"Oak Theatre" found 25 records

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

1 digital book

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

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

1 digital book

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

Application for a Go-Cart Track on the Former "Oak Theatre" Property

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport37085

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 33688

Meeting Date: 6-Oct-1964

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 62

Item No.: 6

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

2 documents

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 33688

Meeting Date: 6-Oct-1964

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 62

Item No.: 6

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Documents

Report 33688

6-Oct-1964 Meeting Minutes

Go-Cart Track - Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport38326

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 34301

Meeting Date: 27-May-1963

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 29

Item No.: 1

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

2 documents

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 34301

Meeting Date: 27-May-1963

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 29

Item No.: 1

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Documents

Report 34301

27-May-1963 Meeting Minutes

Oak Theatre Auditorium

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport39447

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 34836

Meeting Date: 15-Jan-1962

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 1

Item No.: 17

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

2 documents

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 34836

Meeting Date: 15-Jan-1962

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 1

Item No.: 17

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Documents

Report 34836

15-Jan-1962 Meeting Minutes

Oak Theatre Site - 5000 Kingsway (Lot "A", Block 27, DL 152, Map 5847)

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport41683

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 37409

Meeting Date: 16-Feb-1959

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 7

Item No.: 16

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

2 documents

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 37409

Meeting Date: 16-Feb-1959

Format: Council - Manager's Report

Manager's Report No.: 7

Item No.: 16

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Documents

Report 37409

16-Feb-1959 Meeting Minutes

Digney Family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10597

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1954 and 1964] (date of originals), copied in 2016 and 2019

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 6 video recordings (mp4) (approx. 3hr., 18 min.) : digital, 23 fps

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of compilation of six films (including film clips) created by Andy Digney and his son Ernest "Dig" Digney. Film content includes footage of members of the Digney family and friends in Burnaby; the Digney homes on Bonsor Avenue and Kaymar Drive; construction of the Digney Bowling Alle…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 6 video recordings (mp4) (approx. 3hr., 18 min.) : digital, 23 fps

Material Details: Films were digitized in 2019 from original 8 mm format

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of compilation of six films (including film clips) created by Andy Digney and his son Ernest "Dig" Digney. Film content includes footage of members of the Digney family and friends in Burnaby; the Digney homes on Bonsor Avenue and Kaymar Drive; construction of the Digney Bowling Alley and the Simpsons-Sears building; Lawn bowling at Central Park as well as various family events, gatherings, vacations and trips.

History: Andy Digney was born in London, England on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles and in 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore Saskatchewan and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty Saskatchewan where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry Manitoba where Andy worked selling lightening rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife, traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns showing movies. Eventually, he purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba where he purchased a restaurant which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1936 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945 he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a house at 2698 Bonsor Avenue (after 1959-6521 Bonsor Ave.) on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association, who were looking for a good location to race the smaller, racing cars, popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948 with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of midget racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951 Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over forty cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Ernest Digney (also known as Dig) worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce returned to Burnaby in 1953 moving into a 550 square foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954 Simpsons-Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19,1955 and Andy Digney, his wife Alice, son 'Dig' and daughter in law Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the Bowling Alley. In 1956 Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son 'Dig' which he paid for over time. 'Dig' and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in England in 1964 while on his world tour. His wife Alice died on June 3, 1982 and their son, Ernest ('Dig') died November 27, 2009.

Creator: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"

Accession Code: BV019.18

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [between 1954 and 1964] (date of originals), copied in 2016 and 2019

Media Type: Moving Images

Related Material: See also City of Burnaby Archives Digney Family fonds Photo/MI catalogue 562

Arrangement: Films are arranged and described at item level along with film clip segments. Master film footage numbered BV019.18.3 through BV019.18.8 were described in original order at item level. Digitized film content within the master film footage was also broken down into shorter film clips according to natural breaks within the original content and described separately as film clips (accession parts) in their original order: BV019.8.3.1 to BV019.8.3.28; BV019.8.4.1 to BV019.8.4.16; BV019.18.5.1 to BV019.8.5.7; BV019.18.6.1 to BV019.18.6.8; BV019.18.7.1 to BV019.18.7.15; BV019.18.8.1 to BV019.18.8.20

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds

Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85251

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1940 and 1944]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (10 min., 12 sec.) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized silent film segment identified as Reel 14. The film opens in with the Digney family in their yard and garden and Grandma Swan's funeral (Royal Oak Cemetery). The remainder of the footage provides views of the gardens surrounding the Oak Theatre and includes footage of a wedding,…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1940 and 1944]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (10 min., 12 sec.) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003-14

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized silent film segment identified as Reel 14. The film opens in with the Digney family in their yard and garden and Grandma Swan's funeral (Royal Oak Cemetery). The remainder of the footage provides views of the gardens surrounding the Oak Theatre and includes footage of a wedding, family pets at play, men and women playing badminton, views of both the interior and exterior of the Oak Theatre including female ushers. The film then moves on to a War Bond Drive and parade along Kingsway followed by more views of the Oak Theatre gardens.

