473 records – page 1 of 24.

Interview with W.H. O'Brien July / August 1975 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory25
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
[1932]-1936
Length
0:11:12
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's involvement with the formation of the Army of the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union).
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's involvement with the formation of the Army of the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union).
Date Range
[1932]-1936
Photo Info
Harry and Gertrude (Sutherland) O'Brien on their wedding day, October 12, 1940. Item no. 315-005
Length
0:11:12
Names
Darling, Gordon
Phillips, Turnie
Subjects
Organizations
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
July / August 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with W.H. "Harry" O'Brien by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury. Major themes discussed are: the Army of the Common Good, the Union of the Unemployed and the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union). To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
W.H. “Harry” O’Brien was born in the coal mining town of Nanaimo, British Columbia on October 20, 1914. He came to Burnaby with his parents and five siblings in 1927. Harry’s mother, a school teacher, wanted her children to live closer to school in order to obtain a better education, so the O’Brien family settled at Inman Avenue, Burnaby. Harry's mother, Mary Anne Crossan, was Gilmore Avenue School's first teacher. Harry left school in June of 1929. Harry’s father worked as the caretaker at Central Park around this time and Harry helped him to clear brush, plant trees and enforce the land clearing and wood cutting permit regulations held by men who were on script. Although too young to vote by just over a week, Harry O'Brien worked as a scrutineer for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) during the 1935 Federal Election. On October 12, 1940 Harry O'Brien married Gertrude Sutherland at St. John the Divine in Burnaby. The Sutherland family came to Burnaby from Winnipeg in 1933 and settled at Nelson Avenue. Harry began his involvement with the Unemployment Organization in Burnaby by participating in an organised protest against the municipality for homeowner evictions brought on by unpaid taxes. The South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed organised in order to protest rules around receiving Relief. Harry became involved, eventually becoming one of the spearheads of the organization, taking over as secretary by 1936. Harry was an original member of the Army of the Common Good, helping to produce over one hundred and twenty-five tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed Burnaby citizens suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The members of the Army of the Common Good who cut wood for consumption or worked in the gardens were given credit for their work through LU (Labour Units) which they could then use to buy groceries and that at the Army's Cooperative stores, one of which was at McKay Avenue, where Harry began working as Manager of Groceries in 1937. The Credit Union movement of British Columbia was also organized by Harry O'Brien and his fellow Army of the Common Good members. W.H. "Harry" O'Brien died July 1, 1992.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:17:56
Interviewee Name
O'Brien, Harry
Interviewer Bio
Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
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Richard & Ada Neville Residence

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark633
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Residential building.
Associated Dates
c.1918
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Nelson Avenue
Associated Dates
c.1918
Description
Residential building.
Heritage Value
This Craftsman bungalow was built for the Neville family. Richard Neville (1884-1950) served as a Burnaby councillor in 1924 and is remembered as the man who gave the CCF party (now the NDP) land on Maple Avenue on which to build Jubilee Labour Hall. He worked as a tile layer for the O’Neill Company and was married to Ada Neville (née Cook, 1885-1970). Ada Neville still lived in this house at the time of her death. Typical of the Craftsman style, the house has a side gabled roof with large front gable dormer, triangular eave brackets, an open arched front verandah and a textural mix of siding including cedar shingle on the main floor and lapped siding at the foundation.
Locality
Alta Vista
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sussex-Nelson Area
Area
936.00
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Street Address
6935 Nelson Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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baseball trophy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact12472
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV985.4071.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV985.4071.1
Description
Trophy, silver cup with handle either side, mounted on polished round wooden base; on cup front, "BURNABY SCHOOL LEAGUE BASEBALL TROPHY" "PRESENTED FOR PERPETUAL COMPETITION BY ALFRED W. MCLEOD LTD." "NEW WESTMINSTER AND VANCOUVER, B.C." "1925"; A strip of polished metal is mounted around the circumference of the wood base. I has the names of the trophy recipients engraved on it. It is divided into five sections by engraved lines, each headed "WINNER"; centre section "1925 GILMORE AVENUE" "1926 NELSON AVENUE" "1927 NELSON AVENUE"; other sections are blank ; The cup and strip are tarnished
Names
Gilmore Avenue School
Nelson Avenue School
Images
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measuring cup

