"Occupations - Entrepreneurs" found 30 records

Alf Hickman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35385

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1930] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Hickman family home at 6102 Patterson Avenue. Alf Hickman (standing beside the home) moved to Burnaby from Winnipeg and bought a store on Patterson Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1930] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-242

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Hickman family home at 6102 Patterson Avenue. Alf Hickman (standing beside the home) moved to Burnaby from Winnipeg and bought a store on Patterson Avenue.

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Hickman, Alfred "Alf"

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Patterson Avenue

Street Address: 6102 Patterson Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Alf Hickman, [1930] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Bob Crafter and Bill Kask, Sr.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37420

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.9 x 2.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of (left to right) Australian Bob Crafter and William "Bill" Kask, Sr., standing in front of Kask General Store.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (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 ; 4.9 x 2.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.4 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-008

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of (left to right) Australian Bob Crafter and William "Bill" Kask, Sr., standing in front of Kask General Store.

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Crafter, Bob; Kask General Store; Kask, William "Bill" (1888-1954)

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Barnet Road

Street Address: 7501 Barnet Road

Historic Neighbourhood: Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Images

Bob Crafter and Bill Kask, Sr., [193-] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Charles R. Gillmore

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35395

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Charles R. Gillmore, operator of Fernhurst Game Farm near Imperial Street and Dow Avenue. This later became the site of Maywood Elementary School at 4567 Imperial Street.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-252

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Charles R. Gillmore, operator of Fernhurst Game Farm near Imperial Street and Dow Avenue. This later became the site of Maywood Elementary School at 4567 Imperial Street.

Subjects: Animals - Poultry; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Fernhurst Game Farm; Gillmore, Charles R.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Imperial Street

Street Address: 4567 Imperial Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Charles R. Gillmore, [192-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Ed Brown and daughters with his truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46007

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1925]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and his daughters on one of his trucks.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1925]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 298-009

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and his daughters on one of his trucks.

Subjects: Occupations - Truck Drivers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Transportation - Trucks

Names: E.S. Brown's Transfer Company; Brown, Ed

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ed Brown and daughters with his truck, [1925] thumbnail

Ed Brown and his daughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46002

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and four of his daughters sitting in one of Ed's trucks (a GMC).

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 298-004

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and four of his daughters sitting in one of Ed's trucks (a GMC).

Subjects: Occupations - Truck Drivers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Transportation - Trucks

Names: Brown, Ed; E.S. Brown's Transfer Company

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Royal Oak Avenue

Images

Ed Brown and his daughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46006

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and his daughters on one of his trucks.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 298-008

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and his daughters on one of his trucks.

Subjects: Occupations - Truck Drivers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Transportation - Trucks

Names: E.S. Brown's Transfer Company; Brown, Ed

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ed Brown and his daughters

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46008

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1925]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and his daughters on one of his trucks.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1925]

Collection/Fonds: Ed Brown Family fonds

Physical Description: 1 jpg. : b&w

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 298-010

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and his daughters on one of his trucks.

Subjects: Occupations - Truck Drivers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Transportation - Trucks

Names: E.S. Brown's Transfer Company; Brown, Ed

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ed Brown and his daughters, [1925] thumbnail

Ed Brown beside his transfer truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36573

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown standing beside his truck that is loaded with telephone poles.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Ed Brown family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 298-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1992-38

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown standing beside his truck that is loaded with telephone poles.

Subjects: Transportation - Trucks; Occupations - Truck Drivers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Brown, Ed; E.S. Brown's Transfer Company

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Royal Oak Avenue

Images

Ed Brown beside his transfer truck, [1920] thumbnail

Ed Brown sitting on his transfer truck

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36574

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and Morton Kidd sitting on top of Ed's transfer truck that has been loaded with telephone poles.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1920]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Ed Brown family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : sepia ; 6 x 10.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 298-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1992-38

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ed Brown and Morton Kidd sitting on top of Ed's transfer truck that has been loaded with telephone poles.

Subjects: Transportation - Trucks; Occupations - Truck Drivers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Brown, Ed; Kidd, Morton; E.S. Brown's Transfer Company

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph.

