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Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.
History
Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Environmental Issues
Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection
Geographic Features
Geographic Features - Parks
Housing
Occupations
Occupations - Entrepreneurs
Occupations - Writers
Persons - Volunteers
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Religions
Religions - Judaism
Names
Schwartz, William "Bill"
Schwartz, Ellen
City of Burnaby
Polestar Communications
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Accession Code
BV023.16.6
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Lake Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz, [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3
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Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19610
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
4 sound recordings (wav) (186 min., 1 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (186 min., 2 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewers: Kate Petrusa and James Binks Interviewees: Rajinder and Raj Pandher Location of Interview: Love farmhouse, Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 4 Total Length of all Tracks: (3:06:01 min) Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto four separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Assistant Curator, Kate Petrusa and Museum Registrar, James Binks. The interview was conducted on January 10, 2023 and January 24, 2023. 00:00 – 08:52 First part of interview begins on January 10. Rajinder Pander provides information on where he was born and where he grew up and shares details regarding his family and his childhood including; his elementary and high school education and experiences and his involvement and interest in the sport of field hockey. 08:53 – 23:24 Raj Pander provides information on where she was born and shares details regarding her family and education. Raj recalls details of her family life in India including her family farm, her father’s service in the Indian National Army and other ancestor’s involvement in the military. Rajinder assists with the details regarding Raj’s father’s military service and explains how he was highly decelerated for his heroic actions. Rajinder conveys further information in reference to the Sikh Empire. 23:25 – 35:53 Rajinder and Raj share information on their formal education. Raj explains how she learned English and talks about the other spoken languages that her family used while she was growing up. Rajinder and Raj recall how they first met which lead them to marry in 1971. Rajinder provides information about his older brothers who left India before him. He explains how his elder brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1970 and provides details on his other brother who lived in Malaysia and England before coming to Canada in 1975. Rajinder conveys how after his brother, Kirpal Singh Pandher arrived in Canada, he lived in Campbell River and worked at the saw mill there. 35:54 – 1:01:38 Rajinder and Raj share their immigration stories including details of; what lead them to immigrate, their immigration route, what they brought with them and where they lived and worked. Rajinder and Raj tell of how they both faced discrimination in finding work that they were qualified for and describe some of the jobs that they worked at before obtaining their Real Estate licences. 1:01:39 – 1:13:09 Rajinder and Raj share information on where they’ve purchase traditional food supplies in Burnaby and Rajinder provides further details on his employment and recalls how they were able to purchase their first home in Burnaby. 1:13:10 - 1:19:33 Rajinder describes how he began writing for the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”. Rajinder shares how he first started printing small pamphlets of Sikh Cultural history in 1975 and how he’s been volunteering with the National Democratic Party (NDP) since 1973. 1:19:34 - 1:38:24 Second part of interview continues on January 24, 2023. Rajinder provides further information about the Sikh newsletter “The Western Sikh Samachar”, provides an historical summary of the Sikh Empire and the Sikh religion and describes a book that’s he’s written about his culture and the village he lived in India. 1:38:25 - 1:52:24 Raj describes some of the traditional textiles that she’s created including a dury, embroidered cloth (pakha and pakhi) and clothing. Raj shares a story of a train derailment in India in which her father survived. 1:52:25 - 2:14:53 Raj Pandher talks about her father’s letters and diaries, Rajinder talks about receiving a Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community service and they both talk about their daughter Amanjit’s education and career accomplishments. Raj describes her involvement in the community council of her children’s school and both Raj and Rajinder describe their involvement in multicultural education and events that they were involved with in Burnaby and New Westminster. Interviewer lists Rajinder Pandher’s many volunteer awards and accomplishments. 2:14:54 - 2:39:53 Raj and Rajinder describe some of their family photographs as well as personal items from India including decorative arts and textiles. They talk about celebrating their 30 year wedding anniversary and the origin of their Sikh names. Rajinder describes a visit to Paldi in 1977 when the whole family was baptized at the Sikh temple and provides informaton about Hardial Singh Atwal, the first Sikh child born in Canada. Rajinder discusses what he thinks a cookhouse looked like, his friendship with former Mayor William J. Copeland and wages of South Asians working in sawmills. 2:39:54 - 3:06:01 Raj and Rajinder talk about food including where they’ve purchased traditional South Asian foods and what they grow in their home garden. Rajinder provides details about the Burnaby Multicultural Society, talks about South Asian work ethics and housing and shares some of the cultural and religious traditions of Sikhs and celebrations that take place in Vancouver and Burnaby.
History
Interviewees biographies: Rajinder Pandher was born five years prior to the Partition of India in the Village of Jhamat, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Raj Pandher was born in 1948 in the Village of Chapar, Ludhiana District, Punjab. Rajinder played field hockey while living in India and is passionate about the sport. Both Rajinder and Raj Pahndher attended college in India and were married in India in 1971. Rajinder Pandher immigrated to Canada in 1972 and his wife, Raj Pandher joined him in 1973. After arriving in Canada, Rajinder Pandher started working at a sawmill in Campbell River but didn't like the work and moved to Vancouver to find better employment opportunties. In 1976, the couple moved to Burnaby and rented until they could buy a home a year later. They raised two children who attended Second Street Elementary School and Cariboo Hill Secondary School in Burnaby. Rajinder and Raj Pandher were both very involved with multicultural efforts at their childlren's schools including turban tying and sari demonstrations and Rajinder was a founding member of the Burnaby Multicultural Society. Interviewers biographies: Kate Petrusa is the Assistant Curator at the Burnaby Village Museum. In her role, she manages all aspects of the collection – including caring for physical artifacts and making their digital counterpart accessible. Before coming to Burnaby Village Museum in 2019, Kate has worked at several Museums around the Lower Mainland as a Curator and contractor since 2013. James Binks has lived in the Lower Mainland since 2009 after relocating from Ontario. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where he conducted researched on heritage, environment, and globalization in India, Nepal, and Italy. At Burnaby Village Museum, James contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Housing
Employment
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Persons - Volunteers
Religions - Sikhism
Migration
Organizations
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Social Issues - Racism
Social Issues
Celebrations
Sports - Field Hockey
Names
Pandher, Raj
Pandher, Rajinder
Copeland, William J.
Pandher, Harman
Pandher, Amanjit
Burnaby Multicultural Society
The Western Sikh Samachar
Responsibility
Petrusa, Kate
Binks, James
Accession Code
BV023.1.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcripts available upon request
Audio Tracks

