View Obstructions Caused by Gas War - Signs
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/councilreport41258
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 37822
- Meeting Date
- 5-Oct-1959
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Report ID
- 37822
- Meeting Date
- 5-Oct-1959
- Format
- Council - Committee Report
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Arthur W. Mawbey
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46259
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1959 and 1964]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 13.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of World War I veteran Arthur W. Mawbey sitting in front of the Union Jack in uniform during a Remembrance Day observance ceremony. He is smoking a pipe, with one hand resting on his cane, and the other hand holding a white wooden cross with maple leaf resting on it.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1959 and 1964]
- Collection/Fonds
- Columbian Newspaper collection
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 13.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 480-1147
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
- Accession Number
- 2003-02
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of World War I veteran Arthur W. Mawbey sitting in front of the Union Jack in uniform during a Remembrance Day observance ceremony. He is smoking a pipe, with one hand resting on his cane, and the other hand holding a white wooden cross with maple leaf resting on it.
- Subjects
- Persons - Veterans
- Wars - World War, 1914-1918
- Symbols - Flags
- Clothing - Military Uniforms
- Names
- Mawbey, Arthur W.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Reverend Edward S. Gale fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18772
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [1958-1990]
- Collection/Fonds
- Reverend Edward S. Gale fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 47 photographs + 2 architectural drawings
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs and architectural landscape plans of the Mervin Mawhinney house and grounds on Burris Street collected and created by Reverend Edward S. Gale. The fonds includes photographs of the interior and exterior of the house documenting it's history and changes over time. Photo…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Reverend Edward S. Gale fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 47 photographs + 2 architectural drawings
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of photographs and architectural landscape plans of the Mervin Mawhinney house and grounds on Burris Street collected and created by Reverend Edward S. Gale. The fonds includes photographs of the interior and exterior of the house documenting it's history and changes over time. Photographs taken between 1962 and 1984 were taken by Michael Weller and photographs taken between 1984 and 1996 were likely taken by Reverend Gale. Fonds is arranged into series: 1) Mawhinney house photographs series 2) Mawhinney house landscape plans series
- History
- Reverend Edward S. Gale owned the Mervin Mawhinney house located at 7667 Burris Street in Burnaby and lived there between 1984 and 1996. Reverend E.S. Gale was an Anglican Church priest of the Saint Mary and Saint Martha of Bethany Church. Part of the Mawhinney house was converted and used a chapel for church gatherings while Reverend Gale owned it. In 1906 Isaiah Mawhinney purchased District Lot 86 and built a large house which he named “Evergreen”. In 1911, following the sudden death of his wife Annie Holmes Mawhinney, Isaiah sold the house and moved to New Westminster. In 1912, Isaiah’s son Mervin Mawhinney used his share of the sale to build a new house on Burris Avenue across the road from “Evergreen”. The house was occupied by Mervin and his wife Marjorie until some time after World War One when they moved to Vancouver. In 1958, the house was purchased by the “Order of St. Clare”, a Roman Catholic Franciscan order of nuns. During their time of ownership they closed in the front porch to create a four part entrance to protect their vows. In 1962, Michael and Jean Weller purchased the house and lived in it until 1984. The original house had its front entrance steps and porch facing Douglas Highway (now Canada Way). While living in the house, the Wellers completed a number of interior renovations including; the relocation of the front entrance from the north to the east side and the conversion of a sawdust furnace to gas. In 1983, Michael Weller subdivided the original 1.75 acre lot into two lots of .5 and .75 acres. Weller built a new house on the newly subdivided lot to the south of the original Mervin Mawhinney house. In 1984, the Mervin Mawhinney house was purchased by Reverend Edward S. Gale who continued to own it until 1996. The house was renamed “Pax House” which was part of the Saint Mary and Saint Martha of Bethany Church of the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada. While owning the house, Reverend Gale made several renovations to the house and re-landscaped the grounds. The original conservatory room inside of the house was converted to a chapel. Changes to the house were documented in the series of photographs taken by Michael Weller and Reverend Gale between 1962 and 1990. In 1960, the address of the house changed from 831 Burris Street to 7661 Burris Street. After the lot was subdivided in 1983, the address of the house was changed to 7667 Burris Street. Around 1996, Reverend Gale and the Wellers sold the property. The new owner later subdivided the westerly portion of the lot in conjunction with a two acre lot to the west, retaining the original Mervin Mawhinney house at 7667 Burris Street until 2018 when it was demolished and replaced. Reverend Edward S. Gale died sometime between 2015 and 2018.