Geographic Access: Royal Oak Avenue

Images

Ed Brown sitting on his transfer truck, [1920] thumbnail

Ernest and Jean Pitman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35766

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ernest Pitman and Mary Jane "Jean" Pitman. Ernest Pitman operated McKay Dry Goods and Jubilee Dry Goods. They had four children: Clifford, Dorothy, Marjorie, and Gwendolyn.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-624

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Ernest Pitman and Mary Jane "Jean" Pitman. Ernest Pitman operated McKay Dry Goods and Jubilee Dry Goods. They had four children: Clifford, Dorothy, Marjorie, and Gwendolyn.

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Pitman, Ernest; Pitman, Mary Jane "Jean" Gill

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Ernest and Jean Pitman, [193-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

G.R. and George Heyworth

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35070

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 13.6 x 10.1 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mr. G.R. Heyworth and his son, George taken in a photographic Studio. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "G.R. (Rollie) Heyworth and son George operated Jubilee Drug Store, corner of Imperial St. and Jubilee Ave. in the late 1920-30-40s. Jubilee Ave. was called Maple …

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Heyworth family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 13.6 x 10.1 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 187-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-38

Scope and Content: Photograph of Mr. G.R. Heyworth and his son, George taken in a photographic Studio. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "G.R. (Rollie) Heyworth and son George operated Jubilee Drug Store, corner of Imperial St. and Jubilee Ave. in the late 1920-30-40s. Jubilee Ave. was called Maple Ave. in the early days and the odd block has the name in cement at the end of the block. / Home: Lived on Victory Street."

Subjects: Documentary Artifacts - Portraits; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Heyworth, G.R.; Heyworth, George

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

G.R. and George Heyworth, [192-] thumbnail

G.R. Heyworth

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35071

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 14.7 x 8.9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of G.R. Heyworth standing outside Jubilee Drug Store, Jubilee Avenue and Imperial Street (later the location of Bonsor Park, 6550 Bonsor Avenue). Signs read, "Jubilee Drug [Store] / G.R. [Heyworth]" and "Ask for Keystone Brand School Supplies." Magazines and school supplies are display…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [192-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Heyworth family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 14.7 x 8.9 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 187-004

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1986-38

Scope and Content: Photograph of G.R. Heyworth standing outside Jubilee Drug Store, Jubilee Avenue and Imperial Street (later the location of Bonsor Park, 6550 Bonsor Avenue). Signs read, "Jubilee Drug [Store] / G.R. [Heyworth]" and "Ask for Keystone Brand School Supplies." Magazines and school supplies are displayed in the window. Note the dirt road.

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Stores; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Heyworth, G.R.; Jubilee Drug Store

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "5580"

Geographic Access: Jubilee Avenue; Bonsor Avenue

Street Address: 6550 Bonsor Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Marlborough Area

Images

G.R. Heyworth, [192-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Harry Royle

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35409

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1930] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Royle in front of "Harry's" at 5527 Hastings Street and Ellesmere Avenue, a confectionery and general hangout in the Capitol Hill district.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1930] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-266

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Harry Royle in front of "Harry's" at 5527 Hastings Street and Ellesmere Avenue, a confectionery and general hangout in the Capitol Hill district.

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Royle, Harry; Harry's

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Hastings Street

Street Address: 5527 Hastings Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Capitol Hill Area

Images

Harry Royle, [1930] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Horace H. Palethorpe

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35823

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Horace H. Palethorpe, a pioneer realtor in Burnaby who maintained an office from 1920-1940.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [193-] (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-682

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of Horace H. Palethorpe, a pioneer realtor in Burnaby who maintained an office from 1920-1940.

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Names: Palenthorpe, Horace H.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Horace H. Palethorpe, [193-] (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Interview with Alfred Bingham June 10, 1975 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory64

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1928-1929

Length: 0:05:09

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Alfred Bingham's entrepreneurial project undertaken during the Depression.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Alfred Bingham's entrepreneurial project undertaken during the Depression.

