More like 'Burnaby Fire Department and Penningtons teddy bears'

100 records – page 1 of 5.

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory466
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1927-1990
Length
00:04:05
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the equipment used by the fire department over the years, in particular about the pump and ladder trucks, and about Chief Waddell's wise choice of locations for the fire halls.
Date Range
1927-1990
Length
00:04:05
Names
Waddell, Gordon
Subjects
Public Services - Fire Protection
Buildings - Civic
Transportation - Fire Trucks
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
February 21, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon 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 the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
0:43:35
Interviewee Name
Nixon, Al
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Audio Tracks
Less detail

LaFrance Class A Quintuplet

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1681
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[after 1956]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph: sepia photocopy ; 10 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Department's 1956 LaFrance Class A Quintuplet fire truck, considered "five fire trucks in one" because it served as a chemical truck (now a water tank), a hose truck, pumper truck, city service ladder truck and 100 ft aerial ladder truck. Truck no. 8 is parked in front of…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph: sepia photocopy ; 10 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Department's 1956 LaFrance Class A Quintuplet fire truck, considered "five fire trucks in one" because it served as a chemical truck (now a water tank), a hose truck, pumper truck, city service ladder truck and 100 ft aerial ladder truck. Truck no. 8 is parked in front of fire hall no. 3.
Subjects
Transportation - Fire Trucks
Buildings - Civic - Fire Halls
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Geographic Access
Marlborough Avenue
Street Address
6511 Marlborough Avenue
Accession Code
BV002.75.3
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[after 1956]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Marlborough Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
09-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Typed note on recto of photograph reads: "First in Canada 1956"
Typed note on verso of photograph reads: "Five fire trucks in one. Chemical -- Now water trank Hose truck. Pumper truck. City service ladder truck. Aerial ladder truck 100 ft."
Address sticker on verso of photograph reads: "Mr F. Blake 4165 Pandora Street Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5C 2B2"
Images
Less detail

Auvache, Lou - Burnaby Fire Chief

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58812
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1965
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 Photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic portrait of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
ca.1965
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 Photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1273
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photographic portrait of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
Auvache, Lewis
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Auvache, Lou - Burnaby Fire Chief

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58813
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1961
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 Photograph : b&w ; 14 x 14.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Deputy Chief Lou Auvache and an unidentified man holding up an object.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1961
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 Photograph : b&w ; 14 x 14.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1274
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Deputy Chief Lou Auvache and an unidentified man holding up an object.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
Auvache, Lewis
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Timbrell, Don
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Auvache, Lou - Burnaby Fire Chief

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58814
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1965
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 14.5 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief, with a woman and a young man. They are holding up a cheque from the Royal Bank of Canada.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1965
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 14.5 x 14 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1275
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief, with a woman and a young man. They are holding up a cheque from the Royal Bank of Canada.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
Auvache, Lewis
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Timbrell, Don
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Auvache, Lou - Burnaby Fire Chief

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58815
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1965
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 5.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic portrait of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1965
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 5.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1276
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photographic portrait of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
Auvache, Lewis
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Fire Chief William Menzies

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46268
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1954 and 1964]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 7.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Chief William Menzies in uniform.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1954 and 1964]
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 11.5 x 7.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1156
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Chief William Menzies in uniform.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Menzies, William "Bill"
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Fire Chief William Menzies and Deputy Chief Lewis Auvache

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46267
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
July 30, 1964, published July 31, 1964
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Chief William N. Menzies shaking hands with Deputy Chief Lewis Auvache at the farewell banquet for retiring Fire Chief William Menzies held at Gai Paree supper club. He had been with the fire department for twenty-eight years when he retired, the last ten of those years s…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
July 30, 1964, published July 31, 1964
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 9 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1155
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2003-02
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Fire Chief William N. Menzies shaking hands with Deputy Chief Lewis Auvache at the farewell banquet for retiring Fire Chief William Menzies held at Gai Paree supper club. He had been with the fire department for twenty-eight years when he retired, the last ten of those years serving as Fire Chief.
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
Menzies, William "Bill"
Auvache, Lewis
Burnaby Fire Department
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
6669 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Kingsway-Beresford Area
Images
Less detail