- Accession Code
- BV018.9
- Date
- [1958-1990]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Architectural Drawing
- Arrangement
- Photographs that were removed from mounting boards were described in the order in which they were obtained along with loose photographs. Arrangement of photographs that were removed boards was created by Reverend Gale.
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
In memoriam book
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4645
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 book
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an "In Memoriam" guest book in memory of Herbert R. Parsons who died in South Burnaby May 23, 1957 at the age of 84 years. It is a hardcover book with plastic binding and contains handwritten notes in the first few pages noting the location of the service, officiating reverend, mus…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 book
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of an "In Memoriam" guest book in memory of Herbert R. Parsons who died in South Burnaby May 23, 1957 at the age of 84 years. It is a hardcover book with plastic binding and contains handwritten notes in the first few pages noting the location of the service, officiating reverend, musical selections and a list of family members.
- History
- Flossie Maude Parsons (nee Smith) was born to George Henry Smith, a farm labourer, and Harriet Ann Savage on February 13, 1896 in Ealing, England. She immigrated to Canada with some of her family members in the early 1920s. They lived in Winnipeg for a few years as an older brother had settled there in 1912. She married Herbert Russell Parsons on June 23, 1928. They first lived in Vancouver and finally bought a home at 7091 Jubilee Avenue, South Burnaby in the early 1930s. In 1943, Flossie was certified in Home Nursing. Herbert Parsons was active during the Second World War as a volunteer for Civil Defence in Burnaby and worked as a salesman for Woodwards. The couple had no children. Herbert passed away on May 23rd, 1957 (age 84) and Flossie passed away on April 6, 1996 (age 100).
- Other Title Information
- Title based on content of item
- Accession Code
- BV017.38.10
- Date
- 1957
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18842
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1957-1980 (dates of originals), copied 2016
- Collection/Fonds
- Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 8 photographs (tiffs)
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a selection of family photographs of Tokio Yamamoto and Yoshino Yamamoto (nee Tamura). Photographs include family portraits, wedding photographs and a copy of the passenger list from the Hikawa-maru passenger ship.
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Tokio and Yoshino Yamamoto family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 8 photographs (tiffs)
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of a selection of family photographs of Tokio Yamamoto and Yoshino Yamamoto (nee Tamura). Photographs include family portraits, wedding photographs and a copy of the passenger list from the Hikawa-maru passenger ship.
- History
- Tokio Yamamoto was born May 29, 1923 in Cumberland, BC. to parents Teizo and Matsue (Matsunga) Yamamoto. Tokio was one of nine children born to parents Teizo and Matsue Yamamoto. Tokio and his family were forced into internment during the Second World War. Following the war, the family repatriated to Japan. After returning to Japan, Tokio worked in the Aomori-Ken Region. While living in Japan, Tokio married Yoshino Tamura and the couple had two daughters, Reiko Yamamoto Moizumi and Akemi Yamamoto Jordan. At a young age Yoshino (nee Tamura) Yamamoto learned to make patterns and sew by attending classes at a tailoring school in Aomoir-ken, Japan. In 1952, her husband Tokio Yamamoto bought a sewing machine as a gift. In 1958, Tokio, Yoshino and their two daughters, Reiko and Akemi travelled to Vancouver, British Columbia on the Hikawa-Maru passenger ship. Among Yoshino's possessions was her sewing machine, which was re-assembled when the family moved into their new home in East Vancouver. Yoshino spent many hours sewing and altering clothes for her family, and making cushions, curtains and quilts with her trusty sewing machine. Tokio Yamamoto died in 2012 and Yoshino Yamamoto died in 2016.
- Creator
- Yamamoto family
- Accession Code
- BV016.11
- Date
- 1957-1980 (dates of originals), copied 2016
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
Official history of the Canadian Army in the Second World War, volume 1, six years of war : the army in Canada, Britain and the Pacific
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary1349
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 940.537 STA
- Place of Publication
- Ottawa
- Publisher
- E. Cloutier, Queen's Printer
- Publication Date
- 1957
- Physical Description
- 3 v. : ill. (some col.) ; 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Canada. Canadian Army--History
- World War, 1939-1945--Canada
- Notes
- Contents: v. 1. Six years of war : the Army in Canada, Britain and the Pacific, by C.P. Stacey.--v. 2. The Canadians in Italy, 1943-1945, by G.W.L. Nicholson.--v. 3. The Victory Campaign : the operations in North-West Europe, 1944-1945, C.P. Stacey.
