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100 records – page 1 of 5.

Duncan & Margaret McGregor Estate 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark518
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Overlooking the rich farmland of the Fraser River floodplain, 'Glen-Lyon' is an Edwardian era rural estate, with a tall, two and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame mansion, set in a pastoral and formal landscape with an associated barn and early log pond, located near a ravine and forested ar…
Associated Dates
1902
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Marine Drive
Associated Dates
1902
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 12183
Enactment Date
11/12/2006
Description
Overlooking the rich farmland of the Fraser River floodplain, 'Glen-Lyon' is an Edwardian era rural estate, with a tall, two and one-half storey plus basement wood-frame mansion, set in a pastoral and formal landscape with an associated barn and early log pond, located near a ravine and forested area adjacent to Marine Drive in South Burnaby.
Heritage Value
‘Glen-Lyon’ is valued as an excellent example of a privately-owned Edwardian era country estate built at the turn of the nineteenth century. The property retains significant heritage features including the Edwardian era mansion with rustic Arts and Crafts features, and elements of a working agricultural landscape. The property was originally the Royal City Mills logging camp, and in 1900 was purchased by Duncan Campbell McGregor (1853-1929) and Margaret Jane McGregor (1875-1960), who named their estate ‘Glen-Lyon’ after Duncan McGregor’s birthplace in Perthshire, Scotland. The McGregors were active in municipal affairs and social activities, and played a significant role in the early development of Burnaby. Duncan McGregor served as a city councillor from 1909 to 1912 and was elected reeve of Burnaby in 1913. Margaret McGregor was instrumental in the formation and fundraising activities of the Victoria Order of Nurses in Burnaby. Additionally, the site is historically significant for its association with early social welfare and correctional reform. The estate was sold in 1926 to an inter-denominational religious organization called the Home of the Friendless, which used it as their B.C. headquarters. The organization was charged with several cases of abuse and neglect in 1937, after which a Royal Commission was formed that led to new legislation to regulate and license all private welfare institutions. 'Glen-Lyon' was sold to the provincial government, and was dedicated in 1939 by the Lt.-Gov. E.W. Hamber for use as the New Haven Borstal Home for Boys and Youthful Offenders (later renamed the New Haven Correction Centre). The Borstal movement originated in England in the late nineteenth century, as an alternative to sending young offenders and runaways to prisons by providing reformatories that focused on discipline and vocational skill. This site’s role as the first North American institution devoted to the Borstal School philosophy was historic, and influenced corrections programs across Canada. The site retains significant features from its development in 1939 as the Borstal School, including a large gambrel-roofed barn designed by Chief Provincial Architect Henry Whittaker of the Department of Public Works that is the only remaining structure of its kind in Burnaby. Between 1941 and 1945 the mansion housed the Provincial School for the Deaf and Blind when the Borstal School was closed temporarily as a war measure during the Second World War.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of 'Glen-Lyon' Mansion include its: - location on a sloping site with expansive southern exposure, adjacent to Marine Drive - residential form, scale and massing of the house as exemplified by its two and one-half storey height, above-ground basement and rectangular plan - Arts and Crafts elements of the house such as its stone foundation, multi-gabled roof line with steep central hipped roof, symmetrical cross-gables, side shed dormers, bellcast upper walls sheathed in cedar shingles and lower walls sheathed in narrow clapboard - original exterior features of the house such as the full width front verandah with square columns, central staircase on the southern elevation, original doors and stained glass windows; and the irregular fenestration such as double-hung 1-over-1 wooden-sash windows, bay windows, and projecting windows in the gable ends - original interior features of the house such as the U-shaped main stair designed around two symmetrically placed Ionic columns, and interior trim on the main floor including boxed beams and fireplaces - gambrel-roofed barn with roof vent with finial, sliding hay loft and access doors, small multi-pane windows, and lapped wooden siding - associated landscape features such as the original garden plantings with some exotic and many native specimen trees; the original log pond and its concrete Marine Drive causeway and culvert; rockeries and a rose garden
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Organization
Home of the Friendless
Borstal School
New Haven Correction Centre
Architect
Henry Whittaker
Function
Primary Historic--Estate
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
003-004-661
Boundaries
'Glen-Lyon' is comprised of a single residential lot located at 4250 Marine Drive, Burnaby.
Area
230873.18
Contributing Resource
Building
Ownership
Private
Names
McGregor, Duncan C. (1853-1929)
Whittaker, Henry
Home of the Friendless
Borstal School
New Haven Correction Centre
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Buildings - Public - Detention Facilities
Buildings - Residential
Street Address
4250 Marine Drive
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

