34 records – page 1 of 2.

Burnaby centennial anthology : stories of early Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5472
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Edition
Rev. ed.
Publication Date
1994
Call Number
971.133 BUR COPY 3
. She was born in Peterhead, Scotland and lived there until her family moved to Philadelphia where they lived for six months. Margaret’s parents were not happy there, so when an uncle who lived in New Westminster encouraged them to come here, they wasted no time. Margaret was the oldest of five children
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282826
Call Number
971.133 BUR COPY 3
Edition
Rev. ed.
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
1994
Physical Description
531 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Burnaby (B.C.)
Biography
Notes
Includes index.
3 copies held: copy 3.
Digital Books
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Follow that fire : the history of the Burnaby Fire Department

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5194
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Penn, Douglas H. (Douglas Harold), 1947-
Publication Date
1997
Call Number
363.378 PEN COPY 3
laid over to further consideration.The Vancouver Sun reported on July 8, 1918, that for the previous few months, Vancouver and surrounding municipalities, including Burnaby, had suffered the worst per capita fire loss in the civilized world, the area's per capita loss being five times greater than
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282826
Call Number
363.378 PEN COPY 3
Author
Penn, Douglas H. (Douglas Harold), 1947-
Place of Publication
[Burnaby, B.C.]
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
1997
Physical Description
160 p. : ill. (some col.), 2 maps, ports. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Fire departments
Fire fighters
Name Access
Burnaby Fire Department
Notes
Maps on lining papers.
3 copies held: copy 3.
Digital Books
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Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19350
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 32 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 32 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar conducted by interviewer Anushay Malik. The interview is conducted in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. During the interview Surjeet Kaur Parmar provides information on; her ancestral background, family relations in India and…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 32 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 32 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Anushay Malik Interviewee: Surjeet Kaur Parmar Language of Interview: Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi Location of Interview: home of Surjeet Kaur Parmar in Burnaby Interview Date: December 6, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of tracks: (1:15:32) Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar conducted by interviewer Anushay Malik. The interview is conducted in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. During the interview Surjeet Kaur Parmar provides information on; her ancestral background, family relations in India and Canada, her personal experiences and her ancestors’ stories as South Asian immigrants, reflections on and personal experiences of racial discrimination as a South Asian immigrant, her places of residence, her employment background, her cultural practices and traditions including food, clothing and craft. The interview begins with introductions from interviewer Anushay Mailik. Surjeet Kaur Parmar imparts her own family’s migration story beginning with her very first elders that immigrated to Canada from India. A relative (unnamed) immigrated to Canada first and a few years later (around 1905) returned to India and brought back three cousins that included; Ginaya Singh (Ghania Singh Manhas) and Doman Singh . Mayo Singh (Ghania Singh’s younger brother) came in 1906 on his own to join them. Surjeet’s grandfather (Shair/Sher Singh Manhas) also wanted to immigrate at this time, but he was too young and weak to manage such a long trip. Surjeet conveys that while living in British Columbia, Mayo and Ginaya Singh worked together at saw mills. With their knowledge and understanding of mill work they ended up owning and operating a mill in Paldi near Duncan on Vancouver Island. At this time, most of the men from Surjeet’s family region in Punjab were abroad and with no men living at home. Mayo Singh’s father (Bhulla Singh) looked after her father (Lashman Singh Manhas) and paternal uncle (Kashmir Singh Manhas) back in Punjab. When Mayo’s father died, Mayo Singh adopted her paternal uncle (Kashmir Singh) and brought him to Canada in 1926. Surjeet describes her ancestors’ immigration journey from India to Canada. They all travelled by ship and if someone ran out of money en route, they could work on the ship. Surjeet explains that both Mayo and Ginaya Singh are Surjeet’s grandfather’s first cousins and her father’s second cousins. Surjeet recollects her grandfather (Shair/Sher Singh Manhas) saying “now that you’ve arrived there, take one cousin from each side with you”. Surjeet explains that the cousins were all from the same village in Punjab and her great grandfather wanted someone to go abroad, so he sent a few and had them bring more as the years went on. Surjeet says that she’s uncertain as to why they chose Canada rather than America but thinks that they did some form of research and determined that it was a good place to come to. Surjeet admits that she doesn’t know the name of her paternal grandfather or other elders since she never met them. Surjeet shares that it was a traditional practice to mark pots and pans with family names and imparts that she discovered her father’s name “Lashman Singh” written on the bottom of a glass. Surjeet expresses that she’s marked her own pots and pans with her name to identify which ones are hers when she gets together with family or does catering. Surjeet refers to a kohl bottle that she has and how she’d like to offer it to the museum. She explains how the kohl bottle is no longer in use but was used by her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas) and daughter and her grandchildren. Surjeet describes a blanket that she made called a “phulkari”, now on display in a small museum in Coquitlam, a wedding shawl, that her daughter now owns and a silk sari with embroidery. Surjeet and Anushay discuss the possibility of donating the kohl bottle and the sari to the museum. Surjeet explains how the kohl is used and how her mother used to make kohl. She describes how you rub the kohl with your hands, put cardamom in it, one or two other ingredients and fill the kohl bottle up with water. Surjeet says that she used kohl as eyeliner when living in India. The interviewer asks Surjeet more about Ginaya Singh. Surjeet conveys that Ginaya Singh ended up leaving the mill on Vancouver Island and moved to Vancouver. After Ginaya Singh died from a heart attack (in 1953) his family moved from Vancouver to Burnaby. Surjeet recalls that following the death of Ginaya Singh’s youngest son, her family didn’t celebrate “Lohri” (a winter festival celebrating newborns and newly married people) for three years. She shares that she was very young at this time but remembers there being beautiful photographs of young children all dressed up and displayed in her family home. She expresses that dressing up for photos has changed over time and adds that suits didn’t really come into fashion until after the 1970s or 1980s. Surjeet conveys that her uncle named Kashmira Singh first worked at the mill in Paldi near Duncan then moved to Vancouver and opened up his own mill in North Vancouver. Surjeet’s father, Lashman Singh Manhas arrived in 1953. Surjeet expresses that Kapoor Singh was educated and worked as a manager at the mill on Vancouver Island. Surjeet recollects meeting Mayo Singh, his wife and eldest son in 1952 when they travelled to India for a cousin’s wedding. Surjeet remembers that Mayo Singh’s family had a very large house in India. She describes the house as a very opulent two story house with indoor plumbing for a bathtub, a kitchen with a woodstove, coloured mirrors, bejeweled curtains, a motor room to park cars, a buffalo and more. Surjeet refers to Nand Singh, a younger brother of Mayo Singh, who travelled from India to San Franciso and spent a year wandering around before deciding to return to India. She describes him as living in Bombay with his wife Vishan Kaur and having a transport business. Nand had two kids that came to Canada. Surjeet recollects the tragic death of Ganda Singh (Ginaya Singh) who died of a heart attack on someone’s doorstep, they thought that he was drunk so didn’t open the door. Surjeet conveys that Mayo Singh’s wife, Mission Kaur (Saradani Bishan Kaur) died while visiting India (in 1952) and that some of Mayo’s sons were married in Canada and one in India. Surjeet expresses that it was hard for Mayo’s sons to have one of their parents die in India and one die in Canada (Mayo Singh died in B.C. in 1955). Surjeet describes the hospital that Mayo built in the village of Paldi. She mentions that there were festivals and functions that took place there, there were many nurses and doctors. She recalls there being a school where their land was. She recalls that if they got headaches they were treated with medicine and that it didn’t cost much, only a six pence. Surjeet talks about her arranged marriage to Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar. Surjeet explains that her father and brother immigrated to British Columbia first (1953) and after a few months they brought Surjeet and her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas). She recollects that when she was in Grade 10 and around 17 years of age, her family made plans to travel to India to attend a family wedding. During this time, her father suggested that it would be a good opportunity to take Surjeet with them to find her a husband in India to marry. After meeting and marrying Nadeem Parmar in India, Surjeet and Nadeem moved to England. Surjeet recollects that in order to immigrate to Canada, each family member had to pass a medical exam and how difficult it was. Her two sisters, mother and brother all had to take the test in Delhi. Surjeet recalls living in England with Nadeem. While living in England, Nadeem worked during the day and studied engineering at college in the evening. Surjeet expresses that she liked living in England and was sad to leave. While living there, they enjoyed a close knit Punjabi community and they all lived in the same area. Surjeet states later in her interview that living in Canada was different from living in England. In England, family and friends lived closer together whereas in Canada places were further apart. Surjeet says that while living in England she could walk to do her shopping. While living in England, after her children were a bit older, she worked as a seamstress in a shirt factory for a few years before coming to Canada. Surjeet imparts that her father (Lashman Singh Manhas) died of a heart attack in 1970 and her mother (Budhan Kaur Manhas) died in 1998. Her father and her family first lived in North Vancouver and then her parents bought a house on Eton Street in Burnaby, near the Ocean. After her father died, her brother and mother bought a house and moved to the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in Burnaby. In 1973, Surjeet, Nadeem and their two children immigrated to Canada and moved in with her brother and mother. Surjeet includes that her paternal aunt (Koshali Kaur Manhas) and cousins also moved to Burnaby and that her aunt and some of her cousins were sponsored by her son who came earlier. Surjeet recalls that after arriving in Canada she got work sewing in a factory located on Water Street in Gastown. Surjeet recollects travelling to her job by bus. Surjeet shares that she brought saris and quilted blankets “rijai”, not household items, in her suitcase when she came to Canada from England. Surjeet explains that the “rijai” (quilted blankets) were made from cotton from her home village in India. The blankets were made by women and then brought back to her to quilt on her sewing machine. Surjeet recalls that when she returned to Canada (in 1973 with her husband and children) they first lived with her mother and brother on Capitol Hill in Burnaby before moving to a house on Fell Avenue and then to their current home in 1982. In 1981, she worked at “Canadian Window Covering” factory making window coverings. The factory was located in the Brentwood area of Burnaby. Surjeet recalls how the factory became unionized and of how she left the factory and found union work at the Labatt’s brewery (Winery and Distillery Workers Local 300). Surjeet describes the work that she did while working at Labatt’s brewery which was located next to the Royal Columbian Hospital in Burnaby. Around 1995, when the Labatt’s factory closed down in Burnaby, she got union work as a bottle sorter for BDL Brewers Distributor Limited, where bottles were gathered for distribution at Braid Station. Surjeet left this job in 2000. Surjeet talks about traditional foods like bindi, sabji, aam and karela and where she’s shopped to find traditional ingredients for South Asian cuisine. She recollects how at first she could only find traditional ingredients at stores in Gastown, Chinatown and on Main Street in Vancouver but now they are more readily available at major grocery stores. Surjeet expresses that traditional spices and dry goods have been hard to find, apart from stores like, Famous Foods and Patels when it was located on Commercial Drive. Surjeet talks about using ingredients such as green pea flour and Besan flour to make pakoras and kahdri. Surjeet states that many immigrants didn’t wear their traditional clothing until she came later. She expresses that many South Asian immigrants didn’t wear their clothes “because there were no rights, we had to try to become like them”. Surjeet conveys that even though some were able to purchase property (she provides an example of family members in Duncan who faced discrimination by the owner/seller of a piece of property they were purchasing) that they had very little rights and they were all living in fear. She expresses that she herself didn’t experience this but in the beginning when people settled here (in B.C.) that it was very difficult. Surjeet says that when she goes to the Gurdwara and to work, she wears a sari and conveys that while working at the factory, she was encouraged to wear a sari, it was accepted then. She brought printed saris to work and her co workers said that they’d wear them to parties. Surjeet reflects on her own experiences of racism and discrimination and expresses that her generation “has learned how to stand up in front, then they got scared of saying anything”. “The people who came here first were afraid because they were alone, they had to settle down here and make a home from scratch, but the ones who came after had everything already built and made”. She explains how they helped one another when they came (to British Columbia). She describes how the Gurdwara was located on 2nd Street and all of the ships went there (new immigrants?), people would gather, get water, help one another and there would be a place for all people. Surjeet shares a personal experience of helping members of her husband’s family to immigrate to Canada. She tells of the complications of some being left behind in India and that some came to Canada as refugees that she and her husband sponsored. Surjeet expresses their struggles with raising a family, working and trying to pay for their own house while also trying to assist and support family members. Surjeet describes in detail how her husband Nadeem went back to India after his mother died to help his father, sister and her family immigrate. She explains that the immigration process took about four years and his father had to apply as a refugee. Nadeem’s sister came with her children but had to return to India so Surjeet and her family had to look after Nadeem’s sister’s child/children. Surjeet expresses that during this time she continued to work at Canadian Window Coverings, working an afternoon shift and sometimes taking her son with her. She expresses that this as a very hectic time, working the whole day, making food for everyone, grocery shopping, looking after a her sister in law’s younger child at night and getting no rest. Surjeet describes the time when she was working and her children were attending the local school. She expresses the challenges of working long days and often arriving home after her children. She recollects a time when there was a snow storm and how she was worried about her children making it home and being alone while she was at work, there were no cell phones in those days but they had phone numbers of her brother and sister. Surjeet tells of how they tried to help the rest of the Nadeem’s family immigrate including his brother who was a soccer player in India. They were able to buy a house for the whole family to live but expresses after several months Nadeem’s brother decided to stay in India. Surjeet expresses the complications and frustrations of trying to bring all family members to Canada.
History
Interviewee biography: Surjeet Kaur Parmar was born in Punjab, India in 1942 to parents Lashman Singh Manhas (1913-1970) and Budhan Kaur Manhas (1906-1998). Surjeet’s ancestors, Ghania Singh Manhas, Doman Singh and Mayo Singh immigrated to British Columbia in 1905 and 1906. The group got work in saw mills and soon began owning and operating their own saw mills, first in Chilliwack and Rosedale districts and later in 1920 on Vancouver Island near Duncan (Paldi) (known as the Mayo Lumber Company). In 1927, Surjeet’s paternal uncle, Kashmir Singh Manhas left Paldi, Punjab at the age of 18 years with Mayo Singh Manhas and after months of travel they arrived at Paldi on Vancouver Island. In 1953, Surjeet’s father, Lashman Singh Manhas and her two brothers immigrated to Canada and soon after brought her and her mother, Budhan Kaur Manhas. After immigrating, her father began working at “Kashmir Lumber Company” in North Vancouver which was owned by his brother Kashmira Singh Manhas. Surjeet, her parents and two brothers first made their home in North Vancouver and the 1960s they moved to 3824 Eton Street in Burnaby. In 1959, Surjeet and her family returned to India for her brother’s wedding. During this time a marriage was arranged for Surjeet to marry Nadeem Parmar and they were married in 1960. Following their marriage, Surjeet and Nadeem moved to England where they began raising their two children. While living in England, Surjeet worked as seamstress at a factory. In 1973, following the death of Surjeet’s father who died in 1970, Surjeet and Nadeem decided to immigrate to British Columbia. For the first few years, Surjeet, Nadeem and their two children lived with her mother and brother in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Burnaby before purchasing their own home on Fell Avenue. While living in Burnaby Surjeet has worked as a seamstress for Canadian Window Covering, Labatt's Brewery and BDL Brewers Distributor Limited which she left in 2000. In 1982, Surjeet and her family moved into a new home that they had built on Woodsworth Street where they still live today. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Industrial - Saw Mills
Clothing
Crafts
Employment
Migration
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Occupations - Labourers
Occupations - Millworkers
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Names
Parmar, Surjeet Kaur
Parmar, Kalwant Singh "Nadeem"
Manhas, Ghania Singh
Singh, Mayo
Manhas, Kashmir Singh
Manhas, Sher Singh
Manhas, Budhan Kaur
Manhas, Lashman Singh
Accession Code
BV022.29.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also BV022.29.1 - interview with Kalwant Singh "Nadeem" Parmar
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription of interview translated to English from Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to English created by Rajdeep
Transciption available on Heritage Burnaby
Spelling of "Ginaya Singh" found as "Ghania Singh Manhas" in obituary and death certificate
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar, [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