- Volumes 1 and 2 held.
Official history of the Canadian Army in the Second World War, volume 2, the Canadians in Italy, 1943-1945
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary5440
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection
- Reference Collection
- Material Type
- Book
- Call Number
- 940.537 STA
- Contributor
- Bond, Courtney C. J.
- Place of Publication
- Ottawa
- Publisher
- E. Cloutier, Queen's Printer
- Publication Date
- 1957
- Physical Description
- 3 v. : ill. (some col.) ; 25 cm.
- Library Subject (LOC)
- Canada. Canadian Army--History
- World War, 1939-1945--Canada
- Notes
- Contents: v. 1. Six years of war : the Army in Canada, Britain and the Pacific, by C.P. Stacey.--v. 2. The Canadians in Italy, 1943-1945, by G.W.L. Nicholson.--v. 3. The Victory Campaign : the operations in North-West Europe, 1944-1945, C.P. Stacey.
- Volumes 1 and 2 held.
Interview with Don and Orville Jantzen by Eric Damer November 19, 2012 - Track 4
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory352
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1956-2012
- Length
- 0:05:19
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Don Jantzen's memories of going to supper clubs and participating in sports leagues. Don and Orville Jantzen discuss the Gai Paree Supper Club, the Chicken Coop (the beer parlour where Don's labour meetings were held) and curling at the Burnaby Winter Club.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Don Jantzen's memories of going to supper clubs and participating in sports leagues. Don and Orville Jantzen discuss the Gai Paree Supper Club, the Chicken Coop (the beer parlour where Don's labour meetings were held) and curling at the Burnaby Winter Club.
- Date Range
- 1956-2012
- Photo Info
- Don Jantzen, [198-]. Item no. 549-040.
- Length
- 0:05:19
- Names
- Gai Paree Supper Club
- Subjects
- Recreational Activities
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- November 19, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Don Jantzen and his brother Orville Jantzen conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 19, 2012. Major themes discussed are: political activism and the trade union movement.
- Biographical Notes
- Don Jantzen came to Vancouver from the prairies following the war, found work, married, and settled in Burnaby in 1950. Through his work as a longshoreman, Don became active in the trade union movement (ILWU) and eventually became vice president of the Vancouver local. He was also active in politics, helping to launch the Burnaby Citizen’s Association in the early nineteen-fifties and working as campaign manager for candidates in both the provincial and the federal New Democratic Party (NDP). Don has been a participant in local politics for many years as well as a supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Don's younger brother, Orville Jantzen, was born in Saskatchewan but grew up in South Vancouver. He is married with two children. Orville began his career as a salesman for a Burnaby bakery and remained in the food and beverage industry, working in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Since retiring, Orville has been engaged with Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
- Total Tracks
- 4
- Total Length
- 0:30:32
- Interviewee Name
- Jantzen, Don
- Jantzen, Orville
- Interview Location
- Interviewee's residence
- 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
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track four of recording of interview with Don and Orville Jantzen
Track four of recording of interview with Don and Orville Jantzen
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-015/MSS171-015_Track_4.mp3Robert Prittie collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97231
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1955-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Robert Prittie collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 20 cm of textual records and 120 b&w and col. prints.
- Scope and Content
- Records consist of papers created and collected by Robert Prittie, former Mayor of Burnaby. Records include photographs of Mayor Prittie during official City functions as well as the textual records that he created and collected during his political career, including election materials.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1955-1992
- Collection/Fonds
- Robert Prittie collection
- Physical Description
- 20 cm of textual records and 120 b&w and col. prints.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Accession Number
- 2009-13
- Scope and Content
- Records consist of papers created and collected by Robert Prittie, former Mayor of Burnaby. Records include photographs of Mayor Prittie during official City functions as well as the textual records that he created and collected during his political career, including election materials.