Firefighters Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke, Warren Evans and Fred Blake

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1539
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[196-] (date of original)
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Firefighters Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke, Warren Evans and Chief Training Officer Fred Blake in uniform, standing in front of a fire truck, with a sign in the background that reads "Be Fire-Wise/ Save Lives/ Join The/ Channel 8 [illegible]."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 10 x 15 cm print
Material Details
Copy print is of poor quality
Scope and Content
Photograph of Firefighters Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke, Warren Evans and Chief Training Officer Fred Blake in uniform, standing in front of a fire truck, with a sign in the background that reads "Be Fire-Wise/ Save Lives/ Join The/ Channel 8 [illegible]."
Subjects
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Clothing - Uniforms
Names
Burnaby Fire Department
Accession Code
BV998.31.21
Access Restriction
Restricted access
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[196-] (date of original)
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
02-Jun-09
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Typed sticker on verso of photograph reads: "(L to R)/ Ken Gurr, Norman Brooke,/ Warren Evans, Chief Train-/ ing Officer Fred Blake."
Address sticker on verso of photograph reads: "MR & MRS F BLAKE 4165 Pandora Street Burnaby BC Canada V5C 2B2"
Images
Less detail

MacPherson Junior High School fire

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37473
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1969] (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 4.0 x 4.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of firemen fighting a fire at MacPherson Junior High School, Rumble Street and MacPherson Avenue. A fence is in the foreground. According the Burnaby Examiner, February 13, 1969, a juvenile was suspected of settting the fire.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1969] (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 ; 4.0 x 4.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-061
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of firemen fighting a fire at MacPherson Junior High School, Rumble Street and MacPherson Avenue. A fence is in the foreground. According the Burnaby Examiner, February 13, 1969, a juvenile was suspected of settting the fire.
Subjects
Natural Phenomena - Fires
Buildings - Schools
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
MacPherson Junior High School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bellinger, Bernard
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Date based on Burnaby Examiner article Feb. 13, 1969
Geographic Access
Rumble Street
MacPherson Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
Less detail

MacPherson Junior High School Fire

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37474
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1969] (date of original), copied 1991
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 3.8 x 3.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a fire at MacPherson Junior High School, Rumble Street and MacPherson Avenue. There is a crowd gathered and a lot of smoke. According the Burnaby Examiner, February 13, 1969, a juvenile was suspected of settting the fire.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1969] (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 ; 3.8 x 3.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
370-062
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1999-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of a fire at MacPherson Junior High School, Rumble Street and MacPherson Avenue. There is a crowd gathered and a lot of smoke. According the Burnaby Examiner, February 13, 1969, a juvenile was suspected of settting the fire.
Subjects
Natural Phenomena - Fires
Buildings - Schools
Occupations - Fire Fighters
Names
MacPherson Junior High School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Bellinger, Bernard
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w copy negative accompanying
Date based on Burnaby Examiner article Feb. 13, 1969
Geographic Access
Rumble Street
MacPherson Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Images
Less detail

Engineering Department vehicle

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription90425
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1950 and 1969]
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
3 photographs : col. ; 9 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photographs of former City of Burnaby employee Joe Cashato driving an Engineering Department vehicle. Vehicle is orange with "District of Burnaby Engineering 627" painted on its driver side door.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1950 and 1969]
Collection/Fonds
City of Burnaby Archives photograph collection
Physical Description
3 photographs : col. ; 9 x 9 cm
Description Level
File
Record No.
614-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2016-24
Scope and Content
Photographs of former City of Burnaby employee Joe Cashato driving an Engineering Department vehicle. Vehicle is orange with "District of Burnaby Engineering 627" painted on its driver side door.
Subjects
Transportation - Trucks
Occupations - Civic Workers
Media Type
Photograph
Images
Less detail

