Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Bert Porter on a steamroller

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34830

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1919] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of Bert Porter with a municipal steamroller on Douglas Road. He worked many years operating a steam roller for the municipality, flattening out gravel streets after grading, and was the husband of Lillie Lewis Porter.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1919] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Lewis family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.5 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 140-011

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1985-10

Scope and Content: Photograph of Bert Porter with a municipal steamroller on Douglas Road. He worked many years operating a steam roller for the municipality, flattening out gravel streets after grading, and was the husband of Lillie Lewis Porter.

Subjects: Construction Tools and Equipment; Occupations - Labourers; Occupations - Civic Workers; Construction - Road Construction

Names: Porter, Bert

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Douglas Road

Images

Bert Porter on a steamroller, [1919] (date of original), copied 1985 thumbnail

Municipal road crew

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35609

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1911 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

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

Scope and Content: Photograph of a municipal road crew. Identified: (far left) George H. Thomson. This was George Thomson's first job after arriving in Burnaby from London, England. He would later open Thomson's Cash Grocery stores. Note the horse drawn wagon used to haul materials.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1911 (date of original), copied 1986

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Pioneer Tales subseries

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

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 204-467

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1988-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of a municipal road crew. Identified: (far left) George H. Thomson. This was George Thomson's first job after arriving in Burnaby from London, England. He would later open Thomson's Cash Grocery stores. Note the horse drawn wagon used to haul materials.

Subjects: Transportation - Horses; Occupations - Labourers; Construction - Road Construction; Transportation - Wagons

Names: Thomson, George H.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Municipal road crew, 1911 (date of original), copied 1986 thumbnail

Road construction on Kingsway

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34040

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1912]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 8.0 x 10.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of road construction on Kingsway at 18th Avenue. Men and horses are working, and houses can be seen on the left side.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1912]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Stride family subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 8.0 x 10.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 001-016

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of road construction on Kingsway at 18th Avenue. Men and horses are working, and houses can be seen on the left side.

Subjects: Occupations - Labourers; Transportation - Horses; Construction - Road Construction

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Kingsway; 18th Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Stride Avenue Area; Edmonds Area

Images

Road construction on Kingsway, [1912] thumbnail

Road works crew

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34754

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1918]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.7 x 16.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Strangman (not identified) and a road works crew taking a break outside.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1918]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.7 x 16.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 131-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of John Strangman (not identified) and a road works crew taking a break outside.

Subjects: Occupations - Labourers; Construction - Road Construction

Names: Strangman, John

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Road works crew

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34755

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1918]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.4 x 16.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified road construction crew and machinery.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1918]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 10.4 x 16.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 131-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of an unidentified road construction crew and machinery.

Subjects: Occupations - Labourers; Construction - Road Construction

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Grading at Oakalla

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38104

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1915] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 5.2 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crew of men working on a rail car line at Oakalla Prison Farm.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1915] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 5.2 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.7 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-691

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of a crew of men working on a rail car line at Oakalla Prison Farm.

Subjects: Construction Tools and Equipment; Occupations - Railroad Labourers; Construction - Railroad Construction

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on caption of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast; Caption at top of photograph reads, "Grading at Oakalla"

Geographic Access: Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

Grading at Oakalla, [1915] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Brick Houses under Construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64654

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1899 and 1910]

Collection/Fonds: Ernest Winch fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w cabinet card ; 10 x 14.5 cm, mounted on card 10.5 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of two brick houses under construction on High Street at Epping, Essex, England. These buildings were constructed by Ernest E. Winch.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1899 and 1910]

Collection/Fonds: Ernest Winch fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w cabinet card ; 10 x 14.5 cm, mounted on card 10.5 x 16.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 514-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2010-06

Scope and Content: Photograph of two brick houses under construction on High Street at Epping, Essex, England. These buildings were constructed by Ernest E. Winch.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Construction Tools and Equipment; Occupations - Labourers

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Challoner-Courtenay, E.J.

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Brick Houses under Construction, [between 1899 and 1910] thumbnail

Streetcar work camp

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57706

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1913

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of labourers at a British Columbia Electric Railway Company streetcar work camp standing in a long single file row in front of three large tents at Hastings Street. This photograph was taken during construction of the Hastings Streetcar line extension.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1913

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Material Details: Emulsion measures 11 x 15.5 cm on the glass; entire glass plate measures 12 x 16 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 487-010

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of labourers at a British Columbia Electric Railway Company streetcar work camp standing in a long single file row in front of three large tents at Hastings Street. This photograph was taken during construction of the Hastings Streetcar line extension.