Subjects: Geographic Features - Gardens; Ceremonies - Funerals; Ceremonies - Weddings

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"; Oak Theatre; Digney, Alice

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Marlborough Area

Images

Video

Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens, [between 1940 and 1944]

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-003-14.m4v

Royal Visit

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85203

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1939

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (1 min., 52 sec.) : digital, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a silent colour film segment with footage of the Royal Visit from King George VI and Queen consort, Elizabeth. Boy Scouts and members of the community can be seen preparing for a roadside view of the motorcade and Mr. Digney can be seen pacing in his gardens at the Oak T…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1939

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (1 min., 52 sec.) : digital, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-002-2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2012-15

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a silent colour film segment with footage of the Royal Visit from King George VI and Queen consort, Elizabeth. Boy Scouts and members of the community can be seen preparing for a roadside view of the motorcade and Mr. Digney can be seen pacing in his gardens at the Oak Theatre. As the royal couple (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) drive by the crowd on Kingsway, they can be seen in a automobile identified as a McLaughlin model 45 Extra Special series, with Queen Elizabeth holding a white umbrella. RCMP officers are seen on a motorcycle with a side car, while dignitaries and officials in automobiles accompany the royal couple as the crowd waves red flags and looks on as the cars drive off.

Subjects: Events - May Day; Events - Royal Visits; Buildings - Commercial - Theatres; Recreational Activities - Theatre

Names: Oak Theatre; Digney, Andy; Elizabeth, Queen, consort of George VI, King of Great Britain, 1900-2002; George VI, King of Great Britain, 1895-1952

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film; Film clip originates from digitized version of original 16 mm film footage (item 562-002). This segment was part of digitized portion titled 'Royal Visit'

Geographic Access: Kingsway; Central Park

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Images

Video

Royal Visit, 1939

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-2.mp4

Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85241

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1939 and 1941]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (9 min., 51 sec.) : digital, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a silent digitized colour film segment identified as Reel 7. The film segment opens with footage of the shores of Galiano Island and soon switches to a game of table tennis and a boat ride up Burrard Inlet with Grannie Swan and company. The boat ride continues to the marina at Horseshoe Bay…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1939 and 1941]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (9 min., 51 sec.) : digital, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003-7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a silent digitized colour film segment identified as Reel 7. The film segment opens with footage of the shores of Galiano Island and soon switches to a game of table tennis and a boat ride up Burrard Inlet with Grannie Swan and company. The boat ride continues to the marina at Horseshoe Bay where the family goes ashore. This footage is followed with a dark segment of footage of a paegant at the Oak Theatre in 1941 and the gardens of the Oak Theatre. The film has a break and continues with footage of the Digney family travels to the Calgary Breweries, Calgary Zoo, and the Calgary Stampede parade and fairgrounds, Alberta, closing with footage of the Rockies and Rogers Pass.

Subjects: Animals - Birds; Events - Parades

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"; Digney, Alice

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film

Geographic Access: Burrard Inlet

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Kingsway-Beresford Area

Images

Video

Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary, [between 1939 and 1941]

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-003-7.m4v

Children's theatrical performance at the Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85469

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1939

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (1 min., 36 sec.) : digital, b&w ; si.

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a black and white film segment of an unidentified theatrical production at the Oak Theatre with children as the performers. Children appear in costume with some dressed as mice or rats and cats dancing and performing on the stage while others are dressed as townsfolk. Th…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1939

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (1 min., 36 sec.) : digital, b&w ; si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-002-5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2012-15

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a black and white film segment of an unidentified theatrical production at the Oak Theatre with children as the performers. Children appear in costume with some dressed as mice or rats and cats dancing and performing on the stage while others are dressed as townsfolk. The play closely resembles the folk tale 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' (also known as The Pan Piper, the Rat Catcher of Hamelin).

