More like 'Burnaby South Secondary School's dance program rehearsal'

100 records – page 1 of 5.

Helen 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark591
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Commercial building.
Associated Dates
1956
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Other Names
Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Other Names
Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
Geographic Access
Hastings Street
Associated Dates
1956
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 12771
Enactment Date
19/04/2010
Description
Commercial building.
Heritage Value
While the building here is of some importance as the former North Burnaby municipal office, its primary importance is its delightful neon sign that has become a North Burnaby landmark. Helen Arnold opened Helen’s Childrens Wear shop in the building next door to the old Municipal offices in 1948. In 1955, when North Burnaby moved out, she moved into the vacated building. As part of the renovations, Helen enlisted the assistance of her good friend Jimmy Wallace, owner of Vancouver’s Wallace Neon Company, to create a new sign for her expanded business. One of the company’s designers, Reeve Lehman, created the swinging neon girl that was installed in 1956. Designed in two parts, one section of the sign is cloud shaped and reads ‘Helen’s’ while the other section is a moving representation of a little girl on a swing. The sign is nine feet six inches high and nine feet wide, and the lower section is animated with an internal motor and gears. It immediately became a landmark on Hastings Street, and recently the sign’s design fame has spread far and wide as one of the best surviving examples of kinetic neon art in North America.
Locality
Vancouver Heights
Historic Neighbourhood
Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Willingdon Heights Area
Community
Burnaby
Names
Helen's Childrens Wear
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Stores
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Street Address
4142 Hastings Street
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
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Grade 1 Christmas concert at Sussex School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription21400
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
Dec. 1959
Collection/Fonds
Robert Rogers fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 11 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of five students of Sussex Elementary School dressed in costumes for a Christmas Concert. The students are in front of a Christmas tree inside a classroom. Bob Rogers is identified standing on the far left.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Robert Rogers fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 11 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of five students of Sussex Elementary School dressed in costumes for a Christmas Concert. The students are in front of a Christmas tree inside a classroom. Bob Rogers is identified standing on the far left.
Subjects
Persons - Students
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Holidays - Christmas
Names
Sussex Avenue School
Rogers, Robert "Bob"
Accession Code
BV024.8.14
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
Dec. 1959
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2024-03-26
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Grade 1 Christmas Concert at / Sussex School / Left to Right. Back Row / Bob Rogers, Lorne Patterson / Front Row: John Ashbee, Bruce Church / Not sure of third person"
Note in coloured pencil on verso of photograph reads: "Lorne / Daren / Johnny / Bobby"
Date stamp on bottom recto of photograph reads: "DEC_59"
Images
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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
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Pirates of Penzance photographs

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97576
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1950 and 1970]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w
Scope and Content
File consists of two photographs from a performance of Pirates of Penzance. One photograph is a cast portrait; the the other is a photograph taken mid-performance.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1950 and 1970]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Burnaby Clef Society subseries
Physical Description
2 photographs : b&w
Description Level
File
Record No.
142-010
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1985-12
Scope and Content
File consists of two photographs from a performance of Pirates of Penzance. One photograph is a cast portrait; the the other is a photograph taken mid-performance.
Subjects
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Recreational Activities - Theatre
Names
Burnaby Clef Society
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Note in pencil on verso of both photographs reads: "Please return to Nancy Gobis Burnaby Clef Society"
Note in pencil on verso of photograph 142-010-1 reads: "Pirates of Penzance"
Photographer's stamp on verso of photograph 142-010-2 reads: "L.C. Cailes"
Images
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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 …
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
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Burnaby Heights Square Dance club

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription76939
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[195-] (date of original), digitally copied 2012
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col. ; 300ppi
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby Heights Square Dance club. The location has not been identified.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[195-] (date of original), digitally copied 2012
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History project series
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col. ; 300ppi
Description Level
Item
Record No.
549-069
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2012-30
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Burnaby Heights Square Dance club. The location has not been identified.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Dancing
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Original spelling of surname "Stiglish" was "Stiglich"
Images
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Helen and Jack Stiglish