- History
- Born in North Vancouver on December 5, 1919, Robert “Bob” William Prittie was the first of four sons born to Wilmot Prittie and Mary Adair. As a child, his health was weaker than younger brothers Bill, Eric, and Halford, as he suffered from Polio and asthma. Bob was an industrious youth who left school early to work in a department store warehouse. At the outbreak of World War II, Bob enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force and spent the duration of the war serving on the ground in Canada at the Patricia Bay Air Force Base and the No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School in Manitoba, completing his high school education through correspondence courses. While at the Patricia Bay Air Force Base, he met pre-school teacher Grace King of Sidney, Vancouver Island. By 1940, they were married and soon after, had their first son, Robert King. In 1945, Bob was discharged from the air force with the rank of sergeant and entered the University of British Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in history. After the war, Bob spent a few years working in Ottawa as a foreign-service officer, but he returned to UBC in 1949, receiving a diploma in education (post-graduate studies at Laval University and Western Washington State College). Bob returned to Burnaby in 1950, following the tragic death of their son. Bob immediately began teaching. Over the next 13 years, he taught at Sperling Avenue School, McPherson Park Junior High School, Burnaby South High School, and Burnaby North High School. He and Grace went on to have three more children: Heather in 1951; Bruce in 1953; and Ian in 1955. In 1959, he was elected to serve as a member of the municipal Council, re-elected and serving until the end of his term in 1962, when he left to serve as Member of Parliament for the Burnaby-Richmond riding. He held that office until 1968. In January 1969, Bob first took office as Mayor of Burnaby and in that capacity served on the GVRD as a Director for a number of years. In May of 1973, Bob decided to resign as Mayor of Burnaby in order to take up a position as Assistant Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs. In 1975, he was appointed as the Minister of Municipal Affairs, a post he held for a short time. After his tenure as Minister, Bob retired from public life and he and his second wife Isobel Pothecary moved to Victoria. Isobel had three children from a previous marriage: Alan; Deirdre; and Fiona. Bob left an enduring legacy for the citizens of Burnaby as a champion of schools, libraries, and parks and recreation programs. In 1978, he was awarded the title of Freeman of the Municipality. In 1991, a new branch of the Burnaby Public Library was opened and named after him. His status as Freeman and the naming of the library in his honour are testament to his record of service and dedication to the community and its citizens. Bob died on January 14, 2002.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Notes
- Photo catalogue 505, MSS128
Interview with Don and Orville Jantzen by Eric Damer November 19, 2012 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory351
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1955-2012
- Length
- 0:07:31
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Don Jantzen's memories of Burnaby's political landscape. Orville Jantzen discusses air pollution in Burnaby and Eric Damer mentions various conservation strategies. Don discusses the Burnaby Citizen's Association platform and a number of politicians from th…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Don Jantzen's memories of Burnaby's political landscape. Orville Jantzen discusses air pollution in Burnaby and Eric Damer mentions various conservation strategies. Don discusses the Burnaby Citizen's Association platform and a number of politicians from the federal government including Tommy Douglas.
- Date Range
- 1955-2012
- Photo Info
- Don Jantzen, [198-]. Item no. 549-040.
- Length
- 0:07:31
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- November 19, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Don Jantzen and his brother Orville Jantzen conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 19, 2012. Major themes discussed are: political activism and the trade union movement.
- Biographical Notes
- Don Jantzen came to Vancouver from the prairies following the war, found work, married, and settled in Burnaby in 1950. Through his work as a longshoreman, Don became active in the trade union movement (ILWU) and eventually became vice president of the Vancouver local. He was also active in politics, helping to launch the Burnaby Citizen’s Association in the early nineteen-fifties and working as campaign manager for candidates in both the provincial and the federal New Democratic Party (NDP). Don has been a participant in local politics for many years as well as a supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Don's younger brother, Orville Jantzen, was born in Saskatchewan but grew up in South Vancouver. He is married with two children. Orville began his career as a salesman for a Burnaby bakery and remained in the food and beverage industry, working in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Since retiring, Orville has been engaged with Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
- Total Tracks
- 4
- Total Length
- 0:30:32
- Interviewee Name
- Jantzen, Don
- Jantzen, Orville
- Interview Location
- Interviewee's residence
- 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
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track three of recording of interview with Don and Orville Jantzen
Track three of recording of interview with Don and Orville Jantzen
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-015/MSS171-015_Track_3.mp3Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory437
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1955-1990
- Length
- 00:04:32
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's election to Mayor in 1987, attributing it to being well known through his work as a fire fighter and as a volunteer with various organizations such as the soccer club Cliff Avenue Union FC, Burnaby Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, CNIB, the firef…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's election to Mayor in 1987, attributing it to being well known through his work as a fire fighter and as a volunteer with various organizations such as the soccer club Cliff Avenue Union FC, Burnaby Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, CNIB, the firefighters' union, among others
- Date Range
- 1955-1990
- Photo Info
- Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067
- Length
- 00:04:32
- Subjects
- Elections
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- February 18, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland 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 Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections
- Biographical Notes
- William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:25:35
- Interviewee Name
- Copeland, William J
- 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 business computerization 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
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track three of interview with William J. Copeland
Track three of interview with William J. Copeland
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-013/MSS187-013_Track_3.mp3Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 5
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory439
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1955-1986
- Length
- 00:06:41
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about particular fires that Bill remembers, the kinds of calls attended, and the stress caused by some of the calls and the shift work.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about particular fires that Bill remembers, the kinds of calls attended, and the stress caused by some of the calls and the shift work.
