Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Capitol Hill Community Hall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark563

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Description: Public building.

Associated Dates: 1948

Street View URL: Google Maps Street View

4 images

Repository: Burnaby Heritage Planning

Geographic Access: Howard Avenue

Associated Dates: 1948

Description: Public building.

Heritage Value: The Capitol Hill Community Hall was designed by local architect Harold Cullerne (1890-1976). After Cullerne returned from service during the First World War, he joined J.H. Bowman in a partnership that lasted from 1919 to 1934. After Bowman retired in 1934, Cullerne practiced on his own, continuing to work on schools and institutional buildings, such as the Art Deco Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver. In 1944, Cullerne designed a community hall for Capitol Hill; the scheme was delayed, and redesigned before it was finally built after the end of the Second World War. A simple front gabled roof hall structure, this hall is a monument to community spirit, erected by community members on a volunteer basis, and used for community events for over half a century. The hall replaced two earlier structures, both destroyed by fire, that had served the same purpose.

Locality: Capitol Hill

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Capitol Hill Area

Architect: Harold Cullerne

Ownership: Public (local)

Names: Cullerne, Harold; Capitol Hill Community Hall

Subjects: Buildings - Heritage; Buildings - Civic; Buildings - Civic - Community Centres

Street Address: 361 Howard Avenue

Street View URL: Google Maps Street View

Images

Exterior view of the Capitol Hill Community Hall, 2013.. Oblique view.. thumbnail

Exterior view of the Capitol Hill Community Hall, 2013. (West elevation. Exterior Photo). Copyright: City of Burnaby.
Exterior view of the Capitol Hill Community Hall, 2013. (View from the northwest. Exterior Photo). Copyright: City of Burnaby.
Historic view of the Capitol Hill Community Hall under construction, 1948. (Oblique view. Historic Photo). Copyright: City of Burnaby Archives 258-001. thumbnail

BBY-361-Howard-Av--1948-Archives 258-001 thumbnail

Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 3

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory405

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1949-2012

Length: 0:07:25

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the postwar construction boom in comparison to the modern day. Ron discusses the changes in construction practices which lead to the leaky condo phenomenon.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Ron Smitherman's memories of the postwar construction boom in comparison to the modern day. Ron discusses the changes in construction practices which lead to the leaky condo phenomenon.

Date Range: 1949-2012

Photo Info: Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065.

Length: 0:07:25

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residences

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: November 15, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Ron Smitherman conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 15, 2012. Major theme discussed: building construction and development in Burnaby.

Biographical Notes: Born in 1933 and raised in Vancouver, Ron Smitherman learned the construction trade from his father, upgrading his knowledge and skills as techniques and materials changed and improved. Ron built houses and commercial buildings in Burnaby and elsewhere during the nineteen-forties, fifties and sixties. In 1969 Ron and his family settled in Burnaby where he shifted his business to real estate.

Total Tracks: 6

Total Length: 0:46:51

Interviewee Name: Smitherman, Ron

Interview Location: Burnaby Village Museum

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

Ron Smitherman, [199-]. Item no. 549-065. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Ron Smitherman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-025/MSS171-025_Track_3.mp3

Interview with Charmaine Bayntun by Eric Damer October 22, 2012 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory291

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1929-1967

Length: 0:08:55

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun's earliest memories of her family home with family members and friends living nearby. Charmaine tells the story of how her parents met and how they first came to live in Burnaby.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun's earliest memories of her family home with family members and friends living nearby. Charmaine tells the story of how her parents met and how they first came to live in Burnaby.

Date Range: 1929-1967

Photo Info: Charmaine Yanko (later Bayntun) nursing a goat from a bottle, [1969]. Item no. 549-015.

Length: 0:08:55

Names: Yanko, John Ivan; Yanko, Leida Doria "Lillian Doris" Carman

Subjects: Buildings - Residences - Houses

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: October 22, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, October 22, 2012. Major themes discussed are: education and family heritage.

