More like 'Travelling through the Rockies'

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

Burnaby Waterworks

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription39587
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1950]
Collection/Fonds
Engineering Department fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1950]
Collection/Fonds
Engineering Department fonds
Series
Engineering General and Administration series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20 x 25 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
CBA11
Access Restriction
Open access
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2004-06
Scope and Content
Photograph of seven men standing in front of a truck with a sign that reads; "Corporation of Burnaby Waterworks Dept." written on its side.
Subjects
Public Services - Utilities
Occupations - Civic Workers
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Burnaby Waterworks
Media Type
Photograph
Less detail

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58832
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1957
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee, and an unidentified man.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1957
Collection/Fonds
Columbian Newspaper collection
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12 x 9.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
480-1293
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
2009-01
Scope and Content
Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee, and an unidentified man.
Subjects
Public Services - Municipal Services
Names
Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory458
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1946-1990
Length
00:05:37
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Ed Apps’ views about the political development in north and south Burnaby, the difference in trade union activity and provision of community services between the two areas, and the belief that moving Municipal Hall to a more central position has lessened antag…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Ed Apps’ views about the political development in north and south Burnaby, the difference in trade union activity and provision of community services between the two areas, and the belief that moving Municipal Hall to a more central position has lessened antagonism
Date Range
1946-1990
Length
00:05:37
Subjects
Public Services - Municipal Services
Organizations - Unions
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
February 22, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Edward Apps, conducted by Rod Fowler. Ed Apps was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Ed Apps involvement in community groups, particularly his work in seniors organizations lobbying for seniors’ housing since his retirement, and views about the role of Rate Payer groups, unions and politics in the development of North and South Burnaby. He also talks about his origin in England, his war service, arrival with his wife Margaret in Burnaby in 1946, his work with the Burnaby School Board and for the local union, the location of some of the older schools, the history of his house, and briefly about his wife and children. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Edward Apps was born in 1918 in London, England, and grew up in Kent and Essex. In WWII he flew the third glider to land in Normandy on June 6th, 1944. He and his wife Margaret Hope (1915-1985) immigrated to British Columbia in 1946, joining his wife’s parents, who had immigrated earlier in 1939, in Burnaby Heights in North Burnaby. He worked for the Burnaby School Board as Foreman Painter, and served on CUPE Local 379 Executive, until his retirement in 1982. In 1948 Ed Apps bought his first lot, for $150.00, in the 4700 block on Georgia Street, building houses there and in the 4100 block before buying his present home, a ca.1900 farm building, in the same area in 1954. North Burnaby was “bush country and orchards” in the 1950s; his two sons played in the ravines; and the family used the tram system on Hastings and Boundary Road for transportation. Development of municipal services seemed slower in North than South Burnaby, and Ed Apps remembers the strong role Rate Payers groups had in creating local services and lobbying Municipal Council for provide services. After retirement Ed Apps became involved in several local and provincial seniors organizations, advocating for better housing, including serving on the Executives of the Network of Burnaby Seniors and the Council of Senior Citizens Organization, and was active in the provincial Seniors Research and Resource and CMHC Housing Committee. He also served on the Centennial Committee of Burnaby.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
0:56:50
Interviewee Name
Apps, Ed
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Audio Tracks
Less detail

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory479
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1956-1990
Length
00:10:17
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributi…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s founding and operation of the youth soccer exchange with Washington State, and the importance of soccer to the community. He discusses the problem of isolation between north and south Burnaby, planned development in Burnaby, and the contributions of Ratepayer groups and volunteers
Date Range
1956-1990
Photo Info
Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263
Length
00:10:17
Subjects
Persons - Volunteers
Sports - Soccer
Public Services - Municipal Services
Planning
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
March 19, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.
Total Tracks
11
Total Length
1:31:44
Interviewee Name
Gordon, Merrill
Interview Location
unknown
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with Merrill Gordon