- Date Range
- 1955-1986
- Photo Info
- Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067
- Length
- 00:06:41
- Subjects
- Public Services - Fire Protection
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- February 18, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland 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 Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections
- Biographical Notes
- William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:25:35
- Interviewee Name
- Copeland, William J
- 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 business computerization 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
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track five of interview with William J. Copeland
Track five of interview with William J. Copeland
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-013/MSS187-013_Track_5.mp3Morley Elementary School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark835
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Morley Street
- Associated Dates
- 1955
- Heritage Value
- In 1955 Morley Elementary School opened with 292 pupils, an indication of how quickly the residential areas around the Morley area were growing in the post-war period. Similar to other elementary schools built in Burnaby at the time, Morley was constructed on one level with classrooms in a line that could be added to as the need arose. Additions were made to the school in 1956, 1960 and 1969.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Morley-Buckingham Area
- Street Address
- 7355 Morley Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Sheila Minni fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58376
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1955-1956]
- Collection/Fonds
- Sheila Minni fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 3 photographs : sepia ; 4.5 x 7 cm.
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consist of photographs showing St. Helen's Church in Burnaby Heights.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1955-1956]
- Collection/Fonds
- Sheila Minni fonds
- Physical Description
- 3 photographs : sepia ; 4.5 x 7 cm.
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2009-04
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consist of photographs showing St. Helen's Church in Burnaby Heights.
- History
- In the first years of the 20th century, the hill overlooking the city of Vancouver was barely developed. This area, known as Vancouver Heights, commands a magnificent view of the city, the north shore mountains, and the sea. During the first decade, there was just a handful of people willing to brave the inconvenience of living in a remote area to dwell in such splendour. Among them were 10 Catholic families. They dreamt about establishing a Catholic community, a church, and perhaps even a school of their own. They knew it would take hard work and sacrifice to realize their dream. In 1912, the Second Narrows Bridge and several industrial plants were built in this area. Archbishop Neil McNeil, recognizing the potential for greater development, requested aid from Toronto's Catholic Extension Society, to help purchase property at the corner of Pandora and Ingleton to build a small church and home for the priest. The $6000 construction expense was donated by Mr. Justice Kelly, who requested that the church be named Saint Helen in memory of his daughter, Helen. On August 11, 1912, Saint Helen's church was blessed. 12 years later, in 1923, a second dream was realized with the construction of Saint Helen's School. The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul would staff the school for over 50 years, dedicating their lives to the education of thousands of children. 1936 began an era of unprecedented growth under the leadership of Msgr. Daniel Carey. In 1948, despite post-war hardships, he was able to inspire his community to build a new school. He then turned his attention to the over-crowded church and, in 1956, to the delight of the parishioners, the new Saint Helen's Church was blessed. By 1973, the demographics of Saint Helen's Parish had experienced a dramatic change. From the Anglo-Irish parishioners of the early years, Saint Helen's was experiencing a huge increase in parishioners of Italian descent. Archbishop James Carney, realizing the need to better serve these immigrants, asked the Scalabrinian Congregation to take the parish under its care. The second era of physical growth and development in the parish would come under the direction of these missionary priests. The 1970s, with Father Joseph Ponti as pastor, would see the construction of a new rectory, a state-of-the-art hall/gymnasium, and a fully renovated school. Father Joe's dream was the construction of a church, with this in mind, he began to purchase the necessary land. Succeeding pastors Father Angelo Calandra and Father Peter Sordi continued to work towards this dream, accumulating land and initiating the process. Father Claudio Holzer, upon assuming the responsibilities of pastor, took a firm hold of the dreams of his predecessors and shaped them into the reality of the new Saint Helen's Church. From the beginning, St. Helen's Parish has been an active community participant in this area of Burnaby and continues to enjoy this participation not only here but in Metro Vancouver as well. On August 11, 2012, St. Helen's Catholic Church and Parish celebrated its 100th anniversary. -Information contributed by M. Tesan has been combined with information from the official website of the church.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Creator
- Minni, Sheila
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds.