H.T. Ceperley Estate 'Fairacres' Steam Plant Building

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark528
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
Designed in the British Arts and Crafts style, the ‘Fairacres’ Steam Plant Buiding is a single-storey wood frame building with a gabled roof that originally housed the apparatus for climate control in the greenhouses, formerly located to its north. The original rubble stone walls that formed the fo…
Associated Dates
1908
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Associated Dates
1908
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 9807
Enactment Date
23/11/1992
Description
Designed in the British Arts and Crafts style, the ‘Fairacres’ Steam Plant Buiding is a single-storey wood frame building with a gabled roof that originally housed the apparatus for climate control in the greenhouses, formerly located to its north. The original rubble stone walls that formed the foundation for the greenhouses stand adjacent. The Steam Plant Building stands as a pendant to the Root House, which is to the north of the former greenhouses.
Heritage Value
The outbuildings at 'Fairacres' are a rare surviving architecturally-designed ensemble of agricultural structures that exist in complementary harmony with the main estate house. Architect Robert Mackay Fripp (1858-1917), an outspoken advocate of Arts and Crafts design, was retained by the Ceperleys to design several original outbuildings on their estate. The Ceperleys operated 'Fairacres' with staff, a farm manager and workers, including Chinese, to grow produce for themselves and for sale at local markets. The Steam Plant Building illustrates the market gardening activity of the area around Deer Lake and its importance to the Ceperley family, which valued a year-round supply of fresh fruit and vegetables for the kitchen and flowers for the house. It also illustrates the cultural and aesthetic values of the Ceperleys in retaining an architect to design a functional outbuilding using an accepted and contemporary architectural style. Built in 1908, the Steam Plant Building was significantly altered in the 1960s and restored to its original design in 2000.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the ‘Fairacres’ Steam Plant Building include its: - overall spatial arrangement of the Steam Plant Building in relation to the former greenhouses and the Root House - side gable roof with cedar shingle cladding. - tall brick chimney indicitive of the building's original function. - distinctive Arts and Crafts architectural features such as the shingle wall cladding with decorative shingling under window sills, deep eaves, and pebble-dashed concrete foundation walls - six-paned wooden-sash casement windows - simple functional interior features - rubble stone walls that formed the foundation for the greenhouses
Locality
Deer Lake Park
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Architect
Robert Mackay Fripp
Function
Primary Historic--Outbuilding
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
P.I.D. No. 004-493-311 Legal Description: Block 3 Except: Part subdivided by Plan 26865, District Lot 79, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 536
Boundaries
‘Fairacres’ is comprised of a single municipally-owned property located at 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
Area
17,065.00
Contributing Resource
Building
Landscape Feature
Ownership
Public (local)
Other Collection
Burnaby Historical Society, Community Archives: Ceperley Photograph Album
Documentation
Heritage Site Files: PC77000 20. City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 1M2
Names
Ceperley, Grace
Ceperley, H.T.
Fripp, Robert Mackay
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Agricultural - Greenhouses
Buildings - Agricultural
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Images
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H.T. Ceperley Estate 'Fairacres' Greenhouse Foundation Wall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark862
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
The original rubble stone walls that formed the foundation for a greenhouses adjacent to the Steam Plant Building provided heat to several greenhouses on the estate propoerty. The Root House, which is to the north of the Greenhouse Foundation Wall, provided storage for the farm operation.
Associated Dates
1908
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Associated Dates
1908
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 140665
Enactment Date
23/11/1992
Description
The original rubble stone walls that formed the foundation for a greenhouses adjacent to the Steam Plant Building provided heat to several greenhouses on the estate propoerty. The Root House, which is to the north of the Greenhouse Foundation Wall, provided storage for the farm operation.
Heritage Value
The outbuildings at 'Fairacres' are a rare surviving architecturally-designed ensemble of agricultural structures that exist in complementary harmony with the main estate house. Architect Robert Mackay Fripp (1858-1917), an outspoken advocate of Arts and Crafts design, was retained by the Ceperleys to design several original outbuildings on their estate, which was designed as a country estate with a working farm that included over 10 acres of productive berry and vegetable fields, with a large kitchen garden, a root house to store food, an orchard, and greenhouses heated by steam. The agricultural potential of the Deer Lake area made it one of the first parts of the municipality to attract settlement. In 1909, the Ceperleys built three large greenhouses heated by an adjacent steam plant (Fairacres Steam Plant). The greenhouses featured granite foundation walls, including this one which remains intact. The Ceperleys employed a large staff to manage the estate's agricultural production, including Chinese farm labourers. Produce was grown for use at the estate, and for sale at local markets. Agricultural use of the estate continued when a Catholic order of Benedictine monks purchased the estate as part of the Priory of St. Joseph and the Seminary of Christ the King, and continued to farm the land until 1953.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the ‘Fairacres’ Steam Plant Building include its: - overall spatial arrangement of the Greenhouse Foundation Wall in relation to the Steam Plant Building and the Root House - original rubble stone walls reflecting the Arts and Crafts design aesthetic of the estate buildings.
Locality
Deer Lake Park
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Architect
Robert Mackay Fripp
Function
Primary Historic--Outbuilding
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
P.I.D. No. 004-493-311 Legal Description: Block 3 Except: Part subdivided by Plan 26865, District Lot 79, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 536
Boundaries
‘Fairacres’ is comprised of a single municipally-owned property located at 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
Area
17,065.00
Contributing Resource
Landscape Feature
Remains
Ownership
Public (local)
Other Collection
Burnaby Historical Society, Community Archives: Ceperley Photograph Album
Documentation
Heritage Site Files: PC77000 20. City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 1M2
Names
Ceperley, Grace
Ceperley, H.T.
Fripp, Robert Mackay
Subjects
Buildings - Agricultural
Building Components
Buildings - Agricultural - Greenhouses
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Images
Less detail