Biographical Notes: At the age of twenty, John Ivan Yanko met his future wife Leida Doria "Lillian Doris" Carman while visiting relatives in Burnaby. Lillian received a rail pass because of her dad’s employment with the CPR and at fourteen had gone to visit her Godmother in Burnaby. John Ivan Yanko and Lillian Doris (Carman) Yanko were married October 16, 1948 in Nelson, British Columbia and moved into the basement of John’s sister’s house on Union Street. Lillian began working at the downtown Woodward’s store as a cashier in 1948. In 1950, the young couple bought property at 7385 (later renumbered 7391) Broadway in Burnaby and began constructing a house as they could afford it. Knowing she’d be let go if she was pregnant, when Lillian was expecting her first child, Jenny sewed her several versions of the same outfit; they all used the same material, but each was a little bit larger than the last to accommodate her expanding girth. Rhonda, born in 1953 and Charmaine, born in 1955, grew up in the Broadway home. They attended school at Sperling Elementary, and later at Burnaby North high school. Lillian left her job to be a stay-at-home mom when Rhonda was born, but that changed in 1963 when John and Charmaine were in a car accident that left John temporarily unable to work. John Yanko later returned to work, establishing his own tile setting business and working until age eighty-two. John and Lillian lived out the rest of their married lives on the Broadway property. John Ivan Yanko passed away in 2010; his wife Lillian Doria Leida (Carman) Yanko passed away in 2011. Charmaine (Yanko) Bayntun completed her schooling in Burnaby and became a teacher for twenty-two years, followed by ten years as a Burnaby elementary school principal.

Total Tracks: 5

Total Length: 0:47:24

Interviewee Name: Bayntun, Charmaine "Sherrie" Yanko

Interview Location: Burnaby Village Museum

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

Charmaine Yanko (later Bayntun) nursing a goat from a bottle, [1969]. Item no. 549-015. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of recording of interview with Charmaine Bayntun

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-002/MSS171-002_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Marianne May Bateman February 22, 1978 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory188

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1920-1978

Length: 0:09:03

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Marianne May Bateman's memories of the Bateman house Elworth, comparing it to its' present use at the Burnaby Village Museum (then Heritage Village).

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Marianne May Bateman's memories of the Bateman house Elworth, comparing it to its' present use at the Burnaby Village Museum (then Heritage Village).

Date Range: 1920-1978

Photo Info: Photograph of Edwin Wettenhall Bateman with his four daughters; Marianne May is sitting on a chair beside her father, [1903}. Item no. BV992.29.1

Length: 0:09:03

Subjects: Buildings - Residences - Houses

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Drive

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Interviewer: Stevens, Colin

Interview Date: February 22, 1978

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Marianne May "May" Bateman conducted by Colin Stevens, February 22, 1978. Major themes discussed are: Elworth.

Biographical Notes: May Bateman was born in 1894 in Portage LaPrairie, Manitoba to Edwin Wettenhall Bateman and Cassie (Dale) Bateman. May's father, Edwin Bateman was born in 1859 in Sandbach, Cheshire, to James and Caroline Mary Wettenhall Bateman (their home in Sandbach was called Elworth Cottage). When he was twenty-one, E.W. Bateman immigrated to Manitoba, Canada where he met Catherine “Cassie” Dale, daughter of George and Sarah Gillon Dale. They were married in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on November 9, 1886. Edwin and Cassie had seven children, the eldest Edna Caroline Annie (Corner) born in 1889, George, Mamie (McWilliams) born in 1892, Marianne May “May” Bateman born in 1894, Jessie (Fox Kemp), Carey, and the youngest Warren Stafford born in 1901.Cassie (Dale) Bateman died in Portage La Prairie in 1909. Edwin was transferred to Vancouver by the Canadian Pacific Railway where he married Cassie’s younger sister Mary Dale, born 1865, and moved his six children to Vancouver. The Bateman family first lived at 7th and Balsam in a large new house. It wasn’t until 1920 that they decided to move to the quieter atmosphere of the Burnaby Lake- Deer Lake area. By this time Edwin Wettenhall Bateman was a retired CPR executive. He moved his wife and daughter May to Deer Lake and commissioned 'Elworth' house, designed by English-born and trained architect Enoch Evans. The house was completed by contractor William Dodson in 1922 and located at the site of what would become Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue. The Batemans lived here for seventeen years before moving back to Vancouver in May of 1935. Mary Bateman died July 5, 1935. Edwin Wettenhall Bateman died on November 25, 1957 at the age of ninety-seven. Marianne May Bateman died in 1990.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:30:44

Interviewee Name: Bateman, Marianne May

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

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

Photograph of Edwin Wettenhall Bateman with his four daughters; Marianne May is sitting on a chair beside her father, [1903}. Item no. BV992.29.1 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-014-1/MSS137-014-1_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Marianne May Bateman February 22, 1978 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory189

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1920-1978

Length: 0:09:40

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Marianne May Bateman's memories of the Bateman house Elworth, comparing it to its' present use at the Burnaby Village Museum (then Heritage Village).