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory546
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1950-1990
Length
00:09:22
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Sev Morin’s views about Burnaby’s identity and the irrelevance of municipal boundary lines for many functions; his identification of Burnaby’s heritage, ecological and educational “gems”; and musings about the next development phases for Burnaby
Date Range
1950-1990
Photo Info
Sev Morin (left) of Severin's in Burnaby (formerly the Gai Paree) hosting a gala New Year's celebration, 1979. Item no. 480-712
Length
00:09:22
Names
Lawson, Doreen A.
Emmott, Alan H
Swangard Stadium
Subjects
Public Services - Municipal Services
Planning
Industries
Geographic Features - Parks
Buildings - Recreational
Interviewer
Fowler, Rod
Interview Date
April 4, 1990
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Severin "Sev" Morin, conducted by Rod Fowler. Sev Morin was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about Sev Morin’s banquet hall, restaurant and night club business on Kingsway, originally named the “Gai Paree Supper Club” (1947-1976) and later “Severin’s” (1976-1985) and “Diego’s” (1985-1994), its function as a Burnaby landmark, and the entertainment and political people he met through his business. He also describes his many volunteer activities in Burnaby, including member of the SFU Senate, Rotary Club, Variety Club and Telethon, fund raising for Burnaby Hospital, and tourism related groups, and his political work for the federal Liberal party. He talks about his parents’ origins, the lives of his brothers Rudy and Rene, and the family’s involvement in establishing the “Gai Paree”. He also shares his views about the business and cultural development of Burnaby. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.
Biographical Notes
Severin “Sev” Rene Morin was born September 21, 1927, in Bonneville, Alberta, to Rene Pierre Morin (1878-1963) and Anne Marie (nee Lachiver) Morin (1886-1956). Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Morin and their son Rene Francois (1905-1954) immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta, from France in 1913, where Rene Pierre Morin worked for the C.N.R. and a second son Adolphe “Rudy” Ferdinand (1922-1969) was born, followed by their third son Severin. In 1943, after R.P. Morin retired, the family moved to Burnaby to a house on Sperling Avenue. Sometime earlier the two older Morin brothers found work in Trail at the smelter and developed musical careers. In 1946/47 the Morin family purchased property on Kingsway and built a banquet hall, the “Gai Paree Supper Club”. Sev and Rudy Morin managed the club and Rene F. Morin moved to Burnaby to join them with his band. The supper club, with its live music and dance floor, became a popular meeting place and wedding venue, eventually expanding into a restaurant and nightclub in the 1970s. The “Gai Paree” was renamed “Severin’s” in 1976 and “Diego’s” in 1985, closing finally in 1994. Sev Morin’s business life included three record stores which he owned with his friend Jack Cullen. Through these businesses Sev Morin was well known in the entertainment and hospitality industry. He and his restaurant also hosted political and social events that made the restaurant a community landmark. Sev Morin contributed many volunteer hours to community and charitable organizations, including an appointment to the SFU Senate, fundraising for the Burnaby Hospital, Director of the Variety Club and Rotary Club, and consultant for a variety of tourism related ventures. He also was active in the federal Liberal Party. Sev Morin and his wife Pauline married in 1950 and had three children. Sev Morin died at age 86 on March 28, 2014.
Total Tracks
10
Total Length
00:56:44
Interviewee Name
Morin, Severin "Sev"
Interviewer Bio
Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.
Collection/Fonds
SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds
Series
Centennial Oral History project series
Transcript Available
Transcript available
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.
Images
Audio Tracks
Less detail

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory329
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1930-1979
Length
0:10:35
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks. Les describes the influence of industry and population on the water system as well as the history of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Water Board.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording pertains to Les Francis's years of working with the municipality of Burnaby, with a focus on waterworks. Les describes the influence of industry and population on the water system as well as the history of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Water Board.
Date Range
1930-1979
Photo Info
Les Francis (far right) receiving a Burnaby Long Service Award at the Gai Paree Supper Club, 1964. Item no. 485-070.
Length
0:10:35
Subjects
Occupations - Civic Workers
Public Services - Public Works
Interviewer
Damer, Eric
Interview Date
October 16, 2012
Scope and Content
Recording is an interview with Les Francis conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 16, 2012. Major theme discussed: the role of the municipal worker in the nineteen-thirties through the war years.
Biographical Notes
Les Francis was born in London, England, in 1914 and came with his family to Burnaby in 1919. Except for a few years away on special projects, Les has lived in Burnaby ever since. After attending Kingsway West Elementary and Burnaby South High Schools, Les joined the municipal work force. He first worked as a clerk in 1930 and later joined the Engineering Department where he spent his career maintaining and extending the municipal water system. Les Francis retired in 1979 as the City of Burnaby's Work's Superintendent.
Total Tracks
4
Total Length
0:43:18
Interviewee Name
Francis, Les
Interview Location
Interviewee's residence
Interviewer Bio
Eric Damer is a lifelong British Columbian born in Victoria, raised in Kamloops, and currently residing in Burnaby. After studying philosophy at the University of Victoria, he became interested in the educational forces that had shaped his own life. He completed master’s and doctoral degrees in educational studies at the University of British Columbia with a particular interest in the history of adult and higher education in the province. In 2012, Eric worked for the City of Burnaby as a field researcher and writer, conducting interviews for the City Archives and Museum Oral History Program.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burna-Boom Oral History Project series
Transcript Available
None
Media Type
Sound Recording
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Les Francis

