Reeve William A. Pritchard and the Capitol Hill neighbourhood at the time of the Depression.
- Date Range
- 1930-1975
- Photo Info
- Harry Royle smiling, in a suit and tie, photographed by Chidwich Studio [193-]. Item no. BV005.20.20
- Length
- 0:10:04
- Interviewer
- McLeod, Ross S.
- Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
- Interview Date
- June 20, 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Harry Royle by Ross S. McLeod (and Bettina Bradbury) June 20, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression and the running of a grocery store. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
- Biographical Notes
- Harry Royle was born in Gibraltar in 1898 to a Spanish mother and an English father (all of the Royle children except for one were born in Gibraltar). Harry's father served in the army for twenty-one years and because of that, the family moved regularly. While Harry was still a young baby, the Royle family moved to Ireland for six years, where he began his first years of schooling at the age of four. His dad retired from the army in 1907 and was sent to Canada with the BC Electric Company (the London General Army Buses Company). The rest of his family followed two years afterward in 1909 and settled in South Vancouver. Harry and his three brothers joined the army and were sent overseas as part of the second division. Luckily, they all returned home to Vancouver in 1919. Harry worked at the Hudson's Bay Company "counter jumping" before opening his own store in 1924 at 5527 Hastings Street and Ellesmere Avenue, a confectionery and general hangout for neighbourhood children."Harry's" was only twenty-five foot square and carried groceries obtained mainly from Kelly Douglas wholesalers. Most of Harry's customers worked at the mill at Barnet. Those that worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway were the few that still held jobs during the Depression. The store continued to serve the people of Capitol Hill throughout the Depression and war years, until Harry closed shop in 1945.
- Total Tracks
- 7
- Total Length
- 1:01:43
- Interviewee Name
- Royle, 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
- 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
Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory443
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1930-1990
- Length
- 00:07:58
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about the interurban tram service in Burnaby, how it was used, the interurban routes, reasons for closing the interurban and later building Skytrain, and attempts to purchase an old tram car for Heritage Village
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about the interurban tram service in Burnaby, how it was used, the interurban routes, reasons for closing the interurban and later building Skytrain, and attempts to purchase an old tram car for Heritage Village
- Date Range
- 1930-1990
- Photo Info
- Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012
- Length
- 00:07:58
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- March 14, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with former Mayor William “Bill” Lewarne, conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Lewarne 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 Lewarne’s business and political careers, and memories of growing up in South Burnaby in the 1930s. Bill Lewarne talks about his parent’s origins, his family and community struggles during the Depression, the interurban, his education, war service, and joining his father's business. He describes the start, operation and expansion of the family ice cream business, and how business life compared to political life. The interview explores the role of politics in community affairs, his political activities, the history of the BVA, and his involvement in various community organizations. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track, expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- William Alfred “Bill” Lewarne was born in Burnaby in 1926 to Ethel Cecilia Leer (1899- ) and Alfred Lewarne (1893-1962). The family, Ethel, Alfred and their three children Patricia, Beverley and William, moved to a house on Nelson Avenue in Alta Vista in 1931. Ethel still lived in the family home in 1990. Bill Lewarne attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). His father Alfred worked at Colony Farms as a dairy inspector and then for the Port of Vancouver Dairy before being laid off early in the Depression. The family struggled until in 1936 Alfred started his own ice cream business. After graduation Bill was in the army for two years, taking a refrigeration course under the veteran’s training benefit, before joining his father’s business. Three generations of the family operated the successful company, expanding from wholesale, retail and distribution of ice cream products into refrigerated warehouses and the wholesale ice business, until the business was sold to its competitor Dairyland in 1989. Bill Lewarne entered politics in 1965, first with the Nonpartisan Association (NPA) and then as a founder of the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). He served as an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. In 1979 he ran for provincial office for the Social Credit Party against Rosemary Brown but lost. Bill Lewarne married June Lawrence and they had three children Robert, Leslie and Janice. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, and continued to be active on the Board of the BCA. Bill Lewarne died in 1995.