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview pertains to Marianne May Bateman's memories of the Bateman house Elworth, comparing it to its' present use at the Burnaby Village Museum (then Heritage Village).

Date Range: 1920-1978

Photo Info: Photograph of Edwin Wettenhall Bateman with his four daughters; Marianne May is sitting on a chair beside her father, [1903}. Item no. BV992.29.1

Length: 0:09:40

Subjects: Buildings - Residences - Houses

Geographic Access: Deer Lake Drive

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Interviewer: Stevens, Colin

Interview Date: February 22, 1978

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Marianne May "May" Bateman conducted by Colin Stevens, February 22, 1978. Major themes discussed are: Elworth.

Biographical Notes: May Bateman was born in 1894 in Portage LaPrairie, Manitoba to Edwin Wettenhall Bateman and Cassie (Dale) Bateman. May's father, Edwin Bateman was born in 1859 in Sandbach, Cheshire, to James and Caroline Mary Wettenhall Bateman (their home in Sandbach was called Elworth Cottage). When he was twenty-one, E.W. Bateman immigrated to Manitoba, Canada where he met Catherine “Cassie” Dale, daughter of George and Sarah Gillon Dale. They were married in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on November 9, 1886. Edwin and Cassie had seven children, the eldest Edna Caroline Annie (Corner) born in 1889, George, Mamie (McWilliams) born in 1892, Marianne May “May” Bateman born in 1894, Jessie (Fox Kemp), Carey, and the youngest Warren Stafford born in 1901.Cassie (Dale) Bateman died in Portage La Prairie in 1909. Edwin was transferred to Vancouver by the Canadian Pacific Railway where he married Cassie’s younger sister Mary Dale, born 1865, and moved his six children to Vancouver. The Bateman family first lived at 7th and Balsam in a large new house. It wasn’t until 1920 that they decided to move to the quieter atmosphere of the Burnaby Lake- Deer Lake area. By this time Edwin Wettenhall Bateman was a retired CPR executive. He moved his wife and daughter May to Deer Lake and commissioned 'Elworth' house, designed by English-born and trained architect Enoch Evans. The house was completed by contractor William Dodson in 1922 and located at the site of what would become Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Avenue. The Batemans lived here for seventeen years before moving back to Vancouver in May of 1935. Mary Bateman died July 5, 1935. Edwin Wettenhall Bateman died on November 25, 1957 at the age of ninety-seven. Marianne May Bateman died in 1990.

Total Tracks: 4

Total Length: 0:30:44

Interviewee Name: Bateman, Marianne May

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Oral history subseries

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

Audio Tracks

Track two of interview with May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-014-1/MSS137-014-1_Track_2.mp3

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…

1 audio

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_1.mp3

Interview with Tony and Hazel Padula by Eric Damer November 27, 2012 - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory372

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1926-1958

Length: 0:11:29

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula's memories of their first home in Burnaby. Tony and Hazel discuss their house, their neighbourhood and their neighbours. Tony also tells the story of his family first coming to Burnaby from Italy.

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the recording pertains to Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula's memories of their first home in Burnaby. Tony and Hazel discuss their house, their neighbourhood and their neighbours. Tony also tells the story of his family first coming to Burnaby from Italy.

Date Range: 1926-1958

Photo Info: Hazel (Bongea) Padula standing on the steps of her home at High Lawn, [195-]. Item no. 549-052.

Length: 0:11:29

Subjects: Buildings - Residences - Houses; Geographic Features - Neighbourhoods

Planning Study Area: Brentwood Area

Interviewer: Damer, Eric

Interview Date: November 27, 2012

Scope and Content: Recording is an interview with Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula conducted by Burnaby Village Museum employee Eric Damer, November 27, 2012. Major themes discussed are: neighbourhoods and family heritage.

