14 records – page 1 of 1.

Interview with Toki Miyashita by Rod Fowler February 27, 1990 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory521
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1976-1990
Length
00:07:36
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Toki Miyashita’s trips to Japan in 1976 and 1980, visiting family in Myagi Prefecture, their response to her and her daughter, and her impression of Japan
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Toki Miyashita’s trips to Japan in 1976 and 1980, visiting family in Myagi Prefecture, their response to her and her daughter, and her impression of Japan
Date Range
1976-1990
Length
00:07:36
Subjects
Travel
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
February 27, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Toki Miyashita, conducted by Rod Fowler. Toki Miyashita 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 about Toki Miyashita’s family’s internment during WWII, her awakening interest in Japanese culture after the war, her subsequent interest in teaching others about Japanese crafts and arts, and becoming a helpful intermediary between Burnaby and visitors from Japan. The interview explores her interest in the Ainu of Japan and their possible link to the aboriginals of BC, her impressions of the Ainu carver Nuburi Toko, and her involvement in the events surrounding the creation of the sculpture “Playground of the Gods” for Burnaby Mountain. The interview also contains interesting details about the art of Japanese flower-arranging. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Toki Miyashita was born in Richmond B.C., ca. 1935, at the Nelson Brothers “fishery”, a second generation Canadian descended from the Oikawa family who settled on Don and Lion Islands (Oikawa-shima). In 1942 the Japanese Canadians in BC were forcibly moved from the coast and their belongings confiscated. Toki Miyashita, her parents, two brothers, and grandparents were first taken to Hastings Park where her father was separated from the family to work in road camps, and the rest of the family were interned in New Denver. Her resourceful grandmother moved the family to land outside the internment camp, growing a large garden from seeds brought with her. In 1946 the family moved to Kamloops and in 1958, after finishing high school, Toki Miyashita moved to Montreal to be with relatives and a small Japanese community. At this time she became interested in Japanese culture and took a Japanese language course at age 22. She learned about Japanese flower-arranging (Ikebana), paper folding (Origami), silk doll making (from a Russian Jew), and how to wear a kimono. She began demonstrating these arts in schools and to other groups, which she continued doing when she, her husband and two young children moved to Burnaby in 1969. Toki Miyashita has been called an unpaid “ambassador” of Japanese culture to the Lower Mainland. She has acted as liaison between Burnaby and her sister city Kushiro in Japan, which involved her in the creation of the Ainu sculpture “Playground of the Gods” on Burnaby Mountain for Burnaby’s Centennial. Toki Miyashita is a recognized Master in Ikebana Sogetsu, a school of flower-arranging, and has served on the board of the Vancouver Ikebana Association. She also served on Burnaby’s Family Court in the 1980s.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
01:34:10
Interviewee Name
Miyashita, Toki
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.
Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Toki Miyashita

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Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory679
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1965-1980
Length
0:09:07
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about his education at UBC as an undergraduate majoring in philosophy and political science and later as a law student, and his early work experience as a prison guard at Oakalla Prison and later articling for Jim Lorimer. He tells about…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about his education at UBC as an undergraduate majoring in philosophy and political science and later as a law student, and his early work experience as a prison guard at Oakalla Prison and later articling for Jim Lorimer. He tells about how these formative events impacted his life. He also talks about moving to Burnaby in 1977, originally to the Stoney Creek area and then to the South Slope area.
Date Range
1965-1980
Length
0:09:07
Names
Oakalla Prison Farm
Lorimer, James G "Jim"
Subjects
Education
Occupations
Planning Study Area
Lyndhurst Area
Sussex-Nelson Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory680
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1977-1990
Length
0:05:40
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about living in the Stoney Creek neighbourhood and family walks along the creek. He also talks about Simon Fraser University: working in the Criminology Dept. as a teaching assistant, the university’s architecture, the student population…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about living in the Stoney Creek neighbourhood and family walks along the creek. He also talks about Simon Fraser University: working in the Criminology Dept. as a teaching assistant, the university’s architecture, the student population it served and its radical reputation.
Date Range
1977-1990
Length
0:05:40
Names
Stoney Creek Area
Simon Fraser University
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Stoney Creek
Planning Study Area
Lyndhurst Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory681
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1977-2015
Length
0:06:12
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about his political career, in particular what sparked his interest to run for municipal office for the first time in 1979. He talks about being involved in the protest against a proposed development in a forested park called “The Peanut…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about his political career, in particular what sparked his interest to run for municipal office for the first time in 1979. He talks about being involved in the protest against a proposed development in a forested park called “The Peanut” [Simon Fraser Hills Park] in the Stoney Creek neighbourhood. He talks about the rebuilding of the Burnaby Citizens Association, and running for council several times before being elected in 1987.
Date Range
1977-2015
Length
0:06:12
Names
Simon Fraser Hills Park
Burnaby Citizens Association
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Elections
Officials - Aldermen and Councillors
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Stoney Creek
Planning Study Area
Lyndhurst Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory683
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1965-1995
Length
0:12:49
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about how to describe the relationship between the City of Burnaby and SFU between 1965 and 1995, and about proposals for development on Burnaby Mountain. He also talks about the change in public attitude toward protecting green spaces i…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about how to describe the relationship between the City of Burnaby and SFU between 1965 and 1995, and about proposals for development on Burnaby Mountain. He also talks about the change in public attitude toward protecting green spaces in the 1970s and the City’s opportunity, awareness, and ability to preserve natural areas.
Date Range
1965-1995
Length
0:12:49
Names
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Government
Land
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 5