Interview with Surjeet Kaur Parmar, [1905-2022] (interview content), interviewed 6 Dec. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0005_003.mp3
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Gordon Presbyterian Church fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97220
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912-1950 (date of originals); 2012
Collection/Fonds
Gordon Presbyterian Church fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
9 photograph : col ; 10 x 15 cm.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs created by members of the Gordon Presbyterian Church that depict the Church and district as well as events and activities undertaken by or for church groups. Included in the fonds are photographs taken at the Church's one hundredth anniversary event.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912-1950 (date of originals); 2012
Collection/Fonds
Gordon Presbyterian Church fonds
Physical Description
9 photograph : col ; 10 x 15 cm.
Description Level
Fonds
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2013-12
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs created by members of the Gordon Presbyterian Church that depict the Church and district as well as events and activities undertaken by or for church groups. Included in the fonds are photographs taken at the Church's one hundredth anniversary event.
History
In November 1911, a small group of people met at Morton Hall on Edmonds Street, Burnaby, to organize a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. David J. Gordon, a student from Westminster Hall Theological College, was in charge. By 1912, a building was erected on two lots and named the Gordon Presbyterian Church. A new sanctuary was built in 1956 and, due to the increase in the congregation, a Christan Education Centre was added in 1974. The longest minister to serve the congregation was Reverend George Philps and his wife Margaret. After 21 years, he retired in 1987. In April of 1988, Reverend Charles Scott began serving. Six months later, a fire broke out in the centre portion of the complex. For many months, while reconstruction continued, worship services were held at the Edmonds Community Centre for the Retired. In 2001, Reverend Cal MacLeod and his wife Robin joined the congregation. Mrs. Marie Douglas, wife of retired minister Reverend R. J. Douglas and mother of missionary to India, Ellen Douglas, started the first Women’s Missionary Auxiliary in 1932. The Ladies Aid Societies were an active force in the Gordon Presbyterian Church. In 1957, the original Ladies Aid became known as the Margaret Hall Circle, named after Margaret Philps’ mother, who had been an active member. For many years, the COC, Explorers and CGIT were very active and Sunday School classes have been in operation since the beginning.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Gordon Presbyterian Church
Notes
Title based on content of fonds
PC 555
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Burnaby's Best Baby contest subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18774
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1991-1994
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
6.5 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records regarding the Burnaby's Best Baby Contest and temporary exhibit created by Burnaby Village Museum.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum exhibits series
Subseries
Burnaby's Best Baby contest subseries
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
6.5 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records regarding the Burnaby's Best Baby Contest and temporary exhibit created by Burnaby Village Museum.
History
The first contest for Burnaby's Best Baby was held in September 1930. It was sponsored by the Burnaby Broadcast newspaper, with arrangements made by the Victorian Order of Nurses and judging by the Medical Health Officer and School Board doctor. The first winner was Lois Smith, who was presented with the Broadcast Trophy. A few years earlier, in 1922, a province wide "Better Babies Contest" was held at the New Westminster Exhibition. The babies were judged on their health, nutrition and physical form. Margaret Louise Lovell of Vancouver was the first prize winner of a five dollar coin. Burnaby's own Catherine Corker was another provincial winner in the nineteen twenties. In the early nineteen eighties, Burnaby Village Museum revived the contest as "Burnaby's Better Baby Contest" . The contest was run annually by Burnaby Village Museum until 1994 and was also known as "Burnaby's Best Baby Contest" and "Best Baby in Burnaby". The contest was limited to Burnaby residents who were twelve months and younger.
Accession Code
BV020.5
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
Reproductions subject to FIPPA
Date
1991-1994
Media Type
Textual Record
Notes
Title based on contents of subseries
Less detail