Biographical Notes: Tony Padula’s family came to Vancouver from Italy in 1926, the year Tony was born. After graduating from school, Tony entered the shoe industry as a salesman. Hazel Bongea (later Padula) was born in 1931 in Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver with her family when she was ten years old. After graduating from school, Hazel found work with Standard Oil in Vancouver. Tony Padula and Hazel (Bongea) Padula married in 1951. By 1953 they had bought property in the Brentwood neighbourhood of Burnaby where they built a home and began a family. The Padulas moved away in 1959 but returned five years later to a new home in central Burnaby, where they lived for twenty-two years before moving again, this time to North Vancouver. After six years in North Vancouver, Tony and Hazel retired to New Westminster.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 1:09:21

Interviewee Name: Padula, Hazel Bongea; Padula, Tony

Interview Location: Burnaby Village Museum

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

Hazel (Bongea) Padula standing on the steps of her home at High Lawn, [195-]. Item no. 549-052. thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Tony and Hazel Padula

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS171-020/MSS171-020_Track_2.mp3

Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory444

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1930-1945

Length: 00:02:27

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s memory of burning sawdust to heat the family home and the “fog” [smog] created by burning wood and wood waste in homes and in sawmill bee hive burners

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Bill Lewarne’s memory of burning sawdust to heat the family home and the “fog” [smog] created by burning wood and wood waste in homes and in sawmill bee hive burners

Date Range: 1930-1945

Photo Info: Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012

Length: 00:02:27

Subjects: Buildings - Residences - Houses; Saw Milling

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

Burnaby Alderman, Bill (William) Lewarne, [1973]. Item no. 231-012 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Bill Lewarne

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-019/MSS187-019_Track_4.mp3

Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34112

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: March 27, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.6 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road with a car parked at the side of the road and two men with surveying equipment. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: March 27, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Alfred Bingham subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.6 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 010-028

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road with a car parked at the side of the road and two men with surveying equipment. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Construction Tools and Equipment

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Gilmore Avenue; Douglas Road

Images

Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road, March 27, 1947 thumbnail

London mixer and contractors

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34138

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 16, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.8 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road including a London mixer and contractors invovled in house construction. The man standing in the center has been identified as Mr. Marcowitz. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 16, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Alfred Bingham subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.8 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 010-054

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road including a London mixer and contractors invovled in house construction. The man standing in the center has been identified as Mr. Marcowitz. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

Subjects: Occupations - Labourers; Industries - Construction; Construction Tools and Equipment; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Gilmore Avenue; Douglas Road

Images

London mixer and contractors, April 16, 1947 thumbnail

Two bulldozers

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription8

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [194-]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.8 x 11.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of two bulldozers, belonging to "Holmes & Wilson Trucking", clearing a lot beside a row of houses. Building materials (bricks and lumber) are piled nearby. This may be related to the construction of the Willingdon Heights subdivision. Stamp on back of photograph reads: "342x."

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 6.8 x 11.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of two bulldozers, belonging to "Holmes & Wilson Trucking", clearing a lot beside a row of houses. Building materials (bricks and lumber) are piled nearby. This may be related to the construction of the Willingdon Heights subdivision. Stamp on back of photograph reads: "342x."

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Construction Tools and Equipment

Names: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Accession Code: HV971.12.76

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [194-]

Media Type: Photograph

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Willingdon Heights Area

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-03-21

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Construction site

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34215

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: June 29, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of five men standing outside at a construction site. Buildings, houses and lumber can be seen in the background. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: June 29, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Alfred Bingham subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 010-131

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of five men standing outside at a construction site. Buildings, houses and lumber can be seen in the background. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses; Buildings

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Construction site, June 29, 1947 thumbnail

202 Delta Avenue under construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37638

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1948] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 5.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house at 202 Delta Avenue under construction.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1948] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 5.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-226

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house at 202 Delta Avenue under construction.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Delta Avenue

Street Address: 202 Delta Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Capitol Hill Area

Images

202 Delta Avenue under construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37639

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1949] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 5.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house at 202 Delta Avenue under construction.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1949] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.2 x 5.3 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-227

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house at 202 Delta Avenue under construction.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Delta Avenue

Street Address: 202 Delta Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Capitol Hill Area