H.T. Ceperley Estate 'Fairacres' Root House

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark527
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Description
The ‘Fairacres’ Root House is a long, low one-storey masonry building, measuring 4.6 metres by 9.1 metres, with massively buttressed concrete walls and foundations. Built into sloping ground adjacent to the location of the former greenhouses, the surviving orchard and the kitchen entrance of the ma…
Associated Dates
1908
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Associated Dates
1908
Formal Recognition
Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
Enactment Type
Bylaw No. 9807
Enactment Date
23/11/1992
Description
The ‘Fairacres’ Root House is a long, low one-storey masonry building, measuring 4.6 metres by 9.1 metres, with massively buttressed concrete walls and foundations. Built into sloping ground adjacent to the location of the former greenhouses, the surviving orchard and the kitchen entrance of the main house, 'Fairacres,' this functional structure was used as a frost-free store for fruit and vegetables for the family's use.
Heritage Value
The outbuildings at 'Fairacres' are a rare surviving architecturally-designed ensemble of agricultural structures that exist in complementary harmony with the main estate house. Architect Robert Mackay Fripp (1858-1917), an outspoken advocate of Arts and Crafts design, was retained by the Ceperleys to design several original outbuildings on their estate. The Root House is important as a rare surviving, and exceptionally large, example of this building type in the Vancouver region. Unusual in the fact that an architect designed a building of such modest aspirations, it is also remarkable in its method of construction. The use of concrete as a structural material is one of the earliest in the region and extraordinary for its use on such a modest vernacular outbuilding; root cellars were typically built of loose stone. Built in 1908, the Root House was significantly altered in the 1960s and restored to its original design in 2000. The building is significant as an indicator of the market gardening activity in the area around Deer Lake and of the country-house self-sufficiency practiced by the Ceperley family. The Root House illustrates the cultural, aesthetic, and lifestyle values of the Ceperleys in constructing such a large building for storing their own produce.
Defining Elements
The outbuildings at 'Fairacres' are a rare surviving architecturally-designed ensemble of agricultural structures that exist in complementary harmony with the main estate house. Architect Robert Mackay Fripp (1858-1917), an outspoken advocate of Arts and Crafts design, was retained by the Ceperleys to design several original outbuildings on their estate. The Root House is important as a rare surviving, and exceptionally large, example of this building type in the Vancouver region. Unusual in the fact that an architect designed a building of such modest aspirations, it is also remarkable in its method of construction. The use of concrete as a structural material is one of the earliest in the region and extraordinary for its use on such a modest vernacular outbuilding; root cellars were typically built of loose stone. Built in 1908, the Root House was significantly altered in the 1960s and restored to its original design in 2000. The building is significant as an indicator of the market gardening activity in the area around Deer Lake and of the country-house self-sufficiency practiced by the Ceperley family. The Root House illustrates the cultural, aesthetic, and lifestyle values of the Ceperleys in constructing such a large building for storing their own produce.
Locality
Deer Lake Park
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Douglas-Gilpin Area
Architect
Robert Mackay Fripp
Function
Primary Historic--Outbuilding
Secondary Historic--Food Storage
Community
Burnaby
Cadastral Identifier
P.I.D. No. 004-493-311 Legal Description: Block 3 Except: Part subdivided by Plan 26865, District Lot 79, Group 1, New Westminster District, Plan 536
Boundaries
‘Fairacres’ is comprised of a single municipally-owned property located at 6344 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.
Area
17,065.00
Contributing Resource
Building
Landscape Feature
Ownership
Public (local)
Other Collection
Burnaby Historical Society, Community Archives: Ceperley Photograph Album
Documentation
Heritage Site Files: PC77000 20. City of Burnaby Planning and Building Department, 4949 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 1M2
Names
Ceperley, Grace
Ceperley, H.T.
Fripp, Robert Mackay
Subjects
Buildings - Heritage
Buildings - Agricultural
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Images
Less detail