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact15496
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV983.25.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV983.25.1
Description
Measuring cup made of aluminum with a red wood handle. The measures and lines are stamped on the sides.
Object History
Donor attended Edmonds school and graduated from Burnaby South high school. She trained as a teacher and worked in Burnaby at Nelson Avenue elementary school.
Images
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trophy cup

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact26142
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV975.147.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV975.147.1
Description
The trophy cup is silver plated and has a handle on either side. It is mounted on a round wooden base. It was presented to the Burnaby Junior Schools, girls baseball team during the years 1921 to 1927. The school that each team represented is engraved on the reverse side of the cup.
Category
09. Recreational Artifacts
Classification
Personal Symbols - - Achievement Symbols
Marks/Labels
"BURNABY JUNIOR SCHOOLS / GIRLS BASEBALL TROPHY", engraved on the front of the cup "WON BY / NELSON AVENUE. 1921. / KINGSWAY EAST. 1922. / KINGSWAY EAST. 1923. / KITCHENER STREET. 1926. / RIVERWAY EAST 1927", engraved on the reverse side of the cup
Subjects
Personal Symbols - Trophies
Sports - Baseball
Names
Nelson Avenue School
Kingsway East School
Kitchener Street School
Riverway East School
Images
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ice cream tin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact32912
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV972.143.5
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV972.143.5
Description
Ice cream tin, with lid; large very heavy silver metal bucket, straight sides; no handles; stamped on front in shield "GSW QUALITY" "10" "T" "QT" "S"; white dope number, crossed out
Object History
Donor was born in Burnaby and attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). He operated an ice cream business with his father and the tin was used at the shop. The donor was an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation.
Images
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postcard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact44811
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV002.48.3
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV002.48.3
Description
Postcard: colour rendering, glossy; horizontal; lot with motel buildings and landscaping; aerial view; lot is white, background is beige; grey border at top has blue "CARAVAN MOTOR COURT" "VANCOUVER CANADA"; Diner's Club shield logo at left "Member CONGRESS...", AAA logo at right; "Kingsway at Nelson Avenue . South Burnaby, B.C. . Phone: "HEmlock 3-8288" "Center Miracle Mile Shopping Area"; on reverse in black, "CARAVAN MOTOR COURT" ""One of Canada's Best Motor Hotels..." "Printed in the U.S.A."; Diner's Club logo at left, maple leaf with "CMHA" at right; up centre, "PRINTED BY JAMES J. GILLICK & CO., BERKELEY, CALIF."; at top right, ""Spectra-Color" "POSTCARD"; at upper right corner, "STAMP HERE"; two grey spots, slight darkening at edges and wear on corners; unused
Category
06.Tools & Equipment for Communication
Classification
Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
Object Term
Postcard
Maker
James J. Gillick & Company
Country Made
United States of America
Province Made
California
Site/City Made
Berkeley
Title
Caravan Motor Court
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Buildings
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Hotels and Motels
Images
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report card

