Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 10

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory546

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1950-1990

Length: 00:09:22

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby

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: 00:09:22

Names: Lawson, Doreen A.; Emmott, Alan H; Swangard Stadium

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Planning; Industries; Geographic Features - Parks; Buildings - Recreational

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

Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track ten of interview with Sev Morin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-021/MSS187-021_Track%2010.mp3

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory655

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:12:19

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue and the public tap available there for residents living on Burnaby Mountain. She talks about the City of Vancouver cemetery property. She describes the families and people who live…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue and the public tap available there for residents living on Burnaby Mountain. She talks about the City of Vancouver cemetery property. She describes the families and people who lived on Burnwood (2nd Ave), and the mushroom farm that operated next door to the Seim farm.

Date Range: 1930-1950

Length: 0:12:19

Subjects: Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods; Public Services - Public Works

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area; Burnwood Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Lochdale Area; Westridge Area

Interviewer: Bossort, Kathy

Interview Date: January 13, 2016

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.

Biographical Notes: Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.

Total Tracks: 14

Total Length: 2:35:58

Interviewee Name: Seim, Reidun

Interview Location: Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library

Interviewer Bio: Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series

Media Type: Sound Recording

Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Reidun Seim

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_6.mp3

Puey Yuen Chan with sturgeon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14783

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [195-]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : b&w ; 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Puy Yuen Chan holding a large fish (sturgeon). He is standing in a garden with a picket fence behind him.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : b&w ; 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of Puy Yuen Chan holding a large fish (sturgeon). He is standing in a garden with a picket fence behind him.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Animals - Fish

Names: Chan, Puy Yuen

Accession Code: BV020.38.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [195-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 26-Nov-2019

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Puey Yuen Chan with sturgeon, [195-] thumbnail

Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory479

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1956-1990

Length: 00:10:17

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributi…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributions of Ratepayer groups and volunteers

Date Range: 1956-1990

Photo Info: Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263

Length: 00:10:17

Subjects: Persons - Volunteers; Sports - Soccer; Public Services - Municipal Services; Planning

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: March 19, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.

Total Tracks: 11

Total Length: 1:31:44

Interviewee Name: Gordon, Merrill

Interview Location: unknown

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

Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Merrill Gordon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-020/MSS187-020_Track_8.mp3

Burnaby Waterworks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39587

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Engineering Department fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1950]

Collection/Fonds: Engineering Department fonds

Series: Engineering General and Administration series

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: CBA11

Access Restriction: Open access

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2004-06

Scope and Content: Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.

Subjects: Public Services - Utilities; Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Names: Burnaby Waterworks

Media Type: Photograph

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58832

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1957

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee, and an unidentified man.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1957

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1293

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee, and an unidentified man.

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services

Names: Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics, 1957 thumbnail

Interview with Edward Apps by Rod Fowler February 22, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory458

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1946-1990

Length: 00:05:37

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Ed Apps’ views about the political development in north and south Burnaby, the difference in trade union activity and provision of community services between the two areas, and the belief that moving Municipal Hall to a more central position has lessened antag…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Ed Apps’ views about the political development in north and south Burnaby, the difference in trade union activity and provision of community services between the two areas, and the belief that moving Municipal Hall to a more central position has lessened antagonism