M. G. Hill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82537
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1899 and 1910]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10.5 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of one man and five rows of boys. Identified fourth from the right in the back row is Minard G. Hill.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1899 and 1910]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10.5 x 16.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-111
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of one man and five rows of boys. Identified fourth from the right in the back row is Minard G. Hill.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Buildings - Schools
Names
Hill, Minard Gerald "Gerry"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on note accompanying photograph
Note in pencil on album page reads: "M.G. Hill / (4th from right back row)"
Images
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M. G. Hill

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82538
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1899 and 1910]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10.5 x 16.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of one man and five rows of boys. Identified fourth from the right in the back row is Minard G. Hill.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1899 and 1910]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10.5 x 16.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-112
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of one man and five rows of boys. Identified fourth from the right in the back row is Minard G. Hill.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Buildings - Schools
Names
Hill, Minard Gerald "Gerry"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on note accompanying photograph
Note in pencil on album page reads: "M.G. Hill / (4th from right back row)"
Images
Less detail

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory650
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1904-1940
Length
0:11:22
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two ro…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two room house for the family, Reidun’s birth in 1931, and the family’s move to Curtis Street in 1932. She talks about her childhood memories of playing on a big stump and cedar log in the yard.
Date Range
1904-1940
Length
0:11:22
Names
Seim, Sjur
Seim, Martine
Subjects
Buildings - Residences - Houses
Land Clearing
Persons - Children
Geographic Access
Curtis Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale 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 one of interview with Reidun Seim