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory684
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1965-1995
Length
0:09:15
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about the positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain, and factors contributing to the differences in opinion, including SFU’s isolation and differences in position within SFU itself.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about the positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain, and factors contributing to the differences in opinion, including SFU’s isolation and differences in position within SFU itself.
Date Range
1965-1995
Length
0:09:15
Names
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Government
Land
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track five of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory685
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1965-1995
Length
0:17:56
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about the City’s awareness by about 1990 for the need to do something to ensure the long range protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. He talks about the role Council, the Burnaby/Simon Fraser Liaison Committee, the Prov…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about the City’s awareness by about 1990 for the need to do something to ensure the long range protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. He talks about the role Council, the Burnaby/Simon Fraser Liaison Committee, the Province and Mike Harcourt’s government, Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, all contributed to finding a win/win solution for the City and the university.
Date Range
1965-1995
Length
0:17:56
Names
Simon Fraser Liaison Committee.
Harcourt, Mike
Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Simon Fraser University
UniverCity
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Intergovernmental Relations
Land
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan by Kathy Bossort January 28, 2016 - Track 9

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory688
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1960-2015
Length
0:09:52
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about his pragmatic approach to environmental issues and about how environmental quality is conducive to meeting social and economic goals. He tells a story about his childhood and education that contributed to his land ethic. He also di…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Mayor Corrigan talking about his pragmatic approach to environmental issues and about how environmental quality is conducive to meeting social and economic goals. He tells a story about his childhood and education that contributed to his land ethic. He also discusses the future of the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain.
Date Range
1960-2015
Length
0:09:52
Names
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 28, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan conducted by Kathy Bossort. Derek Corrigan was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Mayor Corrigan talking about the history and value of protecting the environment and green space in Burnaby, and the different positions held by the City and SFU about land use and control on Burnaby Mountain between 1964 and 1995. He talks about the increasing awareness that a solution needed to be found that gave certainty to the protection of the conservation area on Burnaby Mountain. Mayor Corrigan also talks about what conservation means to him, the role that the Centennial Pavilion area plays on Burnaby Mountain, and the future for the urban forest on Burnaby Mountain. Other topics include his childhood, education, formative events in his life, and his career in politics.
Biographical Notes
Derek Corrigan was born and grew up in Vancouver. He attended a number of elementary schools in East Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Elementary School (Gr. 4-7) and Sir Charles Tupper High School. He attended UBC, majoring in philosophy and political science, and after travel in Europe, successfully applied to enter law school without completing his bachelors degree. He graduated in 1977, articled with Jim Lorimer in Burnaby and was called to the bar in 1978. In 1977 Derek Corrigan and his wife Kathy moved to Burnaby, first to the Stoney Creek neighborhood and then to a home on the South Slope where they raised their family of four children. Derek Corrigan first ran for Burnaby Council in 1979 with the Burnaby Citizens Association, and after three more tries was elected to council in 1987. He has served Burnaby for 28 years, first as a councillor and then as mayor since 2002. During his career he has served on many committees at the local, regional and national levels.
Total Tracks
9
Total Length
1:31:24
Interviewee Name
Corrigan, Derek
Interview Location
Mayor’s office at Burnaby City Hall
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track nine of interview with Mayor Derek Corrigan