Date Range: 1946-1990

Length: 00:05:37

Subjects: Public Services - Municipal Services; Organizations - Unions

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 22, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Edward Apps, conducted by Rod Fowler. Ed Apps 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 Ed Apps involvement in community groups, particularly his work in seniors organizations lobbying for seniors’ housing since his retirement, and views about the role of Rate Payer groups, unions and politics in the development of North and South Burnaby. He also talks about his origin in England, his war service, arrival with his wife Margaret in Burnaby in 1946, his work with the Burnaby School Board and for the local union, the location of some of the older schools, the history of his house, and briefly about his wife and children. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Edward Apps was born in 1918 in London, England, and grew up in Kent and Essex. In WWII he flew the third glider to land in Normandy on June 6th, 1944. He and his wife Margaret Hope (1915-1985) immigrated to British Columbia in 1946, joining his wife’s parents, who had immigrated earlier in 1939, in Burnaby Heights in North Burnaby. He worked for the Burnaby School Board as Foreman Painter, and served on CUPE Local 379 Executive, until his retirement in 1982. In 1948 Ed Apps bought his first lot, for $150.00, in the 4700 block on Georgia Street, building houses there and in the 4100 block before buying his present home, a ca.1900 farm building, in the same area in 1954. North Burnaby was “bush country and orchards” in the 1950s; his two sons played in the ravines; and the family used the tram system on Hastings and Boundary Road for transportation. Development of municipal services seemed slower in North than South Burnaby, and Ed Apps remembers the strong role Rate Payers groups had in creating local services and lobbying Municipal Council for provide services. After retirement Ed Apps became involved in several local and provincial seniors organizations, advocating for better housing, including serving on the Executives of the Network of Burnaby Seniors and the Council of Senior Citizens Organization, and was active in the provincial Seniors Research and Resource and CMHC Housing Committee. He also served on the Centennial Committee of Burnaby.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:56:50

Interviewee Name: Apps, Ed

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Ed Apps

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-015/MSS187-015_Track_4.mp3

Andy Digney Film

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85335

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1934 and 1961]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 optical discs (approx. 2 hrs, 40 min) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Scope and Content: Item is a collection of 18 short films on DVD. These films were created by Andy Digney using his 8 mm camera and provide views of the Digney family gatherings, trips, vacations at home and abroad. They also provide glimpses of Burnaby parades, celebrations and the Digney Speedway. The 18 segments h…

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1934 and 1961]

Collection/Fonds: Digney Family fonds

Physical Description: 2 optical discs (approx. 2 hrs, 40 min) : digital, b&w, col., si.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 562-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: 2014-04

Scope and Content: Item is a collection of 18 short films on DVD. These films were created by Andy Digney using his 8 mm camera and provide views of the Digney family gatherings, trips, vacations at home and abroad. They also provide glimpses of Burnaby parades, celebrations and the Digney Speedway. The 18 segments have all been described at item level.

Subjects: Animals - Dogs; Recreational Activities - Fishing; Recreational Activities - Camping; Recreational Activities - Picnics; Geographic Features - Rivers; Events - Parades

Names: Digney, Andy; Digney, Ernest Frank "Dig"

Media Type: Moving Images

Photographer: Digney, Andy

Creator: Digney, Andy

Notes: Title based on contents of film; The original 8mm film footage was digitized and broken down into 18 segments, reflecting the original order. Items are described as 562-003-1 : 562-003-18

Interview with Les Francis by Eric Damer October 16, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory329

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1979

Length: 0:10:35

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks. Les describes the influence of industry and population on the water system as well as the history of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Water Board.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks. Les describes the influence of industry and population on the water system as well as the history of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Water Board.

Date Range: 1930-1979

Photo Info: Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.

Length: 0:10:35

Subjects: Occupations - Civic Workers; Public Services - Public Works

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 16, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.

Biographical Notes: Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:43:18

Interviewee Name: Francis, Les

Interview Location: Interviewee's residence

Interviewer Bio: Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.

Collection/Fonds: Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds

Series: Burna-Boom Oral History Project series

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Images

Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Les Francis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-010/MSS171-010_Track_3.mp3

Municipal Works Yard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34588

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1958

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18.4 x 23.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Burnaby Municipal Works Yard with pipes stacked outside and a building in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1958

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Photographs subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18.4 x 23.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 062-001

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of Burnaby Municipal Works Yard with pipes stacked outside and a building in the background.