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Theatres; Recreational Activities - Theatre; Persons - Children

Names: Oak Theatre

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film; Film clip originates from digitized version of original 16 mm film footage (item 562-002). This segment was part of digitized portion titled 'Royal Visit'; Storage location refers to location of DVD containing this clip. See 562-002 notes for more information. Additional copies of video file stored in Permanent drive accession folder.

Geographic Access: Kingsway; Central Park

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Images

Video

Children's theatrical performance at the Oak Theatre, 1939

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-5.m4v

Ploughing snow at the Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85471

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1939

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (45 sec.) : digital, col. ; si.

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a silent colour film segment of a snow plough ploughing snow in the parking lot outside the Oak Theatre.

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1939

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (45 sec.) : digital, col. ; si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-002-7

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2012-15

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a silent colour film segment of a snow plough ploughing snow in the parking lot outside the Oak Theatre.

Subjects: Natural Phenomena - Snow

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film; Film clip originates from digitized version of original 16 mm film footage (item 562-002). This segment was part of digitized portion titled 'Royal Visit'

Geographic Access: Central Park; Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Images

Video

Ploughing snow at the Oak Theatre, 1939

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-7.m4v

Agreement Between A. Digney and Burnaby Respecting Connection for Fire Fighting Purposes (Water) at Oak Theatre, Block 27, DL 152

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport55010

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 71115

Meeting Date: 14-Apr-1937

Format: Council - Mayor/Councillor/Staff Report

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

2 documents

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Report ID: 71115

Meeting Date: 14-Apr-1937

Format: Council - Mayor/Councillor/Staff Report

Collection/Fonds: City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds

Documents

Report 71115

14-Apr-1937 Meeting Minutes

Oak Theatre Souvenir Programme

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64867

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: Aug. 1937 (date of original)

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 programme

Scope and Content: Item is a photocopied souvenir programme from the opening of the Oak Theatre at 3506 Kingsway, August 4, 1937. The theatre is described as "British Columbia's Ultra Modern Playhouse."

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: Aug. 1937 (date of original)

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Public Library manuscript subseries

Physical Description: 1 programme

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 42037

Accession Number: BHS1992-47

Scope and Content: Item is a photocopied souvenir programme from the opening of the Oak Theatre at 3506 Kingsway, August 4, 1937. The theatre is described as "British Columbia's Ultra Modern Playhouse."

Media Type: Textual Record

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85202

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1937 and 1936]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (9 min., 26 sec.) : digital, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a silent colour film segment with footage of the construction of the Oak Theatre in 1936, the opening of the theatre held on August 4, 1937, the theatre with snow in the winter and the Digney family home and neighborhood . Andy Digney moved with his family from Manitoba …

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1937 and 1936]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (9 min., 26 sec.) : digital, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-002-1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2012-15

Scope and Content: Item is a digitized copy of a silent colour film segment with footage of the construction of the Oak Theatre in 1936, the opening of the theatre held on August 4, 1937, the theatre with snow in the winter and the Digney family home and neighborhood . Andy Digney moved with his family from Manitoba to Burnaby in 1936 and purchased 2 acres of land where he settled with his family and built the Oak Theatre which was located at 5000 Kingsway (Marlborough & Kingsway). The theatre was located on a 2 acre parcel of land and had a 350 seat capacity and offered valet parking. Construction crews with men and horses can be seen laying the foundation and erecting the walls of the theatre and crowds of people and cars are seen arriving outside the theatre on opening day.

Subjects: Events - Openings; Buildings - Commercial - Theatres; Recreational Activities - Theatre; Animals - Horses

Names: Oak Theatre; Digney, Andy

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film; Film clip originates from digitized version of original 16 mm film footage (item 562-002). This segment was part of digitized portion titled 'Oak Theatre'

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Images

Video

Oak Theatre, [between 1937 and 1936]

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-1.m4v

Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85235

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1937 and 1938]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (9 min., 26 sec.) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a silent digitized film segment identified as Reel 5. The film segment opens with black and white footage of a Burnaby May Day Parade. Children are seen in costumes pushing carriages and bicycles along with pets as they come to gather at Central Park for judging. This event is followed with…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1937 and 1938]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (9 min., 26 sec.) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003-5

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a silent digitized film segment identified as Reel 5. The film segment opens with black and white footage of a Burnaby May Day Parade. Children are seen in costumes pushing carriages and bicycles along with pets as they come to gather at Central Park for judging. This event is followed with colour footage of a gymkhana event with people riding horses at the Lubbock farm in Burnaby and closes with Victory Bond fundraising outside the Oak Theatre, a parade on Kingsway and contrails from an airplane. Many of the men can be seen marching in the parade with their A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions) uniforms and arm bands.