Frances, Sean and Wendy Johnston

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51378
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1960
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph of Frances Johnston (at far left) with her two children, Sean and Wendy, outside of the family home on Venables Street. Sean Johnston is riding a tricycle and pulling his sister Wendy in a wagon. The word "Greyhound" is painted on the side of the wagon.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1960
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Item
Record No.
483-013
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2008-08
Scope and Content
Photograph of Frances Johnston (at far left) with her two children, Sean and Wendy, outside of the family home on Venables Street. Sean Johnston is riding a tricycle and pulling his sister Wendy in a wagon. The word "Greyhound" is painted on the side of the wagon.
Subjects
Toys
Transportation - Wagons
Transportation - Bicycles
Names
Johnston, Frances
Johnston, Dr. Wendy
Johnston, Dr. Sean
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Johnston, Harold H.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Venables Street
Street Address
4447 Venables Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Willingdon Heights Area
Images
Less detail

Kub Kar Rally

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription98034
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1960 and 1980]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
12 photographs : col. negatives ; 60 mm
Scope and Content
Photographs of the Scout's Kub Kar rally, including Scouters' qualifying inspections pre-race and Cubs racing.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1960 and 1980]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Scouts subseries
Physical Description
12 photographs : col. negatives ; 60 mm
Description Level
File
Record No.
631-031
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1994-05
Scope and Content
Photographs of the Scout's Kub Kar rally, including Scouters' qualifying inspections pre-race and Cubs racing.
Subjects
Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs
Toys
Events - Competitions
Names
Boy Scouts of Canada
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Transcribed title. Full transcription: "Mr. Cunnold / Kub Kar Rally (negatives)
Title transcribed from envelope in which prints were originally housed
Images
Less detail

3951 and 3953 Hastings Street from Lane

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37387
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a truck and a car parked in the lane behind 3951 and 3953 Hastings Street.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Municipal record subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w negative
Description Level
Item
Record No.
366-016
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1998-12
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a truck and a car parked in the lane behind 3951 and 3953 Hastings Street.
Subjects
Transportation - Automobiles
Transportation - Trucks
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph.
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Street Address
3951 Hastings Street
3953 Hastings Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Heights Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with William J. Copeland by Rod Fowler February 18, 1990 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory435
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1960-1990
Length
00:03:16
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's involvement in the International Association of Fire Fighters union.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Copeland's involvement in the International Association of Fire Fighters union.
Date Range
1960-1990
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
00:03:16
Subjects
Public Services - Fire Protection
Organizations - Unions
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
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

Track one of interview with William J. Copeland

Less detail

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20285
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser M…
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
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewees: Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy Location of Interview: Residence of Harry Toy Interview Date: September 25, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:01:13 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants’ Association and Harry's daughters, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy's memories of growing up in Burnaby. 00:00:00 – 00:23:53 Harry Toy shares biographical information about himself and his ancestors. Harry provides information about his migration to Canada and his life in Manitoba, attending school, working at the family restaurant and teaching high school. 00:23:53 – 00:41:16 Harry talks about moving his family to Burnaby and his experiences owning and operating the Canada Way Food Market. 00:41:17 – 00:54:19 Harry talks about his involvement with the Fraser Merchants Association (FMA) and provides some history about the organization. 00:54:20 – 1:22:44 Harry talks about running the Canada Way Food Market and the alterations that he made to the store over the years. Harry and his daughters comment as they look through photographs of Harry and his store and the Fraser Merchants Association. 1:22:45 – 2:01:14 Beverley and Christina talk about their early childhood in Manitoba and growing up in Burnaby. They recall what it was like growing up and working in the family owned store.
History
Interviewee biography: Harry Wee Koon Toy was born in February 9, 1936 in Taikong, Toisan county, Guangdong, China. Harry's father William Toy came to Canada in the early 1920s when he was ten years old. Harry arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 9, 1950. After staying in Vancouver for one night, he joined his father in Neepawa, Manitoba where the family operated a cafe business (Royal Cafe). Harry grew up in Neepawa and graduated from the University of Manitoba and teacher's college. He became a high school teacher and worked at schools in Minnedosa and Gladstone, Manitoba teaching various subjects including, science, business, geography, history and physical education. Harry and his wife, had three daughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina who were all born in Neepawa. When the family decided to move to the west coast, Harry was introduced to the grocery store business through an uncle who was a store operator. Around 1970, Harry purchased a grocery store at 4694 Canada Way in Burnaby which he named "Canada Way Food Market" and Harry and his daughters made their home at the back of the store. Harry owned and operated the store for approximately 40 years between 1970 and 2010. Around 1986, Harry purchased the butcher shop next door (4692 Canada Way) which was no longer in operation, expanding his store and adding a second storey to use a residence. Harry's children helped him operate the store throughout their childhood. In the early 1970s, corner stores were threatened by the spread of small chain-operated convenience stories from Eastern Canada to Vancouver. Formed in April 1972, the Fraser Merchants’ Association was established to protect the rights of corner store operators. With no paid legal help, the association was incorporated in Victoria, BC for the cost of 56 cents. The benefits of being a member of the association included warehouse and group purchasing, common advertising and other advantages of being part of an association. Founded by Gary Lee Ling and five others, Fraser Merchants’ Association’s first member was Graham Grocery. By 1978, the association represented over 200 corner stores in the Lower Mainland (Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Coquitlam, and New Westminster) and Fraser Valley. The association remained active into the 1980s and 1990s. Harry has served as President of the Fraser Merchants' Association from 1992 to present. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Migration
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Grocers
Organizations
Organizations - Business Associations
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Toy, Christina
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Babey, Beverley
Canada Way Food Market
Fraser Merchants' Association
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4694 Canada Way
Accession Code
BV023.16.19
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also: BV023.25 - Harry Toy fonds
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0019_002.mp3
Less detail