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory655
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1930-1950
Length
0:12:19
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue and the public tap available there for residents living on Burnaby Mountain. She talks about the City of Vancouver cemetery property. She describes the families and people who live…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue and the public tap available there for residents living on Burnaby Mountain. She talks about the City of Vancouver cemetery property. She describes the families and people who lived on Burnwood (2nd Ave), and the mushroom farm that operated next door to the Seim farm.
Date Range
1930-1950
Length
0:12:19
Subjects
Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods
Public Services - Public Works
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Burnwood Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Westridge Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 13, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.
Biographical Notes
Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.
Total Tracks
14
Total Length
2:35:58
Interviewee Name
Seim, Reidun
Interview Location
Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track six of interview with Reidun Seim

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Municipal Works Yard

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34588
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18.4 x 23.5 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Municipal Works Yard with pipes stacked outside and a building in the background.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1958
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 18.4 x 23.5 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
062-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Burnaby Municipal Works Yard with pipes stacked outside and a building in the background.
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Buildings - Industrial
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Boiler

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription473
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large boiler loaded on a railway cart along with a large crate, piles of logs, and a cask. The cart is seen on a wood plank boardwalk, behind which is a view of an inlet. The area appears to be an industrial loading dock. Large stacks of wood planks can be seen to the left. The …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large boiler loaded on a railway cart along with a large crate, piles of logs, and a cask. The cart is seen on a wood plank boardwalk, behind which is a view of an inlet. The area appears to be an industrial loading dock. Large stacks of wood planks can be seen to the left. The boiler may be used for a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works- Boiler."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV978.14.9
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Boiler

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription474
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large boiler with a pile of logs beside it. The boiler may be used for a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Boiler."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large boiler with a pile of logs beside it. The boiler may be used for a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Boiler."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.10
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Company badge

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription466
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a company badge for Vancouver Engineering Works. The shape is of a crest shield, with the following written in it: "Vancouver / Engineering / Works, Ltd. / Engineers / Vancouver, B.C." An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works- Company badge."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a company badge for Vancouver Engineering Works. The shape is of a crest shield, with the following written in it: "Vancouver / Engineering / Works, Ltd. / Engineers / Vancouver, B.C." An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works- Company badge."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Donkey Engine

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription478
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey engine placed on the side of railway tracks. Superimposed with a transparency onto the photograph is an explanation of the engine, not entirely legible, however, indicating that this 10' x 15' double cylinder engine was built by the Vancouver Engineering Works. An ann…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey engine placed on the side of railway tracks. Superimposed with a transparency onto the photograph is an explanation of the engine, not entirely legible, however, indicating that this 10' x 15' double cylinder engine was built by the Vancouver Engineering Works. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - 10 x 15 Donkey Engine."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.14
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Donkey Engine Piston

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription480
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the piston on a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - detail of piston on donkey engine."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the piston on a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - detail of piston on donkey engine."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV978.14.16
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-23
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Duplex Pump

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription467
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph is of a duplex pump for Vancouver Engineering Works. An annotation on the back of the photo reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works- Duplex Pump."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph is of a duplex pump for Vancouver Engineering Works. An annotation on the back of the photo reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works- Duplex Pump."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Machinery

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription479
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of orignal), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large piece of machinery being operated by a man depicted on the left side of the photograph. The machinery has a centre piece that seems to be rotating, with two spouts on the side, dumping out fluid into large containers that are placed under them. An annotation on the back of t…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large piece of machinery being operated by a man depicted on the left side of the photograph. The machinery has a centre piece that seems to be rotating, with two spouts on the side, dumping out fluid into large containers that are placed under them. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Occupations - Labourers
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV978.14.15
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of orignal), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Steam Donkey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription477
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Steam Donkey."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Steam Donkey."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.13
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Steam Donkey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription481
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey against a white background. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Steam Donkey."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey against a white background. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Steam Donkey."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.17
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-23
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Steam Donkey

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription483
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey against a white background. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Steam Donkey."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a steam donkey against a white background. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Steam Donkey."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.19
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-23
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vancouver Engineering Works Vertical Boiler

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription476
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large boiler loaded on a railway cart along with a large crate, and piles of wood. The cart does not appear to be on a railway. The area appears to be an industrial loading dock. Large stacks of wood planks can be seen to the left. The boiler may be used for a steam donkey. An ann…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 20.2 x 25.3 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a large boiler loaded on a railway cart along with a large crate, and piles of wood. The cart does not appear to be on a railway. The area appears to be an industrial loading dock. Large stacks of wood planks can be seen to the left. The boiler may be used for a steam donkey. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads: "Vancouver Engineering Works - Vertical Boiler."
Subjects
Public Services - Public Works
Names
Vancouver Engineering Works Limited
Accession Code
HV978.14.12
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[190-](date of original), copied 1978
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-08-01
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

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