Subjects: Events - Parades; Events - May Day; Animals - Horses

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Sussex-Nelson Area

Images

Video

Burnaby, [between 1937 and 1938]

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-003-5.m4v

Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37463

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1937 (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.6 x 3.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Oak Theatre at 3506 Kingsway at night. This was the first commercial use of neon lighting in Burnaby. This photograph may have been taken opening night, August 4, 1937.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1937 (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.6 x 3.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-051

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Oak Theatre at 3506 Kingsway at night. This was the first commercial use of neon lighting in Burnaby. This photograph may have been taken opening night, August 4, 1937.

Subjects: Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards; Buildings - Commercial - Theatres

Names: Oak Theatre

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bellinger, Bernard

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Marlborough Area

Images

Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark699

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Associated Dates: 1937

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Geographic Access: Kingsway

Associated Dates: 1937

Heritage Value: After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney and his family moved to Burnaby in 1936 and chose the site of their new theatre at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. In 1945, Digney sold the theatre but it remained in operation until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. The Oak Theatre - which had opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black.

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Marlborough Area

Street Address: 5000 Kingsway

Images

Digney Family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85415

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1936-19[61]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Dign…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1936-19[61]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive

Description Level: Fonds

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Scope and Content: Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Digney in 2012. The 16mm film is divided into the following segments: the Oak Theatre in 1936 (construction and opening); the Royal Visit (from the King and Queen) in 1939; Burnaby Sports and May Day events (ca. 1937); and the Labour parade (ca. 1935). The 18 film segments contain footage of the Digney family at their home in Brandon, Manitoba, and Burnaby; views of the Oak Theatre and Digney Speedway in operation; and their travels throughout British Columbia and abroad. The 18 film segments are described at the item level and titled: Andy's first film; Brandon, Manitoba; Burnaby and Digney recreational events; Trip to Kamloops; Burnaby; Burnaby, Vancouver and the north shore; Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary; Travels to Ontario, Quebec and England; Travels to England #2; Travels to England #3; Parades; Digney family in Burnaby; Paul Digney and family; Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens; Digney family at Bonsor Avenue and family outings; Building and opening the Digney Speedway; Digney family travel the praries; and San Francisco Trip.

History: Andy Digney was born in London, England, on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles. In 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore, Saskatchewan, and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty, Saskatchewan, where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry, Manitoba, where Andy worked selling lightning rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time, he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns, showing movies. Eventually, Digney purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba, where he purchased a restaurant, which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba, when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1935 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community, becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945, he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a home on Bonsor Avenue on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association [original name retained for historical accuracy], who were looking for a good location to race the smaller racing cars popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948, with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of this kind of racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951, Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over 40 cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s, the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Dig worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce, returned to Burnaby in 1953, moving into a 550-square-foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954, Simpson Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19, 1955, and Andy, Alice, Dig, and Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the bowling alley. In 1956, Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son Dig, which he paid for over time. Dig and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in 1964 while travelling with his wife in England. Alice died on June 3, 1982, and Dig died on November 27, 2009.

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney family

Notes: Title based on contents of fonds; Photo/MI catalogue 562

Brandon, Manitoba

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85231

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1934

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 film clip (14 min., 12 sec.) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a silent digitized (DVD) film segment with footage identified as 'Reel 2' . Film footage flucuates between black and white and colour opening with a glimpse of a dog show in the winter outside the Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba. Andy Digney appears in a hat in front of a poster. He sol…

1 image 1 video

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1934

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 film clip (14 min., 12 sec.) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003-2

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a silent digitized (DVD) film segment with footage identified as 'Reel 2' . Film footage flucuates between black and white and colour opening with a glimpse of a dog show in the winter outside the Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba. Andy Digney appears in a hat in front of a poster. He sold the Oak Theatre in 1935 when the family moved to British Columbia. Other glimpses provide a view of an ice jam on the Assinboine River,Brandon floods, the Sandhills animal farm, the North Hill Motorcycle hill climb and an RCMP show in Regina.

Subjects: Animals - Dogs; Geographic Features - Rivers

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film

Images

Video

Brandon, Manitoba, 1934

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-003-2.m4v

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