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

Interview with Rajinder and Raj Pandher, [1942- 2023] (interview content), interviewed Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0002_003.mp3
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Betty Forbes in the general store at the Heritage Village opening

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4374
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[19 Nov 1971]
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : colour ; 10.0 cm x 8.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Betty Forbes standing behind the counter in the General Store exhibit on the opening day of the Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum). Betty is wearing a period costume featuring a purple ruffled blouse with brooch, and a hat with ostrich feathers. She is talking with a female…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : colour ; 10.0 cm x 8.9 cm
Material Details
Handwritten text in blue ink on back reads: "Betty / in / the General Store" and "Opening of Herit... / Nov".
Scope and Content
Photograph of Betty Forbes standing behind the counter in the General Store exhibit on the opening day of the Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum). Betty is wearing a period costume featuring a purple ruffled blouse with brooch, and a hat with ostrich feathers. She is talking with a female visitor in the photograph.
History
Donor was a volunteer with the Burnaby Village Museum for years and was in attendance on the day the Heritage Village Museum opened.
Other Title Information
Title based on contents of photograph.
Subjects
Ceremonies
Persons - Volunteers
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Forbes, Betty
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Drive
Accession Code
BV017.46.5
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[19 Nov 1971]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
03-Apr-2018
Images
Less detail

Horse drawn carriage driving by church at Heritage Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4373
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1974 and 1979]
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : colour ; 11.2 cm x 8.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a horse drawn carriage driving by the church building at the Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum). The carriage has three passengers and a driver. There are several other individuals in the photograph who are on horseback. Everyone appears to be wearing period costumes.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : colour ; 11.2 cm x 8.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of a horse drawn carriage driving by the church building at the Heritage Village (now Burnaby Village Museum). The carriage has three passengers and a driver. There are several other individuals in the photograph who are on horseback. Everyone appears to be wearing period costumes.
History
Donor was a volunteer with the Burnaby Village Museum for years and was in attendance on the day the Heritage Village Museum opened.
Subjects
Persons - Volunteers
Animals - Horses
Transportation - Wagons
Transportation - Horses
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Drive
Accession Code
BV017.46.4
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1974 and 1979]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
03-Apr-2018
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

lapel pin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact47239
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.50.45
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.50.45
Description
Pin, vertical rectangle, grey metal with raised lettering and borders. At top, "B.C. SUMMER", then vertically arranged "GAMES" in wide letters in alternately positive and negative print, then "1997" at bottom in raised bar. "BURNABY" up left side, "VOLUNTEER" up right side, both perpendicular to other print. Back of pin is textured grey metal with post and butterfly clutch fastener. Post is set in round base with stop. Near edge of pin is "R" in circle, "ARTISS / REGINA / CANADA". Clutch is shiny silver metal with stamped "BALLOU REG'D / 130 YEARS".
Object History
The B.C. Games were established in 1977, and the first summer games were held in 1978. Commemorative pin for the 1997 B.C. Summer Games held in Burnaby [for volunteers].
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Memorabilia
Object Term
Commemorative
Marks/Labels
Burnaby / B.C. Summer Games / Volunteer / 1997
Colour
Silver
Measurements
L: 2.2 cm x W: 1.8 cm
Subjects
Adornment
Adornment - Lapel Pins
Events - Competitions
Personal Symbols - Pins
Sports
Persons - Volunteers
Images
Less detail