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact89108
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV018.20.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV018.20.1
Description
report card; Front and back view of the school report card for Elsie Impett. Front page shows "Register No. _____. / Nelson Ave. (handwritten) / Public School / Province of British Columbia / Pupil's Monthly Record Card." Back page shows "Parent's Signatures" and A. Impett has signed it three times. Inside view of the school report card for Elsie Impett issued by Nelson Ave. Public School on June 30, 1915. She is listed as a "senior". Report card lists the months of January to June with columns for No. of Sessions, Times Late, General Conduct, Special Demerits, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic & Bookkeeping, Drawing, Composition, Nature Studies, Geography, British & Canadian History, Algebra, English Grammer, Literature and Spelling. Teacher J.G. Whiten has handwritten Elsie's grades and wrote a comment "Elsie has done excellent work.".
Object History
Elsie Impett (later MacDonald) was born in 1902 in England. Her family setted at Fenwick Avenue, Burnaby. She worked as a clerk and married James MacDonald in 1923 in New Westminster.
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Ceremonial Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - - Declaratory Documents
Measurements
L: 19.5 cm W: 18.5 cm
Subjects
Documentary Artifacts
Documentary Artifacts - Reports
Names
Nelson Avenue School
Images
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Cabinet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact90896
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.3.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV021.3.1
Description
Worn wooden cabinet made from Douglas Fir and cedar. The interior of the cabinet is painted a pale yellow. One third of the cabinet closest to the ground houses a large open shevling area with the back paneling visible. The middle of the cabinet has 5 slots for drawers with metal handles. One drawer is missing. The top third of the cabinet is split into 2 shelves with a yellow board bisecting the top shelf. Chinese characters are painted in black on the back of the shelving unit.
Object History
The cabinet was found in the Thrussell farmhouse on Marine Drive in Burnaby in the 1999.The Thrussell's land had been leased to Chinese tenant farmers by the Thrussell family and also previous owners. The City demolished the house, but they salvaged many items in the house before doing so. Of note are the Chinese characters and the joinery and construction of the cabinet. Chinese characters are painted in black on the back of the shelving unit The first two characters refer to pine wood and the last character is stem or branch.
Category
02. Furnishings
Classification
Household Accessories - - Storage & Display Accessories
Object Term
Cabinet
Colour
Brown
Yellow
Measurements
42” high x 42” wide x 14” width
Subjects
Agriculture - Farms
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Names
Thrussell, Annie
Thrussell, Ethel
Thrussell, Eva
Thrussell, Fredrick Thomas, 1901-1977
Geographic Access
Marine Drive
Nelson Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Images
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Burnaby's heritage : an inventory of buildings and structures

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5437
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
Luxton, Donald, 1954-
Wolf, Jim
Edition
Rev.
Publication Date
2011
c2007
Call Number
971.133 LUX COPY 1
an earlier date of construction. P R O T E C T E D JUBILEE LABOUR HALL 6884 Jubilee Avenue 1935 Richard Neville, who lived at 6935 Nelson Avenue, served as a Burnaby councillor in 1924 and is remembered as the man who gave the CCF party (now the NDP) land on Maple Avenue on which to build the original
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
0969282893
Call Number
971.133 LUX COPY 1
Edition
Rev.
Author
Luxton, Donald, 1954-
Wolf, Jim
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
City of Burnaby
Publication Date
2011
c2007
Physical Description
157 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Architecture
Historic buildings
Buildings
Historic sites
Subjects
Buildings
Buildings - Heritage
Notes
Includes bibliographical references and index.
2 copies held: copy 1.
Digital Books
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Bygones of Burnaby : an anecdotal history

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5462
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Author
McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
Publication Date
1976
c1975
Call Number
971.133 MCG COPY 4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
Call Number
971.133 MCG COPY 4
Author
McGeachie, Pixie, 1921-
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
Century Park Museum Association
Publication Date
1976
c1975
Physical Description
108 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Library Subject (LOC)
Burnaby (B.C.)--History
Notes
4 copies held: copy 4.
Digital Books
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Pioneer tales of Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5860
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Publication Date
c1987
Call Number
971.133 SON COPY 4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection
Digital Reference Collection
Reference Collection
Material Type
Book
ISBN
096928280x
Call Number
971.133 SON COPY 4
Contributor
Sone, Michael
Place of Publication
Burnaby, B.C.
Publisher
Corporation of the District of Burnaby
Publication Date
c1987
Physical Description
495 p. : ill. ; 31 cm.
Inscription
"TR687 - Bryburgh" / handprinted in pencil on frontend page
Library Subject (LOC)
Pioneers--British Columbia--Burnaby
Frontier and pioneer life
Biography
Object History
Early Burnaby as recalled by the settlers themselves who arrived from every corner of the world between 1888 and 1930, some witnessing incorporation of the district in 1892, all seeking a better life for themselves and especially for their children, all helping transform the wilderness into the modern municipality of today.
Notes
"Editor Michael Sone".
Includes index.
4 copies held: copy 4
Images
Digital Books
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Thrussell family subseries