Date Range: 1928-1929

Photo Info: Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066

Length: 0:05:09

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Interviewer: Bradbury, Dr. Bettina

Interview Date: June 10, 1975

Scope and Content: Recording is a taped interview with Alfred Bingham by SFU graduate student Bettina Bradbury June 10, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression, Pioneers, and the Co-operative Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Angus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 1:57:27

Interviewee Name: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Interviewer Bio: Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with Alfred Bingham

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-20-1/100-13-20-1_Track_7.mp3

Interview with Eileen Kernaghan by Rod Fowler April 10, 1990 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory497

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1939-1990

Length: 00:09:08

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Eileen Kernaghan’s childhood, her education and teaching career, her marriage to Pat Kernaghan and their move to Burnaby, his work at Oakalla Prison, the opening of their Neville Street bookstore, and changes in their neighbourhood

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Eileen Kernaghan’s childhood, her education and teaching career, her marriage to Pat Kernaghan and their move to Burnaby, his work at Oakalla Prison, the opening of their Neville Street bookstore, and changes in their neighbourhood

Date Range: 1939-1990

Photo Info: Eileen Kernaghan standing in front of four poets at the Poetry Pocket Cafe in New Westminster, October 15, 1995. Item no. 535-0014

Length: 00:09:08

Subjects: Education; Occupations - Teachers; Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Clinton-Glenwood Area

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: April 10, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Eileen Kernaghan, conducted by Rod Fowler. Eileen Kernaghan was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Eileen Kernaghan’s activities with the Burnaby Writers’ Society and the Burnaby Arts Council, describing the history of these organizations between 1967 and 1990. She describes the financial and other challenges facing the arts community, the various programs initiated by the Arts Council, and the development of the Burnaby Arts Centre facilities at Deer Lake. She also talks about her education, writing career, the Neville Street neighbourhood, and her and her husband’s bookstore business. Ghosts believed to inhabit some of the Arts Centre's heritage buildings are also a topic of conversation. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Eileen Kernaghan was born January 6, 1939, to William Alfred Monk (1910-2003) and Belinda Maude Monk (1908-1996), and grew up on a dairy farm near Grindrod in the North Okanagan. She attended a two room school in Grindrod, completed Junior and Senior High School in Enderby, and at age 17 in 1956, left home to attend UBC. She taught school in the North Okanagan area in the late 1950s, during which time she married her husband Patrick Kernaghan. They moved to Vancouver in 1961, Burnaby in 1963, and settled on Neville Street in the South Slope area in 1966 with their three children. Pat Kernaghan worked at Oakalla Prison as a correctional officer until his retirement in 1988. Eileen and Patrick Kernaghan owned and operated a bookstore on Neville Street from 1987 to 1999. They later moved to New Westminster. Eileen Kernaghan began her writing career at twelve years old with a story published in the Vancouver Sun. After her youngest child began school, with more free time, she started writing again and has become an award winning author of fantasy and science fiction novels. She helped found the Burnaby Writers’ Society in 1967, taught writing workshops, and wrote its popular Newsletter for many years. In 1971 the Society put together a small handbook for BC writers, a venture that was expanded and published by Douglas MacIntyre in 1975 as “The Upper Left-Hand Corner: a writer’s handbook for the Northwest”. The book became a Canadian best-seller. During this same period Eileen Kernaghan began her successful “Grey Isles” trilogy. In 1967 she joined the Burnaby Arts Council, worked as its Coordinator from 1973 to 1984, and was a determined advocate for municipal government support for the arts in Burnaby.

Total Tracks: 11

Total Length: 1:26:27

Interviewee Name: Kernaghan, Eileen

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Eileen Kernaghan standing in front of four poets at the Poetry Pocket Cafe in New Westminster, October 15, 1995. Item no. 535-0014 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track seven of interview with Eileen Kernaghan

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-021/MSS187-021_Track%207.mp3

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…

1 image 1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.