- Photo catalogue 495
Operation Mink Farm
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription72207
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 24, 1955
- Collection/Fonds
- Planning Department fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 film reel ( 6 min., 8 sec.) : col. , si. ; 16 mm
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a silent motion picture civil defense film entitled, "Operation Mink Farm" produced by the Corporation of the District of Burnaby. The film footage was shot in Burnaby, B.C. on April 24th, 1955. A resolution was passed in February 1955 by the Corporation of the District of Burnaby …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- April 24, 1955
- Collection/Fonds
- Planning Department fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 film reel ( 6 min., 8 sec.) : col. , si. ; 16 mm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 566-001
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No known restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2009-08
- Scope and Content
- Item consists of a silent motion picture civil defense film entitled, "Operation Mink Farm" produced by the Corporation of the District of Burnaby. The film footage was shot in Burnaby, B.C. on April 24th, 1955. A resolution was passed in February 1955 by the Corporation of the District of Burnaby to create a Civil Defense Board comprised of council members and appointees, whereby the Reeve would act as the chair of the board. Several municipal employees and council members went through Civil Defense training in preparation for an attack or catastrophe. The first portion of the film takes place at the old City Hall (the stone building) with uniformed Air Raid Precaution (A.R.P.) members performing civil defense exercises in the case of a nuclear war and how to care for and rescue injured civilians. Volunteers pose as the injured as they are cared for and transported on stretchers. In the second portion of the film, the local fire department and civil defense members endeavor to get a fire under control with water hoses. The film takes place at a former mink farm in North Burnaby as referred to in the title.
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Photographer
- Scott, A.F.
- Notes
- Transcribed title
Images
Video
Operation Mink Farm, April 24, 1955
Operation Mink Farm, April 24, 1955
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Moving_Images/_Unrestricted/566-001.m4vBrentwood Park Elementary School
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark679
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Delta Avenue
- Associated Dates
- 1954
- Heritage Value
- Brentwood Park Elementary School was built during the post-World War Two housing boom in Burnaby and like other schools at the time, was similar in design - no basements, no second stories and no high stairways. New classrooms could be added in line with the original structure as was the case when two additions were put on between 1956 and 1958, a new classroom and library added in 1965-1966 and two more classrooms in 1969.
- Planning Study Area
- Brentwood Area
- Street Address
- 1455 Delta Avenue
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Images
Digney Family fonds
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription10597
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1954 and 1964] (date of originals), copied in 2016 and 2019
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 video recordings (mp4) (approx. 3hr., 18 min.) : digital, 23 fps
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of compilation of six films (including film clips) created by Andy Digney and his son Ernest "Dig" Digney. Film content includes footage of members of the Digney family and friends in Burnaby; the Digney homes on Bonsor Avenue and Kaymar Drive; construction of the Digney Bowling Alle…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Digney Family fonds
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 6 video recordings (mp4) (approx. 3hr., 18 min.) : digital, 23 fps
- Material Details
- Films were digitized in 2019 from original 8 mm format
- Scope and Content
- Fonds consists of compilation of six films (including film clips) created by Andy Digney and his son Ernest "Dig" Digney. Film content includes footage of members of the Digney family and friends in Burnaby; the Digney homes on Bonsor Avenue and Kaymar Drive; construction of the Digney Bowling Alley and the Simpsons-Sears building; Lawn bowling at Central Park as well as various family events, gatherings, vacations and trips.
- History
- Andy Digney was born in London, England on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles and in 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore Saskatchewan and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty Saskatchewan where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry Manitoba where Andy worked selling lightening rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife, traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns showing movies. Eventually, he purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba where he purchased a restaurant which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1936 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945 he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a house at 2698 Bonsor Avenue (after 1959-6521 Bonsor Ave.) on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association, who were looking for a good location to race the smaller, racing cars, popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948 with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of midget racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951 Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over forty cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Ernest Digney (also known as Dig) worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce returned to Burnaby in 1953 moving into a 550 square foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954 Simpsons-Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19,1955 and Andy Digney, his wife Alice, son 'Dig' and daughter in law Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the Bowling Alley. In 1956 Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son 'Dig' which he paid for over time. 'Dig' and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in England in 1964 while on his world tour. His wife Alice died on June 3, 1982 and their son, Ernest ('Dig') died November 27, 2009.