Images

202 Delta Avenue under construction, [1949] (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

5165 Sperling Avenue construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37963

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941 or 1942] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 3.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house of the Montague Moore family under construction at 5165 Sperling Avenue.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941 or 1942] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 3.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-550

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house of the Montague Moore family under construction at 5165 Sperling Avenue.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Sperling Avenue

Street Address: 5165 Sperling Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

5165 Sperling Avenue construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37964

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941 or 1942] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 3.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house of the Montague Moore family under construction at 5165 Sperling Avenue. Other houses on the street can be seen to the right, and the road can be seen in the foreground.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1941 or 1942] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 3.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.7 x 26.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-551

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the house of the Montague Moore family under construction at 5165 Sperling Avenue. Other houses on the street can be seen to the right, and the road can be seen in the foreground.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: Sperling Avenue

Street Address: 5165 Sperling Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Images

6113 Silver Avenue addition

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37779

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1947] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 3.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the construction of an addition to 6113 Silver Avenue, the Ellis family home. Three people are sitting on the roof of the house.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1947] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 3.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-367

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the construction of an addition to 6113 Silver Avenue, the Ellis family home. Three people are sitting on the roof of the house.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Silver Avenue

Street Address: 6113 Silver Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

6113 Silver Avenue addition

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37780

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1947] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 3.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.2 cm

Scope and Content: Photograpm of the completed construction of an addition to 6113 Silver Avenue, the Ellis family home. Another house and car can be seen to the left.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1947] (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.5 x 3.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.3 x 26.2 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-368

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograpm of the completed construction of an addition to 6113 Silver Avenue, the Ellis family home. Another house and car can be seen to the left.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; 1 b&w copy negative accompanying; Negative has a pink cast

Geographic Access: Silver Avenue

Street Address: 6113 Silver Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Anderson family home under construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37427

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1946 (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.8 x 5.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.4 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Anderson family home at 4151 McGill Street under construction, front view. Madelaine Anderson and Bob Anderson are seen in the window.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1946 (date of original), copied 1991

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Burnaby Image Bank subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.8 x 5.0 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.4 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 370-015

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1999-03

Scope and Content: Photograph of the Anderson family home at 4151 McGill Street under construction, front view. Madelaine Anderson and Bob Anderson are seen in the window.

Subjects: Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Names: Anderson, Madelaine Carroll; Anderson, Robert "Bob"

Media Type: Photograph

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

Geographic Access: McGill Street

Street Address: 4151 McGill Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Heights Area

Images

Anderson family home under construction, 1946 (date of original), copied 1991 thumbnail

Carleton Avenue and William Street

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription34126

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 2, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Carleton Avenue and William Street at the start of house construction. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: April 2, 1947

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Alfred Bingham subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w negative ; 6.8 x 11 cm

Material Details: Poor physical condition.

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 010-042

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS2007-04

Scope and Content: Photograph of Carleton Avenue and William Street at the start of house construction. This is part of the Willingdon Heights subdivision site.

Subjects: Industries - Construction; Buildings - Residential - Houses

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Bingham, Alfred "Alf"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Carleton Avenue; William Street

Research

More like 'Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 2'

Narrow Results By

Capitol Hill Community Hall

Images

Interview with Ron Smitherman by Eric Damer November 15, 2012 - Track 3

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Charmaine Bayntun by Eric Damer October 22, 2012 - Track 1

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Marianne May Bateman February 22, 1978 - Track 1

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with Marianne May Bateman February 22, 1978 - Track 2

Images

Audio Tracks

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

Audio Tracks

Interview with Tony and Hazel Padula by Eric Damer November 27, 2012 - Track 2

Images

Audio Tracks

Interview with William A. Lewarne by Rod Fowler March 14, 1990 - Track 4

Images

Audio Tracks

Gilmore Avenue and Douglas Road

Images

London mixer and contractors

Images

Two bulldozers

Images

Construction site

Images

202 Delta Avenue under construction

Images

202 Delta Avenue under construction

Images

5165 Sperling Avenue construction

Images

5165 Sperling Avenue construction

Images

6113 Silver Avenue addition

Images

6113 Silver Avenue addition

Images

Anderson family home under construction

Images

Carleton Avenue and William Street

Images