Less detail

Interview with George Hollinger by Eric Damer November 22, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory344
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1952-1975
Length
0:09:04
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to George Hollinger's memories of how he came to live in Burnaby. He discusses racing at the Digney Speedway and other racetracks in the lower mainland.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to George Hollinger's memories of how he came to live in Burnaby. He discusses racing at the Digney Speedway and other racetracks in the lower mainland.
Date Range
1952-1975
Length
0:09:04
Names
Digney Speedway
Subjects
Sports - Automobile Racing
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 22, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with George Hollinger conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 22, 2012. Major themes discussed are: car and motorcycle racing.
Biographical Notes
George Hollinger was born in 1930 in Montreal. After serving in the Navy in World War II, George bought his first motorcycle in Montreal. He spent the next seven years travelling by motorcycle throughout Canada, the United States, and the eastern part of Mexico. He built and tuned various engines that won championships in both Western Canada and the United States of America. George came to the Burnaby area for the first time in 1952 to experience Burnaby’s quarter-mile dirt track, Digney Speedway. Years later he got married and bought a house. After retiring from motorsports in 1975, George picked up hockey.
Total Tracks
2
Total Length
0:20:12
Interviewee Name
Hollinger, George
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with George Hollinger

Less detail

Interview with George Hollinger by Eric Damer November 22, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory345
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1952-2012
Length
0:11:08
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to George Hollinger's recreational activities. He discusses the activities that he took part in during his early days in Burnaby, including shooting, hunting and going to taverns. He also mentions playing hockey which he continues to do to this day.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to George Hollinger's recreational activities. He discusses the activities that he took part in during his early days in Burnaby, including shooting, hunting and going to taverns. He also mentions playing hockey which he continues to do to this day.
Date Range
1952-2012
Length
0:11:08
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
November 22, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with George Hollinger conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 22, 2012. Major themes discussed are: car and motorcycle racing.
Biographical Notes
George Hollinger was born in 1930 in Montreal. After serving in the Navy in World War II, George bought his first motorcycle in Montreal. He spent the next seven years travelling by motorcycle throughout Canada, the United States, and the eastern part of Mexico. He built and tuned various engines that won championships in both Western Canada and the United States of America. George came to the Burnaby area for the first time in 1952 to experience Burnaby’s quarter-mile dirt track, Digney Speedway. Years later he got married and bought a house. After retiring from motorsports in 1975, George picked up hockey.
Total Tracks
2
Total Length
0:20:12
Interviewee Name
Hollinger, George
Interview Location
Burnaby Village Museum
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with George Hollinger