Sean and Wendy with wagons

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription51399
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1964
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph of Sean and Wendy Johnston sitting in wagons on the sidewalk, most likely near their Venables Street home.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1964
Collection/Fonds
Harold H. Johnston fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Item
Record No.
483-033
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2008-08
Scope and Content
Photograph of Sean and Wendy Johnston sitting in wagons on the sidewalk, most likely near their Venables Street home.
Subjects
Transportation - Wagons
Toys
Names
Johnston, Dr. Wendy
Johnston, Dr. Sean
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Johnston, Harold H.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Venables Street
Street Address
4447 Venables Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Willingdon Heights Area
Images
Less detail

Kenworth Truck Co.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34643
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.6 x 24.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of Kenworth Truck Company on Kitchener Street. An electric sign in the upper right of the photo reads "Kenworth Trucks." Trucks are parked in a row outside with the front of the trucks visible.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[196-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.6 x 24.7 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
077-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of the exterior of Kenworth Truck Company on Kitchener Street. An electric sign in the upper right of the photo reads "Kenworth Trucks." Trucks are parked in a row outside with the front of the trucks visible.
Subjects
Buildings - Industrial
Transportation - Trucks
Industries - Trucking
Names
Kenworth Truck Company
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Kitchener Street
Street Address
3750 Kitchener Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Broadview (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
West Central Valley Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19603
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (93 min., 7 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (92 min., 57 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, founders of Vancouver Sath conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview is taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum's exhibit "Truths not Often Told: Being South Asian in…
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) (93 min., 7 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (92 min., 57 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: James Binks Interviewee: Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 29, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks:1:33:07 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together into one track and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, founders of Vancouver Sath conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview is taking place at the Burnaby Village Museum's exhibit "Truths not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby". The interview focuses on the history of "Vancouver Sath" as well as literary works created by Hundal and Binning and the Punjabi literary magazine "Watno Dur" and "Watan". 00:00 - 13:30 Interview opens with brief introductions and information on Sadhu Binning, Sukhwant Hundal and Vancouver Sath provided by the interviewer, James Binks. Interviewees Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal describe how they met and what they were focused on prior to the formation of the organization Vancouver Sath. Binning briefly describes how he became involved as a writer in the literary world and recalls how he published his first poem in an Indian literary magazine in 1972. Hundal describes how he immigrated to Canada from Punjab in 1975, the various industries that he worked in as a new immigrant and his interest in literature with a focus on social issues. Hundel describes how he developed a relationship with Sadhu Binning after his short story was published in "Watno Dur" literary magazine which in turn lead to his involvement with the Punjabi Literary Association and becoming co-editor of "Watnu Dur". 13:31 – 27:44 Hundal provides more background on his life as a South Asian immigrant, working in sawmills and completing a diploma in Power and Process Engineering and how he first became interested in literature while living in India. Binning and Hundal both share their insights into the formation of Vancouver Sath and provide details on their involvement with the Punjabi literary publication “Watnu Dur”. Binning describes how the inspiration for the formation of the Vancouver Sath organization came from India and that Binning, Hundal and some other members of the Punjabi Literary Association decided to form their own group where they could have more informal discussions around social, political and literary issues. 