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription122
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1893-1986 (dates of originals)
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and graphic material
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records and photographs created by the Thrussell family pertaining to their home and farm in the Marine Drive and Nelson area of Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1893-1986 (dates of originals)
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Thrussell family subseries
Physical Description
Textual records and graphic material
Description Level
Subseries
Accession Number
BHS1992-05
Scope and Content
Subseries consists of records and photographs created by the Thrussell family pertaining to their home and farm in the Marine Drive and Nelson area of Burnaby.
History
Harriett Fenwick came out west from North Dakota in 1892. She married Frederick "Fred" Thrussell and the couple opened the North Arm Dairy, the Thrussell farm and family business on Marine Drive at Nelson Avenue in Burnaby. After Fred Thrussell passed away, she sold of the dairy equipment and stock at an auction on January 18, 1910. Their eldest daughter Mary Anne “Annie” Thrussell (later Phillips, and later again Welsh) was born in Burnaby in December 1895. After marrying her first husband, she moved to Ferndale, Washington and had their son Lawerne Phillips. In 1930, she moved to Surrey with her second husband, Jim Welsh and her second child, Hazel. Fred and Harriet's son Frederick T. Thrussell was born in Burnaby in 1901. He attended Dundonald Public School in Burnaby, with Florence M. Bowell as his teacher in 1911. As a youth, he worked in a shingle mill and spent the rest of his working years in shingle and sawmills. Frederick T. and Ruth McMillan were married March 9, 1929 and the couple moved to Surrey. Fred and Harriet's second daughter, Ethel Thrussell (later Cleghorn), attended Alta Vista Public School as a senior in 1913 where J.G. Whiten was her teacher. Their third daughter, Eva H. Thrussell, went to Riverway East School with Helena F. Crake as her teacher. In 1914, Eva attended Nelson Avenue School with F. Anderson as her teacher. Their youngest daughter Edith Thrussell (now Cleghorn) also attended Riverway East in the same class as her sister Eva. When eldest daughter Annie celebrated her 90th birthday in December of 1985, Edith was her only living sibling.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Thrussell, Frederick (1869-1909)
Notes
PC275 and MSS070
Title based on contents of subseries
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Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory442
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1893-1944
Length
00:05:35
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s parents’ history (Ethel Leer and Alfred Lewarne) and growing up in South Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s parents’ history (Ethel Leer and Alfred Lewarne) and growing up in South Burnaby.
Date Range
1893-1944
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012
Length
00:05:35
Names
Lewarne, Ethel Leer
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Persons - Children
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sussex-Nelson Area
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with former Mayor William “Bill” Lewarne, conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Lewarne was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Bill Lewarne’s business and political careers, and memories of growing up in South Burnaby in the 1930s. Bill Lewarne talks about his parent’s origins, his family and community struggles during the Depression, the interurban, his education, war service, and joining his father's business. He describes the start, operation and expansion of the family ice cream business, and how business life compared to political life. The interview explores the role of politics in community affairs, his political activities, the history of the BVA, and his involvement in various community organizations. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track, expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
William Alfred “Bill” Lewarne was born in Burnaby in 1926 to Ethel Cecilia Leer (1899- ) and Alfred Lewarne (1893-1962). The family, Ethel, Alfred and their three children Patricia, Beverley and William, moved to a house on Nelson Avenue in Alta Vista in 1931. Ethel still lived in the family home in 1990. Bill Lewarne attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). His father Alfred worked at Colony Farms as a dairy inspector and then for the Port of Vancouver Dairy before being laid off early in the Depression. The family struggled until in 1936 Alfred started his own ice cream business. After graduation Bill was in the army for two years, taking a refrigeration course under the veteran’s training benefit, before joining his father’s business. Three generations of the family operated the successful company, expanding from wholesale, retail and distribution of ice cream products into refrigerated warehouses and the wholesale ice business, until the business was sold to its competitor Dairyland in 1989. Bill Lewarne entered politics in 1965, first with the Nonpartisan Association (NPA) and then as a founder of the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). He served as an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. In 1979 he ran for provincial office for the Social Credit Party against Rosemary Brown but lost. Bill Lewarne married June Lawrence and they had three children Robert, Leslie and Janice. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, and continued to be active on the Board of the BCA. Bill Lewarne died in 1995.
Total Tracks
14
Total Length
1:34:40
Interviewee Name
Lewarne, William A. "Bill"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Bill Lewarne