- Total Tracks
- 14
- Total Length
- 1:34:40
- Interviewee Name
- Lewarne, William A. "Bill"
- 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
- 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 three of interview with Bill Lewarne
Track three of interview with Bill Lewarne
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-019/MSS187-019_Track_3.mp3Notice
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription994
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [before 1973]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.6 x 25.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a notice sign that was posted inside a British Columbia Electric Railway tram. It reads; "The Government of the Province of British Columbia / NOTICE / Spitting in this car is contrary to law, and is punishable by fine or imprisonment. / By Order / Provincial Board of Health. / BCER 1…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.6 x 25.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a notice sign that was posted inside a British Columbia Electric Railway tram. It reads; "The Government of the Province of British Columbia / NOTICE / Spitting in this car is contrary to law, and is punishable by fine or imprisonment. / By Order / Provincial Board of Health. / BCER 1203-B42."
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Accession Code
- HV973.41.3
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [before 1973]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For an earlier donation made by the same donor in regards to BCER tram, see accession HV972.202.
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-05-09
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Vancouver
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription999
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [before 1973]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.0 x 11.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a destination sign that reads "Vancouver" on a British Columbia Electric Railway tram. Just below the sign is a label that reads, "BCER 1231-B48."
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.0 x 11.4 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a destination sign that reads "Vancouver" on a British Columbia Electric Railway tram. Just below the sign is a label that reads, "BCER 1231-B48."
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Geographic Access
- Vancouver
- Accession Code
- HV973.41.8
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [before 1973]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For an earlier donation made by the same donor in regards to BCER tram, see accession HV972.202.
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-05-16
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Burnaby Lk
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1000
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [before 1973]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.0 x 11.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a destination sign that reads "Burnaby Lk" on a British Columbia Electric Railway tram. Just below the sign is a label that reads, "BCER 1231-B48." An earlier catalogue record notes the nameplate would have been placed at the front or back of the tram that could have travelled betwe…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.0 x 11.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a destination sign that reads "Burnaby Lk" on a British Columbia Electric Railway tram. Just below the sign is a label that reads, "BCER 1231-B48." An earlier catalogue record notes the nameplate would have been placed at the front or back of the tram that could have travelled between Vancouver and Burnaby.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Accession Code
- HV973.41.9
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [before 1973]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For an earlier donation made by the same donor in regards to BCER tram, see accession HV972.202.
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 2023-05-16
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Interview with Ted Burnham by Eric Damer September 19, 2012 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory313
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1946-1986
- Length
- 0:10:42
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Edward Lewis "Ted" Burnham's memories of the interurban tram. He mentions getting his driver's license and goes on to discuss more of his work history; in the computer industry, then in the medical industry.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Edward Lewis "Ted" Burnham's memories of the interurban tram. He mentions getting his driver's license and goes on to discuss more of his work history; in the computer industry, then in the medical industry.
- Date Range
- 1946-1986
- Photo Info
- Edward Lewis "Ted" Burnham, [195-]. Item no. 549-021.
- Length
- 0:10:42
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- September 19, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Edward Lewis "Ted" Burnham conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, September 19, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-fifties and nineteen-sixties.
- Biographical Notes
- E.L. "Ted" Burnham was born in 1930 and grew up in East Burnaby. He attended Armstrong Street and Edmonds Schools and then Trapp Technical High School before beginning work at a range of occupations in the late nineteen-forties. Ted studied business administration at the University of British Columbia and worked from 1953 to about 1958 for the municipality of Burnaby in the engineering and welfare departments, then briefly for Remington-Rand computers, and then at the Hannah Medical Clinic until 1973. After marrying in 1957, Ted and his wife moved from McKay Avenue to Kaymar Drive and raised two daughters. In the ninteen-seventies and later, Ted became involved in municipal politics, the Heritage Village, and in his own real estate and insurance business.
- Total Tracks
- 3
- Total Length
- 0:29:27
- Interviewee Name
- Burnham, Edward Lewis "Ted"
- Interview Location
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Interviewer Bio
- Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track two of recording of interview with Ted Burnham
Track two of recording of interview with Ted Burnham
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-006/MSS171-006_Track_2.mp3British Columbia Electric Railway Company timetables
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription996
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1946 and 1973]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a BC Electric Railway timetable for the Lulu Island Branch, Eburne, and New Westminster Line, including a Sunday schedule and freight schedule.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.4 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a BC Electric Railway timetable for the Lulu Island Branch, Eburne, and New Westminster Line, including a Sunday schedule and freight schedule.