27:45 – 43:31 Binning describes how the political issues that were happening in Punjab between 1978 and 1983 influenced discussions in the South Asian community whereas prior to 1978 there was more focus on local issues that new immigrants were facing. Binning conveys how their work with Vancouver Sath endeavored to focus more on local issues and Hundal conveys how they made the decision to begin producing theatrical works rather than just written works to reach a wider audience. Hundal and Binning share names of the people that were involved with Vancouver Sath and describe some of the early plays that they performed. Binning describes the foundations of the organization where they worked together as a collective making decisions in producing and performing the works with Binning and Hundal taking on the responsibility for the written work. They talk about their first paid experience being invited to perform a few of their plays at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. 43:32 – 55:17 Hundal and Binning describe how they continued to support themselves financially since they weren’t making money from Vancouver Sath. Binning and Hundal provide further details on how their collective worked with the process of writing the plays and presenting and discussing details with the Vancouver Sath community before performing to an audience. Hundal talks about the transition that the magazine “Watno Dur” took in 1986 which lead to renaming it “Watan”. Hundal and Binning discuss how in 1992 and 1993 they decided to try to get more young people involved and began publishing a magazine in English called “Ankur”. They describe the content and list some of the authors who contributed to the magazine. 55:18 – 1:20:12 Hundal and Binning provide background details on the author of “Maluka”, Sadhu Singh Dhami and describe the details that lead them to translating the book into Punjabi, touring with the author and adapting the novel into a play which Vancouver Sath performed. Binning and Hundal describe and discuss other plays that Vancouver Sath performed including some plays that were recorded and broadcast over local radio stations. 1:20:13 – 1:32:57 Binning and Hundal reflect on what lead Vancouver Sath to discontinue theatrical performances in the mid 1990’s. Binning and Hundal state how they are both still very involved in publishing literary works but no longer perform theatrical works. Binning and Hundal describe some of their literary works and projects that they’ve been involved in and also reflect on and describe the current theatre scene in the South Asian community. Hundal conveys that even though they no longer call themselves “Vancouver Sath” they continue to enjoy working as a collective discussing literary works and ideas.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Dr. Sadhu Binning was born on May 10, 1947 to mother Gurmej Kaur and father Jeet Singh Binning. Due to lack of proper records management in India at the time of his birth, it is believed that he was actually born sometime in December of 1947. He grew up alongside two brothers and one sister in a village located in Kapurthala, Punjab. Dr. Binning attended secondary school in the nearby city of Phagwara, Punjab although he did not complete his education here. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed reading both Punjabi and Hindi novels and learned how to read Urdu as well. Dr. Binning’s uncle, Dhana Singh immigrated to Canada in 1933 and returned to India in 1953. When Dhana Singh returned to Canada in 1957, he sponsored Dr. Binning’s father, Jeet Singh Binning to immigrate. Dhana Singh co-owned a few saw mills in British Columbia and also worked in the truck driving industry. Dr. Binning remembers that some people who had lived in Canada would visit their village and that they appeared to be strong and healthy and looked happy. He also noticed that they would eat meat, so whenever they would visit there would be meat available. In 1967, when he was nineteen and a half years old, Dr. Binning immigrated Canada to join his father. He recalls his father and uncle and a friend arriving at the airport to pick him up. During his first few days, Dr. Binning made the decision to remove his turban and beard upon receiving advice from his uncle. Dr. Binning first obtained work on a farm in Abbotsford, working alongside his mother. While working, Dr. Binning also attended English classes in Vancouver. Dr. Binning’s Uncle Dhana Singh worked in