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Interview with Shirley Cohn
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19597
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (16 min., 57 sec.) (50 min., 36 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (50 min., 36 sec.)
- Scope and Content
- File consists of two recordings of oral history interviews with Shirley Cohn conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. The first interview was conducted on April 14, 2023 and the second interview was conducted on September 6, 2023. Summary of interview conducted on …
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum fonds
- Series
- Museum Oral Histories series
- Subseries
- Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 sound recordings (wav) (16 min., 57 sec.) (50 min., 36 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (50 min., 36 sec.)
- Material Details
- Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Shirley Cohn Location of Interviews: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Dates: April 14, 2023 and September 6, 2023 Total Number of Tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 67 min., 33 sec. Digital master recording (wav) recording of second interview (50 min., 36 sec.) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
- Scope and Content
- File consists of two recordings of oral history interviews with Shirley Cohn conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. The first interview was conducted on April 14, 2023 and the second interview was conducted on September 6, 2023. Summary of interview conducted on September 6, 2023: 0:00 – 16:09 Shirley Cohn shares background information about her parents who immigrated to Detroit from Hungary in the 1930’s. Shirley recalls what it was like for her parents being Jewish during World War II and how many of their relations were killed in the Holocaust. Shirley talks about her Jewish Hungarian heritage, what it was like growing up in Detroit, the Jewish community in Detroit and the Jewish holidays and traditions that her family celebrated. Shirley recalls her high school and University education and experiences, starting her career in social work and how she met her future husband, Theodore “Ted” Cohn. 16:10 – 18:27 Shirley shares the story about her father in law, Dr. Daniel E. Cohn who was Harry Houdini’s doctor at the time of his death in Detroit on Oct. 31, 1926. Shirley explains that she donated some of Dr. Daniel E. Cohn’s original documents pertaining to this event to the New York Public Library. 18:28 – 26:04 Shirley describes her experiences living and working in London Ontario while her husband was a professor at University of Western Ontario and Shirley worked as a social worker in family services. Shirley recalls experiences of anti-Semitism while living in London. Shirley talks about moving to Burnaby in 1977 after her husband took a job as a professor at Simon Fraser University. Shirley describes her experiences living in Burnaby, raising a family and working as a social worker at Burnaby General Hospital. 26:05 – 26:18 Shirley talks about her interests outside of work, her family’s involvement in the Burquest Jewish Community Association and being a member of Temple Shalom. Shirley conveys information about other Jewish synagogues in Greater Vancouver, describes Reform Judaism at Temple Shalom and some Jewish cultural practices that her family has been involved with. 26:19 – 33:12 Shirley describes her family’s experiences living in the Garden Village nieghbourhood in Burnaby, her involvement sharing Jewish cultural traditions at her children’s school and recalls her children’s experiences attending school in Burnaby. 33:13 – 40:46 Shirley conveys the career paths that her children took and talks about what she likes about living in Burnaby including; the walking and hiking trails, the cultural and art performances and her involvement in local politics. Shirley talks about her and her husband’s involvement in the SFU retirees association and the SFURA walking and hiking group. Shirley reflects on her husband’s academic career, experiences teaching at SFU and the role of the Hillel Jewish Students Association at the Simon Fraser University. Shirley talks about the difficulties of discussing political views about the State of Israel. Shirley describes some traditional Jewish foods, the roles that they play and a local bakery that carries Jewish bake goods. 40:47 – 50:36 Shirley describes her current daily life in Burnaby; working one day a week as a social worker, gardening, her involvement at Temple Shalom and the Jewish Community Centre and how she travels in Burnaby. Shirley recalls the changes that she’s encountered in Burnaby and in her career over the years, shares a story about her husband losing his thesis and describes what Burnaby was like while she was raising her family. Shirley shares what she thinks about the areas of development in Burnaby and conveys the importance of having parks and affordable housing. In closing, Shirley reflects on what is like to be a Jewish person living in Burnaby.