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription76940
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[195-] (date of original), digitally copied 2012
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col. ; 300ppi
Scope and Content
Photograph of Helen and Jack Stiglish in square dance outfits. Helen and Jack were part of the Burnaby Heights Square Dance club.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[195-] (date of original), digitally copied 2012
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History project series
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col. ; 300ppi
Description Level
Item
Record No.
549-070
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2012-30
Scope and Content
Photograph of Helen and Jack Stiglish in square dance outfits. Helen and Jack were part of the Burnaby Heights Square Dance club.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Dancing
Names
Stiglish, F.J. "Jack"
Stiglish, Helen
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Original spelling of surname "Stiglish" was "Stiglich"
Images
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Interview with Sev Morin by Rod Fowler April 4, 1990 - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory542
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1947-1976
Length
00:09:36
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the functions at the “Gai Paree”, including its popularity as a wedding reception venue; how customers circumvented the 1950’s restrictive liquor laws; and the kinds of clubs in Burnaby in the 1950’s
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about the functions at the “Gai Paree”, including its popularity as a wedding reception venue; how customers circumvented the 1950’s restrictive liquor laws; and the kinds of clubs in Burnaby in the 1950’s
Date Range
1947-1976
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
00:09:36
Names
Gai Paree Supper Club
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Dancing
Legal System
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
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Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4370
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:12 min)
Scope and Content
Track 1: This portion of the recording pertains to Janet White’s school years and the activities and sports she participated in, formally and informally. She lived near 6th and Edmonds St., and then in the Cascades area, by Nithsdale St., and attended Schou Elementary. She attended many schools as …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:03:12 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Janet White Date of interview: May 10, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 8 Total length of all Tracks: 0:31:34
Scope and Content
Track 1: This portion of the recording pertains to Janet White’s school years and the activities and sports she participated in, formally and informally. She lived near 6th and Edmonds St., and then in the Cascades area, by Nithsdale St., and attended Schou Elementary. She attended many schools as soon as they were built, attending Gilmore Avenue, then Cascade Heights, Alpha Junior High, Moscrop Secondary, and finally Burnaby Central Secondary. Play was unstructured, with the Cascades bush and the tunnel parallel to and going under Smith Avenue being favourite places to play.
History
Recording of an interview with Janet White recording by Tom Gooden on May 10 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1950s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Sports
Recreational Activities
Names
Gooden, Tom
White, Janet
Schou Street School
Gilmore Avenue School
Cascade Heights Elementary School
Alpha Secondary School
Moscrop Secondary School
Burnaby Central Secondary School
Geographic Access
6th Street
Edmonds Street
Accession Code
BV017.45.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Planning Study Area
Cascade-Schou Area
Audio Tracks