- Accession Code
- HV973.41.5
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 1946 and 1973]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For an earlier donation made by the same donor in regards to BCER tram, see accession HV972.202.
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scan Date
- 2023-05-16
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
British Columbia Electric Railway Company timetables
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription997
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1946 and 1973]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.4 x 20.6 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of two British Columbia Electric Railway Company timetables for the Central Park line, one "corrected to October 15, 1933" and the other "corrected to May 16, 1946." Also in the photograph are two tickets, one reads, "Good for one fare at 10 for $1.25 between Vancouver and Burnaby North…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.4 x 20.6 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of two British Columbia Electric Railway Company timetables for the Central Park line, one "corrected to October 15, 1933" and the other "corrected to May 16, 1946." Also in the photograph are two tickets, one reads, "Good for one fare at 10 for $1.25 between Vancouver and Burnaby Northwest Zone" and the other reads, "Good for one fare between Vancouver and Park Ave."
- Accession Code
- HV973.41.6
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 1946 and 1973]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Related Material
- For an earlier donation made by the same donor in regards to BCER tram, see accession HV972.202.
- Scan Resolution
- 300
- Scan Date
- 2023-05-16
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Love farmhouse kitchen
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9916
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1966 and 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Love family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm print
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the Love farmhouse kitchen. while Elsie (nee Love) Hughes, her husband John and son Brent lived in the house. A large dining table sits in the forefront of the photograph and a wood stove sits against the back wall with a wooden drying rack suspended over top and an el…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Love family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm print
- Material Details
- Copy print was made from re-photographing an original colour slide
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of the Love farmhouse kitchen. while Elsie (nee Love) Hughes, her husband John and son Brent lived in the house. A large dining table sits in the forefront of the photograph and a wood stove sits against the back wall with a wooden drying rack suspended over top and an electric stove to the right. The house was located at 7651 Cumberland Street (Address pre 1960: 1390 Cumberland Road) and was moved from its original site to the Burnaby Village Museum in 1988 and designated a Municipal Heritage Landmark in 1992. Elsie is the daughter of Sarah (nee Love) and William Parker. Sarah and William purchased the house in 1928, shortly after the death of Sarah's father, Jesse Love. Sarah and William Parker lived in the house with their three children, Albert, Bill and Elsie. William Parker died in 1961 and Sarah continued to live in the house until 1966 before selling it to her daughter Elsie and son in law John Hughes. Elsie and John lived in the house with their son Brent until 1971.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Heritage
- Geographic Access
- Cumberland Street
- Street Address
- 7651 Cumberland Street
- Accession Code
- BV019.3.2
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [between 1966 and 1970]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- East Burnaby (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Cariboo-Armstrong Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 31-Jan-2019
- Scale
- 96
- Photographer
- Parker, Albert "Bert"
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
- History
- Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Subjects
- Education
- Environmental Issues
- Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
- Geographic Features
- Geographic Features - Parks
- Housing
- Occupations
- Occupations - Entrepreneurs
- Occupations - Writers
- Persons - Volunteers
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Social Issues
- Social Issues - Racism
- Religions
- Religions - Judaism
- Names
- Schwartz, William "Bill"
- Schwartz, Ellen
- City of Burnaby
- Polestar Communications
- British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.6
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Lake Area
- Notes
- Title based on contents of item
- Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3Interurban 1223
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37367
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [April 9, 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interurban tram on display at Edmonds and Kingsway. A note written at the bottom of the photograph reads: "app. April 9/70" but the date of the photograph may be earlier than 1970.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [April 9, 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 364-002
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interurban tram on display at Edmonds and Kingsway. A note written at the bottom of the photograph reads: "app. April 9/70" but the date of the photograph may be earlier than 1970.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Edmonds Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Edmonds Area
Images
Interurban 1223 window
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37368
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [April 9, 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a window, covered with wire, of interurban tram no. 1223, on display at Edmonds and Kingsway. A note written at the bottom of the photograph reads: "April 9/70" but the date of the photograph may be earlier than 1970.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [April 9, 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 24 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 364-003