Less detail

Interview with William Pritchard and Norman Penner by Dr. Lawrence Fast July / August 1973 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory74
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
predominate 1919, 1973
Length
0:09:54
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to how the book "Winnipeg 1919", edited by Norman Penner, came into being. Both Norman Penner and labour activist William A. Pritchard answer questions posed by Dr. Lawrence Fast about the Winnipeg General Strike, the subsequent trial and the striker's account…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to how the book "Winnipeg 1919", edited by Norman Penner, came into being. Both Norman Penner and labour activist William A. Pritchard answer questions posed by Dr. Lawrence Fast about the Winnipeg General Strike, the subsequent trial and the striker's account written while in jail.
Date Range
predominate 1919, 1973
Photo Info
William A. Pritchard, Burnaby Reeve 1930-1932 and council member 1928-1930. Item no. 459-016
Length
0:09:54
Subjects
Protests and Demonstrations
Interviewer
Fast, Dr. Lawrence
Interview Date
July / August 1973
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with William Pritchard and writer Norman Penner by Dr. Lawrence Fast. Norman Penner is the editor of the book "Winnipeg 1919" about the strike from the striker's perspective. William Pritchard wrote the speech that was included in the book. Major theme discussed is: The Winnipeg General Strike. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
William "Bill" Arthur Pritchard was born on April 3, 1888 in Salford, England, the son of a miner and factory worker. In May 1911, Bill moved to British Columbia and within a week of arriving became an active member of the Socialist Party of Canada. From 1914 to 1917, he served as editor of the Western Clarion – the SPC newspaper. He became such a well-known socialist figure that when he travelled to Winnipeg to participate in the General Strike in 1919, he was one of only seven people arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the event despite the fact that he was in no way directly involved in its planning nor development. In 1922, Bill and his family settled in North Burnaby in the Capitol Hill District. Almost immediately after his arrival, Bill began to advocate for change and a planned development scheme for the municipality. Pritchard ran successfully for the position of Reeve and held the post until the end of 1932. One of Reeve Pritchard’s highest priorities while in office was to attempt to provide work for as many unemployed as possible all the while trying to elicit more support from the provincial and federal governments. Bill was a strong advocate of the belief that relief work should be focused on projects that would see a comprehensive development scheme for Burnaby – including planned sewers, roads and water supply. Despite Bill's best efforts, however, Burnaby was forced into receivership and at the end of 1932, a Provincial Commission stepped in to take over the governance of the city. Reeve Pritchard, having done all he could as a champion of the unemployed, stepped down as Reeve but left behind an undeniable legacy of courage and determination. He was rewarded for his enormous contributions to the city in 1975 when he was chosen to be made a Freeman of Burnaby. William Pritchard died on October 23, 1981. Norman Penner was born in Winnipeg in 1921 to Rose and Jacob Penner and brother to Roland, Ruth and Walter. Their father Jacob was a leading member of the Communist Party and popular Winnipeg Alderman. Norman graduated from high school in 1937 but did not begin university until much later, preferring to begin his adult life from 1938 to 1941 as a full-time officer of the Winnipeg branch of the Communist Party of Canada. From 1941 to 1946 he served with the Canadian Army which included two-and-a-half years of overseas combat duty. On his return to Canada in 1947 he again returned to his duties as a full-time officer with the communist Labour-Progressive Party (formed in 1941 after the Canadian Communist Party was officially banned). After the abortive Hungarian revolution in 1956, Norman Penner resigned from the party and instead worked as a self-employed manufacturer’s sales representative until 1971. In 1964 he decided to go back to school part time and graduated with a BA from the University of Toronto in 1969. He took an MA in 1971 and a PhD in 1975 from the same institution. Penner was hired as a lecturer at York University's Glendon College in 1972 and soon became a professor, continuing to teach until 1995. He wrote extensively on the Canadian left. Penner edited and introduced "Winnipeg 1919: The Strikers' Own History of the Winnipeg General Strike" in 1973, published "The Canadian Left: A Critical Analysis" in 1977 and contributed three chapters to as well as editing "Keeping Canada Together Means Changing Our Thinking" in 1978. He published "Canadian Communism: The Stalin Years and Beyond" in 1988 and "From Protest to Power: Social Democracy in Canada 1900 to Present" in 1992 as well as numerous articles, reviews and book chapters. Norman Penner was married to Norma Lipes for sixty-seven years. The couple had four children: Steve (Mary Ellen Marus); Joyce (Herman Parsons); Gary (Marlene Kadar); and Bob (Shaena Lambert). Norman Penner died April 16, 2009 at the age of eighty-eight.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:30:47
Interviewee Name
Pritchard, William A.
Penner, Norman
Fast, Dr. Lawrence
Interview Location
Library of Vancouver City College, Langara Campus
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
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with William Pritchard and Norman Penner