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Interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell 24-Jun-75 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory50
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1899-1923
Length
0:08:23
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne's childhood years living in Burnaby, through her first years of marriage.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne's childhood years living in Burnaby, through her first years of marriage.
Date Range
1899-1923
Photo Info
Leer family; Ethel Leer Lewarne is standing on the far right, 1911. Item no. 204-052
Length
0:08:23
Subjects
Occupations - Grocers
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
24-Jun-75
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with Ethel (Leer) Lewarne and Beverley (Lewarne) Burrell by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury June 24, 1975. Major theme discussed is: the Depression. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Ethel Cecilia Leer was born in 1899 in London, England to George Frederick and Sarah Ann Leer. In 1908, the Leer family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. George Frederick Leer began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Ethel’s younger brother George Leer was born about this time. A third child was born but unfortunately did not live past infancy. The Leers arrived in Burnaby in 1911 and bought two lots in Alta Vista at the corner of Portland and McGregor. George Frederick and Sarah Ann were active members of the All Saints Anglican Church on Royal Oak. Ethel went to Dundonald school from 1911 to 1913 with Miss Bowell as her teacher, then on to Britannia High School from 1913 to 1915. Ethel’s father, George Frederick Leer died March 23, 1919 at the age of forty-one. Ethel Cecilia Leer married Alfred Lewarne on December 26, 1921 in Burnaby. Alfred was born February 9, 1893 in Cornwall, England. Before marriage he worked for a creamery in Vancouver. After marriage, Alfred began his own ice cream business in Burnaby. The Lewarnes bought a lot along Nelson Avenue and built a house. Their first child Patricia "Tricia" (later McCleod) was born in 1923, their second was Beverley “Bev” (later Burrell). Their third child, William A. “Bill” Lewarne was born in 1926. Bill grew up to become one of the most popular Mayors in Burnaby’s history, serving from 1981 to 1987. He also served as a member of Council from 1973 to 1975 and 1977 to 1981. After Alfred Lewarne’s death on May 5, 1962 at the age of sixty-nine, Ethel continued living in the family home. Ethel’s mother, Sarah Ann Leer died May 11, 1963 at the age of eighty-seven.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
1:00:59
Interviewee Name
Lewarne, Ethel Leer
Burrell, Beverley "Bev" Lewarne
Interviewer Bio
Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell

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Thrussell's farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36470
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the North Arm Dairy and the rest of the Thrussell family farm at Marine Drive and Nelson Avenue. Froggers Creek is visible on the left.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Thrussell family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
275-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1992-05
Scope and Content
Photograph of the North Arm Dairy and the rest of the Thrussell family farm at Marine Drive and Nelson Avenue. Froggers Creek is visible on the left.
Subjects
Buildings - Industrial - Dairies
Agriculture - Farms
Names
North Arm Dairy
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Marine Drive
Nelson Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Images
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Interior of a Kingsway Store

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription842
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-] (date of original), copied 1976
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm, mounted on card 17.5 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of what has been identified by the accession register as a Kingsway Store. Inside the store, there is a woman wearing an apron standing by the counters who has been identified as Mrs. C.B. Button. Behind the counter, a large cash register can be seen. There are weights…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 16.5 cm, mounted on card 17.5 x 22.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of what has been identified by the accession register as a Kingsway Store. Inside the store, there is a woman wearing an apron standing by the counters who has been identified as Mrs. C.B. Button. Behind the counter, a large cash register can be seen. There are weights, various tin cans, Rennie's seeds, Christie's biscuits, etc. on display. There is a cat sitting on a stool in front of the counter. The interior has hardwood finishing on the floor, walls and ceiling.
Subjects
Animals - Cats
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Nelson Avenue
Street Address
4920 Kingsway
Accession Code
HV976.153.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[190-] (date of original), copied 1976
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-06-27
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Fern Brown

