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Interview with W.H. O'Brien July / August 1975 - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory25

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: [1932]-1936

Length: 0:11:12

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's involvement with the formation of the Army of the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union).

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's involvement with the formation of the Army of the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union).

Date Range: [1932]-1936

Photo Info: Harry and Gertrude (Sutherland) O'Brien on their wedding day, October 12, 1940. Item no. 315-005

Length: 0:11:12

Names: Darling, Gordon; Phillips, Turnie

Subjects: Organizations

Interviewer: Bradbury, Dr. Bettina

Interview Date: July / August 1975

Scope and Content: Recording is a taped interview with W.H. "Harry" O'Brien by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury. Major themes discussed are: the Army of the Common Good, the Union of the Unemployed and the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union). To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".

Biographical Notes: W.H. “Harry” O’Brien was born in the coal mining town of Nanaimo, British Columbia on October 20, 1914. He came to Burnaby with his parents and five siblings in 1927. Harry’s mother, a school teacher, wanted her children to live closer to school in order to obtain a better education, so the O’Brien family settled at Inman Avenue, Burnaby. Harry's mother, Mary Anne Crossan, was Gilmore Avenue School's first teacher. Harry left school in June of 1929. Harry’s father worked as the caretaker at Central Park around this time and Harry helped him to clear brush, plant trees and enforce the land clearing and wood cutting permit regulations held by men who were on script. Although too young to vote by just over a week, Harry O'Brien worked as a scrutineer for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) during the 1935 Federal Election. On October 12, 1940 Harry O'Brien married Gertrude Sutherland at St. John the Divine in Burnaby. The Sutherland family came to Burnaby from Winnipeg in 1933 and settled at Nelson Avenue. Harry began his involvement with the Unemployment Organization in Burnaby by participating in an organised protest against the municipality for homeowner evictions brought on by unpaid taxes. The South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed organised in order to protest rules around receiving Relief. Harry became involved, eventually becoming one of the spearheads of the organization, taking over as secretary by 1936. Harry was an original member of the Army of the Common Good, helping to produce over one hundred and twenty-five tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed Burnaby citizens suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The members of the Army of the Common Good who cut wood for consumption or worked in the gardens were given credit for their work through LU (Labour Units) which they could then use to buy groceries and that at the Army's Cooperative stores, one of which was at McKay Avenue, where Harry began working as Manager of Groceries in 1937. The Credit Union movement of British Columbia was also organized by Harry O'Brien and his fellow Army of the Common Good members. W.H. "Harry" O'Brien died July 1, 1992.

Total Tracks: 9

Total Length: 1:17:56

Interviewee Name: O'Brien, Harry

Interviewer Bio: Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

Transcript Available: None

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.

Images

Harry and Gertrude (Sutherland) O'Brien on their wedding day, October 12, 1940. Item no. 315-005 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track eight of interview with W.H.

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-25/100-13-25_Track_8.mp3

Sea Scout uniform cap tally

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact34947

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV993.17.9

3 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV993.17.9

Description: Sea Scout cap tally; ribbon; navy blue, yellow writing

Marks/Labels: "SEA SCOUTS", yellow, printing

Subjects: Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Personal Symbols; Personal Symbols - Ribbons

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

armband

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact35017

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV993.17.79

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV993.17.79

Description: Armband; navy blue, green, red, yellow; six badges, clockwise from top: cross, leaf, Scout logo, squiggly lines, hand, centre: crown

Object History: Sea Scouts

Marks/Labels: "BE PREPARED", stitched, white in banner on badge on bottom

Subjects: Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Personal Symbols

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

armband

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact35018

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV993.17.80

2 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV993.17.80

Description: Armband; navy blue, green, red, yellow; eight badges, clockwise from top: cross, sign, three pronged motif, flower, man, sun, two oars, bent arrow.

Subjects: Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Personal Symbols

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

Wax seal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact36456

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.81.2

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.81.2

Description: Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.) seal is the tabletop stamping type which imprints the words "VICTORIAN ORDER OF NURSES" and "BURNABY BRANCH"; official; stamper is black metal, lever at top; "MADE IN CANADA" at side of base; seal disc is brass; label at front transcribes the words on the seal.

Object History: The Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada is a non-profit charitable organization created for the purposes of home care and social services established in 1898 to perpetuate the memory of Victoria the Good. The Burnaby Branch of the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) was established in 1912 with Miss Colhoun as its first nurse. Florence Hart was born in 1898 in New Westminster, and moved to Burnaby when she was 13. Her family lived in what is now known as Hart House. Both Florence and her husband Harold Godwin were awarded life memberships from the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) for more than half a century of service. Hear her discuss her involvement with VON during the Great Depression: https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/oralhistory13 https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/oralhistory14 https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/permalink/oralhistory15

Category: 08. Communication Artifacts

Classification: Written Communication T&E - - Writing Accessories

Object Term: Wax, Sealing

Subjects: Communication Artifacts; Occupations - Nurses; Organizations - Charities; Public Services - Health Services

Images

newsletter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact41042

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5987.1

3 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5987.1

Description: The 3rd - Newsletter -- [1965]. Issue of "The 3rd" published by the 3rd Burnaby South View Cubs for October, 1965 in South Burnaby, potentially Boy Scouts. It is volume II, number I. On the first page is an article titled "We're Off and Running!" by Harry Vogel. Inside the newsletter is information on Proficiency badges, riddles, facts on nature, etc. The newsletter measure 14cm x 21.5cm when closed.