Less detail

Interview with William Pritchard and Norman Penner by Dr. Lawrence Fast July / August 1973 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory76
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1974
Length
0:09:29
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to the transcript of the trial as well as the trial itself. William A. Pritchard answers questions posed to him by Dr. Lawrence Fast. Norman Penner also discuses the similarity of this event to Watergate in the United States.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview pertains to the transcript of the trial as well as the trial itself. William A. Pritchard answers questions posed to him by Dr. Lawrence Fast. Norman Penner also discuses the similarity of this event to Watergate in the United States.
Date Range
1919-1974
Photo Info
William A. Pritchard, Burnaby Reeve 1930-1932 and council member 1928-1930. Item no. 459-016
Length
0:09:29
Interviewer
Fast, Dr. Lawrence
Interview Date
July / August 1973
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with William Pritchard and writer Norman Penner by Dr. Lawrence Fast. Norman Penner is the editor of the book "Winnipeg 1919" about the strike from the striker's perspective. William Pritchard wrote the speech that was included in the book. Major theme discussed is: The Winnipeg General Strike. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
William "Bill" Arthur Pritchard was born on April 3, 1888 in Salford, England, the son of a miner and factory worker. In May 1911, Bill moved to British Columbia and within a week of arriving became an active member of the Socialist Party of Canada. From 1914 to 1917, he served as editor of the Western Clarion – the SPC newspaper. He became such a well-known socialist figure that when he travelled to Winnipeg to participate in the General Strike in 1919, he was one of only seven people arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the event despite the fact that he was in no way directly involved in its planning nor development. In 1922, Bill and his family settled in North Burnaby in the Capitol Hill District. Almost immediately after his arrival, Bill began to advocate for change and a planned development scheme for the municipality. Pritchard ran successfully for the position of Reeve and held the post until the end of 1932. One of Reeve Pritchard’s highest priorities while in office was to attempt to provide work for as many unemployed as possible all the while trying to elicit more support from the provincial and federal governments. Bill was a strong advocate of the belief that relief work should be focused on projects that would see a comprehensive development scheme for Burnaby – including planned sewers, roads and water supply. Despite Bill's best efforts, however, Burnaby was forced into receivership and at the end of 1932, a Provincial Commission stepped in to take over the governance of the city. Reeve Pritchard, having done all he could as a champion of the unemployed, stepped down as Reeve but left behind an undeniable legacy of courage and determination. He was rewarded for his enormous contributions to the city in 1975 when he was chosen to be made a Freeman of Burnaby. William Pritchard died on October 23, 1981. Norman Penner was born in Winnipeg in 1921 to Rose and Jacob Penner and brother to Roland, Ruth and Walter. Their father Jacob was a leading member of the Communist Party and popular Winnipeg Alderman. Norman graduated from high school in 1937 but did not begin university until much later, preferring to begin his adult life from 1938 to 1941 as a full-time officer of the Winnipeg branch of the Communist Party of Canada. From 1941 to 1946 he served with the Canadian Army which included two-and-a-half years of overseas combat duty. On his return to Canada in 1947 he again returned to his duties as a full-time officer with the communist Labour-Progressive Party (formed in 1941 after the Canadian Communist Party was officially banned). After the abortive Hungarian revolution in 1956, Norman Penner resigned from the party and instead worked as a self-employed manufacturer’s sales representative until 1971. In 1964 he decided to go back to school part time and graduated with a BA from the University of Toronto in 1969. He took an MA in 1971 and a PhD in 1975 from the same institution. Penner was hired as a lecturer at York University's Glendon College in 1972 and soon became a professor, continuing to teach until 1995. He wrote extensively on the Canadian left. Penner edited and introduced "Winnipeg 1919: The Strikers' Own History of the Winnipeg General Strike" in 1973, published "The Canadian Left: A Critical Analysis" in 1977 and contributed three chapters to as well as editing "Keeping Canada Together Means Changing Our Thinking" in 1978. He published "Canadian Communism: The Stalin Years and Beyond" in 1988 and "From Protest to Power: Social Democracy in Canada 1900 to Present" in 1992 as well as numerous articles, reviews and book chapters. Norman Penner was married to Norma Lipes for sixty-seven years. The couple had four children: Steve (Mary Ellen Marus); Joyce (Herman Parsons); Gary (Marlene Kadar); and Bob (Shaena Lambert). Norman Penner died April 16, 2009 at the age of eighty-eight.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:30:47
Interviewee Name
Pritchard, William A.
Penner, Norman
Fast, Dr. Lawrence
Interview Location
Library of Vancouver City College, Langara Campus
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
Audio Tracks