History: Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Environmental Issues; Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection; Geographic Features; Geographic Features - Parks; Housing; Occupations; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Writers; Persons - Volunteers; Persons - Jewish Canadians; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Religions; Religions - Judaism

Names: Schwartz, William "Bill"; Schwartz, Ellen; City of Burnaby; Polestar Communications; British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

Responsibility: Damer, Eric

Accession Code: BV023.16.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Lake Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Images

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023 thumbnail

Documents

2023_0016_0006_004

Audio Tracks

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3

Interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell 24-Jun-75 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory52

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1931-1935

Length: 0:08:52

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne and her daughter Beverley (Lewarne) Burrell's memories of Ethel's survival strategies during the Depression.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Ethel Lewarne and her daughter Beverley (Lewarne) Burrell's memories of Ethel's survival strategies during the Depression.

Date Range: 1931-1935

Photo Info: Leer family; Ethel Leer Lewarne is standing on the far right, 1911. Item no. 204-052

Length: 0:08:52

Subjects: Occupations - Entrepreneurs

Historic Neighbourhood: Alta Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)

Interviewer: Bradbury, Dr. Bettina

Interview Date: 24-Jun-75

Scope and Content: Recording is a taped interview with Ethel (Leer) Lewarne and Beverley (Lewarne) Burrell by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury June 24, 1975. Major theme discussed is: the Depression. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: Ethel Cecilia Leer was born in 1899 in London, England to George Frederick and Sarah Ann Leer. In 1908, the Leer family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. George Frederick Leer began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Ethel’s younger brother George Leer was born about this time. A third child was born but unfortunately did not live past infancy. The Leers arrived in Burnaby in 1911 and bought two lots in Alta Vista at the corner of Portland and McGregor. George Frederick and Sarah Ann were active members of the All Saints Anglican Church on Royal Oak. Ethel went to Dundonald school from 1911 to 1913 with Miss Bowell as her teacher, then on to Britannia High School from 1913 to 1915. Ethel’s father, George Frederick Leer died March 23, 1919 at the age of forty-one. Ethel Cecilia Leer married Alfred Lewarne on December 26, 1921 in Burnaby. Alfred was born February 9, 1893 in Cornwall, England. Before marriage he worked for a creamery in Vancouver. After marriage, Alfred began his own ice cream business in Burnaby. The Lewarnes bought a lot along Nelson Avenue and built a house. Their first child Patricia "Tricia" (later McCleod) was born in 1923, their second was Beverley “Bev” (later Burrell). Their third child, William A. “Bill” Lewarne was born in 1926. Bill grew up to become one of the most popular Mayors in Burnaby’s history, serving from 1981 to 1987. He also served as a member of Council from 1973 to 1975 and 1977 to 1981. After Alfred Lewarne’s death on May 5, 1962 at the age of sixty-nine, Ethel continued living in the family home. Ethel’s mother, Sarah Ann Leer died May 11, 1963 at the age of eighty-seven.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:00:59

Interviewee Name: Lewarne, Ethel Leer; Burrell, Beverley "Bev" Lewarne

Interviewer Bio: Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

Leer family; Ethel Leer Lewarne is standing on the far right, 1911. Item no. 204-052 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Ethel Lewarne and Beverley Burrell

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-13/100-13-13_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20395

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronak…

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Alex Chronakis and Georgia Chronakis Location of Interview: Fraser Wilson Room, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:17:12 Digital master recordings (wav) were converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronakis, including their Greek background, migration to Canada, marriage, children, Louis’ career as a mechanic and gas station owner and owning restaurants in White Rock and Burnaby. 00:08:40 - 00:13:59 Georgia and her son Alex recall the great memories of owning and operating their restaurant Mionas Taverna and share details of their family life in Burnaby and White Rock. 00:14:00 - 00:19:15 Alex and Georgia talk about Louis Chronakis' work experience and how he became involved in the restaurant business. They share their experiences of operating Minoas Taverna including their opening in 1986. 00:19:16 - 00:36:59 Alex and Georgia describe some of the foods that were on the menu of Minoas Taverna, the design of the restaurant, the Minoan history that it’s based on, memories of running the restaurant and why they decided to close. 00:37:00 – 00:41:52 Alex talks about his involvement with Greek festivals in Vancouver and Alex and Georgia reflect on their life in the future now that the restaurant has closed.

