25 records – page 1 of 2.

Oak Theatre

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark699
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1937
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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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).
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

Less detail

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,…
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]

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
Less detail

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…
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]

Less detail

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
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
Less detail

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]

Less detail

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.
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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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

Less detail

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…
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
Less detail

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
Series
Museum film collection series
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
Subjects
Events - Parades
Events - May Day
Sports - Bowling
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.mp4
Less detail

trophy cup

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20836
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV976.13.1
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
Less detail

postcard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact47179
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.44.1
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
Category
06.Tools & Equipment for Communication
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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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
Less detail

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
Less detail

25 records – page 1 of 2.