City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription29
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2021
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
130m of textual records and other material
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2021
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Physical Description
130m of textual records and other material
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
Subject to FOIPPA
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records generated in the course of municipal business by City Council and the Office of the City Clerk.
History
The City of Burnaby covers an area of approximately 98 square kilometers between the cities of Vancouver to the west, and Coquitlam and New Westminster to the east, Burrard Inlet to the north, and the Fraser River to the south. The municipality derived its name from Robert Burnaby, a prominent businessman and advisor to Sir James Douglas, the first Governor of the Crown Colony of British Columbia. Burnaby’s early development was closely tied to the development of the City of New Westminster. New Westminster became British Columbia’s capital in 1859, the year after the British Government proclaimed the establishment of British Columbia. Shortly thereafter, the Royal Engineers began exploring Burnaby to establish military defenses and secure natural resources. This involved the construction of a road linking New Westminster to Burrard Inlet for military purposes, which is present-day North Road. At this time, individuals and families began settling in Burnaby and were largely involved in agricultural and logging activities. Burnaby developed slowly until 1887, when the Canadian Pacific Railway was extended into Vancouver from the Port Moody terminal, causing a dramatic increase in traffic between New Westminster and Vancouver. To meet the new transportation demands, a tramline was built in 1891 connecting the two urban centers along what is now Kingsway. The creation and location of the tramline induced property owners to begin subdividing and selling their lands as early as October 1891. The property taxes the roughly 200 residents paid at this time went directly to the provincial government in Victoria. No local services were provided in turn, which prompted the formation of a committee to petition the provincial government for a municipal charter. As a result, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was incorporated by letters patent on September 22, 1892. Burnaby’s first Council was elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892 and consisted of Reeve Charles R. Shaw and councillors William Brenchley, Arthur De Windt Hazard, L. Claude Hill, William McDermott, and John Woolard.* The first formal Council election was conducted three months later. Nicolai Shou became the first elected reeve of Burnaby by ballot. Council met at various locations, including the tramline’s power house, private homes, and offices until the first municipal hall was built at Kingsway and Edmonds in 1899. Council is ultimately responsible for the government of the City of Burnaby. The Mayor (formally called “Reeve” prior to 1968) and Council are elected by the residents of Burnaby to represent them in decisions with respect to the provision of public services and facilities. Additionally, the Mayor represents the citizens of Burnaby at various public functions and events. Burnaby was without Council representation during most of the Great Depression and part of the Second World War. Council was disbanded on December 31, 1932 as a result of financial difficulties. The Provincial Government appointed a Commissioner to take over the duties of Reeve and Council beginning in 1933. This system of government was retained until January 1943, when Burnaby residents could once again elect their local government officials. The following individuals have served as Mayor (or Reeve) of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Schou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 John W. Weart 1911-1912 Duncan C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 Thomas Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 William L. Burdick 1929 William A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorley 1954-1957 Alan H. Emmott 1958-1968 Robert W. Prittie 1969-1973 Thomas W. Constable 1973-1979 David M. Mercier 1979-1981 William A. Lewarne 1981-1987 William J. Copeland 1987-1996 Douglas P. Drummond 1996-2002 Derek R. Corrigan 2002-2018 Mike Hurley 2018-present The following individuals have served as provincially appointed Commissioners for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby: John Bennett 1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R.S. Gilchrist 1941-1942* B.C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner. Closely associated with the functions of Council is the City Clerk. The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for the statutory duties of the municipal clerk including the preparation and preservation of all minutes books and records of Council business, custody of City bylaws, administrative support to Council and its Committees, preparation of Council and Committee agendas and the conduct of local government elections. The Clerk’s Office is the communications link between Council and other City Departments and the general public, and provides assistance and advice to citizens with respect to Council and Council Committee processes, reporting procedures and decisions. At the time of Burnaby’s incorporation in 1892, the municipal Clerk had the responsibility to attend all meetings of Council, keep all records of Council, prepare and alter voters’ lists, conduct Council elections, collect revenue, as well as having the responsibility to prepare balance sheets and audits. An advertisement in a local newspaper for the appointment of the Clerk dated February 1, 1905 states the “united offices of clerk, collector and assessor” receive a salary of $65.00 per month. Originally the treasurer, assessor and records manager for the corporation, the Clerk eventually became the municipal Council liaison. The primary functions of the City Clerk over time have been the keeping of minutes for the meetings of City Council and related bodies; keeping the records of the City of Burnaby as required by the Local Government Act (formally Municipal Act); keeping all records related to City Council decision making; carrying out correspondence on behalf of Council; assembling voters’ lists and carrying out elections; providing communication, information, and public relations services, including responsibility for civic ceremonies/events, and the municipal archives. The following individuals have served as City Clerk: Alexander Philip 1892–1894 Alfred Smither 1894–1899 F.J.H. Shirley 1899–1901 Arthur De Windt Haszard 1901–1902 Walter J. Walker 1902–1905 Benjamin George Walker 1905–1908 Charles Thomas Saunders 1908–1911 W.M. Griffiths 1911–1912 Arthur G. Moore 1912–1933 Charles Boyer Brown 1933–1959 John H. Shaw 1959–1973* James Hudson 1974–1984 Charles A. Turpin 1984–1995 Debbie R. Comis 1995–2011 Anne Skipsey (Acting) 2011-2012 Maryann Manuel (Acting) 2012-2014 Dennis Back 2014-2018 Kate O'Connell 2018-2020 Blanka Zeinabova 2020-2022 *Deputy City Clerk T. Ward took over many of the Clerk’s duties from 1972 to 1973 due to Shaw’s ill health during these years.
Formats
Microforms exist for some records. See series descriptions.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
City of Burnaby
Notes
Title based on creators of fonds
Less detail