a Vancouver saw mill and tried to help find work for his nephew but was unsuccessful. Dr. Binning soon found work at a saw mill in Avola and worked there until the end of the summer until a friend helped find him work in a saw mill in North Vancouver. During his free time, he enjoyed camping with friends. In 1970, Dr. Binning left the saw mill after obtaining a job at the post office. The post office offered lower wages than working at the mill but Dr. Binning believed that he would become more educated working here. While working as a postman, Dr. Binning recalls facing a lot of discrimination and racism and was often referred to as a ‘Paki’ multiple times a day. In 1973, Dr. Binning married Jagish Sihota. Sadhu and Jagdish originated from nearby villages in India and met each other in Canada. Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish worked at the Royal Bank of Canada for thirty years until her retirement. While working, she also looked after the household and their son and daughter. Jagdish also handwrote a magazine, “Watno Dur" (English translation: ‘away from homeland’) which was distributed in the community. In 1976, Dr. Binning became the editor of the magazine and the name was later changed to “Watan’ as they had accepted their new homeland of Canada. While working at the post office, Dr. Binning also attended night school starting in eighth grade. After receiving his high school diploma, he was accepted to Simon Fraser University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Anthropology and Sociology and in 1986 he obtained a Masters degree from Simon Fraser University. While attending university, Dr. Binning was very active within the community and wanted to work to improve society. He first thought that he would return to India to contribute and improve rights in his homeland but upon seeing the prevalence of the movements in Canada, he realized that work needed to be done here too. In 1983, Dr. Binning became a founding member and contributor to a theatrical collective known as “Vancouver Sath”. The theatrical group produced plays that represented societal issues and were invited to perform at multiple conferences throughout British Columbia and Canada. The group focused and acknowledged the many issues in Punjab and in Canada. One of the plays that the group produced focused on the exploitation of Punjabi women who worked on farms in Canada. Dr. Binning continued to be involved as an integral member of Vancouver Sath until 1995. Over the years, Dr. Binning has strongly lobbied for Punjabi language education and between 1988 and 2008 he worked as Punjabi instructor at the University of British Columbia. He first worked as a teaching assistant at UBC under Dr. Harjot Oberoi and due to low wages, he simultaneously worked at the Post Office. In 2019, Dr. Binning received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from UBC in recognition of his work. Since 1973, Dr. Binning has lived in Burnaby and has resided in the same home that he and his wife purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Suhkwant Hundal is a founding member in the group known as Vancouver Sath and has spent a lot of time in Burnaby rehearsing and writing plays. Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal co-wrote the Vancouver Sath's first play, "Picket-Line" and many others. This play was staged in November 1984. He's authored and edited pieces for the various newsletters and magazines including "Watno Dur" and "Watan". Through the 1980's and early 1990's Hundal has been active in South Asian advocacy in Burnaby and the Lower Mainland. In his retirement years, Hundal has been a lecturer on Punjabi language at the University of British Columbia in the Department of Asian Studies. 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
Occupations - Writers
Organizations
Organizations - Unions
Migration
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Social Issues
Social Issues - Discrimination
Social Issues - Racism
Names
Vancouver Sath
Binning, Dr. Sadhu
Hundal, Sukhwant
Dhami, Sadhu Singh
Pritam, Amrita
Rampuri, Gurcharan
Tut, Mukhan
Thobani, Sunera
Hoss Mushroom Farm
Deol, Jeevan
Dulai, Phinder
Dhillon, Sital
Bhangoo, Bhavna
Rai, Gurmail
Punjabi Lekhak Manch
Di Awaz, Samay
Johal, Balinder
Sara, Amanpal
United Farm Workers Union
Canadian Farmworkers Union
Responsibility
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV023.16.7
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on request
Audio Tracks

Interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, 1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

Interview with Sadhu Binning and Sukhwant Hundal, 1967-2023 (interview content), interviewed 29 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0007_003.mp3
Less detail

100 records – page 1 of 5.