History: Interviewees biographies: Georgia Giannias Chronakis was born in Selassia, Sparta, Greece in 1941 and when she was sixteen years of age she moved to Athens. In 1964 Georgia immigrated to Canada and lived in Montreal before moving to Vancouver a few years later. In 1966, while living in Vancouver, she met and married Ilias "Louis" Chronakis who was born in Crete, Greece. Soon after marrying, Georgia and Louis Chronakis bought a house located at 3823 Kingsway and welcomed their first child, Anna. Four years later, Georgia and Louis moved to White Rock but continued to own their house on Kingsway and rented it out. While living in White Rock, they had three more children named Virginia, Alex and Ellie. Louis was a trained mechanic working independently and for various companies including CP Air, BC Ferries and Esso before deciding to get into the restaurant business. He partnered with another businessman to open a Mr. Mike's franchise and later a cafe and Greek restaurant in White Rock. In 1986, Georgia, Louis and family moved back to Burnaby and moved into a house on Sandall Street and began converting their former home on Kingsway into a restaurant which they named Minoas Greek Taverna (Minoas Taverna). They opened the restaurant on May 1, 1986, just one day before Expo '86 was opened. In 2023, after 37 years of running their restaurant they sold their business but continued to own the land and building on Kingsway. Alex Chronakis is the son of Georgia and Louis Chronakis and was born in 1972. Alex has spent time working with his family running their restaurant and has been involved in the Greek Day Festival in Vancouver. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Foods; Occupations; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Mechanics; Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants; Buildings - Commercial - Service Stations; Migration; Persons - Greek Canadians

Names: Chronakis, Alex; Chronakis, Georgia Giannias; Minoas Taverna; Chronakis, Ilias "Louis"

Geographic Access: Kingsway; Smith Avenue

Street Address: 3823 Kingsway

Accession Code: BV023.16.21

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available

Documents

2023_0016_0021_003

Audio Tracks

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis, [1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0021_002.mp3

Interview with Jenny Siormanolakis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19635

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1960-2023] (interview content), interviewed 26 Jul. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (87 min.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (86 min., 51 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jenny (Eugenia) Siormanolakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks on July 26 2023. 00:00-12:02 Interview opens with introductions. Jenny Siormanolakis shares details about her parents Eugene and Europe Siormanola…

1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (87 min.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (86 min., 51 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Jenny (Eugenia) Siormanolakis Location of Interview: Prado Cafe, 4321 Still Creek Dr., Burnaby Interview Date: July 26, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:26:60 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Ambient sound from cafe in background of interview