Title: The 3rd

Subjects: Documentary Artifacts; Documentary Artifacts - Newsletters; Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

newsletter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact41043

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5988.1

3 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5988.1

Description: The 3rd - Newsletter -- [1966]. Issue of "The 3rd" published by the 3rd Burnaby South View Cubs for May, 1966 in South Burnaby, potentially Boy Scouts. It is volume II, number 8. On the first page is an article titled "Of This and That" by Harry Vogel, Cubmaster. Inside the newsletter is information on Proficiency badges, articles on new programs, poems, etc. There is a coloured picture of a squirrel and some flowers. The newsletter measure 14cm x 21.5cm when closed.

Title: The 3rd

Subjects: Documentary Artifacts; Documentary Artifacts - Newsletters; Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

newsletter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact41044

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5989.1

3 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5989.1

Description: The 3rd - Newsletter -- [1967]. Issue of "The 3rd" published by the 3rd Burnaby South View Cubs for March, 1967 in South Burnaby, potentially Boy Scouts. It is volume III, number 8. On the first page is an article titled "Spring Has Sprung" by Harry Vogel, Cubmaster. Inside the newsletter is information on Proficiency badges, Father & Son Banquet, etc. The newsletter measure 14cm x 21.5cm when closed.

Subjects: Documentary Artifacts; Documentary Artifacts - Newsletters; Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

newsletter

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact41045

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5990.1

3 images

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV985.5990.1

Description: The 3rd - Newsletter -- [1967]. Issue of "The 3rd" published by the 3rd Burnaby South View Cubs for April, 1967 in South Burnaby, potentially Boy Scouts. It is volume II, number 7. On the first page is an article titled "New Hours for Ours" by Harry Vogel, Cubmaster. Inside the newsletter is information on Proficiency badges, Skating Party, etc. The newsletter measure 14cm x 21.5cm when closed.

Title: The 3rd

Subjects: Documentary Artifacts; Documentary Artifacts - Newsletters; Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

lapel pin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact41405

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV001.1.183

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV001.1.183

Description: Button pin, round, buff ground with wide brownish red border and green print. Around edge from left, "JULY / AUG / SEPT". Logo below 'AUG', illegible, "LI--HA" ?, then "1920". At bottom is brownish red dot at centre of "U.B.M.W.E.R.S.L." in circle. Pin is paper formed over a metal back and held in place by pressure. Clear coating over front. Back is dark metal with remains of pin clasp closure ?, coil of wire one side, lighter-coloured patch of metal around opening other side. Back is hollow. Manufacturer's stamp, mostly illegible, "--- CO" "--H.N.Y." and hallmark ?. Metal of back is tarnished, some scratches and wear on front.

Object History: Union dues button for the United Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees and Railroad Shop Laborers which was affiliated with the American Federation of Labour. Railroad way workers oversaw the maintenace of railroad tracks. (For more information see http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove/collection/object_186.html)

Category: 08. Communication Artifacts

Classification: Personal Symbols

Object Term: Insignia

Marks/Labels: "JULY / AUG / SEPT", green letters printed around top "1920", larger green numbers printed in centre "U.B.M.W.E.R.S.L.", green letters printed around dot and surrounded by a green circle

Subjects: Adornment; Adornment - Lapel Pins; Industries; Occupations - Railroad Labourers; Organizations - Unions; Transportation - Rail

Images

badge

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact41592

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV001.6.15

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV001.6.15

Description: Hat badge and plume, "Be Prepared"; purple plume for District Commissioner; c. 1960 - 1975; split pin fastening

Subjects: Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Personal Symbols - Badges

Names: Boy Scouts of Canada

Images

lapel pin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact42917

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV001.21.3

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV001.21.3

Description: Pin, silver-coloured metal, enamelled. Centre is image of landscape, blue water with waves, green hills, purple mountains with white snow and blue sky. Around most of centre, from upper left around bottom to upper right, is wide yellow border with silver "BURNABY . CENTRE . LAKE . DISTRICT". Details of landscape and border edges are silver. Back of pin is silver-coloured, lightly textured, with locking pin back closure. Stamped raised lettering "ALBERT" ? / TROPHIES LTD / VANCOUVER / TAIWAN"

Category: 08. Communication Artifacts

Classification: Personal Symbols

Object Term: Insignia

Measurements: L: 2.5 cm x W: 2.1 cm

Country Made: Taiwan

Subjects: Adornment; Adornment - Lapel Pins; Advertising Medium; Organizations - Boys' Societies and Clubs; Personal Symbols - Pins

Images

badge

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact44491

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV002.32.1

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Accession Code: BV002.32.1

Description: Badge, round; brown, yellow, green, off-white; machine-embroidered; picture in centre of sailing ship with scout logo on sail.

Marks/Labels: "FIRST BURNABY JAMBOREE", stitched, green at top "CAMP BYNG", stitched, green at bottom "1970", stitched, brown at bottom "DISCOVERY", stitched, white on boat