- History
- Interviewee biography: Shirley Tanner was born in Detroit in 1947. Her parents were both Jewish. Her mother fled Hungary as a refugee in 1939, while her father emigrated from there in 1934. Shirley attended public schools in Detroit, and then studied social work at the University of Michigan. After marriage, Shirley and Ted Cohn moved to Ontario where Ted had a faculty appointment at the University of Western Ontario in political science. Six years later they moved to Burnaby for Ted’s teaching position in political science at Simon Fraser University. While living in Burnaby, Shirley took care of a growing family while also practicing social work, mainly at Burnaby Hospital. The family enjoyed Burnaby’s libraries and parks. Shirley helped out at her children’s schools, became a Block Watch captain, and the family joined Burquest Jewish Community Association. The Cohns later became members of Temple Sholom Synagogue in Vancouver, while remaining in Burnaby. Beginning in 2009, Ted started an informal hiking group for retired Simon Fraser University staff. This group has been open to others, so now has a wide variety of members. Shirley has also helped lead hikes in the region. 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
- Recreational Activities - Hiking
- Organizations
- Organizations - Societies and Clubs
- Migration
- Persons - Jewish Canadians
- Religions - Judaism
- Social Issues - Racism
- Social Issues
- Wars - World War, 1939-1945
- Names
- Cohn, Dr. Daniel E.
- Cohn, Shirley
- Cohn, Theodore H. "Ted"
- Burquest
- Hillel Jewish Students Association
- Simon Fraser University
- SFURA walking and hiking group
- Simon Fraser University Retirees Association "SFURA"
- Temple Shalom
- Responsibility
- Damer, Eric
- Accession Code
- BV023.16.1
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Date
- [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Summary, recording and transcript of second interview available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks
Interview with Shirley Cohn, [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
Interview with Shirley Cohn, [1926-2023] (interview content), interviewed 2023
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0001_003.mp3Mary Forsyth Keepables
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88247
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1923-2006
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 2 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of various research records compiled by Mary Forsyth and includes; records from a Burnaby Historical Society photo presentation and contest held at Irving House; a letter to the directors of the B.C. Historical Society from Don N. Brown re: Accomodation for the Burnaby Historical Soci…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1923-2006
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Physical Description
- 2 cm of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS185-045
- Access Restriction
- Open access
- Accession Number
- 2014-27
- Scope and Content
- File consists of various research records compiled by Mary Forsyth and includes; records from a Burnaby Historical Society photo presentation and contest held at Irving House; a letter to the directors of the B.C. Historical Society from Don N. Brown re: Accomodation for the Burnaby Historical Society; a Corporation of the District of Burnaby Re: "Suggestions submitted to the Post War Rehabilitation Council" dated August 4, 1942; notes and information re: a natural resources map; genealogical notes for the Hern family; a copy of the 2003 Greater Vancouver Regional District Board of Directors for 2003; a Simon Fraser Week publication dated June 27, 1985 about the history of Simon Fraser University; Corporation of the District of Burnaby "A Sound Investment...Burnaby British Columbia Reverted Lands" with map 1926; a copy of a Deed of Gift letter from the Burnaby Historical Society for items donated to the archives dated January 5, 1989; pamphlets about B.C. Hydro rail and Burnaby's Central Park Tramline; National Housing Adminstration Sketch Designs for houses 1946; an invitation for Glenwood Elementary School 100th birthday; a family memoir from the Rorisons; a Victorian Order of Nurses home visit document in March 1923; Corporation of the District of Burnaby By Law No. 1354; 1991 Community Services Directory for New Westminster and Burnaby; Hudson's Bay Company Annual General Report 1947; typewritten history of the Gulf Islands and various Burnaby Now papers for 1990, 2001, 2004 and 2006. Biographical and historical information was compiled by Mary Forysth with the intention of publishing a book.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
NDP records
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82744
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1969-1996]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hazel Simnett collection