Track three of interview with William Pritchard and Norman Penner

Less detail

Open meeting with William Pritchard and Norman Penner July / August 1973 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory83
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1973
Length
0:07:14
Summary
This portion of the meeting pertains to Pritchard's thoughts on whether socialism is stronger now or then. The two men discuss the One Big Union (OBU) movement.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the meeting pertains to Pritchard's thoughts on whether socialism is stronger now or then. The two men discuss the One Big Union (OBU) movement.
Date Range
1919-1973
Photo Info
William A. Pritchard, Burnaby Reeve 1930-1932 and council member 1928-1930. Item no. 459-016
Length
0:07:14
Subjects
Political Theories
Organizations - Unions
Interview Date
July / August 1973
Scope and Content
Recording is of a open meeting with William Pritchard and writer Norman Penner. Norman Penner is the editor of the book "Winnipeg 1919" about the strike from the striker's perspective. William Pritchard wrote the speech that was included in the book. Audience members were invited to ask Pritchard questions. Major theme discussed is: The Winnipeg General Strike. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
William "Bill" Arthur Pritchard was born on April 3, 1888 in Salford, England, the son of a miner and factory worker. In May 1911, Bill moved to British Columbia and within a week of arriving became an active member of the Socialist Party of Canada. From 1914 to 1917, he served as editor of the Western Clarion – the SPC newspaper. He became such a well-known socialist figure that when he travelled to Winnipeg to participate in the General Strike in 1919, he was one of only seven people arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the event despite the fact that he was in no way directly involved in its planning nor development. In 1922, Bill and his family settled in North Burnaby in the Capitol Hill District. Almost immediately after his arrival, Bill began to advocate for change and a planned development scheme for the municipality. Pritchard ran successfully for the position of Reeve and held the post until the end of 1932. One of Reeve Pritchard’s highest priorities while in office was to attempt to provide work for as many unemployed as possible all the while trying to elicit more support from the provincial and federal governments. Bill was a strong advocate of the belief that relief work should be focused on projects that would see a comprehensive development scheme for Burnaby – including planned sewers, roads and water supply. Despite Bill's best efforts, however, Burnaby was forced into receivership and at the end of 1932, a Provincial Commission stepped in to take over the governance of the city. Reeve Pritchard, having done all he could as a champion of the unemployed, stepped down as Reeve but left behind an undeniable legacy of courage and determination. He was rewarded for his enormous contributions to the city in 1975 when he was chosen to be made a Freeman of Burnaby. William Pritchard died on October 23, 1981. Norman Penner was born in Winnipeg in 1921 to Rose and Jacob Penner and brother to Roland, Ruth and Walter. Their father Jacob was a leading member of the Communist Party and popular Winnipeg Alderman. Norman graduated from high school in 1937 but did not begin university until much later, preferring to begin his adult life from 1938 to 1941 as a full-time officer of the Winnipeg branch of the Communist Party of Canada. From 1941 to 1946 he served with the Canadian Army which included two-and-a-half years of overseas combat duty. On his return to Canada in 1947 he again returned to his duties as a full-time officer with the communist Labour-Progressive Party (formed in 1941 after the Canadian Communist Party was officially banned). After the abortive Hungarian revolution in 1956, Norman Penner resigned from the party and instead worked as a self-employed manufacturer’s sales representative until 1971. In 1964 he decided to go back to school part time and graduated with a BA from the University of Toronto in 1969. He took an MA in 1971 and a PhD in 1975 from the same institution. Penner was hired as a lecturer at York University's Glendon College in 1972 and soon became a professor, continuing to teach until 1995. He wrote extensively on the Canadian left. Penner edited and introduced "Winnipeg 1919: The Strikers' Own History of the Winnipeg General Strike" in 1973, published "The Canadian Left: A Critical Analysis" in 1977 and contributed three chapters to as well as editing "Keeping Canada Together Means Changing Our Thinking" in 1978. He published "Canadian Communism: The Stalin Years and Beyond" in 1988 and "From Protest to Power: Social Democracy in Canada 1900 to Present" in 1992 as well as numerous articles, reviews and book chapters. Norman Penner was married to Norma Lipes for sixty-seven years. The couple had four children: Steve (Mary Ellen Marus); Joyce (Herman Parsons); Gary (Marlene Kadar); and Bob (Shaena Lambert). Norman Penner died April 16, 2009 at the age of eighty-eight.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
1:03:00
Interviewee Name
Pritchard, William A.
Penner, Norman
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
Audio Tracks