Donald N. Brown subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1925 (date of original)-1995
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and other material
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of photographs taken by Freeman Donald N. Brown while involved in Burnaby Historical Society activities and textual records pertaining to his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also included in the subseries are documents and photographs from his involvement with vari…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1925 (date of original)-1995
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Donald N. Brown subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and other material
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS1987-03
BHS2003-04
BHS1992-20
BHS1995-09
BHS2000-10
BHS1991-41
BHS2001-12
BHS2004-01
BHS2004-12
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of photographs taken by Freeman Donald N. Brown while involved in Burnaby Historical Society activities and textual records pertaining to his career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also included in the subseries are documents and photographs from his involvement with various community groups including the Oakalla Lands Citizens' Committee, renovations of Burnaby Village Museum, and the restoration of Interurban tram no. 1223.
History
Donald Neil "Don" Brown was born in Birmingham, England. In 1922, while still an infant, he and his family moved to Winnipeg, Canada. On September 8, 1939, Don left his Senior Matriculation classes to join the Royal Canadian Engineers. Two weeks later, he eloped with his high school sweetheart, Helen J., just months before he was to be shipped overseas with the 3rd Contingent of Canadian Troops. He served in the army with the Royal Canadian Engineer’s 12th Field Company and saw action in both Sicily and Italy. In 1945, Don returned to obtain his Senior Matriculation and a year of university studies before re-enlisting in the army as a Second Lieutenant. He spent the next two years stationed in Chilliwack with Helen and their first child. In 1947, he left the army to join the ranks of the British Columbia Provincial Police force, embarking on a three-decade long career. His first assignment brought him to Burnaby where he served from 1947-1954, first as a member of the BC Police Department and then as a Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman. In 1954, Don was transferred to Regina, Saskatchewan and then to Ottawa, Ontario to serve in the Crime Detection Laboratories. He became a qualified Examiner of Questioned Documents and provided expert testimony in handwriting, counterfeiting, graphic arts, and alterations. He attained the rank of first Corporal, and then Sergeant in the RCMP. He was transferred to Vancouver to be the Second in Charge of a new laboratory and head of the Document Section in July, 1963. On December 9, 1967, Helen Brown ran as an independent for the position of Alderman on the Burnaby Council. She was not elected. In May 1970, Don was promoted to Sub-Inspector and transferred to Edmonton to take command of the new Crime Detection Laboratory. By 1972, he was promoted to full Inspector. Transferred back to Vancouver in 1975, Don became the Officer-in-Charge of a new Crime Laboratory and took over the National Police Services pilot project for British Columbia. He was rewarded for this work with a promotion to Superintendent in September 1975. In 1976, after a distinguished 35 years combined service to the armed forces and the police, Don retired and founded his own laboratory to carry on his work in the field of questioned documents. He became a Fellow (Emeritus) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, a Life Member (Emeritus) and Past Director of the Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences, a Member of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners. After his retirement, Don became involved in local politics and, with the blessing of his wife and six children, joined the Burnaby Voters’ Association as their Secretary. In 1978 he was elected to a two-year term as a Burnaby School Trustee. During the next municipal election in November 1979, he successfully ran for Alderman. Don Brown served Burnaby as Alderman from 1979 to 1985. During this time, Don also became a member of the Community College for the Retired, the Horsemen’s Society and the Burnaby Historical Society. He also gave his support to Arts Council programs and numerous other community functions over the years and author "Why?: The Last Years of the British Columbia Policy 1858-1950" about the BC Provincial Police. In 1991, Don was appointed as Chair of the Burnaby Centennial Committee, dedicating himself to making Burnaby’s Centennial celebration a memorable success. His contributions were always supported by his wife Helen, and their work during the Centennial Year was just one example of the strength of their 66-year partnership. They were both formally recognized for their efforts when they were chosen to receive the Kushiro Cup and named the Citizens of the Year in 1992. Also that year, Don was a recipient of the Canadian 125 Medal and one year later, in March 1993, Donald Brown was awarded Burnaby’s highest honour and was made a Freeman of the City of Burnaby. Don passed away in 2009.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Moving Images
Creator
Brown, Donald N. "Don"
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
PC194, PC241, MSS098, MSS148
Less detail

Doreen Lawson fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58356
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1950-2002
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
18 cm of textual records + approx. 1000 photographs
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records created and received by Doreen Lawson during her career as Parks Commissioner (1965-1971), Burnaby City Council member (1972-1985, 1990-1999) and environmental advocate following her retirement from Council in 1999. Records include election campaign materials, congratulat…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1950-2002
Collection/Fonds
Doreen Lawson fonds
Physical Description
18 cm of textual records + approx. 1000 photographs
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2003-30
2015-15
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of records created and received by Doreen Lawson during her career as Parks Commissioner (1965-1971), Burnaby City Council member (1972-1985, 1990-1999) and environmental advocate following her retirement from Council in 1999. Records include election campaign materials, congratulatory letters and correspondence, community speeches and slideshow presentations regarding the conservation of Burnaby Lake, the administrative papers of the Burnaby Centennial Rhododendron and Spring Flower Show Society, and photographs of Burnaby waterways and wildlife.
History
Doreen Anne Fowler Lawson was born July 8, 1928, to Eva Barnhill and Leonard Fowler. Her parents met in Alberta but decided to move to Vancouver where they got married and Doreen was born. The family moved to the north side of Claude Avenue in Burnaby when Doreen was a few months old. In 1931, they moved to a house with an acre of land directly across the street from their first house.
When Doreen was six, her family moved to Collingwood, Vancouver, near where her father grew up. This is where her brother Ron was born. The family moved again to County Line in Langley Prairie in 1944, which is where Doreen met Edward Lawson, her future husband. Soon after, they moved to a seven-acre plot in Burquitlam. Ed and Doreen Lawson’s eldest daughter, Linda, was born in 1954. Their second daughter, Wendy, was born in 1959 and their youngest, Lisa, was born in 1961. They lived in the Brentwood area, where all three daughters attended Brentwood Elementary School. Linda went on to Alpha Secondary School.
In 1945, Doreen began her first of several office jobs, and in the early 1950s she became the first woman to be elected into a vice-president position within the BC Trade Union Congress (now the BC Federation of Labour).
Doreen Lawson had a long and prolific political career, starting as Parks Commissioner in 1965, and serving as its chair from 1969 to 1971. She was instrumental in the selection and promotion of the rhododendron as the official flower of Burnaby in 1966. In 1971, she was elected to Burnaby City Council and, in 1972, Doreen proposed that Council take action to declare Burnaby Lake a wildlife sanctuary. After a 10-year campaign, she was able to convince Council to declare the park “a nature conservation area.” She put forward a policy of preservation for creeks and streams, as well as a proposal to preserve trees in subdivisions, both of which were adopted by Council. Doreen continued to serve on Council until 1985, during which time she initiated and chaired the Burnaby Information Committee, which designed the present Burnaby logo (and official flower pins) and established the Information Burnaby Newsletter. In 1979 Doreen Lawson won Vancouver Natural History Society’s Frank Sanford Award.
In 1984, Doreen was elected the first woman president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Doreen ran as a BC Liberal Party candidate in the new Federal Riding of Burnaby in 1979, and from 1985 to 1987, she served as the Executive Director of the British Columbia Liberal Party. As the B.C. Liberal Party Executive Director, her major responsibility was to work with both the Federal and Provincial Associations in implementing riding organizations and fundraising programs in preparation for election time. In the 1980s, Doreen was an active guest lecturer at Burnaby Elementary and High Schools as well as at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. Doreen was active in a variety of community clubs and organizations including: the Burnaby Library Board; Greater Vancouver Spinners and Weavers Guild; and Vancouver Natural History Society. She was an executive member of the Burnaby-New Westminster Canada Summer Games; the Burnaby Division of the United Way; Information Burnaby Committee; and the Brentwood Parent Teachers Association; as well as serving as the President of the Burnaby Voters Association from 1988-1990.
In 1990, Doreen was elected back to Burnaby Council and put forward the rejuvenation of Burnaby Lake which she saw completed before her final year on Council in 1999. Doreen continued to be a strong environmental advocate for the protection and rejuvenation of Burnaby Lake after she retired from council.
Doreen Lawson died October 11, 2003.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Lawson, Doreen A.
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS071, photo catalogue 605, photo catalogue 618
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Eagles family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97217
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1919-1995
Collection/Fonds
Eagles family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
40 files of textual records and 1489 photographs (6 col. prints, 10 x 15 cm; 1,444 col. slides, 35 mm).
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records, correspondence, and photographs created by Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles related to their home and garden in the Deer Lake area of Burnaby. Also included in the collection are records pertaining the Burnaby Historical Society, the book "The Fraser's History from Glac…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1919-1995
Collection/Fonds
Eagles family fonds
Physical Description
40 files of textual records and 1489 photographs (6 col. prints, 10 x 15 cm; 1,444 col. slides, 35 mm).
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2008-10
Scope and Content
Collection consists of records, correspondence, and photographs created by Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles related to their home and garden in the Deer Lake area of Burnaby. Also included in the collection are records pertaining the Burnaby Historical Society, the book "The Fraser's History from Glaciers to Early Settlements" and the Eagles' visit to Robert Burnaby's grave.
History
Blythe Eagles's paternal grandparents, Charles and Maude Eagles, immigrated to New Westminster in 1887. Their son Jack married Amelia Jane Johnston, and Blythe Eagles was born in New Westminster in 1902. In 1918, Blythe enrolled at the University of British Columbia and took a Physiology class with eight other top students. His future wife, Violet Dunbar, was the lone woman in the class. Blythe graduated in 1922, winning the Governor General's Gold Medal as top student. He received his MA in 1924 and his PhD in 1926 from the University of Toronto. He then completed his post-doctoral study at the National Institute for Medical Research in London, England. In 1933, Dr. Eagles became head of the Department of Dairying (1936-1955), Chairman of the Division of Animal Science (1955-1967), and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (in 1949 until his retirement in 1967). In 1968, he received an Honorary Doctor of Science Award from UBC. Blythe was also one of the first appointments to the Burnaby Town Planning Commission. Violet Evelyn Dunbar was born September 29, 1899, in Ontario, the eldest child of John and Mary (Tompson) Dunbar. Violet obtained her BA in 1921 and MA in 1922 from the University of British Columbia. In 1922, she attended the Provincial Normal School and, within six months, had a teaching certificate and taught at Lord Hudson School in 1923. In September 1923, she was awarded a two-year scholarship to the University of Toronto, where she joined Blythe in the Bio-Chemistry Department. She received a second MA and a PhD in 1929. Her graduate studies entailed research in pure proteins and enzymes related to the commercial production of cheese. Through this work, she was recognized as one of the leading enzyme chemists in the country, being a senior lab instructor of biochemistry. Violet was one of the founders of the Burnaby Council of Women and active member of the International Council of Women. Blythe and Violet Eagles purchased property at Deer Lake in 1929 and began construction of their home shortly before their marriage on June 25, 1930. The Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles Estate is a unique expression of the talents and tastes of both the Eagles and Frank Ebenezer Buck (1875-1970), who was head of the Horticultural Department and the Campus Landscape Architect at U.B.C. and established the plan for the Eagles garden while Blythe selected many of the plantings. The Eagles themselves designed the house as a romantic cottage inspired by the British Arts and Crafts style. Violet was an enthusiastic amateur gardener, maintaining and continually developing the garden. The Eagles were active volunteers in the local community as well as at UBC. When Simon Fraser University opened in Burnaby, they became well-known for entertaining dignitaries and special guests of the university in their lavish garden. After Violet's death in 1993, the estate was sold to the City of Burnaby. The funds were used to establish a Chair in Agriculture at the University of British Columbia in their memory.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Other Title Information
Title was changed from Eagles family collection to Eagles family fonds to better reflect the nature of the materials.
Notes
Title based on contents of collection
BHS245, BHS331, BHS404, MSS032, BHS314, BHS482, MSS055
Less detail