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of textual materials dealing with the BC NDP party, in particular the campaign for Joan Sawicki for the Burnaby-Willingdon riding. Included in this file is the contact information for the Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association ("Fax - 437-5836 / Phone - 437-5700 / 4561 Kings…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1969-1996]
- Collection/Fonds
- Hazel Simnett collection
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS167-011
- Accession Number
- 2013-22
- Scope and Content
- File consists of textual materials dealing with the BC NDP party, in particular the campaign for Joan Sawicki for the Burnaby-Willingdon riding. Included in this file is the contact information for the Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association ("Fax - 437-5836 / Phone - 437-5700 / 4561 Kingsway / B'by / V5H 2B3") and three sheets relating to the cost of lawn signs from 1990 to 1991 for the Joan Sawicki campaign. Also included is a map of the federal Burnaby-Douglas riding (ca. 1990). Also included is typed copy of R. A. McMath's Comments on "A Report of Saskatchewan's Socialist Government" which appeared as a paid advertisement in both Vancouver daily papers on election day August 27, 1969. McMath challenges the "Report" which contains excerpts of a speech by Ross Thatcher, Saskatchewan's Liberal Premier, on the CCF and the NDP. Also included is a informational flyer on the BC Parliament Buildings from 1969 (28th Parliament, 3rd Session) and lists the members of Parliament. Also included is a booklet from Simon Fraser University listing the donors, which Hazel Simnett is one of, from July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1990. Also is an envelope in which the following was found: 1990 BC Election Act, three sheets referring to Joan Sawicki's election expenses, Canada Post receipt, report on Joan Sawicki's campaign from 1991, list of Burnaby Willingdon team, notice of nomination meeting in 1990, BC election calendar, 1990 Guide to the Elections Act of British Columbia, faxed letter from John Pollard to campaign managers, six sheets of Appointment of Scrutineer (one blank, rest signed by Hazel Simnett), fax of Provincial General Election Calendar of Events, receipt for nomination paper for Joan Sawicki, receipt for declaration of candidate for Joan Sawicki and two copies of photocopy of signatures on Nomination Paper for Joan Sawicki. Also included is Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association Minutes of March 14, 1996 Executive Meeting.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on note accompanying file ; Receipts for lawn signs and the Burnaby-Willingdon NDP Constituency Association contact information were bound together with a metal paper clip ; Comments on "A Report of Saskatchewan's Socialist Government" was bound together with a staple ; election expenses were bound together with a staple ; two sheets of report on Joan Sawicki's campaign were stapled together ; Guide to the Elections Act was stapled together ; two sheets with "New Democrats" letterhead were stapled together ; each copy of Nomination Paper signatures were stapled together
- Simnett political papers series
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88254
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1934 (date of original), predominant 1989-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 cm. of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of SFU (Simon Fraser University)/Burnaby Centennial Committee records including; a list of "Burnaby Ethnic Associations prior to 1945", committee correspondence, information regarding demographics of Burnaby, project proposal drafts for; "Images of Burnaby", "Visions of Burnaby", "Bu…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1934 (date of original), predominant 1989-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 cm. of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS187-004
- Access Restriction
- Subject to FOIPPA
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproductions subject to FOIPPA
- Accession Number
- 2014-28
- Scope and Content
- File consists of SFU (Simon Fraser University)/Burnaby Centennial Committee records including; a list of "Burnaby Ethnic Associations prior to 1945", committee correspondence, information regarding demographics of Burnaby, project proposal drafts for; "Images of Burnaby", "Visions of Burnaby", "Burnaby Discovery", "Images Bank", "Burnaby Unfolding", "Developing Burnaby" and "Futures of Burnaby"; biographical highlights for nine of the oral history interviewees including; Bill Lewarne, Bill Copeland, Ed Apps, Merrill Gordon, Severin Morin, Toki Myashita, Al Nixon, Don Brown and Kay Zimmerman; a report for Heritage Canada re: "SFU involvement in Burnaby Centennial Celebration"; a list of "... Vernacular Community Areas of Burnaby Derived from Interviews" and photocopies of newspaper clippings about Councillor Tom Douglas.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title