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 1, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Janet White May 10, 2005 - Track 1, [195-] (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0001_001.mp3
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Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19348
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
3 sound recordings (wav) (75 min., 56 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (75 min., 57 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Anushay Malik Co Interviewer and technical support: Kate Petrusa Interviewee: Dr. Sadhu Binning Location of Interview: Love farmhouse at Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: November 25, 2022 Total Number of tracks: 3 Total Length of all Tracks: (1:15:57) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto three separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of an oral history interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning conducted by Anushay Malik with assistance from Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa. The interview opens with introductions and how the content of the interview can be drawn on by Burnaby Village Museum for future exhibits and for researchers to learn more about the history of the South Asian community in Burnaby. During the interview, Dr. Binning shares his ancestral background along with his relatives' and his own personal experiences as a South Asian immigrant living and working in British Columbia and Burnaby. Dr. Binning conveys that he’s a Burnaby resident who’s lived in Burnaby since 1973 and that his children were born here. Binning shares his ancestral heritage beginning with his uncle Dhana Singh who emigrated from Punjab to British Columbia in 1931 and began working in the forest industry. He explains how Dhana Singh and another partner owned, operated and worked in small sawmills in the vicinity of Kamloops, Williams Lake and also on Vancouver Island. Binning conveys that in the beginning Dhana Singh and many other South Asian immigrants were not legal residents until 1938. In 1938, about 350 South Asian immigrants (mainly Punjabi) gathered resources to hire a lawyer to obtain permanent residency. Binning mentions that one of the notable South Asians in the group who was also a close friend of his uncle, was Darshan Singh Sangha, a trade unionist who was a founding member of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union and an active member of the Communist Party of Canada. Binning conveys how Darshan Singh Sangha returned to India in 1947 to be a part of the revolution, how he was very active in the communist movement in India. While in India, Darshan Singh Sangha, was known as Canadian and thereby adopted “Canadian” as his surname, becoming “Darshan Singh Canadian”. Binning further explains that his uncle Dhana Singh Sangha returned to India in 1951, married and came back to B.C. in 1957 bringing with him, his wife and children. In 1960, with the support of his uncle, Binning’s father, Jit Singh Binning immigrated to British Columbia and began working in sawmills in the lower mainland, Kamloops, Quesnel and on Vancouver Island. Binning clarifies that his uncle, Dhana Singh was able to immigrate to Canada with the support of his cousins from the Tarker Singh Bains family. Binning further describes Darshan Singh Sangha’s involvement with the Communist party and the IWA and how the majority of the members were from the forest industry. As an active and prominent member of the labour movement, Darshan Singh Sangha fought for the rights of South Asians and Chinese who working in the industry and facing racism, unfair wages and discriminatory practices. Binning describes how Darshan Singh Sangha wrote a book in English in 1943, titled “Rise of the New Asia”. Binning conveys how immigrants of Chinese and South Asian decent didn’t have the right to vote in British Columbia and how Darshan Singh Sangha was instrumental in obtaining the right to vote in British Columbia, although he was never given the credit. Binning describes his uncle Dhana Singh as a likeable guy with many friends, first living in Kamloops before moving to Vancouver. Binning imparts how the sport of wrestling is a popular Punjabi sport along with Punjabi kabaddi. He conveys that his uncle became involved in wrestling while working in sawmills. South Asian immigrants had to do physical labour working in sawmills, the work could be tough and could often lead to physical fights. A number of South Asian immigrants working in the mills already had experience as wrestlers from back home. Dhana Singh later left the lumber industry to work in the agriculture sector. Binning explains how immigration rules changed in the 1960s which lead to larger numbers of South Asians immigrating to Canada. Many of these new immigrants were educated and politically conscious. All of these new immigrants faced racism but being politically conscious from an independent India and with the ability to speak English they organized themselves to fight for their rights. Binning imagines the items that his uncle and his father may have brought with them in their suitcase when immigrating to Canada. Binning describes three items, including a rajai (a blanket with cotton inside that is sewn together), a bistra (small attaché case or trunk) and a piece of cloth to lie on. Binning further describes the roles in Indian society as caste divisions and that it was usually women’s work in making the rajais. Binning recollects the locations that his father and his family lived after coming to Vancouver. Binning explains that a few years after living together in Vancouver, he and his family moved to Burnaby in 1973 to be closer to his Dr. Binning’s wife, Jagdish Binning’s family. Dr. Binning and family lived in a house in Burnaby located on Irmin Street near Royal Oak between 1973 and 1987. While living at this house their children attended McPherson Park Junior High School and later Burnaby South Secondary School. Binning reflects on some of the racism that he and his family have faced while living in Burnaby which led him to write a poem that he published in 1994 titled “No More Watno Dur”. Binning explains the meaning of the title “Watan” meaning “country and everybody” “a country far way from the motherland”. Binning explains the origins of the magazine “Watan” that was started by a friend in 1973. The magazine got its roots in Vancouver in 1973 from an organization called the “Punjabi Literary Association”. Binning became the editor of the magazine in 1976 and his friend joined him as assistant editor in 1978. Binning continued to work as editor until 1983 or 1984 when he returned to school to complete his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree. Binning describes the origins of the “Vancouver Sath” that was formed by a small group of South Asians around 1982. Binning was a founding member of the organization and held meetings and rehearsals at his house in Burnaby. Vancouver Sath first started out as an informal discussion forum by a group of politically conscious Punjabi writers and activists. Binning talks about issues and problems that Vancouver Sath addressed including; racism as well as domestic violence in the South Asian community. Binning explains how he and Sukhwant Hundal wrote articles on these issues and others that were happening in the South Asian community in Canada. Binning talks about how in 1983, the group was inspired to begin performing theatrical works after consulting with Gursharan Singh who was from a well known theatrical group from Punjab who were performing in Vancouver. In the beginning the Vancouver Sath’s plays were focused on the problems in Punjab but they soon decided to address social issues in their own South Asian community here in Canada. Binning summarizes and draws attention to, some of the plays that Vancouver Sath has written and performed including; “Picket Line”, about Punjabi women farmworkers’ rights; “Lattan de Bhoot”, about domestic abuse; “A Crop of Poison”; “Kihda Viah” (English translation- “Whose Marriage”) about arranged marriage and others about social issues in the South Asian community. The plays were performed in public schools and community centres in Vancouver and Richmond, Simon Fraser University and some were also performed in Toronto, Calgary and Williams Lake. Binning mentions some of the traditional foods that he likes to eat and where he and his family have shopped to find ingredients. He recalls how his mother, Gurmaje Kaur Binning did all of the cooking and was often cooking all day long. In the sixties, the Binning family address on 13th Avenue in Vancouver was also used as a postal address for many friends and family who’d recently immigrated. When these friends dropped by to pick up their mail, his mother often provided them with tea and food. After Binning and his wife, Jagdish moved to their own home in 1973, he shared in some of the shopping and cooking but his wife did the majority of the work due to his busy schedule. The interview closes with Binning providing an explanation of how “Watno Dur” magazine changed it’s name to “Watan” magazine. Binning reflects on how this came to be, when he made the decision to get an education in Canada and to stay here, not just as a “Canadian” but as a “Punjabi Canadian.
History
Interviewee biography: 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 Jagdish purchased in 1987. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, watercolour painting, travelling abroad and going on road trips. Interviewer biography: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Industries - Logging/lumber
Industries - Forestry
Foods
Migration
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Organizations - Unions
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Performances
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Names
Binning, Dr. Sadhu
Binning, Gurmaje Kaur
Binning, Jit Singh
Binning, Jagdish
Sangha, Darshan Singh
Canadian Farmworkers Union
Hundal, Sukhwant
Sangra, Harjinder
Singh, Dhana
Vancouver Sath
Responsibility
Petrusa, Kate
Malik, Anushay
Accession Code
BV022.29.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