Eagles family subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912 -1995
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and photographs
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records, correspondence, and photographs created by Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles related to their home and garden in the Deer Lake area of Burnaby. Also included in the subseries are records pertaining the Burnaby Historical Society, the book "The Fraser's History from Glacie…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912 -1995
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Eagles family subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and photographs
Description Level
Subseries
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1990-11
BHS1996-21
BHS2000-04
BHS1987-07
BHS1995-06
BHS1991-18
BHS1995-03
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records, correspondence, and photographs created by Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles related to their home and garden in the Deer Lake area of Burnaby. Also included in the subseries are records pertaining the Burnaby Historical Society, the book "The Fraser's History from Glaciers to Early Settlements" and the Eagles' visit to Robert Burnaby's grave.
History
Blythe Eagles's paternal grandparents Charles and Maude Eagles immigrated to New Westminster in 1887. Their son Jack married Amelia Jane Johnston, and Blythe Eagles was born in New Westminster in 1902. In 1918, Blythe enrolled at the University of British Columbia and took a Physiology class with eight other top students; his future wife, Violet Dunbar, was the lone woman in the class. Blythe graduated in 1922, winning the Governor General's Gold Medal as top student. He received his MA in 1924 and his PhD in 1926 from the University of Toronto. He then completed his post-doctoral study at the National Institute for Medical Research in London, England. In 1933, Dr. Eagles became head of the Department of Dairying (1936-1955), Chairman of the Division of Animal Science (1955-1967), and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (in 1949 until his retirement in 1967). In 1968 he received an Honourary Doctor of Science Award from UBC. Blythe was also one of the first appointments to the Burnaby Town Planning Commission. Violet Evelyn Dunbar was born September 29, 1899 in Ontario, the eldest child of John and Mary (Tompson) Dunbar. Violet obtained her BA in 1921 and MA in 1922 from the University of British Columbia. In 1922 she attended the Provincial Normal School and within six months had a teaching certificate and taught at Lord Hudson School in 1923. In September 1923, she was awarded a two-year scholarship to the University of Toronto, where she joined Blythe in the Bio-Chemistry Department. She received a second MA and a PhD in 1929. Her graduate studies entailed research in pure proteins and enzymes related to the commercial production of cheese. Through this work, she was recognized as one of the leading enzyme chemists in the country, being a senior lab instructor of biochemistry. Violet was one of the founders of the Burnaby Council of Women and active member of the International Council of Women. Blythe and Violet Eagles purchased property at Deer Lake in 1929 and began construction of their home shortly before their marriage on June 25, 1930. The Drs. Blythe and Violet Eagles Estate is a unique expression of the talents and tastes of both the Eagles and Frank Ebenezer Buck (1875-1970), who was head of the Horticultural Department and the Campus Landscape Architect at U.B.C. and established the plan for the Eagles garden while Blythe selected many of the plantings. The Eagles themselves designed the house as a romantic cottage inspired by the British Arts and Crafts style. Violet was an enthusiastic amateur gardener, maintaining and continually developing the garden. The Eagles were active volunteers in the local community as well as at UBC. When Simon Fraser University opened in Burnaby, they became well-known for entertaining dignitaries and special guests of the university in their lavish garden. After Violet's death in 1993, the estate was sold to the City of Burnaby. The funds were used to establish a Chair in Agriculture at the University of British Columbia in their memory.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Eagles, Dr. Blythe
Eagles, Dr. Violet
Notes
Title based on creator and contents of subseries
PC245, PC331, PC404, MSS032, PC314, PC482, MSS055
Less detail

Family photograph album

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93398
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1960-2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 album (50 photographs ; b&w and col.)
Scope and Content
Photograph album containing photographs of Hazel Peterson and her family in the later decades of her life. The album also includes photos and cards from and of relatives and friends; pictures of the boat the "Hazel-E"; vacations, including to Hawaii and Reno; and Hazel's 97th birthday in 1993.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1960-2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Hazel Peterson subseries
Physical Description
1 album (50 photographs ; b&w and col.)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
504-046
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2000-08
Scope and Content
Photograph album containing photographs of Hazel Peterson and her family in the later decades of her life. The album also includes photos and cards from and of relatives and friends; pictures of the boat the "Hazel-E"; vacations, including to Hawaii and Reno; and Hazel's 97th birthday in 1993.
Subjects
Travel
Names
Peterson, Edwin
Peterson, Hazel
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on content of item
Note on verso of 504-046-4 is handwritten and illegible
Date on recto of 504-046-9 (Polaroid) reads: "Jun 64"
Note on verso of 504-046-13 reads: "Jan 75 / Gut[tenger?]"
Date on recto of 504-046-15 (Polaroid) reads: "Aug 74"
Note on verso of 504-046-15 reads: "Taken at our mens and ladies Lodge meeting June 1974. Pot luck dinner and my seventy ninth birthday treat of [?] strawberries [?] some every year. / Cousin Harry Erickson."
Note on verso of 504-046-17 reads: "Sealife Park 75"
Note on verso of 504-046-20 reads: "October [?] 75"
Note on verso of 504-046-21 reads: "Sealife Park 75"
Note on verso of 504-046-22 reads: "Sealife Park 75"
Note on verso of 504-046-23 reads: "Reno / March 75"
504-046-38 was originally in a paper frame and tucked between the pages that held 504-046-32:504-046-37 and 504-046-39:504-046-43
Note on verso of 504-046-44 reads: "Nicole Constance Stariha / 12-03-91 / 6 1/2 mo. old"
Note on verso of 504-046-45 reads: "Mark & Laurie Stariha / Matthew (4) and David (2 mos.) / 1992"
Note on verso of 504-046-46 reads: "David Sherman Stariha at about 3 1/2 months"
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Interview with John Burton by Lynda Maeve Orr - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory222
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1485-1814
Length
0:09:45
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's explanation of the connection between printers and unions throughout history. He also tells the story of the cylinder press being smashed by handpress workmen to protect their jobs at the London Times as well as his own experiences learning on…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to John Burton's explanation of the connection between printers and unions throughout history. He also tells the story of the cylinder press being smashed by handpress workmen to protect their jobs at the London Times as well as his own experiences learning on the Linotype.
Date Range
1485-1814
Photo Info
Burton family home, [1945]. Item no. 216-002
Length
0:09:45
Subjects
Printing Tools and Equipment
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with John Burton at his residence in Surrey by Lynda Mauve Orr, August 24, 1989. This interview focuses on the history of newspaper and printing presses in Canada.
Biographical Notes
John Burton was born in 1912 in New Westminster. He went to Second Street School, then Edmonds, then Saint Anne's Convent, and St. Louis College and Connaught before graduating from Burnaby South School in 1930. While at High School, John worked at Cowan's Music Store at 716 Columbia Street in New Westminster on Saturdays and after school. John Burton's grandfather John Foley was the founder of the Orangeville Sun newspaper in Orangeville, Ontario, established in 1861. He ran the paper until his death in 1882, when his son, John Foley Jr. took over as editor and publisher at the age of sixteen. Two of his daughters were involved in the newspaper; Margaret Foley was a regular contributor to the paper, and John Burton's mother was a typesetter. When John Burton was a teenager, he went to Orangeville to learn the trade from his uncle. Unfortunately, he was only there eighteen months when his uncle died December 21, 1932. The family was unable to hold on to the business and the paper amalgamated with the Orangeville Banner newspaper in 1933.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
0:58:44
Interviewee Name
Burton, John
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with John Burton by Lynda Maeve Orr