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Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription12337
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Chinese Canadians in Burnaby subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (mp3) (00:43:19 min.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewee: Josephine Chow Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: February 7, 2020 Total Number of Tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 00:43:19
Scope and Content
Recording consists of an interview with Josephine Chow (nee Hong) conducted by BVM researcher Denise Fong at the Burnaby Village Museum. Josephine describes her family history and recollects her childhood experiences in 1950s and 60s while growing with her family on their "Hop On" farm in Burnaby. The farm is situated in the Big Bend area along Marine Drive and is still in operation today. 0:00-08:45 Josephine Chow provides some historical background on the history of “Hop On Farm” and her family in British Columbia. She tells of how her grandfather Gay Tim Hong and three partners pooled money together to purchase twelve acres on Marine Drive in 1951. Prior to this, most of them farmed on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation Reserve for 20-30 years. It all began when her great grandfather Sui Wing Hong, first came to Canada from China and slowly brought over her grandfather, father and other members of the family. Her grandfather, Gay Tim Hong went back and forth between Canada and China at least four times since he and her grandmother had four children including her father, who was born in 1931. Her father came to Canada at 10 years of age to live with his father. Josephine’s great grandfather came to Vancouver from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). 8:46- 14:20 Josephine provides the names of her siblings from the eldest to the youngest; Pauline, Josephine (herself), Catherine, Noreen, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. She describes what life was like on the farm with her parents working from sunrise to sunset. The family farmed vegetable produce taking orders from local stores in the lower mainland. Often the children helped their parents with the orders starting at eight or nine years of age. Other workers on the farm travelled by bus from Vancouver’s Chinatown. She also tells of how her father was an animal lover and raised chickens, pigeons, geese, koy, goldfish and dogs. 14: 21 – 16:56 Josephine describes what Burnaby was like during the time that she grew up in the late 1950s. She explains that Burnaby was very quiet with nothing being open on Sundays. On the farm, she and her siblings would entertain themselves by playing games like soccer, baseball and kick ball or also by catching frogs, snails, caterpillars and ladybugs. There were neighbours living on Marine Drive and almost every house had someone who we went to the same elementary school. The neighbourhood children would often come to play with them on their farm. 16:56- 26:47 Josephine describes how when they were young there were farms all around them and how on Sunday drives with her father, they would go to feed horses or look at the cows. Josephine shares that her elder sister Pauline was the only one born in China and how when she first arrived that she lived on the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nations Reserve with their parents before they moved to Burnaby. Josephine recollects that most of her friends were farmer’s kids from the neighbourhood but while in school, she had more Caucasian friends. Josephine and her siblings attended Glenwood Elementary on Marine Drive and later Junior Secondary at McPherson Park (grades 8-10) and Burnaby South Senior Secondary (grades 11-12. ). She shares some of her experiences while attending school. She said that there were about a dozen Asians in school with her, mostly from farming families in the “Flats”. 26:48- 30:45 Josephine describes what life was like for her and her siblings after school. They often helped on the farm when they got home, usually taking care of orders for green onions. Her mother made dinner and did all of the cooking for family and workers on the farm as well as working in the fields. Her father did all of the grocery shopping in Vancouver’s Chinatown two or three times per week where he purchased meat and fish. She says that her grandfather, often travelled by bus every Saturday or Sunday to meet up with friends in Chinatown. Extracurricular activities for her and her siblings included volley ball and soccer as long as it didn’t interfere with their work schedule on the farm. 30:46- 37:03 Josephine describes what occurred while living at home, the food they ate, shopping and attending Chinese school. Her mother cooked only Chinese food, she didn’t know how to cook “Western food”. For school lunches, the kids made their own sandwiches. She tells of a Chinese language school arranged by Mrs. Joe [sic] who lived on Gilley Road and was Canadian born Chinese. Mrs. Joe [sic] also arranged an English class for farmer’s wives on Tuesday nights in which her mother attended. Josephine recollects learning Mandarin from Mrs. Joe [sic] a few days a week after her regular school. Chinese school took place at Riverway School on Meadow Avenue in Burnaby. Mrs. Joe also taught them a lot about Chinese culture including Kung Fu, Chinese Dance and Chinese brush painting. 37:04- 39:39 Josephine describes Medical Care for her and her family in the 1950s and 1960s. She tells of a female Chinese doctor in Vancouver, Dr. Madeline Chung. Dr. Chung was responsible for delivering a lot of Chinese babies including Josephine. The family also visited herbalists in Vancouver Chinatown. They would often buy herbs for colds etc. Josephine also tells of how her parents stayed in touch with family in China by writing letters. Her mother’s family, including her parents and siblings were still in China while most of her father’s family were here in Canada. 39:40- 43:19 – In closing, Josephine shares how life is much busier now and of how she misses the quietness of her days growing up. She briefly describes her life on the family farm now and how different it is from when her parents worked the farm. She explains how farming methods have changed and how they don’t have to work as hard as her parents did.
History
Interviewee biography: Josephine Chow (nee Hong) is the second eldest child of Chan Kow Hong and Sui Ha Hong. In 1925, Josephine's grandfather, Gay Tim Hong immigrated to Canada from Zhongshan county in Canton Province (also known as Guangdong). In 1952, her father, Chan Kow Hong joined his father, Gay Tim Hong and by 1953, he established "Hop On Farms" in the Big Bend area of Burnaby near Marine Drive. Josephine grew up on the farm with her parents and six siblings; Pauline, Catherine, Norine, Gary, Darlene and Marlene. In 1969, Josephine's elder sister Pauline and her husband Jack Chan took over the family farm and in 1972 their father and grandfather moved to Kamloops to open a restaurant. As an adult, Josephine worked in several different areas including owning and running her own Aesthetics business. Josephine eventually retired and returned to the farm to assist her siblings. The farm is still in operation. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Buildings - Schools
First Nations reserves - British Columbia
Names
Chow, Josephine
Glenwood Elementary School
McPherson Park Junior Secondary School
ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Byrne Road
Accession Code
BV020.6.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Fraser Arm (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Big Bend Area
Related Material
See also BV017.36*
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
12/3/2017
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of interview
Photograph info: Gary Hong and Chan Kow Hong harvesting celery at Hop-On Farms [1969]. BV017.36.4
Images
Audio Tracks