lapel pin

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact47240
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.50.46
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV004.50.46
Description
Pin, vertical rectangle, grey metal with raised lettering and borders. At top, "B.C. SUMMER", then vertically arranged "GAMES" in wide letters in alternately positive and negative print, then "1997" at bottom in raised bar. "BURNABY" up left side, "VOLUNTEER" up right side, both perpendicular to other print. Back of pin is textured grey metal with post and butterfly clutch fastener. Post is set in round base with stop. Near edge of pin is "R" in circle, "ARTISS / REGINA / CANADA". Clutch is shiny silver metal with stamped "BALLOU REG'D / 130 YEARS".
Object History
The B.C. Games were established in 1977, and the first summer games were held in 1978. Commemorative pin for the 1997 B.C. Summer Games held in Burnaby [for volunteers].
Category
08. Communication Artifacts
Classification
Documentary Artifacts - - Memorabilia
Object Term
Commemorative
Marks/Labels
Burnaby / B.C. Summer Games / Volunteer / 1997
Colour
Silver
Measurements
L: 2L: 2.2 cm x W: 1.8 cm
Subjects
Adornment
Adornment - Lapel Pins
Events - Competitions
Personal Symbols - Pins
Sports
Persons - Volunteers
Images
Less detail

Volunteer docents from Heritage Village

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription4372
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1974 and 1979]
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.7 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Heritage Village volunteer docents in costume (now Burnaby Village Museum). The volunteers are grouped on a lawn, with the Burnaby Art Gallery ('Fairacres' mansion, also known as the H.T. Ceperley estate) visible in the background.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Century Park Museum Association fonds
Series
Century Park Museum Association photograph collection series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : col. ; 8.9 x 8.7 cm
Material Details
Handwritten text in black ink on back reads: "Volunteer Docents / Heritage Village".
Scope and Content
Photograph of Heritage Village volunteer docents in costume (now Burnaby Village Museum). The volunteers are grouped on a lawn, with the Burnaby Art Gallery ('Fairacres' mansion, also known as the H.T. Ceperley estate) visible in the background.
History
Donor was a volunteer with the Burnaby Village Museum for years and was in attendance on the day the Heritage Village Museum opened.
Subjects
Persons - Volunteers
Names
Burnaby Village Museum
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Street Address
6344 Deer Lake Avenue
Accession Code
BV017.46.3
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1974 and 1979]
Media Type
Photograph
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
03-Apr-2018
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Interview with Joanne Smith