Less detail

Interview with Maninder Arora

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19351
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (67 min., 25 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (66 min., 45 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Maninder Arora conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Museum Registrar James Binks. 0:00 – 07:33 Interview opens with introductions. Maninder Arora shares her immigration story and how she came to emigrate from India to Canada…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (67 min., 25 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (66 min., 45 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Anushay Malik Co interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Maninder Arora Location of Interview: In Burnaby at the home of Maninder Arora Interview Date: December 7, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: (01:07:25) Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Maninder Arora conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Museum Registrar James Binks. 0:00 – 07:33 Interview opens with introductions. Maninder Arora shares her immigration story and how she came to emigrate from India to Canada at 16 years of age with her mother, her older sister (18 yrs) and her younger brother (11 yrs) in 1974. Maninder explains how her sister immigrated first after marrying a South Asian Canadian and subsequently was able to sponsor members of her family to immigrate about one year later. Arora describes what life was like for her and her family in the northern part of Punjab in India prior to immigration to Canada. Arora describes her family composition with her being the second youngest of eight children and how at the time of immigrating, four of her elder siblings (three sisters and one brother) stayed behind. 07:34 – 16:23 As a new immigrant to Canada at the age of 16 years of age, Maninder Arora recalls the many challenges that she faced. Maninder describes how she attended Vancouver Technical School and then worked at a restaurant on Friday nights and weekends. She recollects how she got her first job through the Sikh community from the Akali Singh Sikh Gurdwara on Fraser Street. Maninder recalls that during the first five months in Canada, Maninder, her mother, sister and brother lived with her elder sister, her husband and child before finding a place of their own. Arora recalls where her family shopped for traditional Indian spices and foods. 16:24 – 25:50 Maninder Arora describes the next home that her family moved to and how she and her brother attended David Thompson Secondary School. Maninder explains that she dropped out of school in Grade 12 to go to work full time to help her family repay the debt that they owed for their immigration expenses. Around 1981, her mother was able to purchase a house at Marine Drive and Ross Street and her mother got work at the same restaurant that Maninder was working. Maninder shares and reflects on a disturbing encounter of racism that she and her older sister faced while taking local transit. 25:51 – 34:17 Maninder Arora talks about her past work experience. Maninder describes how with the help of her sister, she began working as a nurses' aide at care homes and private hospitals. Maninder reflects on how she intended to get a job in a unionized care home where she can make a better living wage. Maninder describes some of the places that she worked before obtaining certification as a nurse’s aide from Kwantlen College. 34;18 – 51:15 Maninder Arora describes the events that led to her marrying her future husband in 1986 and how it wasn’t an easy decision for her. Maninder describes where she and her family lived after her marriage and how her hard work led her to obtaining full time employment as a nurses' aide in Richmond. 51:16 - 56:16 Maninder Arora tells of how she decided to move to Burnaby where her sister and extended family were living. Maninder recalls what lead to her decision to move from Surrey to Burnaby in 1992. 56:17 - 1:04:23 Maninder Arora shares some experiences of her life in Burnaby. Maninder further reflects on her decisions for moving to Burnaby including providing what she thought would be a safer environment and education for her children. Maninder conveys how racism is still very much prevalent in society and recounts a personal encounter that she experienced while shopping for shoes at Metrotown. 1:04:24 – 1:06:45 The interviewer asks Maninder Arora what she would like to see conveyed as a message for younger people in an upcoming exhibit at Burnaby Village Museum on South Asian history. Maninder conveys that she would like all Canadian citizens living in Burnaby to make the environment better by not littering, living peacefully together and not causing people grief or struggle for nothing, “Be kind to each other”. In closing Arora shares the transportation route she took when emigrating from India to Canada.
History
Interviewee biography: Maninder Arora was born in the northern part of Punjab, India. Her sister immigrated to Canada in 1974 after marrying a South Asian Canadian. In 1975, after her father died, her sister was able to bring her mother, her 11 year old brother and Maninder at 16 years of age. After arriving in British Columbia, they first lived with her sister and family before finding a place of their own. Maninder attended Vancouver Technical School and later David Thompson Secondary School and worked in a restaurant on weekends to help her family out. Maninder and her family were members of the Sikh community and attended Akali Singh Sikh Gurdwara on Fraser Street. Maninder left school in Grade 12 to work full time to help her family repay the debt that they owed for their immigration expenses. In the early 1980’s Maninder’s family moved to a house near Marine Drive and Ross Street that her mother was able to purchase. With the help of her sister, Maninder got work as a nurses’ aide at care homes and private hospitals which eventually led her to obtaining certification from Kwantlen College. Maninder married in 1986 and had two children while living in Richmond. Around 1992, she moved from Surrey to Burnaby to be closer to her sister and to provide as safer environment for her children. Interviewers' biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Occupations
Occupations - Nurses
Migration
Names
Arora, Maninder
Responsibility
Malik, Anushay
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV022.29.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Maninder Arora, [1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022