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

Interview with Josephine Chow by Denise Fong February 7, 2020, [1900-2020] (interview content), interviewed Feb. 7, 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2020_0006_0001_001.mp3
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1st Div 1907 West Burnaby School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription2939
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1907]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 8.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the First Division class for 1907 at West Burnaby School (later renamed Kingsway West School). There are two rows of students standing and one row of seated students. there is a male teacher standing on the left side of the group just beside a bicycle that is leaning against the build…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 13 x 8.2 cm
Material Details
Handwritten in the photograph is "1st Div 1907 / West Burnaby School". The reverse side of the photograph is printed in a postcard format.
Scope and Content
Photograph of the First Division class for 1907 at West Burnaby School (later renamed Kingsway West School). There are two rows of students standing and one row of seated students. there is a male teacher standing on the left side of the group just beside a bicycle that is leaning against the building.
Subjects
Occupations - Teachers
Persons - Students
Names
Kingsway West School
Geographic Access
Kingsway
Street Address
4800 Kingsway
Accession Code
BV012.20.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1907]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Maywood Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
13-Mar-2018
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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First School at Burnaby Lake

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39549
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1909
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Harriet Woodward and her class of students outside the Woodward home near Deer Lake which served as the first school and post office in the Burnaby Lake area; (l to r): Harriet Woodward (Miss Harry), Bob Peers, Melvin Mawhinney, Muriel Sprott, Kitty Hill, Beatrice Clayton and Arthur P…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1909
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Series
Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 17 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
477-868
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2007-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Harriet Woodward and her class of students outside the Woodward home near Deer Lake which served as the first school and post office in the Burnaby Lake area; (l to r): Harriet Woodward (Miss Harry), Bob Peers, Melvin Mawhinney, Muriel Sprott, Kitty Hill, Beatrice Clayton and Arthur Peers. The cottage was a prefabricated building designed by J.J. Mahoney and architect Joseph Bowman and was manufactured in Vancouver by the B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Company and erected here is 1904. The cottage was enlarged with several additions until 1912 when the Woodwards built a new house.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Buildings - Public - Post Offices
Buildings - Schools
Occupations - Teachers
Names
Clayton, Beatrice
Mawhinney, Melvin
Peers, Arthur Francis "Mike"
Peers, Katherine Maude Hill "Kitty"
Peers, William John "Bob"
Sprott, Muriel
Woodward, Harriet
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Street Address
5141 Sperling Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
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Maude and Harriet Woodward Cottage