Interview with Dr. Sadhu Binning, [1931-2022] (interview content), interviewed 25 Nov. 2022

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2022_0029_0003_004.mp3
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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
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Bonsor Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37282
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1958]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Bonsor Hall (formerly the Kingsway West School). A note on the back of the photograph reads: "The Old Bonsor Hall - Formerly Kingsway W. School as in Burnaby Courier." The photograph was taken by the Burnaby Courier newspaper ca. 1958.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1958]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Norah Code subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
345-003
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1997-05
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Bonsor Hall (formerly the Kingsway West School). A note on the back of the photograph reads: "The Old Bonsor Hall - Formerly Kingsway W. School as in Burnaby Courier." The photograph was taken by the Burnaby Courier newspaper ca. 1958.
Subjects
Buildings - Recreational - Community Halls
Buildings - Schools
Names
Bonsor Hall
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Code, Norah
Notes
Title based on caption.
Photographs in this collection were taken and compiled by Norah Code, former editor of the "Burnaby Courier" newspaper during the course of her work for the newspaper.
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4800 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
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Old Bonsor Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37281
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the old Kingsway West school building which also served as the Bonsor Hall.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Norah Code subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 9 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
345-002
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS1997-05
Scope and Content
Photograph of the old Kingsway West school building which also served as the Bonsor Hall.
Subjects
Buildings - Recreational - Community Halls
Buildings - Schools
Names
Kingsway West School
Bonsor Hall
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Code, Norah
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photographs in this collection were taken and compiled by Norah Code, former editor of the "Burnaby Courier" newspaper during the course of her work for the newspaper.
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4800 Kingsway
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Images
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Simpsons-Sears staff in skit

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription17355
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1954 or 1955]
Collection/Fonds
Simpsons-Sears Limited Burnaby fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a group of Simpsons-Sears employees performing in a skit on a make shift stage. A hanging gallows is set up on the stage and two men are wearing signs which read "Ottawa" and "Hamilton". T. Boyd Haskell, Manager of Simpsons-Sears, Burnaby is identified standing on the far left. This e…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Simpsons-Sears Limited Burnaby fonds
Series
Simpsons-Sears scrapbook series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 12.5 cm
Material Details
scalloped edge
Scope and Content
Photograph of a group of Simpsons-Sears employees performing in a skit on a make shift stage. A hanging gallows is set up on the stage and two men are wearing signs which read "Ottawa" and "Hamilton". T. Boyd Haskell, Manager of Simpsons-Sears, Burnaby is identified standing on the far left. This event was part of Simpsons-Sears Days.
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Department Stores
Performances - Dramatic Performances
Names
Simpsons-Sears Limited
Haskell, T. Boyd
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4750 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV021.26.104
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
[1954 or 1955]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph was removed from original scrapbook with newspaper clippings, photographs and ephemera
note on verso of photograph reads: "SS Days"
Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "276E"
Images
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Inter-City Golf Driving Range