Interview with Maninder Arora, [1974-2022] (interview content), interviewed 7 Dec. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0006_003.mp3
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Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19611
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (90 min., 21 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (90 min., 4 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shushma Datt and her son, Sudhir Datta conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Curator, Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik. 00:00 – 12:47 Interview opens with introductions. Shushma Datt shares information about; where she’s lived in Burnaby sin…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (90 min., 21 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (90 min., 4 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik Interviewees: Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta Location of Interview: Spice Radio, Norland Avenue, Burnaby Interview Date: January 20, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:30:21 Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shushma Datt and her son, Sudhir Datta conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Curator, Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik. 00:00 – 12:47 Interview opens with introductions. Shushma Datt shares information about; where she’s lived in Burnaby since immigrating in 1972 and her arranged marriage which lead her to immigrate to Canada. Datt provides detailed information about her family background in Kenya and her parent’s decision to move their family from Kenya to India in the 1960s and then to England in the 1965. Datt describes her family’s experiences living in Kenya and India in the 1960s and provides some context on the political unrest that happened in Kenya which lead her family to leave. 12:48 - 28:07 Datt talks about her time living in England and shares information on her family life and her employment experiences. Datt conveys an experience from her childhood that inspired her to become a broadcaster and shares her experiences working for the BBC oversees service in England (1965-1972). Datt describes some of the articles that she's written for various publications and the people that she's interviewed. Datt highlights a particular experience about writing a critical review about the controversial design on Jimi Hendrix’s album “Axis: Bold as Love” that depicted Hindu religious iconography. 28:09 – 34:47 Datt and Datta provide further details about Datt's arranged marriage which lead her to immigrate to Canada in 1972 and to work as a broadcaster in Canada. Datt recalls her experiences working as a radio station operator for CHQM, a radio broadcaster for CJVB and starting her own South Asian radio station Rim Jhim in 1987. 34:48 – 40:01 Datt and Datta share information on where they’ve lived in Vancouver and Burnaby. Datt and Datta recall pivotal family life events that impacted their lives in 1974. 40:02 – 45:53 Datt recalls the travel trunks and contents that she and her family brought with them when they left Nairobi. Datt describes the letters that her parents wrote. Datt and Datta describe photos of their family and convey the impacts to their family after two of Datt’s brothers died at 24 years of age. 45:54 – 50:56 Interview continues chronologically from 1974, after Datt’s son, Sudhir Datta was born. Datt describes how she had to work hard to help pay her bills and support her family. Datta describes his childhood growing up as a South Asian child living and attending school in Burnaby (1979-1992). Datt and Datta recall Datt’s graduation ceremony and Datta’s Order of British Columbia awards ceremony. 50:57 – 58:03 Datt and Datta talk about food and cooking and where they’ve shopped for traditional food supplies. Datta explains her family lineage as Hindus who eat meat and how she’s been a vegetarian for over 30 years. Datt and Datta share stories about Datt’s mother Leela Datta. 58:04 – 1:05:38 Both Datt and Datta reflect on what’s it’s been like living as South Asians in Burnaby. Datt conveys the message that she got from her mom, Leela Datta "not to assimilate but to integrate". They both reflect on how the ethnic and cultural diversity of neighbourhoods has changed over time and Datt describes his experiences as a student in Burnaby. 1:05:39 – 1:16:51 Datt and Datta talk about the role of religion in their lives, describe the purpose of Radio Rim Jhim and reflect on how the South Asian community has grown in Metro Vancouver and the disparities created within. They both recall how their lives were threatened and impacted in 1984 following an interview that Datt did with Indira Ghandhi. Datt talks about the origins of her and her son’s surnames. 1:16:52 – 1:26:11 Datt and Datta talk about and reflect on their own experiences of racism and discrimination. Datt talks about Spice Radio’s annual campaign “Raise your hands against Racism”. Datt and Datta provide background on the radio stations Rim Jhim and Spice Radio including; how they got started, their unbiased approach to broadcast content and their experiences in the complex realm of broadcasting a multi-cultural radio station. 1:26:12 – 1:30:04 In closing, Datt and Datta convey what they think that younger generations of South Asian Canadians should understand about the South Asian Community in British Columbia.
History
Interviewees biographies: Shushma Datt was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1946 and is the second eldest of six children. In the 1960s during the unrest in Kenya, her family moved to India. After about nine months of living in India, Datt's family decided to return to Kenya, leaving Datt and her brother to complete their education in India. While living in India, Datt studied at Delhi University and worked at the Indian newspaper. In 1965, Datt, her parents and five siblings decided to leave Kenya and immigrated to England. While living in England, Datt got work as a broadcaster with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) overseas service, producing her first program in 1969. During her time with the BBC, Datt has interviewed many influential artists including Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles as well as the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. In 1972, Datt immigrated to Canada and settled in Burnaby. In late 1973, Datt sponsored her mother who joined her in Burnaby. Datt joined the CJVB radio station in Vancouver working as the Punjabi and Hindi language broadcaster. Datt worked here until 1978 when she started her own radio station, Radio Rim Jhim. In 2005, Datt obtained her own AM radio band license for a multicultural radio station RJ1200 which was later rebranded "Spice Radio". In 2015, Datt launched Spice Radio's annual "Hands Against Racism" campaign which has won awards from the Government of British Columbia and the B.C. Association of Broadcasters. Datt has also been a producer for Omni TV and Shaw TV and was the first woman to obtain a broadcasting license from the Canadian Radio- Television Telecommunications Commission. In 1992, Shushma Datt was awarded the Order of British Columbia and is also the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. Datt has been listed by the Vancouver Sun newspaper as among the 100 "most influential Indo-Canadians" and has been recognized by the Royal British Columbia Museum as one of the 150 "most influential British Columbians". Sudhir Datta is the only child of Sushma Datt and was born in Burnaby. Datta graduated with a computer science degree from Capilano University in 1995. Datta is the Vice President of Media Broadcasting (founded in 1984) creating television and radio programming for Canada's South Asian Community and has been the General Manager and Program Director of Spice Radio since 2006. Datta is also the author of many articles highlighting the South Asian community in Vancouver. Interviewers biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Jane Lemke has worked in various museums in the Lower Mainland and has been the Curator at Burnaby Village Museum since 2019. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts degree in History and a Master of Museum Studies degree. Her research focus has been on trauma and memory and its role in shaping Canadian identity. She loves sharing memories and stories of Burnaby with the public. Jane sits on the Council of the BC Museums Association and is the Chair of the BC Museums Association Professional Development and Education Committee.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Migration
Occupations - Broadcasters
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Journalists
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Radio Stations
Religions
Religions - Hinduism
Religions - Sikhism
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Names
Datt, Shushma
Datta, Sudhir
Datta, Lila Vati "Leela"
Spice Radio
Rim Jhim
Responsibility
Malik, Anushay
Lemke, Jane
Accession Code
BV023.1.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcript available upon request
Audio Tracks

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta, [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta, [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0003_003.mp3
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Library