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a window, covered with wire, of interurban tram no. 1223, on display at Edmonds and Kingsway. A note written at the bottom of the photograph reads: "April 9/70" but the date of the photograph may be earlier than 1970.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Edmonds Street
- Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Edmonds Area
Images
Interurban 1223's broken window
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37369
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [April 9, 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a broken window on interurban car no. 1223 on display at Edmonds and Kingsway. A note written at the bottom of the photograph reads: "April 9/70" but the date of the photograph may be earlier than 1970.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [April 9, 1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Photographs subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 19 x 24 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 364-004
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a broken window on interurban car no. 1223 on display at Edmonds and Kingsway. A note written at the bottom of the photograph reads: "April 9/70" but the date of the photograph may be earlier than 1970.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Edmonds Street
- Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Edmonds Area
Images
Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 5
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory445
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1970-1990
- Length
- 00:01:29
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about acquiring and maintaining streetcars for Burnaby Heritage Village
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about acquiring and maintaining streetcars for Burnaby Heritage Village
- Date Range
- 1970-1990
- Photo Info
- Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012
- Length
- 00:01:29
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- March 14, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with former Mayor William “Bill” Lewarne, conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Lewarne 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 Lewarne’s business and political careers, and memories of growing up in South Burnaby in the 1930s. Bill Lewarne talks about his parent’s origins, his family and community struggles during the Depression, the interurban, his education, war service, and joining his father's business. He describes the start, operation and expansion of the family ice cream business, and how business life compared to political life. The interview explores the role of politics in community affairs, his political activities, the history of the BVA, and his involvement in various community organizations. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track, expand this description and see “Notes”.
- Biographical Notes
- William Alfred “Bill” Lewarne was born in Burnaby in 1926 to Ethel Cecilia Leer (1899- ) and Alfred Lewarne (1893-1962). The family, Ethel, Alfred and their three children Patricia, Beverley and William, moved to a house on Nelson Avenue in Alta Vista in 1931. Ethel still lived in the family home in 1990. Bill Lewarne attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). His father Alfred worked at Colony Farms as a dairy inspector and then for the Port of Vancouver Dairy before being laid off early in the Depression. The family struggled until in 1936 Alfred started his own ice cream business. After graduation Bill was in the army for two years, taking a refrigeration course under the veteran’s training benefit, before joining his father’s business. Three generations of the family operated the successful company, expanding from wholesale, retail and distribution of ice cream products into refrigerated warehouses and the wholesale ice business, until the business was sold to its competitor Dairyland in 1989. Bill Lewarne entered politics in 1965, first with the Nonpartisan Association (NPA) and then as a founder of the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). He served as an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. In 1979 he ran for provincial office for the Social Credit Party against Rosemary Brown but lost. Bill Lewarne married June Lawrence and they had three children Robert, Leslie and Janice. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, and continued to be active on the Board of the BCA. Bill Lewarne died in 1995.
- Total Tracks
- 14
- Total Length
- 1:34:40
- Interviewee Name
- Lewarne, William A. "Bill"
- 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
- 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 five of interview with Bill Lewarne
Track five of interview with Bill Lewarne
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-019/MSS187-019_Track_5.mp3Libonati's Gun Shop exterior
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66101
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Libonati family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpeg)
- Scope and Content
- Photograph depicts an exterior view of Libonati's Gun Shop and Sporting Goods at 4261 Kingsway, along with other businesses on that block. Businesses left to right: Quality Auto Electric, Libonati's Gun Shop and Sporting Goods and Inter City Bowl bowling alley. Not shown in the picture were two o…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1970]
- Collection/Fonds
- Libonati family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph (jpeg)
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 522-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2011-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph depicts an exterior view of Libonati's Gun Shop and Sporting Goods at 4261 Kingsway, along with other businesses on that block. Businesses left to right: Quality Auto Electric, Libonati's Gun Shop and Sporting Goods and Inter City Bowl bowling alley. Not shown in the picture were two other business east of the bowling alley; namely, Low Cost Transmission and Kilpatrick Nursing Home which was at the corner of Chaffey before Chaffey was realigned. Libonati's Gun Shop was owned and operated by Denzil (Dan) Libonati, a long-time Burnaby businessman. Cars in the picture are a 1959 Willy's Jeep (Denzil's) and 1958 Chevrolet (unknown owner).