- Accession Code
- BV019.18
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 1954 and 1964] (date of originals), copied in 2016 and 2019
- Media Type
- Moving Images
- Related Material
- See also City of Burnaby Archives Digney Family fonds Photo/MI catalogue 562
- Arrangement
- Films are arranged and described at item level along with film clip segments. Master film footage numbered BV019.18.3 through BV019.18.8 were described in original order at item level. Digitized film content within the master film footage was also broken down into shorter film clips according to natural breaks within the original content and described separately as film clips (accession parts) in their original order: BV019.8.3.1 to BV019.8.3.28; BV019.8.4.1 to BV019.8.4.16; BV019.18.5.1 to BV019.8.5.7; BV019.18.6.1 to BV019.18.6.8; BV019.18.7.1 to BV019.18.7.15; BV019.18.8.1 to BV019.18.8.20
- Notes
- Title based on contents of fonds
Interview with Don and Orville Jantzen by Eric Damer November 19, 2012 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory350
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1953-1977
- Length
- 0:08:00
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Don Jantzen's memories of prominent moments in Canadian Union history and of Burnaby's political landscape. Don mentions the strike of 1967 at the "Big Owe" Olympic Stadium in Montreal and goes on to discuss Burnaby Council's fair wage legislation. He discu…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Don Jantzen's memories of prominent moments in Canadian Union history and of Burnaby's political landscape. Don mentions the strike of 1967 at the "Big Owe" Olympic Stadium in Montreal and goes on to discuss Burnaby Council's fair wage legislation. He discusses the Burnaby Citizen's Association (BCA).
- Date Range
- 1953-1977
- Photo Info
- Don Jantzen, [198-]. Item no. 549-040.
- Length
- 0:08:00
- Interviewer
- Damer, Eric
- Interview Date
- November 19, 2012
- Scope and Content
- Recording is an interview with Don Jantzen and his brother Orville Jantzen conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 19, 2012. Major themes discussed are: political activism and the trade union movement.
- Biographical Notes
- Don Jantzen came to Vancouver from the prairies following the war, found work, married, and settled in Burnaby in 1950. Through his work as a longshoreman, Don became active in the trade union movement (ILWU) and eventually became vice president of the Vancouver local. He was also active in politics, helping to launch the Burnaby Citizen’s Association in the early nineteen-fifties and working as campaign manager for candidates in both the provincial and the federal New Democratic Party (NDP). Don has been a participant in local politics for many years as well as a supporter of Habitat for Humanity. Don's younger brother, Orville Jantzen, was born in Saskatchewan but grew up in South Vancouver. He is married with two children. Orville began his career as a salesman for a Burnaby bakery and remained in the food and beverage industry, working in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Since retiring, Orville has been engaged with Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
- Total Tracks
- 4
- Total Length
- 0:30:32
- Interviewee Name
- Jantzen, Don
- Jantzen, Orville
- Interview Location
- Interviewee's residence
- 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
- Transcript Available
- None
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks
Track two of recording of interview with Don and Orville Jantzen
Track two of recording of interview with Don and Orville Jantzen
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-015/MSS171-015_Track_2.mp3Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory436
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1953-1990
- Length
- 00:02:44
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's training as a firefighter in the Federal Fire Service at the Wireless Station in Delta, and his career in Burnaby, mainly at Control Station.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's training as a firefighter in the Federal Fire Service at the Wireless Station in Delta, and his career in Burnaby, mainly at Control Station.