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads; Construction - Railroad Construction; Occupations - Railroad Labourers; Structures - Tents

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Phillips, James William "Jim"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Hastings Street

Images

Streetcar work camp

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57707

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1913

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of labourers at the British Columbia Electric Railway Company streetcar work camp standing and sitting in three rows in front of a large tent at Hastings Street. The man on the far right, sitting upright, is holding a cocker spaniel at his knee. This photograph was taken during construct…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1913

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Material Details: Emulsion measures 11 x 15.5 cm on the glass; entire glass plate measures 12 x 16 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 487-011

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of labourers at the British Columbia Electric Railway Company streetcar work camp standing and sitting in three rows in front of a large tent at Hastings Street. The man on the far right, sitting upright, is holding a cocker spaniel at his knee. This photograph was taken during construction of the Hastings Streetcar line extension.

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads; Construction - Railroad Construction; Occupations - Railroad Labourers; Structures - Tents; Animals - Dogs

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Phillips, James William "Jim"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Hastings Street

Images

Streetcar work camp

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57708

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1913

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of labourers at the British Columbia Electric Railway Company streetcar work camp standing and sitting in three rows in front of a large tent at Hastings Street. The man on the far right, sitting upright, is holding a cocker spaniel at his knee. This photograph was taken during construc…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1913

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Material Details: Emulsion measures 11 x 15.5 cm on the glass; entire glass plate measures 12 x 16 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 487-012

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of labourers at the British Columbia Electric Railway Company streetcar work camp standing and sitting in three rows in front of a large tent at Hastings Street. The man on the far right, sitting upright, is holding a cocker spaniel at his knee. This photograph was taken during construction of the Hastings Streetcar line extension.

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads; Construction - Railroad Construction; Occupations - Railroad Labourers; Structures - Tents; Animals - Dogs

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Phillips, James William "Jim"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Hastings Street

Images

Rock crusher engine

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34522

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1910

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.1 x 17.1 cm mounted on 20.2 x 25.3 cm cardboard

Scope and Content: Photograph of a rock crusher engine and crew at Edmonds. Identified: foreman Pete Watt (3rd from left) and Jack McMurray (fourth from left). Annotations on back of photograph reads: "engineer George Harden [or Harder] at the wheel with Harry [or Harvey] Harrison beside him" and "others are Bob Ell…

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1910

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.1 x 17.1 cm mounted on 20.2 x 25.3 cm cardboard

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 035-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of a rock crusher engine and crew at Edmonds. Identified: foreman Pete Watt (3rd from left) and Jack McMurray (fourth from left). Annotations on back of photograph reads: "engineer George Harden [or Harder] at the wheel with Harry [or Harvey] Harrison beside him" and "others are Bob Ellis, Sandy Scott, and Billy Waller [or Walter?]."

Subjects: Occupations - Labourers; Occupations - Engineers; Construction Tools and Equipment

Names: Ellis, Robert "Bob"; Harder, George; Harrison, Harry; McMurray, Jack; Scott, Sandy; Waller, Billy; Watt, Pete

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Moore, W.J.

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamp on back reads, "W.J. Moore, Photographer, Vancouver, B.C. / Walden Block or 25 & Main"

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Images

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory253

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1903-1940

Length: 0:09:46

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's descriptions of road construction in Burnaby, including the names of the settlers and logging companies involved in their construction. Alfred discusses the changes that took place during World War I, along with municipal Relief work that he t…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's descriptions of road construction in Burnaby, including the names of the settlers and logging companies involved in their construction. Alfred discusses the changes that took place during World War I, along with municipal Relief work that he took part in at Burnaby Mountain. Alfred also discusses early schools and mentions his wife, Ada Bingham.