Track six of open meeting with William Pritchard and Norman Penner

Less detail

Open meeting with William Pritchard and Norman Penner July / August 1973 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory84
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1975
Length
0:10:47
Summary
This portion of the meeting pertains to the legacy of the Winnipeg General Strike.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the meeting pertains to the legacy of the Winnipeg General Strike.
Date Range
1919-1975
Photo Info
William A. Pritchard, Burnaby Reeve 1930-1932 and council member 1928-1930. Item no. 459-016
Length
0:10:47
Subjects
Protests and Demonstrations
Interview Date
July / August 1973
Scope and Content
Recording is of a open meeting with William Pritchard and writer Norman Penner. Norman Penner is the editor of the book "Winnipeg 1919" about the strike from the striker's perspective. William Pritchard wrote the speech that was included in the book. Audience members were invited to ask Pritchard questions. Major theme discussed is: The Winnipeg General Strike. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
William "Bill" Arthur Pritchard was born on April 3, 1888 in Salford, England, the son of a miner and factory worker. In May 1911, Bill moved to British Columbia and within a week of arriving became an active member of the Socialist Party of Canada. From 1914 to 1917, he served as editor of the Western Clarion – the SPC newspaper. He became such a well-known socialist figure that when he travelled to Winnipeg to participate in the General Strike in 1919, he was one of only seven people arrested and imprisoned for his participation in the event despite the fact that he was in no way directly involved in its planning nor development. In 1922, Bill and his family settled in North Burnaby in the Capitol Hill District. Almost immediately after his arrival, Bill began to advocate for change and a planned development scheme for the municipality. Pritchard ran successfully for the position of Reeve and held the post until the end of 1932. One of Reeve Pritchard’s highest priorities while in office was to attempt to provide work for as many unemployed as possible all the while trying to elicit more support from the provincial and federal governments. Bill was a strong advocate of the belief that relief work should be focused on projects that would see a comprehensive development scheme for Burnaby – including planned sewers, roads and water supply. Despite Bill's best efforts, however, Burnaby was forced into receivership and at the end of 1932, a Provincial Commission stepped in to take over the governance of the city. Reeve Pritchard, having done all he could as a champion of the unemployed, stepped down as Reeve but left behind an undeniable legacy of courage and determination. He was rewarded for his enormous contributions to the city in 1975 when he was chosen to be made a Freeman of Burnaby. William Pritchard died on October 23, 1981. Norman Penner was born in Winnipeg in 1921 to Rose and Jacob Penner and brother to Roland, Ruth and Walter. Their father Jacob was a leading member of the Communist Party and popular Winnipeg Alderman. Norman graduated from high school in 1937 but did not begin university until much later, preferring to begin his adult life from 1938 to 1941 as a full-time officer of the Winnipeg branch of the Communist Party of Canada. From 1941 to 1946 he served with the Canadian Army which included two-and-a-half years of overseas combat duty. On his return to Canada in 1947 he again returned to his duties as a full-time officer with the communist Labour-Progressive Party (formed in 1941 after the Canadian Communist Party was officially banned). After the abortive Hungarian revolution in 1956, Norman Penner resigned from the party and instead worked as a self-employed manufacturer’s sales representative until 1971. In 1964 he decided to go back to school part time and graduated with a BA from the University of Toronto in 1969. He took an MA in 1971 and a PhD in 1975 from the same institution. Penner was hired as a lecturer at York University's Glendon College in 1972 and soon became a professor, continuing to teach until 1995. He wrote extensively on the Canadian left. Penner edited and introduced "Winnipeg 1919: The Strikers' Own History of the Winnipeg General Strike" in 1973, published "The Canadian Left: A Critical Analysis" in 1977 and contributed three chapters to as well as editing "Keeping Canada Together Means Changing Our Thinking" in 1978. He published "Canadian Communism: The Stalin Years and Beyond" in 1988 and "From Protest to Power: Social Democracy in Canada 1900 to Present" in 1992 as well as numerous articles, reviews and book chapters. Norman Penner was married to Norma Lipes for sixty-seven years. The couple had four children: Steve (Mary Ellen Marus); Joyce (Herman Parsons); Gary (Marlene Kadar); and Bob (Shaena Lambert). Norman Penner died April 16, 2009 at the age of eighty-eight.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
1:03:00
Interviewee Name
Pritchard, William A.
Penner, Norman
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
Audio Tracks

Track seven of open meeting with William Pritchard and Norman Penner

Less detail

14 records – page 1 of 1.