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jenny (Eugenia) Siormanolakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks on July 26 2023. 00:00-12:02 Interview opens with introductions. Jenny Siormanolakis shares details about her parents Eugene and Europe Siormanolakis who were both born in Greece and immigrated to Vancouver. Jenny provides details about the history of Romana Pizza restaurant including; the restaurant partners, the various locations, her father’s work ethics of running the restaurant and the staff who worked there. Jenny provides details about her father's life, his ancestral background and family relations which lead him to immigrate to Vancouver. Jenny shares childhood memories of helping out in her parents’ restaurant and later working there. 12:03 – 26:41 Jenny describes various food dishes that have been on the menu of Romana Pizza and Steak House and Romana Pizza, how they've evolved over time, how her father learned to cook traditional Greek food and develop his own recipes and where he sourced his restaurant food supplies. Jenny conveys how they used social media to advertise the restaurant, describes the election pizza poll that Romana Pizza held during the federal and provincial elections and a baby poll that was held at the restaurant to guess the weight of her and her sister’s babies. 26:42 – 31:47 Jenny talks about her marriage and recollects how she got married in a civil ceremony at Romana Pizza. Jenny talks about her family life while her family was running the restaurant, their decision to sell the restaurant and describes the last days of running the restaurant. 31:48 – 46:33 Jenny conveys the background story of her business “Granpa J’s”. Jenny describes how her uncle Jimmy Voulides, created his own seasoning salt product and after he died in 2003, Jenny and her sister Nora purchased the business. Jenny describes how they developed their business, created new products, their struggles and how they became successful. Jenny describes how their products have been developed from family recipes and recalls how the actor Ryan Reynold’s helped their products become even more successful overnight. 46:34 – 55:38 Jenny talks about different community festivals and events that she’s been involved with including; Greek Day on Broadway (Vancouver) and the Hats Off Day event in North Burnaby. Jenny shares the background history of Greek Day in Vancouver and information about other Greek community events. Jenny talks about the importance of bringing the community together and the importance of knowing the history of your ancestors and where they came from. 55:39 - 1:04:35 Jenny talks about her involvement with the Greek community newspaper “Gnome” and provides details about; the former creator and editor Kostas Karatsikis, the newspaper's content, it's importance in the Greek community and the distribution. Jenny describes some of the articles that she’s written for the Gnome newspaper. 1:04:36 - 1:14:12 Jenny describes some pivotal moments that occurred over the years at Romana Pizza including; placing second in the Vancouver Sun newspaper contest for Best Pizza (1986) and having members of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team frequent their restaurant. Jenny conveys how the restaurant benefited from having a website and using social media as a marketing tools. 1:14:13 - 1:22:42 Jenny talks about her involvement with Kolanki Group West, Euro Find foods and her passion for Greek food and other European foods. Jenny describes some traditional Greek recipes, family recipes, talks about marketing Grandpa J's products and reflects on the menu of Romana Pizza. 1:22:43 - 1:26:51 Jenny reflects on the role of the Greek community, how food plays a roll, the future of the Greek community in Vancouver and Burnaby and the importance of engaging the younger generation. In closing Jenny provides a quote from an article that she wrote “Forgive the mistakes of the past, let it go and realize that we are all equals...”.

History: Interviewee biography: Eugenia "Jenny" Siormanolakis is the daughter of Eugene and Europe Siormanolakis. Jenny’s father, Eugene Siormanolakis immigrated to Canada from Greece in the late 1960’s and her mother Europe Siormanolakis immigrated in 1973. In April 1973, her father and five partners opened the restaurant “Romana Pizza and Steak House” (later renamed "Romana Pizza") located at 4660 Hastings Street in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood. Jenny and her sister Eleanora Iliakis spent much of their childhood in the family owned restaurant and also worked at the restaurant as they become older. Jenny’s parents continued to own and operate the restaurant until 2014 when they decided to retire from the business. In 2004, an opportunity arose for Jenny and her sister Eleanora to buy their recently deceased uncle’s business Grandpa J’s Seasoning Inc. They launched their business of “Grandpa J’s” seasoning first selling to local restaurants and eventually adapted their product line to include other Greek seasoning products which they developed from their own recipes. They expanded their clientele to include retail outlets and in 2020, they got a boost to their sales when actor Ryan Reynolds promoted their seasoing product "Vancity Grind" on Instagram. Since launching their business they have been featured in many culinary and business publications and were nominated in 2022 as finalists for Product of the Year by BC Food and Beverage. Jenny is extremely passionate about food, her Greek heritage and is an advocate for food security for children and seniors and mental health. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants; Businesses; Elections; Foods; Migration; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Persons - Greek Canadians

Names: Gnome Publications; Iliakis, Eleonara Siormanolakis; Karatsikis, Kostas "George"; Siormanolakis, Eugenia "Jenny"; Nikolaidis, "Eleni"; Nikolaidis, Stelios; Romana Pizza; Siormanolakis, Eugene; Siormanolakis, Europe; Voulides, Demetrios "Jimmy"

Responsibility: Binks, James

Geographic Access: Hastings Street

Street Address: 4660 Hastings Street

Accession Code: BV023.16.13

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1960-2023] (interview content), interviewed 26 Jul. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Documents

2023_0016_0013_004

Audio Tracks

Interview with Jenny Siormanolakis, [1960-2023] (interview content), interviewed 26 Jul. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0013_003.mp3

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