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription78770
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[195-] (date of original); 2013 (date of duplication)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 96 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Inter-City Golf Driving Range in Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[195-] (date of original); 2013 (date of duplication)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 96 dpi
Description Level
Item
Record No.
557-021
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2013-15
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Inter-City Golf Driving Range in Burnaby.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Golf
Buildings - Recreational
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
10th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
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Inter-City Golf Driving Range clubhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription78773
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1954] (date of original); 2013 (date of duplication)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of a tractor attempting to move the Inter-City Golf Driving Range's clubhouse.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1954] (date of original); 2013 (date of duplication)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 300 dpi
Description Level
Item
Record No.
557-024
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-15
Scope and Content
Photograph of a tractor attempting to move the Inter-City Golf Driving Range's clubhouse.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Golf
Buildings - Recreational
Transportation - Tractors
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
10th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
Less detail

Inter-City Golf Driving Range clubhouse

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription78774
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1954] (date of original); 2013 (date of duplication)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 300 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of a tractor attempting to move the Inter-City Golf Driving Range's clubhouse.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1954] (date of original); 2013 (date of duplication)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 300 dpi
Description Level
Item
Record No.
557-025
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-15
Scope and Content
Photograph of a tractor attempting to move the Inter-City Golf Driving Range's clubhouse.
Subjects
Recreational Activities - Golf
Buildings - Recreational
Transportation - Tractors
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
10th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
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Inter-City Golf Range

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription78785
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1952] (date of original); 2013 (date of annotation)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 96 dpi
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Walker family teeing off at the Inter-City Golf Range annotated with date, title and identification key.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1952] (date of original); 2013 (date of annotation)
Collection/Fonds
Walker family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w ; 96 dpi
Description Level
Item
Record No.
557-035
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-15
Scope and Content
Photograph of members of the Walker family teeing off at the Inter-City Golf Range annotated with date, title and identification key.
Subjects
Buildings - Recreational
Recreational Activities - Golf
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Transcribed title
Geographic Access
10th Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Edmonds Area
Images
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Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4479
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:35 min)
Scope and Content
Track 4: This portion of the recording pertains to friends, play, and recreation. Cice talks about Shirley, her best friend from grade school until Shirley’s death at 21. She describes the large, loose circle of friends she met in the Telford Avenue neighborhood or through school, and where they pl…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Growing Up in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (0:06:35 min)
Material Details
Interviewer: Tom Gooden Interviewee: Cice Brown Date of Interview: May 13, 2005 Total Number of Tracks: 7 Total length of all Tracks: 0:40:19
Scope and Content
Track 4: This portion of the recording pertains to friends, play, and recreation. Cice talks about Shirley, her best friend from grade school until Shirley’s death at 21. She describes the large, loose circle of friends she met in the Telford Avenue neighborhood or through school, and where they played. Cice recalls how she spent time with her high school friends, and discusses the games that she played with her family and friends.
History
Recording of an interview with Cice Brown, interviewed by Tom Gooden on May 13 2005. This recording was completed for an exhibit, Growing Up in Burnaby, for the Burnaby Village Museum. Major themes discussed are growing up in Burnaby in the 1930s and 40s.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Persons - Children
Names
Brown, Cice Chandler
Geographic Access
Telford Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.45.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Date
1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005
Media Type
Sound Recording
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Audio Tracks

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 4, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

Interview with Cice Brown, May 13, 2005 - Track 4, 1930-1949 (interview content), interviewed May 10, 2005

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2017_0045_0003_004.mp3
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Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory572
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1942-1952
Length
0:13:41
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s childhood at her family’s mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain. She describes neighbourhood friends, pets, playing on the farm and in the bush, going to town, and what the mountain looked like
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s childhood at her family’s mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain. She describes neighbourhood friends, pets, playing on the farm and in the bush, going to town, and what the mountain looked like
Date Range
1942-1952
Length
0:13:41
Names
Olofson, Axel
GAK Fur Farm
Subjects
Persons - Children
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Westridge Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
October 14, 2015
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.
Biographical Notes
Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
1:19:04
Interviewee Name
Olofson, B. Maureen
Interview Location
Maureen Olofson's home in Burnaby
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 four of interview with Maureen Olofson

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