Subjects: Public Services - Public Works; Buildings - Industrial

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Oakalla Prison Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34800

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.0 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Oakalla Prison Farm taken from the main building and looking northeast. Deer Lake can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Roy Staples and Hector MacCubbin subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.0 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 134-016

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1985-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Oakalla Prison Farm taken from the main building and looking northeast. Deer Lake can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities; Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Deer Lake; Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

Oakalla Prison Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34801

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Oakalla Prison Farm taken from the main building and looking southeast. Deer Lake can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Roy Staples and Hector MacCubbin subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 134-017

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1985-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Oakalla Prison Farm taken from the main building and looking southeast. Deer Lake can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities; Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Deer Lake; Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

Oakalla Prison Farm

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34802

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.0 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Oakalla Prison Farm taken from the main building and looking southeast. Deer Lake can be seen in the background.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [195-] (date of original), copied 1985

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Roy Staples and Hector MacCubbin subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.8 x 12.0 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 134-018

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS1985-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of Oakalla Prison Farm taken from the main building and looking southeast. Deer Lake can be seen in the background.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities; Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds

Names: Oakalla Prison Farm

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Deer Lake; Oakmount Crescent

Street Address: 5220 Oakmount Crescent

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Oakalla Area

Images

Margaret, Robert Leonard and Bob Love at beach in Lincoln City

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20386

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1950 and 1951]

Collection/Fonds: Robert Leonard Love fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of parents, Margaret Love and Robert Leonard Love with their son Robert Mathew "Bob" Love in the water at beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Robert Leonard Love fonds

Series: Robert and Margaret Love family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of parents, Margaret Love and Robert Leonard Love with their son Robert Mathew "Bob" Love in the water at beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.

Subjects: Persons - Children; Persons - Families; Geographic Features - Beaches

Names: Love, Robert Mathew "Bob"; Love, Margaret Iona Giles; Love, Robert Leonard "Bob"

Accession Code: BV023.24.33

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1950 and 1951]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-05

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Annotation on verso of photograph reads: "Bob-Margaret - / Bob @ Beach"

Images

Margaret, Robert Leonard and Bob Love at beach in Lincoln City, [between 1950 and 1951] thumbnail

North Burnaby High School Graduates 1954

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription163

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 1954

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 36.5 x 58.5 cm mounted on board 76 x 101.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of graduates of North Burnaby High School in 1954 with all names of graduates scripted on mounting board by E.Skrypec. Row 1: L. Fox, S. Johnson, R. Larson, B. Milaney, J. Watson, D. Spring, G. Calder, J. Forester, A. Nash, J. McGiveron, M. Meikle, T. Brooks, J. Meikle, S. Hill, B. Bil…

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 36.5 x 58.5 cm mounted on board 76 x 101.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of graduates of North Burnaby High School in 1954 with all names of graduates scripted on mounting board by E.Skrypec. Row 1: L. Fox, S. Johnson, R. Larson, B. Milaney, J. Watson, D. Spring, G. Calder, J. Forester, A. Nash, J. McGiveron, M. Meikle, T. Brooks, J. Meikle, S. Hill, B. Bilson, F. Stewart, M. Slavin, H. Trayling, B. Bourne, M. Mothe, M. Bazylevich, S. Yorston, E. Underwood, S. Sandberg, A. Craig, A. Holzman, M. Cranston, W. Pendygrasse and L. Holland. Row 2: S. Willimas, S. Anderson, G. Burgess, I. Radill, J. Jopling, J. Wong, K. McNicol, D. Gallie, W. Brigden, I. Frank, J. Elliott, P. Wooldard, D. Drummond, E. Murray, K. Nelson, B. Smith, J. Purser, D. Lister, N. Husband, A. Ryder and G. Olafson. Row 3: B. Beaumont, W. Judyski, B. Chamberland, R. Dyck, H. Lunow, R. Morris, N. Trtan, S. Gill, K. Elliott, D. Demchuk, D. Wilson, H. Philbrook, D. Connorton, D. Panton, G. Monk, G. Kubicek, J. Christian, H. Pendygrasse, D. Norman and H. Peterson. Row 4: C. Allen, J. MacDonald, H. Siddoo, G. Boyd, G. Norgard, P. Iannucci, R. McDonnell, B. Mills, R. Ostby, K. Bennett, F. McAuley, G. Topham, G. Clapp, H. Rink, T. Scuffi, B. Dolman, L. Armstrong, W. Cross, E. Matiash and B. Miles. Row 5: V. Cinnamon, T. Saunders, E. Skrypec, S. Bonettemaker, G. Barr, W. Greba, B. Asleson, B. Launder, F. Punko, J. Maxwell, J. McTaggart, D. Allen, W. Plevy, J. Bailey and R. Zacharias.