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39571
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1904
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7.5 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified person sitting on the porch of the Maude and Harriet Woodward cottage. This house was a prefabricated cottage erected in 1904. The cottages were designed by J.J. Mahoney and architect Joseph Bowman and were manufactured in Vancouver by the B.C. Mills Timber and Tradi…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1904
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Series
Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 5 x 7.5 cm on page 21.5 x 28 cm (pasted in album)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
477-890
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2007-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified person sitting on the porch of the Maude and Harriet Woodward cottage. This house was a prefabricated cottage erected in 1904. The cottages were designed by J.J. Mahoney and architect Joseph Bowman and were manufactured in Vancouver by the B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Company. Maude Woodward established a post-office here which was operated by her sister, Harriet. Harriet also began a small private school here, the first in Burnaby Lake. The cottage was enlarged with several additions until 1912 when the Woodwards built a new house.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Cabins
Buildings - Public - Post Offices
Buildings - Schools
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Street Address
5141 Sperling Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Images
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Alexander E. E. "Bill" Vidal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82399
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
August 1903
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10.5 x 7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of a boy identified as Alexander E. E. "Bill" Vidal.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
August 1903
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10.5 x 7 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-033
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of a boy identified as Alexander E. E. "Bill" Vidal.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Names
Vidal, Alexander E. E. "Bill"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph
Note in pencil on album page photograph reads: "2 yrs 2 mos / Aug 1903 / Alexander Vidal"
Note in black pen on verso reads: "2 yrs & 2 mos / Aug /03"
Note in pencil on verso reads: "Uncle Bill"
Images
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Blanche Wilkinson

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82374
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1896 and 1900]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10 x 6.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of Blanche Wilkinson.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1896 and 1900]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 10 x 6.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-024
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of Blanche Wilkinson.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Names
Wilkinson, Blanche
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph
Note in pencil on album page reads: "Blanche Wilkinson / 1890's"
Note in pencil on verso reads: "Blanche Wilkinson / b. late 1890's"
Photograph stamp on verso reads: "John Barron, / Photographer, / Sarnia."
Images
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Boy in a sailor suit

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1044
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of a sitting room of a house, with an unidentified boy in a sailor suit seated on a chair. Another boy in a sailor suit is standing beside him, moving his head, and an unidentified woman is standing by a dresser behind the two boys.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of a sitting room of a house, with an unidentified boy in a sailor suit seated on a chair. Another boy in a sailor suit is standing beside him, moving his head, and an unidentified woman is standing by a dresser behind the two boys.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Accession Code
HV973.110.58
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-05-30
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal Hill and Dorothy Kate Vidal Loomis

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82401
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of two girls identified as Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal Hill and Dorothy Kate Vidal Loomis
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 9.5 x 12.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-034
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of two girls identified as Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal Hill and Dorothy Kate Vidal Loomis
Subjects
Geographic Features - Gardens
Persons - Children
Names
Hill, Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal
Loomis, Dorothy Kate Vidal
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph
Note in pencil on album page reads: "Charlotte & Dorothy Vidal"
Note in blue pen on verso reads: "Aunt Dor / Mum"
Images
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Charlotte Vidal and class

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82427
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1908 and 1912]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard shows a class portrait of girls. Identified fifth from the left in the back row is Charlotte Vidal.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1908 and 1912]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8.5 x 14 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-047
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard shows a class portrait of girls. Identified fifth from the left in the back row is Charlotte Vidal.
Subjects
Animals - Dogs
Persons - Children
Names
Hill, Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on note accompanying photograph and contents of photograph
Note at top of album page in pencil reads: "Charlotte Vidal (back row 5th from left)"
Images
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Dorothy and Alexander Vidal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82429
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1908 and 1912]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a boy and a girl identified as Alexander Vidal and Dorothy Vidal, respectively.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1908 and 1912]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 10.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-049
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a boy and a girl identified as Alexander Vidal and Dorothy Vidal, respectively.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Names
Loomis, Dorothy Kate Vidal
Vidal, Alexander E. E. "Bill"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on note accompanying photograph
Note on album page in pencil reads: "Dorothy and Alex Vidal / Ioco, BC"
Note in blue pen on verso reads: "Aunt Dor / Uncle Bill / Ioco"
Images
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Five children and a dog

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82563
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900-1930]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of three unidentified boys, two unidentified girls and a dog sitting on logs in a clearing of a forest.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1900-1930]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 9 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-134
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph is a portrait of three unidentified boys, two unidentified girls and a dog sitting on logs in a clearing of a forest.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Animals - Dogs
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Hazel Peterson photographs