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36145
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1901 and 1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.5 x 10 cm + 1 p.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Fern Brown (nee Ablitt) sitting on the grass of her parent's property at the northeast corner of Kingsway and Nelson Avenue. She has a doll in a baby carriage with her and ribbons in her hair. The Hutton grocery store can be seen in the distance.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1901 and 1920]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Public Library photograph subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.5 x 10 cm + 1 p.
Description Level
Item
Record No.
228-006
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1989-22
Scope and Content
Photograph of Fern Brown (nee Ablitt) sitting on the grass of her parent's property at the northeast corner of Kingsway and Nelson Avenue. She has a doll in a baby carriage with her and ribbons in her hair. The Hutton grocery store can be seen in the distance.
Subjects
Toys - Dolls
Names
Brown, Fern
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Page attached to verso of photograph gives a short history of Fern Brown
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Nelson Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Catherine Rees March 14, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory184
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1903-1928
Length
0:08:29
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's schooling as well as memories of her first years of teaching.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees's schooling as well as memories of her first years of teaching.
Date Range
1903-1928
Photo Info
Burnaby South High School, [1930]. Item no. 280-008
Length
0:08:29
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Interviewer
Evans, Alf
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Catherine Bertha "Cathy" Rees by fellow Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association member Alf Evans, March 14, 1990. This interview was prepared for the Burnaby School History Committee of the Burnaby Retired Teacher's Association. Major themes discussed are: the Depression.
Biographical Notes
Catherine Bertha “Cathy” Rees was born in Greenwood, British Columbia on March 30, 1903. Her mother died when she was four years old and her younger brother Lloyd was only a few months old. Catherine’s family moved regularly because her dad was continually transferred. She attended a two room school in Greenwood until grade four, then to school in Kamloops until grade 8, graduating from Duke of Connaught High School in New Westminster in 1919. One of her brothers won a lacrosse championship while at Nelson Avenue School. Catherine started at the University of British Columbia in 1919 and went to Normal School in 1923 (she belonged to the first teacher-training class). Upon graduating, Catherine was offered a position at Revelstoke High School for Physics, French and Latin which she took for a brief period of time. She then taught for one year in Victoria, traveling from one school to the other in a one ton truck to teach languages. For the next two years, she worked at Cloverdale High School. By 1929 Catherine began working in Burnaby where her father and two brothers were living. She taught at Burnaby South for her entire career in Burnaby, from 1929 to 1964. Catherine taught French and Latin as well as physical education to the girls (in the basement with two other teachers) and lived at the corner of Nelson and Victory (she still lives there at the time of this interview).
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:37:02
Interviewee Name
Rees, Catherine "Cathy"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Retired Teachers subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Catherine Rees

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Interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon July 9, 1975 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory91
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1904-1932
Length
0:08:08
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Charles A. Purdon's employment history and first years of marriage to May E. Purdon.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to Charles A. Purdon's employment history and first years of marriage to May E. Purdon.
Date Range
1904-1932
Length
0:08:08
Subjects
Transportation - Rail
Interviewer
Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
Interview Date
July 9, 1975
Scope and Content
Recording is a taped interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon by SFU graduate student Bettina Bradbury July 9, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression and Canadian politics. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
May Eliza was born in London, England in 1907. She came out to Regina with her family when she was eleven. Charles A. Purdon was born February 28, 1904 in London, England. He came to Canada in 1925 from China where he had been working as an accountant for the previous three years. Charles first came to Vancouver and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but within a week he was sent to Regina. This is where he met May. May and Charles got married in 1926 and Charles began working as an accountant for the Saskatchewan Wheat Growers, then for the Canadian Wool Growers before being laid off. In October of 1930, Charles and May left Regina for Vancouver Island. Charles drove himself out and May rode the train with her children; twin boys and a daughter, only one year apart. They settled at May’s parent’s second house in Coombs. The Purdons arrived in Burnaby in December of 1932 and rented a house on Edmonds Street. Charles was unable to do road work and instead found work through the Liberal Party and also with the Municipal engineers indoors on a number of projects. In 1938 the Purdons were able to get into a reverted house built by Ernie Winch at Maple Avenue (then Jubilee) and Nelson Avenue that had nine bedrooms. They paid ten dollars a month to the municipality for use of this property. May Eliza Purdon died April 6, 1983 at the age of seventy-six.
Total Length
1:40:03
Interviewee Name
Purdon, Charles A.
Purdon, May Eliza
Interviewer Bio
Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Audio Tracks

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

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473 records – page 1 of 24.