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription81223
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
October 4, 1998
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 23.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of three Westbridge elementary students, principal Mary Downey and an unidentified woman reading books in the school’s library.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
October 4, 1998
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 23.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-1367
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2012-11
Scope and Content
Photograph of three Westbridge elementary students, principal Mary Downey and an unidentified woman reading books in the school’s library.
Names
Downey, Mary
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Ponne, Simone
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in blue ink on recto of photograph reads: "1971 B Bby Simone / 9 3/8""
Trim marks and/or reproduction instructions on recto (scan is cropped)
Accompanying caption reads: "Oct 4, 1998 1971 B: Westbridge elementary students and Principal Mary Downey in the school's newly renovated library. The library was closed due to arson fire 8 months ago."
Images
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Mary Forsyth fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription87823
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1893] (date of original) -2004
Collection/Fonds
Mary Forsyth fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
Textual records, graphic material and cartographic material
Scope and Content
Records consist of material created and collected by Mary Forsyth. Records include correspondence, photographs, a map, presentation notes, and reviews along with research for historical and biographical essays pertaining to pioneering families, organizations, and the geographical area of South Burn…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1893] (date of original) -2004
Collection/Fonds
Mary Forsyth fonds
Physical Description
Textual records, graphic material and cartographic material
Description Level
Fonds
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2014-27
Scope and Content
Records consist of material created and collected by Mary Forsyth. Records include correspondence, photographs, a map, presentation notes, and reviews along with research for historical and biographical essays pertaining to pioneering families, organizations, and the geographical area of South Burnaby. One of her major research projects consists of "A Walking Environment for South Burnaby," which also became a proposal to The Corporation of the District of Burnaby. Historical information and photographs pertaining to South Burnaby pioneer families and organizations were compiled from interviews with the intention of publishing a book.
History
Mary Gertrude (Bolton) Forsyth was born at her parents' home in Burnaby on March 5, 1923, and was the daughter of Richard Bolton and Gertrude (nee Hern). Mary's father, Richard, immigrated to Canada from Sunderland, England, in 1911. He lived with his brother George in New Westminster prior to purchasing property in South Burnaby in 1916 and built a bungalow located at 859 Marine Drive. Richard Bolton was employed as the municipal treasurer for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby and, in 1919, he returned to Sunderland with three months leave of absence to marry Mary Gertrude Hern, daughter of Captain and Mrs. John Hern. Mary grew up with her parents and sister Nancy in the house that her father built on Marine Drive. She married Lloyd Forsyth in 1946 and they had two children, Diane and Robert. Mary and her husband raised their family in Burnaby and built a house at 855 Marine Drive, on the lot originally purchased by her father, and moved later to a house located at 6457 Marine Drive. In 1964, after her children were grown, Mary completed her teaching degree at Simon Fraser University and went on to teach kindergarten at Nelson Elementary School. While a teacher within the Burnaby School District, Mary was instrumental in adopting ballet as part of the school curriculum. Mary was an active member of the Burnaby Historical Society, participating and leading local events and seminars. She was inspired by the idea of the 'Housewives Holiday', originally initiated by the Vancouver "Y’ S". In February 1960, she was integral in forming a committee in South Burnaby, working alongside Ruth Turner, Faye Treagh, and Dorothy Turnbull. The "Housewives Holiday" committee (a branch of the Clinton-Glenwood Recreation Association) planned several events at Bonsor Hall for Burnaby housewives from October 6 to December 8, 1960. After her retirement from teaching, Mary returned to Simon Fraser University to do further studies and, in 1983, she wrote an essay for an Environmental Education course, titled "A Walking Environment for South Burnaby". The essay was conducted as a feasibility study to provide a walking environment in her community and included a formal essay, a media book, a map, and a slide presentation which was presented to a variety of local community groups. In 1984, Mary was the recipient of the North Fraser Harbour Commission Award to further her work on this project. In October 1986, her essay was adapted as a proposal to The Corporation of the District of Burnaby for a walking and cycling trail system for South Burnaby. Her proposal was taken into consideration by council and was later adopted by the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mary was very much interested in the history of South Burnaby and spent time between 1990 to 2004 conducting research through the Burnaby Historical Society, The City of Burnaby Archives, and several pioneering families who agreed to share their family records and be interviewed. Mary compiled her research into short historical and biographical essays by geographical area, family name, and organization. Mary (Bolton) Forsyth lived her whole life in South Burnaby and was an active and committed member of her community. She died on November 10, 2010.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Cartographic Material
Creator
Forsyth, Mary
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 572, MSS185
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Mayor's Office fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1828 (date of original) -2015
Collection/Fonds
Mayor's Office fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
1 m of textual records and photographic material
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of those records created by the office of the Mayor during the administrations of Robert W. Prittie (1969-1973), Thomas W. Constable (1973-1979), David M. Mercier (1979-1981), William A. Lewarne (1981-1987), William J. Copeland (1987-1996), John Douglas Drummond (1996-2002) and Derek…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1828 (date of original) -2015
Collection/Fonds
Mayor's Office fonds
Physical Description
1 m of textual records and photographic material
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
Subject to FOIPPA
Reproduction Restriction
Reproductions subject to FOIPPA
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of those records created by the office of the Mayor during the administrations of Robert W. Prittie (1969-1973), Thomas W. Constable (1973-1979), David M. Mercier (1979-1981), William A. Lewarne (1981-1987), William J. Copeland (1987-1996), John Douglas Drummond (1996-2002) and Derek Corrigan (2002-2018).
History
On September 22, 1892, the Corporation of the District of Burnaby was established by letters patent. An integral component of this incorporation was the creation of the office of the Reeve (later called Mayor). The Reeve was to serve as the Head and Chief Executive Officer of Burnaby and was to lead the City Council in the governing of the Corporation. Burnaby’s first Reeve and Council were elected by acclamation on October 15, 1892, with formal elections held by ballot three months later. From 1893 until 1977 the Reeve and Council were elected for one-year terms, but the practice of annual elections was abandoned in favour of two-year terms in 1977. The current practice of holding elections every three years was begun in 1987. Elections of Reeve and Council were suspended altogether in 1933. However, as a financial crisis in the Corporation resulted in the Province intervening and assuming control of the local government. For ten years, Commissioners were appointed by the Provincial Government to manage the affairs of the Municipality, but by January 1943, the situation had been remedied and local elections were once again held. From 1892 until 1968, the Chief Executive Officer in Burnaby was known as “Reeve,” but this nomenclature changed with revisions to the Local Government Act in the latter part of the twentieth century. In 1968, the Province altered the Act and abolished the practice of assigning different titles to the members of Council based on Municipal Classification and introduced "Mayor" and "Alderman" as terms applicable in all Municipalities not just those of a certain size or with a certain number of citizens. From that point on, the CEO of Burnaby has been referred to as the Mayor of the City. Despite these changes in election procedures, naming protocols, and the disruption caused by the financial crisis in the 1930s and 1940s, the roles and responsibilities of the Mayor have remained relatively stable throughout the years. As Head and Chief Executive Officer of the City, the Mayor is responsible for ensuring that the principles of law and good government are enforced in Burnaby. This includes the task of overseeing the conduct of officers and employees and directing the management of municipal business and affairs as well as chairing the meetings of Council and appointing Council Committee members. The Mayor is also charged with the duty of representing the City at public functions, in meetings with visiting dignitaries, and in participating in local community and fundraising events. Initially, the Municipal Clerk assisted the Mayor in his work by handling most correspondence and clerical tasks of the office. Today, however, the Mayor’s office retains its own administrative staff who are responsible for facilitating all schedules and arrangements for the Mayor along with coordinating their internal and external contacts and events. The following individuals have served as Reeve or Mayor of Burnaby: Charles R. Shaw 1892 Nicolai C. Shou 1893-1903 Charles F. Sprott 1904-1905 Peter Byrne 1906-1910 J. W. Weart 1911-1912 D. C. McGregor 1913 Hugh M. Fraser 1914-1918 T. Sanderson 1919-1920 Alexander K. McLean 1921-1926; 1928-1929 Charles C. Bell 1927 W. L. Burdick 1929 W. A. Pritchard 1930-1932 William Tate Wilson 1943-1944 George A. Morrison 1945-1949 William R. Beamish 1950-1953 Charles W. MacSorely 1954-1957 Alan H. Emmott 1958-1968 Robert W. Prittie 1969-1973 Thomas W. Constable 1973-1979 David M. Mercier 1979-1981 William A. Lewarne 1981-1987 William J. Copeland 1987-1996 Douglas P. Drummond 1996-2002 Derek Corrigan 2002-2018 Mike Hurley 2018-present The following individuals have served as provincially appointed Commissioners for the Corporation of the District of Burnaby: John Bennett 1932-1933 John Mahony 1933-1934 Hugh M. Fraser 1934-1940* R. S. Gilchrist 1941* B. C. Bracewell 1942* *Richard Bolton was Acting Commissioner for most of 1940-1942. He refused to be a full-fledged Commissioner.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
City of Burnaby
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds.
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Ramsey family subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription106
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1916 (date of original) -1999
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual record and graphic material
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of a photocopied certificate of birth for Eva Lilian Ramsey [Ramsay] as well as handwritten accounts of Ramsey family history and two family photographs.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1916 (date of original) -1999
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Ramsey family subseries
Physical Description
Textual record and graphic material
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS1999-19
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of a photocopied certificate of birth for Eva Lilian Ramsey [Ramsay] as well as handwritten accounts of Ramsey family history and two family photographs.
History
Edwin Ramsey came to Canada from Scotland when he was about 11 years old. He was given farmland and quickly became an avid farmer. Edwin Ramsey married Annie Plummer circa 1893. This was Annie Plummer’s second marriage. In the early years of their marriage, Edwin and Annie lived in Orange Ridge, Manitoba and operated a store and post office. Their first child, Queenie, was born November 11, 1895. Albert Edwin "Bert" Ramsey was born January 27, 1898. Eva Lilian Ramsey was born January 24, 1900. Jessica “Jessie” Ramsey was born two years later. The Ramseys then headed to New Westminster. By 1905 they had bought "the Park” (what is now Robert Burnaby Park) from Mr. Wintermute for $4,000 cash. They moved into a large house already constructed on the property. The park was full of apple trees, a garden, pigs, two cows, horses and a buggy and wagon with a barn near the second street entrance. By now, the eldest, Queenie was enrolled at Burnaby’s first school. Twins Ernest “Ernie” and Dorothy “Doll” were born in 1906. Eva started at Edmonds School in 1908 when it was just built. Her siblings Queenie, Bert, Jeanie, Ernie and Doll all attended the school as well. In 1909 the Ramseys sold the park to Mr. Vidal of New Westminster and his syndicate along with a portable mill to Pemberton & Sons and received enough money to buy six lots on 12th Avenue where they built a large house. Gordon “Gord” Ramsey was born in that house in 1909. Soon after, they sold the house and moved to Blaine for six months, then on to Bellingham where they remained until Edwin and Annie divorced in 1914. Edwin moved alone to Alberta and Annie moved back to Burnaby with their children. Bert began attending the University of British Columbia where he studied to become a doctor. He joined the army in May of 1916, went to war and was killed at Vimy Ridge on April 12, 1917 at the age of 19. As Mr. Vital and his syndicate were to go to war as captains, Mr. Vital gave up the park property and Annie was able to take it back. Unfortunately, the new initiative of taxing wild lands caused Annie to lose the park property through tax sale proceedings. She then entered into a lease agreement with Burnaby which allowed her to stay on at "the Park." With twelve years of piano training, Annie was considered a talented musician and played the piano at St. Alban’s church for many years. Annie Ramsey died on October 3, 1926. Jessica, Dorothy and Queenie all moved to the United States. Gordon married a woman named Irene. Eva married William “Bill” Anderson at the St. Stephen’s Church in New Westminster on July 7, 1919. She and Bill were the first couple to marry there. They held their wedding reception at “the Park.” In 1921, Bill and Eva bought a home at 723 Second Street for $2450. They had one daughter, Dorothy "Dot" Anderson. Dot later married Robert V. “Bob” Douglas. Eva died in 1995.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Ramsay, Eva Lillian
Notes
PC399 and MSS154
Title based on contents of subseries
Certificate reads "Ramsay" although the family continuously spelt their name "Ramsey"
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Child Care Resource Group: Six Month Update

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport11315
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
12389
Meeting Date
8-Apr-1991
Format
Council - Committee Report
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Report ID
12389
Meeting Date
8-Apr-1991
Format
Council - Committee Report
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
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Dave Fallows

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription79720
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1, 1996
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dave Fallows holding a 649 sign.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
December 1, 1996
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby NewsLeader photograph collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
535-0500
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2012-11
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dave Fallows holding a 649 sign.
Names
Fallows, Dave
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Dave Fallows -- smiling about his six month lottery win"
Images
Less detail

34 records – page 1 of 2.