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription62794
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1880-2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
File
Physical Description
ca. 60 photographs : b&w and col. -- 2 prints : col. illustrations
Scope and Content
File consists of loose photographs of Hazel Peterson (nee Erickson), as well as photographs of her family and parents, Charles and Amanda Erickson, and her husband, Edwin Peterson. Photographs are from all stages of Hazel Peterson's life, including infancy and childhood and later years of her life,…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1880-2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Hazel Peterson subseries
Physical Description
ca. 60 photographs : b&w and col. -- 2 prints : col. illustrations
Material Details
Some photographs remain in frames or paper covers.
Description Level
File
Record No.
504-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
BHS2000-08
Scope and Content
File consists of loose photographs of Hazel Peterson (nee Erickson), as well as photographs of her family and parents, Charles and Amanda Erickson, and her husband, Edwin Peterson. Photographs are from all stages of Hazel Peterson's life, including infancy and childhood and later years of her life, including a trip to Hawaii in 1982. File includes studio portraits, cartes de visites, postcards, and some illustrations.
Subjects
Travel
Persons - Children
Names
Peterson, Hazel
Peterson, Edwin
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on content of file
Note on verso of 504-022 reads: "This was taken several years ago / Your niece / Hazel Petersen (at left)"
Note on verso of 504-027 reads: "Hazel Erickson Peterson"
Note on verso of 504-028 reads: "all of us except Ethel" and identifies the siblings in the photo
Note on verso of 504-029 reads: "not such a bad picture considering" and identifies the people in the photo.
Note on verso of 504-030 reads: "Agnus McDonald" and "Touch up outline of deer"
Note on envelope for 504-039:504-041 reads: "Hazel Petersen resided at Dania Home, Burnaby, for 20 years before her death shortly before her 100th birthday."
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Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory442
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1893-1944
Length
00:05:35
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s parents’ history (Ethel Leer and Alfred Lewarne) and growing up in South Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s parents’ history (Ethel Leer and Alfred Lewarne) and growing up in South Burnaby.
Date Range
1893-1944
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012
Length
00:05:35
Names
Lewarne, Ethel Leer
Subjects
Recreational Activities
Persons - Children
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sussex-Nelson Area
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 14, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with former Mayor William “Bill” Lewarne, conducted by Rod Fowler. Bill Lewarne was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Bill Lewarne’s business and political careers, and memories of growing up in South Burnaby in the 1930s. Bill Lewarne talks about his parent’s origins, his family and community struggles during the Depression, the interurban, his education, war service, and joining his father's business. He describes the start, operation and expansion of the family ice cream business, and how business life compared to political life. The interview explores the role of politics in community affairs, his political activities, the history of the BVA, and his involvement in various community organizations. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track, expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
William Alfred “Bill” Lewarne was born in Burnaby in 1926 to Ethel Cecilia Leer (1899- ) and Alfred Lewarne (1893-1962). The family, Ethel, Alfred and their three children Patricia, Beverley and William, moved to a house on Nelson Avenue in Alta Vista in 1931. Ethel still lived in the family home in 1990. Bill Lewarne attended Nelson Avenue School and South Burnaby High School (1932-1944). His father Alfred worked at Colony Farms as a dairy inspector and then for the Port of Vancouver Dairy before being laid off early in the Depression. The family struggled until in 1936 Alfred started his own ice cream business. After graduation Bill was in the army for two years, taking a refrigeration course under the veteran’s training benefit, before joining his father’s business. Three generations of the family operated the successful company, expanding from wholesale, retail and distribution of ice cream products into refrigerated warehouses and the wholesale ice business, until the business was sold to its competitor Dairyland in 1989. Bill Lewarne entered politics in 1965, first with the Nonpartisan Association (NPA) and then as a founder of the Burnaby Citizens Association (BCA). He served as an alderman on Burnaby Council 1973-1975 and 1977-1981 and as Mayor 1981-1987. In 1979 he ran for provincial office for the Social Credit Party against Rosemary Brown but lost. Bill Lewarne married June Lawrence and they had three children Robert, Leslie and Janice. He was active in many organizations: Burnaby/Willingdon Liberal Association, Seton Villa, Irish Fusileers of Canada, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion, and the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, and continued to be active on the Board of the BCA. Bill Lewarne died in 1995.
Total Tracks
14
Total Length
1:34:40
Interviewee Name
Lewarne, William A. "Bill"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and business computerization in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with Bill Lewarne

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100 records – page 1 of 5.