Date Range: 1903-1940

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

Length: 0:09:46

Subjects: Construction - Road Construction; Land Clearing

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Scope and Content: Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

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

Total Tracks: 12

Total Length: 1:38:06

Interviewee Name: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories

Media Type: Sound Recording

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

Images

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

Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-20-2/100-13-20-2_Track_3.mp3

Historic photo of Cariboo Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription13516

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [190-] date of original, copied [198_]

Collection/Fonds: Century Park Museum Association fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w print ; 8.7 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a historic photograph of an unidentified man standing on a boardwalk on the corner of Cariboo Road in Burnaby. Historic photograph includes a label in the top corner that reads: "Cariboo Rd / Burnaby". The road is made of dirt and a two story house is visible across the road from the …

1 image

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 : b&w print ; 8.7 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a historic photograph of an unidentified man standing on a boardwalk on the corner of Cariboo Road in Burnaby. Historic photograph includes a label in the top corner that reads: "Cariboo Rd / Burnaby". The road is made of dirt and a two story house is visible across the road from the man.

Subjects: Construction - Road Construction

Names: Burnaby Village Museum

Geographic Access: Cariboo Road

Accession Code: BV020.5.860

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [190-] date of original, copied [198_]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 25-Aug-2020

Scale: 100

Photographer: Brown, Cice Chandler

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Historic photo of Cariboo Road, [190-] date of original, copied [198_] thumbnail

Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory243

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1892-1911

Length: 0:09:58

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of the work that he and his brother did on the roadways; Canada Way, Kingsway. He discusses helping out at the Hatt-Cook residence as a boy as well as the tram system of the time. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husb…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of the work that he and his brother did on the roadways; Canada Way, Kingsway. He discusses helping out at the Hatt-Cook residence as a boy as well as the tram system of the time. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.

Date Range: 1892-1911

Photo Info: Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004

Length: 0:09:58

Subjects: Construction - Road Construction

Historic Neighbourhood: Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)

Interviewer: McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”

Interview Date: November 17, 1975

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.

Biographical Notes: Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.

Total Tracks: 7

Total Length: 0:58:55

Interviewee Name: McMurray, Lillian Wray; McMurray, Murdoch

Interviewer Bio: Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Media Type: Sound Recording

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

Images

Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-010/MSS137-010_Track_1.mp3

Anderson and Phillips Builders

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57728

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1910 and 1914]

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a newly constructed house with land clearing debris and labourers working in the yard. A sign on the house reads; "Anderson and Phillips Builders", although the location and the specific individuals are unidentified (items no. 487-022 and 487-032 depict this house completed).

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1910 and 1914]

Collection/Fonds: J.W. Phillips fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w glass negative ; 11 x 15.5 cm

Material Details: Emulsion measures 11 x 15.5 cm on the glass; entire glass plate measures 12 x 16 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 487-029

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: 2008-18

Scope and Content: Photograph of a newly constructed house with land clearing debris and labourers working in the yard. A sign on the house reads; "Anderson and Phillips Builders", although the location and the specific individuals are unidentified (items no. 487-022 and 487-032 depict this house completed).

Subjects: Buildings - Residential - Houses; Construction; Land Clearing; Occupations - Labourers

Names: Anderson and Phillips Builders

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Phillips, James William "Jim"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Anderson and Phillips Builders, [between 1910 and 1914] thumbnail

Grading at Oakalla

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38102

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1915] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 5.2 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of grading being done during construction at Oakalla Prison Farm.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1915] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 5.2 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.7 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-689

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of grading being done during construction at Oakalla Prison Farm.

Subjects: Construction Tools and Equipment; Occupations - Labourers

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on caption of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast; Caption at top of photograph reads, "Grading at Oakalla"

Geographic Access: Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

House builders

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36832

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [191-] (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 12 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of a group of house builders outside a partially constructed home.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [191-] (date of original), copied 1992

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Centennial Anthology subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 12 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 315-290

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1994-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of a group of house builders outside a partially constructed home.

Subjects: Occupations - Labourers; Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

House builders, [191-] (date of original), copied 1992 thumbnail

House construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription570

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1912] (date of original), copied 1977

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.2 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of four men in work clothes posed in front of a house under construction. The two people in the middle are holding plastering spatulas, and the two men on the outside are holding a hoe and a mattock. Annotations on the back of the photograph read: "Plasterers at house Bruce Patterson bu…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.2 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of four men in work clothes posed in front of a house under construction. The two people in the middle are holding plastering spatulas, and the two men on the outside are holding a hoe and a mattock. Annotations on the back of the photograph read: "Plasterers at house Bruce Patterson built at Edmonds. No date." and "c. 1930s" An annotation and earlier catalogue record notes that the caption on the back of the original photo read: "Bruce the first house he ever built." "Bruce" has been identified as Charles Bruce Patterson (standing to the left of the frame) by his grandson, Raymond Reitsma.