Narrow Results By
Subject
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards 1
- Animals - Birds 1
- Animals - Dogs 1
- Animals - Horses 2
- Buildings 1
- Buildings - Commercial 1
- Buildings - Commercial - Theatres 5
- Ceremonies - Funerals 1
- Ceremonies - Weddings 1
- Documentary Artifacts 1
- Documentary Artifacts - Photographs 1
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards 1
Person / Organization
- Burnaby Fire Department 1
- Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club 1
- Codd, Lisa 1
- Digney, Alice 2
- Digney, Andy 7
- Digney Bowling Alley 1
- Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig" 4
- Digney Speedway 1
- Elizabeth, Queen, consort of George VI, King of Great Britain, 1900-2002 1
- George VI, King of Great Britain, 1895-1952 1
- Oak Theatre 7
Oak Theatre
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark699
- 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
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…
- 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).
- 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
Children's theatrical performance at the Oak Theatre, 1939
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-5.m4vDigney 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,…
- 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.
- 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]
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.m4vGaliano 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…
- 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
- 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]
Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary, [between 1939 and 1941]
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-003-7.m4vGo-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
- 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
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 …
- 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]
Oak Theatre, [between 1937 and 1936]
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-1.m4vOak 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.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1937 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- 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.
- 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 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
- 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
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.
- 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
Ploughing snow at the Oak Theatre, 1939
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/562-002-7.m4vRoyal 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…
- 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
Through the Lens of Andy Digney
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10099
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (12 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a short film featuring a compilation of film footage created by Andy Digney that was edited and narrated by the Burnaby Village Museum. Burnaby resident Andy Digney captured footage of Burnaby and beyond from 1934 to 1964. Highlights within this film compilaton include the constru…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 video recording (mp4) (12 min., 17 sec.) : digital, 23 fps, col., sd., stereo
- Material Details
- Research and Narration: Lisa Codd
- Editing and Audio Recording: Matthew Ball
- Special thanks to Paul Digney
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a short film featuring a compilation of film footage created by Andy Digney that was edited and narrated by the Burnaby Village Museum. Burnaby resident Andy Digney captured footage of Burnaby and beyond from 1934 to 1964. Highlights within this film compilaton include the construction and events held at the Oak Theatre; Royal visit motorcade of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth; Sports Day at Central Park; Gymcana event at Burnaby Lake Riding Stables; lawn bowling at Central Park; a Depression-era May Day workers’ parade in 1936; May Day celebrations in Burnaby; visits to locations throughout the Lower Mainland, including Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and boat trip up Burrard Inlet; the Digney Speedway; the Digney family at their home on Bonsor Avenue and the Digney Bowling Alley.
- Creator
- Digney, Andy
- Names
- Digney, Andy
- Digney Bowling Alley
- Digney Speedway
- Codd, Lisa
- Oak Theatre
- Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club
- Geographic Access
- Kingsway
- Central Park
- Street Address
- 6521 Bonsor Avenue
- Accession Code
- BV019.18.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Related Material
- See also the City of Burnaby Archives "Digney Family fonds" MI catalogue 562.003 for film masters
- Notes
- Title based on contents
- City of Burnaby Archives holds the original Digney film masters (562.003) that this narrated segment was disseminated from. See Digney family fonds
Images
Video
Through the Lens of Andy Digney, [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016
Through the Lens of Andy Digney, [between 1934 and 1964] (date of original film), edited and narrated in 2016
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2019_0018_0001_001.mp4trophy cup
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20836
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV976.13.1
- Description
- The trophy is a tall slim silver cup with a handle either side. It is mounted on a round wooden base. There are a number of small shields around base in two rows. They indicate the winners from 1938 to 1957. One of the shields is loose. The cup is tarnished. It was presented by the Oak Theatre for the best plant at the B.A.C.A. flower show.
- Object History
- Object was presented by the Oak Theatre for the best plant at the Burnaby Amateur Chrysanthemum Association (B.A.C.A.) flower show. It was won by the donor, Alfred Preston, in 1948 and 1957. The B.A.C.A. started in 1937.
- Marks/Labels
- "OAK THEATRE TROPHY" "FOR BEST PLANT IN THE B.A.C.A. ANNUAL SHOW", engraved on front of cup. "1958 D.ELLIOTT" "1959 V.STEERS" "1960 C.GREEN" "1961 V.E. STEERS" "1962 V.E.STEERS" "1963 J.KAMIYA", engraved on reverse side of cup. "WON BY", engraved on each shield around base. The names are not readable until the shields are cleaned.
- Names
- Oak Theatre
Images
postcard
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact47179
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV004.44.1
- Description
- Postcard, black and white photo; horizontal; white Art Deco building with corner entrance, car under canopy at left; in white at lower left, "THE OAK THEATRE" "ROYAL OAK, BURNABY," "NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C."; clock at front of canopy shows 6:43; glossy, white border; ca.1940s; on reverse in grey, "POST CARD" "MADE IN CANADA" "CORRESPONDENCE" "ADDRESS"; at upper right, outline of rectangle formed by "AZO" printed four times, squares at corners; finger? smudge, brownish marks at right; gloss worn? at some places along edges on front; unused
- Classification
- Written Communication T&E - - Writing Media
- Object Term
- Postcard
- Marks/Labels
- The Oak Theatre / Royal Oak / Burnaby / New Westminster, B.C.
- Colour
- Black
- White
- Country Made
- Canada
- Title
- The Oak Theatre Royal Oak, Burnaby, New Westminster, B.C.
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
- Documentary Artifacts - Photographs
- Buildings
- Buildings - Commercial
- Buildings - Commercial - Theatres
Images
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
- 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
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
Pioneer tales of Burnaby
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5860
- 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