- Date Range
- 1953-1990
- Photo Info
- Mayor Bill Copeland cutting the ribbon for the opening of the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts accompanied by Jack and Doris Shadbolt and Councillors Doug Drummond and Derek Corrigan, 1995. Item no. 535-0067
- Length
- 00:02:44
- Subjects
- Public Services - Fire Protection
- Interviewer
- Fowler, Rod
- Interview Date
- February 18, 1990
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with former Burnaby Mayor William J. Copeland conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Copeland 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 Bill Copeland’s education, career and experience as a Burnaby firefighter from 1955 to 1987, and his work for the union International Association of Fire Fighters. He talks about his early family life in Burnaby and Vancouver, war service, training with the Federal Fire Service, the organizations he has belonged to, and the careers of his three children. He briefly talks about Burnaby politics and his unexpected election to Mayor of Burnaby. Major themes of the interview, described by track: Track 1: Organizations - Unions; Public Services - Fire Protection; International Association of Fire Fighters; Track 2: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 3: Elections; Track 4: family history and education; Track 5: Public Services - Fire Protection; Track 6: Elections
- Biographical Notes
- William John (Bill) Copeland (1927-2002) was born in Vancouver May 19, 1927. As a young child he lived with his parents on Southwood Street in South Burnaby on a chicken ranch. Bill’s father was a miner and was often away from home. The family moved to Pioneer Mines at Bridge River for a few years and then moved back to Vancouver in 1941 when his father contracted silicosis. Bill served in the navy for about a year near the end of WWII, was in the Canadian Merchant Marine and worked as a pipe fitter, before beginning his career as a fire fighter. He trained with the Federal Fire Service and worked two years at the Wireless Station in Delta. In 1955 he started work as Fire Fighter No. 53 in Burnaby, retiring 33 years later in 1987. Most of his career was spent at the Control Station or Number 1 Firehall, first located at Wiilingdon and Hastings (now No.5 Station) and later on Sperling near Canada Way. Bill worked as a first aid instructor, eventually moving into the training office, and retired as assistant chief. In 1987, shortly after retiring, Bill was asked to run for Mayor for the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). Much to his surprise he won. He served with distinction for three terms (1987-1996). Bill, his wife Ruth, and their three children, Doug and Dan (both firefighters) and Emily (a teacher), lived in North Burnaby on Cliff Avenue, the family home for about 35 years. Bill was active in many organizations including the Cliff Avenue soccer organization, St. John Ambulance, Burnaby Red Cross, and CNIB, among others. He began representing firefighters locally in the International Association of Fire Fighters in the early 1960s, eventually becoming President of the provincial association and then Vice President of the 6th District representing Western Canada.
- Total Tracks
- 6
- Total Length
- 0:25:35
- Interviewee Name
- Copeland, William J
- 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 business computerization 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
- 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
Audio Tracks
Track two of interview with William J. Copeland
Track two of interview with William J. Copeland
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-013/MSS187-013_Track_2.mp3North Burnaby Cenotaph
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark550
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- The North Burnaby Cenotaph is located in Confederation Park at the north end of the park on axis with the adjacent sports oval. The form of the memorial is of an obelisk atop a solid rectangular base, adorned with plaques commemorating those lost in the First World War, Second World War and the Kor…
- Associated Dates
- 1953
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Geographic Access
- Willingdon Avenue
- Associated Dates
- 1953
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 9807
- Enactment Date
- 23/11/1992
- Description
- The North Burnaby Cenotaph is located in Confederation Park at the north end of the park on axis with the adjacent sports oval. The form of the memorial is of an obelisk atop a solid rectangular base, adorned with plaques commemorating those lost in the First World War, Second World War and the Korean War.
- Heritage Value
- Built in 1953 by stonemason and First World War Veteran, Walter Holmes Morrice, the cenotaph was erected by the North Burnaby Legion Post #148 and is one of four memorials to citizens of Burnaby whose lives were lost at war. Strategically placed in an active and vibrant public park that was dedicated in 1927 and is used for sports, family outings and social gatherings, the cenotaph celebrates the freedoms that soldiers gave their lives to protect. The cenotaph is still used as a memorial site and bears witness to annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. Built of irregular granite blocks, the cenotaph is a solid structure of modest ornamentation that visually anchors the north end of the park. The site of the cenotaph and its adjacent gardens are surrounded by a simple barrier of continuous chain supported by low metal fence posts, providing a sense of solemnity and ceremony to the site.
- Defining Elements
- The character-defining elements of the North Burnaby Cenotaph include its: - axial location in the park and setting among active municipal facilities such as a school and library - strong symmetry of massing and design - obelisk form set atop a rectangular base - limited palette of materials - random coursed granite used as primary building material - bronze plaques commemorating the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War - surrounding pathways and flowerbeds
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Capitol Hill Area
- Organization
- North Burnaby Legion Post #148
- Builder
- Walter Holmes Morrice
- Function
- Primary Current--Park Fixture
- Primary Historic--Park Fixture
- Community
- Burnaby
- Cadastral Identifier
- P.I.D. No. 017-040-752 Legal Description: Parcel 1, District Lots 122 and 188, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan NWP87902
- Boundaries
- The property (Confederation Park) is comprised of a single municipally-owned property located at 250 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby.
- Area
- 184,160.00
- Contributing Resource
- Landscape Feature
- Structure
- Ownership
- Public (local)
- Documentation
- Heritage Site Files: PC77000 20. City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 1M2
- Street Address
- 250 Willingdon Avenue