- Names
- Libonati's Gun Shop
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Street Address
- 4261 Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Maywood Area
Images
Interior of Interurban 1223
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35134
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- May 1971 (date of original), copied 1987
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.8 x 13.0 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Interurban tram no. 1223. The tram was on display at the Edmonds bus loop, Edmonds Street and Kingsway. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "Interior of tram 1223, May 1971, Archie Miller Photographer." The interior of the tram is heavily damaged.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- May 1971 (date of original), copied 1987
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Archie Miller subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.8 x 13.0 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 197-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1987-06
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the interior of Interurban tram no. 1223. The tram was on display at the Edmonds bus loop, Edmonds Street and Kingsway. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "Interior of tram 1223, May 1971, Archie Miller Photographer." The interior of the tram is heavily damaged.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Photographer
- Miller, Archie
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Geographic Access
- Edmonds Street
- Kingsway
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Stride Avenue Area
Images
Tram 1223 being moved to Burnaby's Centennial Heritage Village
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36099
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 17, 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 24.5 x 13.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company tram 1223 being moved from Edmonds Loop to Burnaby's Centennial Heritage Village, where it became a permanent archive. A man looks on as a railworker moves under the tram just as two large cranes lift it into the air.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- July 17, 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Columbian Newspaper subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 24.5 x 13.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 222-022
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- BHS1989-19
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company tram 1223 being moved from Edmonds Loop to Burnaby's Centennial Heritage Village, where it became a permanent archive. A man looks on as a railworker moves under the tram just as two large cranes lift it into the air.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Newspaper clipping glued to verso of photograph reads: "It took two cranes and about three hours to transport old B.C. Electric inter-urban tram car from it's former home at Edmonds Loop to it's new home at Burnaby's Centennial Heritage Village. Tram is to be a permanent archive at the village.
- July 17, 1971 is stamped on verso of photograph, overtop of the newspaper article
Images
Men and tram car on Heritage Village site
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2319
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1971
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of three men in front of tram car on Heritage Village site (now Burnaby Village Museum). Heritage Village opened on November 19, 1971. Heritage Village Museum director, Richard Lott is standing on the far left.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of three men in front of tram car on Heritage Village site (now Burnaby Village Museum). Heritage Village opened on November 19, 1971. Heritage Village Museum director, Richard Lott is standing on the far left.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Names
- Lott, Richard
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.365
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- 1971
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- 4-Aug-2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Interurban tram 1223
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2373
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1971]
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of BC Electric Interurban tram car number 1223. The interurban tram car was dedicated and placed at the Edmonds Bus Loop at Edmonds Street and Kingsway by the Burnaby Historical Society in 1958. The tram car was moved to Heritage Village Museum in 1971 and restored by the Friends of the …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of BC Electric Interurban tram car number 1223. The interurban tram car was dedicated and placed at the Edmonds Bus Loop at Edmonds Street and Kingsway by the Burnaby Historical Society in 1958. The tram car was moved to Heritage Village Museum in 1971 and restored by the Friends of the Interurban 1223.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Edmonds Street
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.419
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1971]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Stride Avenue Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- August 11, 2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Tram car plaque
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2374
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1971]
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the dedication plaque mounted on Interurban tram car no. 1223. The plaque reads: "This interurban tram car was built in 1913 be the St. Louis Car Co. for The British Columbia Electric Railway Co. and operated over that company's three lines in Burnaby until abandonment, November 17th …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Donald Copan collection
- Series
- Copan album series
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.9 x 12.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the dedication plaque mounted on Interurban tram car no. 1223. The plaque reads: "This interurban tram car was built in 1913 be the St. Louis Car Co. for The British Columbia Electric Railway Co. and operated over that company's three lines in Burnaby until abandonment, November 17th 1956. Throughout the nearly fifty years of its existence this tram and seventy similar cars carried many thousands of settlers and commuters and helped to build Burnaby into a thriving community of over 80,000." / "Dedicated and placed here by Burnaby Historical Society, Nov. 30th 1958." The tram was displayed at the Edmonds Bus Loop at Edmonds Street and Kingsway.
- Subjects
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Accession Code
- BV005.54.420
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [1971]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Stride Avenue Area
- Scan Resolution
- 600
- Scan Date
- August 11, 2020
- Scale
- 100
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph