More like 'Hotel Burnaby'

100 records – page 1 of 5.

Opening of the Knight and Day Restaurant at Boundary and Lougheed Highway

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59215
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1982]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 18.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a sign advertising the new location of Knight & Day Restaurant opening in December. There is a long line of people lining up next to the restaurant in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1982]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 18.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1530
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of a sign advertising the new location of Knight & Day Restaurant opening in December. There is a long line of people lining up next to the restaurant in the background.
Subjects
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "PMT 100% / page 1 / Burnaby Today"
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Boundary Road
Images
Less detail

7018-7092 Lougheed Hwy [at] SW intersection w/ Bainbridge Ave

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93715
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1987
Collection/Fonds
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
17 photographs : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
Scope and Content
Photographs of the commercial properties located at 7018-7092 Lougheed Highway and the surrounding area. Photographs depict the buildings' exteriors, interiors, and roof. Also included in the file is one photograph of a map of Sechelt being marked up.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1987
Collection/Fonds
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds
Physical Description
17 photographs : col. ; 10 cm x 15 cm
Description Level
File
Record No.
622-004
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2017-39
Scope and Content
Photographs of the commercial properties located at 7018-7092 Lougheed Highway and the surrounding area. Photographs depict the buildings' exteriors, interiors, and roof. Also included in the file is one photograph of a map of Sechelt being marked up.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Transcribed title
Title transcribed from original print envelope
File no. 87-201-B
Geographic Access
Lougheed Highway
Street Address
7018 Lougheed Highway
Planning Study Area
Government Road Area
Less detail

Grocery store

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription52859
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified grocery store.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Item
Record No.
483-103
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2008-08
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified grocery store.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Johnston, Harold H.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Lillian Mann's property

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46242
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
March 1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 23.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lillian Mann's property, with signs which read such things as; "Forced Sale", "Expropriation Sale!" and Demolition Sale!" posted up along the front yard, and nailed to the large Cedar tree.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
March 1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 23.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1130
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lillian Mann's property, with signs which read such things as; "Forced Sale", "Expropriation Sale!" and Demolition Sale!" posted up along the front yard, and nailed to the large Cedar tree.
Subjects
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "READY TO MOVE ... Lillian Mann, the Burnaby homeowner who waged a lengthy but unsuccessful battle against expropriation of her Cameron Street home, is ready to move. But she hasn't lost her spark, as the terse messages on her front lawn indicate. The property is to become a parking lot for the Cameron Public Library."
Geographic Access
Cameron Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Burquitlam (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lyndhurst Area
Images
Less detail

Burnaby Central Railway sign

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14021
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1988
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. negative ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of sign for Burnaby Central Railway located at the Burnaby Village Museum.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Heritage Village Museum exhibits and artifacts series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. negative ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Photograph of sign for Burnaby Central Railway located at the Burnaby Village Museum.
Subjects
Transportation - Rail
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
BC Society of Model Engineers (BCSME)
Accession Code
BV020.5.1049
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1988
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
06-Oct-2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Sign for dog handlers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription16694
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[198-]
Collection/Fonds
Oakalla Prison collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 p.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a one page handwritten sign in red ink on yellow lined paper, reading: "These Belts are for Dog Handlers Only!" with two arrows pointing below.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Oakalla Prison collection
Series
Oakalla correctional facility records series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 p.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a one page handwritten sign in red ink on yellow lined paper, reading: "These Belts are for Dog Handlers Only!" with two arrows pointing below.
Subjects
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Names
Oakalla Prison Farm
Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre
Accession Code
BV991.45.227
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[198-]
Media Type
Textual Record
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
June 7, 2021
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Images
Less detail

Interview with Georgia and Alex Chronakis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20395
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronak…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Alex Chronakis and Georgia Chronakis Location of Interview: Fraser Wilson Room, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:17:12 Digital master recordings (wav) were converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Georgia Chronakis and her son Alex Chronakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 8, 2023. 00:00:00 - 00:08:39 Georgia and her son share biographical details about Georgia and her husband Louis Chronakis, including their Greek background, migration to Canada, marriage, children, Louis’ career as a mechanic and gas station owner and owning restaurants in White Rock and Burnaby. 00:08:40 - 00:13:59 Georgia and her son Alex recall the great memories of owning and operating their restaurant Mionas Taverna and share details of their family life in Burnaby and White Rock. 00:14:00 - 00:19:15 Alex and Georgia talk about Louis Chronakis' work experience and how he became involved in the restaurant business. They share their experiences of operating Minoas Taverna including their opening in 1986. 00:19:16 - 00:36:59 Alex and Georgia describe some of the foods that were on the menu of Minoas Taverna, the design of the restaurant, the Minoan history that it’s based on, memories of running the restaurant and why they decided to close. 00:37:00 – 00:41:52 Alex talks about his involvement with Greek festivals in Vancouver and Alex and Georgia reflect on their life in the future now that the restaurant has closed.
History
Interviewees biographies: Georgia Giannias Chronakis was born in Selassia, Sparta, Greece in 1941 and when she was sixteen years of age she moved to Athens. In 1964 Georgia immigrated to Canada and lived in Montreal before moving to Vancouver a few years later. In 1966, while living in Vancouver, she met and married Ilias "Louis" Chronakis who was born in Crete, Greece. Soon after marrying, Georgia and Louis Chronakis bought a house located at 3823 Kingsway and welcomed their first child, Anna. Four years later, Georgia and Louis moved to White Rock but continued to own their house on Kingsway and rented it out. While living in White Rock, they had three more children named Virginia, Alex and Ellie. Louis was a trained mechanic working independently and for various companies including CP Air, BC Ferries and Esso before deciding to get into the restaurant business. He partnered with another businessman to open a Mr. Mike's franchise and later a cafe and Greek restaurant in White Rock. In 1986, Georgia, Louis and family moved back to Burnaby and moved into a house on Sandall Street and began converting their former home on Kingsway into a restaurant which they named Minoas Greek Taverna (Minoas Taverna). They opened the restaurant on May 1, 1986, just one day before Expo '86 was opened. In 2023, after 37 years of running their restaurant they sold their business but continued to own the land and building on Kingsway. Alex Chronakis is the son of Georgia and Louis Chronakis and was born in 1972. Alex has spent time working with his family running their restaurant and has been involved in the Greek Day Festival in Vancouver. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Foods
Occupations
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Mechanics
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Buildings - Commercial - Service Stations
Migration
Persons - Greek Canadians
Names
Chronakis, Alex
Chronakis, Georgia Giannias
Minoas Taverna
Chronakis, Ilias "Louis"
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Smith Avenue
Street Address
3823 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV023.16.21
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1934-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Nov. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

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

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0021_002.mp3
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A restaurant destroyed by a fire

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription59213
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1982]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of a restaurant that was destroyed by a fire.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1982]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1528
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of the interior of a restaurant that was destroyed by a fire.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "page 1 / Burnaby Today / PMT 100%"
Images
Less detail

Dave Mercier at McDonalds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46290
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 1, 1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 23.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Mayor Dave Mercier, wearing a t-shirt which reads: "THE MAYOR" helps out during McDonald's Restaurants McHappy Days. Joining the mayor at McDonald's Hastings Street outlet were Harold Snepts of the Vancouver Canucks on the far left, and Gino Bolognes of the North Burnaby Lions…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
April 1, 1980
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 19.5 x 23.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1178
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Mayor Dave Mercier, wearing a t-shirt which reads: "THE MAYOR" helps out during McDonald's Restaurants McHappy Days. Joining the mayor at McDonald's Hastings Street outlet were Harold Snepts of the Vancouver Canucks on the far left, and Gino Bolognes of the North Burnaby Lions beside him. A female employee is visible on the other side of the mayor, and looks to be pushing him, to get closer to the hamburger buns that they are all helping to dress.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Officials - Mayors and Reeves
Persons - Athletes
Names
Mercier, David M. "Dave"
Snepts, Harold
Bolognes, Gino
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Hodge, Craig
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Newspaper clipping attached to verso of photograph reads: "HAMBURGER HELPER ... Burnaby Mayor Dave Mercier, wearing identifying T-shirt, used his former experience as short-order cook to pitch in with McDonald's Restaurants McHappy Days last Wednesday. Joining the mayor at McDonald's Hastings St. outlet were Harold Snepts of the Vancouver Canucks on far left, and Gino Bolognes of the North Burnaby Lions beside him. Regular restaurant employee on far right tries to squeeze into the action as well."
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Images
Less detail

Interview with Jenny Siormanolakis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19635
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1960-2023] (interview content), interviewed 26 Jul. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (87 min.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (86 min., 51 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jenny (Eugenia) Siormanolakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks on July 26 2023. 00:00-12:02 Interview opens with introductions. Jenny Siormanolakis shares details about her parents Eugene and Europe Siormanola…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (87 min.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (86 min., 51 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Jenny (Eugenia) Siormanolakis Location of Interview: Prado Cafe, 4321 Still Creek Dr., Burnaby Interview Date: July 26, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:26:60 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Ambient sound from cafe in background of interview
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Jenny (Eugenia) Siormanolakis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks on July 26 2023. 00:00-12:02 Interview opens with introductions. Jenny Siormanolakis shares details about her parents Eugene and Europe Siormanolakis who were both born in Greece and immigrated to Vancouver. Jenny provides details about the history of Romana Pizza restaurant including; the restaurant partners, the various locations, her father’s work ethics of running the restaurant and the staff who worked there. Jenny provides details about her father's life, his ancestral background and family relations which lead him to immigrate to Vancouver. Jenny shares childhood memories of helping out in her parents’ restaurant and later working there. 12:03 – 26:41 Jenny describes various food dishes that have been on the menu of Romana Pizza and Steak House and Romana Pizza, how they've evolved over time, how her father learned to cook traditional Greek food and develop his own recipes and where he sourced his restaurant food supplies. Jenny conveys how they used social media to advertise the restaurant, describes the election pizza poll that Romana Pizza held during the federal and provincial elections and a baby poll that was held at the restaurant to guess the weight of her and her sister’s babies. 26:42 – 31:47 Jenny talks about her marriage and recollects how she got married in a civil ceremony at Romana Pizza. Jenny talks about her family life while her family was running the restaurant, their decision to sell the restaurant and describes the last days of running the restaurant. 31:48 – 46:33 Jenny conveys the background story of her business “Granpa J’s”. Jenny describes how her uncle Jimmy Voulides, created his own seasoning salt product and after he died in 2003, Jenny and her sister Nora purchased the business. Jenny describes how they developed their business, created new products, their struggles and how they became successful. Jenny describes how their products have been developed from family recipes and recalls how the actor Ryan Reynold’s helped their products become even more successful overnight. 46:34 – 55:38 Jenny talks about different community festivals and events that she’s been involved with including; Greek Day on Broadway (Vancouver) and the Hats Off Day event in North Burnaby. Jenny shares the background history of Greek Day in Vancouver and information about other Greek community events. Jenny talks about the importance of bringing the community together and the importance of knowing the history of your ancestors and where they came from. 55:39 - 1:04:35 Jenny talks about her involvement with the Greek community newspaper “Gnome” and provides details about; the former creator and editor Kostas Karatsikis, the newspaper's content, it's importance in the Greek community and the distribution. Jenny describes some of the articles that she’s written for the Gnome newspaper. 1:04:36 - 1:14:12 Jenny describes some pivotal moments that occurred over the years at Romana Pizza including; placing second in the Vancouver Sun newspaper contest for Best Pizza (1986) and having members of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team frequent their restaurant. Jenny conveys how the restaurant benefited from having a website and using social media as a marketing tools. 1:14:13 - 1:22:42 Jenny talks about her involvement with Kolanki Group West, Euro Find foods and her passion for Greek food and other European foods. Jenny describes some traditional Greek recipes, family recipes, talks about marketing Grandpa J's products and reflects on the menu of Romana Pizza. 1:22:43 - 1:26:51 Jenny reflects on the role of the Greek community, how food plays a roll, the future of the Greek community in Vancouver and Burnaby and the importance of engaging the younger generation. In closing Jenny provides a quote from an article that she wrote “Forgive the mistakes of the past, let it go and realize that we are all equals...”.
History
Interviewee biography: Eugenia "Jenny" Siormanolakis is the daughter of Eugene and Europe Siormanolakis. Jenny’s father, Eugene Siormanolakis immigrated to Canada from Greece in the late 1960’s and her mother Europe Siormanolakis immigrated in 1973. In April 1973, her father and five partners opened the restaurant “Romana Pizza and Steak House” (later renamed "Romana Pizza") located at 4660 Hastings Street in the Burnaby Heights neighbourhood. Jenny and her sister Eleanora Iliakis spent much of their childhood in the family owned restaurant and also worked at the restaurant as they become older. Jenny’s parents continued to own and operate the restaurant until 2014 when they decided to retire from the business. In 2004, an opportunity arose for Jenny and her sister Eleanora to buy their recently deceased uncle’s business Grandpa J’s Seasoning Inc. They launched their business of “Grandpa J’s” seasoning first selling to local restaurants and eventually adapted their product line to include other Greek seasoning products which they developed from their own recipes. They expanded their clientele to include retail outlets and in 2020, they got a boost to their sales when actor Ryan Reynolds promoted their seasoing product "Vancity Grind" on Instagram. Since launching their business they have been featured in many culinary and business publications and were nominated in 2022 as finalists for Product of the Year by BC Food and Beverage. Jenny is extremely passionate about food, her Greek heritage and is an advocate for food security for children and seniors and mental health. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Businesses
Elections
Foods
Migration
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Persons - Greek Canadians
Names
Gnome Publications
Iliakis, Eleonara Siormanolakis
Karatsikis, Kostas "George"
Siormanolakis, Eugenia "Jenny"
Nikolaidis, "Eleni"
Nikolaidis, Stelios
Romana Pizza
Siormanolakis, Eugene
Siormanolakis, Europe
Voulides, Demetrios "Jimmy"
Responsibility
Binks, James
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Street Address
4660 Hastings Street
Accession Code
BV023.16.13
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1960-2023] (interview content), interviewed 26 Jul. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks

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

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0013_003.mp3
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Interview with Lizette Pappas

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20334
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 7 Nov. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (137 min., 12 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (137 min., 12 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Lizette Pappas conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 7, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:41:04 Lizette provides details on her family background in Greece, recalls her early childhood in Naxos, her families’ migrati…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (137 min., 12 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (137 min., 12 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewees: Lizette Pappas Location of Interview: Fraser Wilson Room, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 7, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:17:12 Digital master recordings (wav) were converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Lizette Pappas conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher James Binks on November 7, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:41:04 Lizette provides details on her family background in Greece, recalls her early childhood in Naxos, her families’ migration to Canada and their experiences as new immigrants living in Penticton. Lizette shares information about her husband including his Greek origins, his migration story, and how they met as well as information about their careers and raising their family in Burnaby. 41:05 – 01:10:52 Lizette talks about living in Penticton and helping out in the family restaurant business. Lizette describes some of the challenges that they faced and describes some of the foods that they served and reflects on what it means to be a Greek immigrant in British Columbia. 01:10:53– 01:36:32 Lizette talks about her life in Burnaby, her involvement with the Ladies Philoptochos Society, a back to your roots group, the Hellenic Community, the importance of sharing Greek culture, traditions and food with the younger generation and her experiences celebrating Greek culture while attending university. 01:36:33 – 01:54:39 Lizette talks more about her families’ life in Penticton as Greek immigrants, their experiences and accomplishments, her experiences visiting Greece after immigrating to Canada and her husbands’ experiences living in Greece. 01:54:40 – 02:03:59 Lizette reflects on the impacts of COVID in the restaurant industry, community building and urban development in Burnaby and makes comparisons to communities in Greece. 02:04:00 – 02:17:14 Talks about the origin of her name, shares the story of how her name evolved over time after she immigrated to Canada and shares examples of some of the traditional family names that have been passed down through generations.
History
Interviewee biography: Lizette Pappas was born in Apeiranthos on the island of Naxos in Greece in 1948 to parents Florio Vassilakakis and Paraskevi Vassilakis. In 1956, Lizette immigrated to Canada with her parents and her two older brothers. With the help of Lizette’s uncle, her family settled in Penticton and in 1958, Lizette’s younger sister was born. Lizette’s birth name was Elisa Vassilakakis but when she immigrated to Canada she was given the first name “Alice” on her immigration documents. Soon after, when she was enrolled in elementary school, her aunt suggested that she use the name “Lizette” instead of “Alice” and Lizette became the first name she’s continued to use since. While living in Penticton, Lizette’s parents first worked doing manual labour in the fruit industry before buying their own restaurant in 1968. Lizette obtained her teaching degree from the University of British Columbia. In 1972, Lizette met her future husband Basile Pappas and they were married in 1975. After marrying, Lizette and her husband settled in the Brentwood area of Burnaby and began raising their two children. Lizette, her husband and children moved back to Penticton in late 1979 to join her family running two restaurants and a nightclub. After a number of years, Lizette, her husband and two children returned to their home in the Brentwood area of Burnaby. Lizette has worked as a teacher with the Vancouver School Board and has been involved with various organizations including “Back to our Roots” and “Philoptochos Ladies Society”. Interviewer biography: James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Religions
Organizations - Women's Societies and Clubs
Persons - Greek Canadians
Migration
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Names
Pappas, Elisa Alice "Lizette" Vassilakakis
Vassilakakis, Florio
Vassilakis, Paraskevi
Love, John Agapitos
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society
Hellenic Community of Vancouver
Responsibility
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV023.16.20
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 7 Nov. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcript available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Lizette Pappas, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 7 Nov. 2023

Interview with Lizette Pappas, [1948-2023] (interview content), interviewed 7 Nov. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0020_004.mp3
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Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory539
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1944-1985
Length
00:03:51
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the lives of the three Morin brothers, Rene, Rudy and Sev; how the “Gai Paree” dance and banquet hall was started by the Morin family; and the reason for the later name changes to “Severin’s” and “Diego’s”
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the lives of the three Morin brothers, Rene, Rudy and Sev; how the “Gai Paree” dance and banquet hall was started by the Morin family; and the reason for the later name changes to “Severin’s” and “Diego’s”
Date Range
1944-1985
Photo Info
Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
Length
00:03:51
Names
Gai Paree Supper Club
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin 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 Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
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John Lam and Ron Wong

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58938
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of two men, identified as John Lam and Ron Wong, posing inside of a restaurant.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1387
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of two men, identified as John Lam and Ron Wong, posing inside of a restaurant.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Restaurants
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Braid, Tom
Notes
Title based on caption
Caption on recto reads: "John Lam / Ron Wong"
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Burnaby Today / A-9 / Partners"
Images
Less detail

The A&W Bear with unidentified woman playing golf

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58942
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 18 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the A&W Bear mascot helping an unidentified woman to line up her shot on a putting green. The photograph is taken in the Simon Fraser University Convocation Mall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1983
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 18 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1389
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of the A&W Bear mascot helping an unidentified woman to line up her shot on a putting green. The photograph is taken in the Simon Fraser University Convocation Mall.
Subjects
Advertising Medium
Recreational Activities - Golf
Names
Simon Fraser University
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
King, Basil
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographer's stamp on verso
Note on verso reads: "Burnaby Today / A-1 / 136% / keep that"
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4477
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:11 min)
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to responsibilities, chores, and money. Cice recalls her chores, and how she spent her allowance. She describes her jobs in Mr. Pitman’s drygoods stores, on Kingsway and on Jubilee Ave., and in Anne Reid’s candy shop. Asked about church, Cice discuss…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:11 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Cice Brown Date of interview: May 13, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 7 Total length of all Tracks: 0:40:19
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to responsibilities, chores, and money. Cice recalls her chores, and how she spent her allowance. She describes her jobs in Mr. Pitman’s drygoods stores, on Kingsway and on Jubilee Ave., and in Anne Reid’s candy shop. Asked about church, Cice discusses her involvement with the Henderson-Jubilee United church, and C.G.I.T..
History
Recording of an interview with Cice Brown, interviewed by Tom Gooden on May 13 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1930s and 40s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - General Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Names
Brown, Cice Chandler
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Jubilee Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.45.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Audio Tracks

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 2, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 2, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0003_002.mp3
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Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4468
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:04:14 min)
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to childhood responsibilities, chores, and early jobs, and the growth of Burnaby as experienced by a child. Janet describes her chores, and her first jobs at the PNE, Sears, and Super Value. She discusses how she used her allowance and employment inco…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:04:14 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34
Scope and Content
Track 2: This portion of the recording pertains to childhood responsibilities, chores, and early jobs, and the growth of Burnaby as experienced by a child. Janet describes her chores, and her first jobs at the PNE, Sears, and Super Value. She discusses how she used her allowance and employment incomes.
History
Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Names
Gooden, Tom
White, Janet
Accession Code
BV017.45.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 2, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 2, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_002.mp3
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Willie's bakery

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12951
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1984
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of "Willie's Bakery" inside the Burnaby Village Museum General Store building. A long wooden counter divides the public from the work area. Shelving and work tables behind the counter hold various baking supplies and equipment.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 12.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of "Willie's Bakery" inside the Burnaby Village Museum General Store building. A long wooden counter divides the public from the work area. Shelving and work tables behind the counter hold various baking supplies and equipment.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - General Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Bakeries
Buildings - Civic - Museums
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV020.5.666
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1984
Media Type
Photograph
Related Material
See b&w photograph: BV020.5.699
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
9-Apr-20
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4473
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:25 min)
Scope and Content
Track 7: This portion of the recording pertains to changes in Burnaby since Janet’s childhood, and her continuing connection to the community and its values. She also describes her family’s shopping routines from the 1940s and 1950s, which centred on the Super Value at Canada Way and Smith St., and…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:25 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34
Scope and Content
Track 7: This portion of the recording pertains to changes in Burnaby since Janet’s childhood, and her continuing connection to the community and its values. She also describes her family’s shopping routines from the 1940s and 1950s, which centred on the Super Value at Canada Way and Smith St., and the Hudson’s Bay store downtown. When Woodward’s and Sears opened, the family also shopped there occasionally.
History
Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Gooden, Tom
White, Janet
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Smith Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.45.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7, [1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 7, [1950-1959] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_007.mp3
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Metrotown Station Square

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93745
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 1989
Collection/Fonds
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
83 photographs : col. negatives ; 35 mm + 2 computer disks ; 14 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photographs of Metrotown Station Square during construction. Businesses visible in the photographs include: Eastons, Holiday Inn, Future Shop, Great Canadian Superstore, and Toy City Consumers.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
November 1989
Collection/Fonds
Grover, Elliott & Co. Ltd. fonds
Physical Description
83 photographs : col. negatives ; 35 mm + 2 computer disks ; 14 x 14 cm
Description Level
File
Record No.
622-030
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2017-39
Scope and Content
Photographs of Metrotown Station Square during construction. Businesses visible in the photographs include: Eastons, Holiday Inn, Future Shop, Great Canadian Superstore, and Toy City Consumers.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Malls
Buildings - Commercial - Train Stations
Construction
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Transcribed title
Title transcribed from print envelopes photographs were originally housed in
File no. 89-512-B
Computer disks are labelled "Station Square Metro Town Nov /89". Computer disk envelopes are labelled "Suite 660-1380 Burrard ST / Van, BC"
Geographic Access
McKay Avenue
Street Address
6200 McKay Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory538
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1950-1990
Length
00:06:16
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s description of Burnaby’s growth and business development along Kingsway and Hastings, the Lake City Industrial Park, and the purchase of property in 1958 for the Heritage Park and Art Gallery.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s description of Burnaby’s growth and business development along Kingsway and Hastings, the Lake City Industrial Park, and the purchase of property in 1958 for the Heritage Park and Art Gallery.
Date Range
1950-1990
Photo Info
Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
Length
00:06:16
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial
Buildings - Civic
Buildings - Industrial
Buildings - Schools - Universities and Colleges
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Lake City Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin 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 Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
Less detail

100 records – page 1 of 5.