Subjects: Persons - Students; Persons - Chinese Canadians; Events; Buildings - Schools; Persons - South Asian Canadians

Names: Siddoo, Hardev; Wong, Jessie; Burnaby North High School

Geographic Access: Pandora Street

Street Address: 4375 Pandora Street

Accession Code: BV985.30.1

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 1954

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item

Burnaby Mountain

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38210

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1958 and 1965] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 5.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm

Scope and Content: Aerial photograph of Centennial Park, Burnaby Mountain and Burrard Inlet looking east.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1958 and 1965] (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 ; 3.2 x 5.1 cm print on contact sheet 20.5 x 26.8 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-797

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Aerial photograph of Centennial Park, Burnaby Mountain and Burrard Inlet looking east.

Subjects: Aerial Photographs; Geographic Features - Inlets; Geographic Features - Mountains; Geographic Features - Parks

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Mountain Area

Images

Burnaby Mountain, [between 1958 and 1965] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Students at the Chinese school in New Westminster

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14785

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [195-]

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : b&w ; 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of a group of Chinese Canadian students standing on the stairs of the Chinese School in New Westminster. Frank and Emma Wong (members of the Quinn Wong family) are identified standing in the bottom left corner of the photograph and elder sister, Jessie Wong is identified standing in the …

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Julie Lee and Cecil Lee family fonds

Series: Lee family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph (tiff) : b&w ; 600 dpi

Scope and Content: Photograph of a group of Chinese Canadian students standing on the stairs of the Chinese School in New Westminster. Frank and Emma Wong (members of the Quinn Wong family) are identified standing in the bottom left corner of the photograph and elder sister, Jessie Wong is identified standing in the middle of the photograph. Members of the Kong family of Fraser Mills also appear in the photograph including Alice, Dorothy and Lea Kong along with members of the New Westminster Quan family. The front porch is decorated with bunting and includes a sign that reads "The Chinese Benevolent Association" along with a British flag and a flag of the Republic of China.

Subjects: Persons - Chinese Canadians; Organizations - Societies and Clubs; Persons - Students; Buildings - Schools

Names: Wong, Quinn; The Chinese Benevolent Association; Kong, Alice; Kong, Dorothy; Kong, Lea; Wong, Frank; Wong, Emma; Wong, Jessie

Geographic Access: New Westminster

Accession Code: BV020.38.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: [195-]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 26-Nov-2019

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Students at the Chinese school in New Westminster, [195-] thumbnail

Bob Love at beach in Lincoln City

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20387

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1950 and 1951]

Collection/Fonds: Robert Leonard Love fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of young Robert Mathew "Bob" Love seated in the water at beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Robert Leonard Love fonds

Series: Robert and Margaret Love family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 6.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of young Robert Mathew "Bob" Love seated in the water at beach in Lincoln City, Oregon.

Subjects: Persons - Children; Geographic Features - Beaches

Names: Love, Robert Mathew "Bob"

Accession Code: BV023.24.34

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1950 and 1951]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-12-05

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Annotation on verso of photograph reads: "Bob @ Beach"

Images

Bob Love at beach in Lincoln City, [between 1950 and 1951] thumbnail

Bob Love in yard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20390

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1951]

Collection/Fonds: Robert Leonard Love fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of toddler Robert Mathew "Bob" Love standing in the yard of his family home in Lebanon, Oregon. Home of Bob's parents Robert Leonard and Margaret Love is visible in the background.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Robert Leonard Love fonds

Series: Robert and Margaret Love family photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.5 x 9 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of toddler Robert Mathew "Bob" Love standing in the yard of his family home in Lebanon, Oregon. Home of Bob's parents Robert Leonard and Margaret Love is visible in the background.