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19601
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (24 min., 55 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (24 min., 55 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Joanne Smith conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 0:00 - 04:04 Joanne Smith provides a brief overview of her immigration story and how she and her husband Stanis came to emigrate from South Africa t…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (24 min., 55 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (24 min., 55 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Joanne Smith Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 11, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 24:55 Photograph information: Joanne and Stanis Smith cycling on the Salt Flats, Argentina Digital master recording (m4a) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Joanne Smith conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 0:00 - 04:04 Joanne Smith provides a brief overview of her immigration story and how she and her husband Stanis came to emigrate from South Africa to Canada in 1986. Joanne explains that they decided to leave South Africa during the Apartheid era and applied to several countries with Canada being their top choice. Joanne relates that they were accepted to Canada based on her professional skills as an occupational therapist. Joanne talks about what she liked about living in South Africa and how she especially loved walking in the game reserves. 04:05 - 11:44 Joanne provides background on her ancestors migration, her life in South Africa and details on her profession. Joanne imparts that her ancestors immigrated to South Africa from Latvia at the turn of the century to avoid conscription and for increased opportunities. Joanne provides a brief overview of her life in South Africa, places that she lived and her education. Joanne provides details and background regarding her practice as an occupational therapist. Joanne explains how she specializes in hand therapy but also works with animals and other varied treatments. 11:45 - 19:29 Joanne talks about her life in Burnaby. Joanne recollects how her family ended up living in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and provides a brief overview of her community involvement including the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and the Community Advisory Committee. Joanne shares some of her interests including; riding her tandem bicycle with her husband Stanis, thier love of opera and the symphony, attending concerts in Deer Lake Park and visiting Confederation with her grandchild. Joanne conveys that they like to support the local arts and that they commissioned a twig sculpture for their garden from local artist, Nickie Lewis. 19:30 - 24:55 Joanne shares that ten years after immigrating that they were able to bring family relations including Stanis' parents and brother. Joanne describes the benefits of having Stanis' parents residing with them and provides details on Stanis' parents community involvement in Burnaby. Joanne reflects on her association with her Jewish heritage. Joanne conveys that they aren’t religious but have maintained a few cultural aspects of their Jewish heritage including celebrating bat mitzvahs for both of their daughters and the importance of the Yiddish language. Joanne reflects on what she likes about living in Burnaby and how it’s changed over the 30 years that she’s lived here.
History
Interviewee biography: Joanne was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1958 and also spent some time in Klerksdorp and Johannesburg. Her formal education led to a career in occupational therapy, specializing in hand therapy. Uncomfortable with the social and political climate of South Africa at the time, she and her husband Stanis left for Canada in 1986. They soon settled in North Burnaby, where Joanne had a long-time friend, to pursue their respective careers and raise a family. The Smiths brought Stanis’s parents to Burnaby about 1996 and together built a new home. Joanne has been involved in school and community activities, enjoys Burnaby’s parks, and supports local fine arts, particularly music and performing arts. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Persons - Jewish Canadians
Migration
Religions - Judaism
Geographic Features - Parks
Arts
Performances
Performances - Concerts
Sports - Cycling
Names
Smith, Joanne
Smith, Stanis
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Park
Confederation Park
Accession Code
BV023.16.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Capitol Hill (Historic Neighbourhood)
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby
Images
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Joanne Smith, [1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023

Interview with Joanne Smith, [1986-2023] (interview content), interviewed 11 May 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0005_003.mp3
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Interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19608
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1970-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Jul. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (84 min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (62 min., 3 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. 00:00:00 – 00:05:26 Gurvinder “Gurv” Sihra and brother Harvinder “Harv’ Sihra introduce themselves, providing details on …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Museum Oral Histories series
Subseries
Many Voices Project Interviews subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 sound recordings (wav) (84 min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (62 min., 3 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Rajdeep Interviewees: "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: July 8, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:02:03 min Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph credit: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with "The Bollywood Boyz", Harvinder Sihra and Gurvinder Sihra conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Rajdeep. 00:00:00 – 00:05:26 Gurvinder “Gurv” Sihra and brother Harvinder “Harv’ Sihra introduce themselves, providing details on where they were born and grew up (in Burnaby), names of their parents and provide details on their family history. They describe how their grandparents and other relatives continued to live in Punjab after their father and mother immigrated to Canada in the 1970’s, recall the reasons their parents decided to immigrate and details of their lives before and after arriving in Canada. 00:05:27 – 00:06:46 Gurvinder and Harvinder describe some of their experiences travelling through Vancouver airport and compare their experiences with their mother’s own experiences. Gurvinder and Harvinder describe the layout of the airport and how customs and immigration has changed over time. 00:06:47 – 00:09:21 Gurvinder and Harvinder provide details about their mother, Parveen Sihra. They share information regarding her education in India and how she was unable to get work related to her degree in biology after immigrating to Canada. They convey how she worked in the Burnaby City Hall cafeteria in the 1990’s and how she worked part time in order to take care of her children. They share how their parents were proud Canadians participating in events inside and outside the South Asian community and were both fluent in English but often spoke Punjabi at home. 00:09:22 – 00:16:06 Gurvinder and Harvinder recall their childhood experiences growing up in Burnaby. They talk about the sports that they were involved with including hockey and Taekwondo, family vacations spent travelling to India and their experiences attending Marlborough Elementary School and Moscrop Secondary School.They describe how they first became interested in watching wrestling and trying it out on their own in their family home. Gurvinder and Harvinder recall their own experiences of discrimination while growing up and playing sports. 00:16:07 – 00:27:37 Gurvinder and Harvinder reflect and recall events that lead them to their dream of becoming professional wrestlers. They talk about pivotal events including attending their first live wresting event at GM Place with their father in 1996, beginning their training in Calgary in 2004, travelling across the country to participate in minor wrestling events, wrestling in Rogers Arena in 2017 and 2020 and getting their first call to join WWE. They talk about the support that they’ve had along the way to getting them where they are today and comment on why they want to be wrestlers in the WWE. 00:27:38 – 00:29:25 Gurvinder and Harvinder provide background information on their various wrestling personas and names in the world of professional wrestling including the Singh Brothers and the Bollywood Boyz. 00:29:26 – 00:38:43 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their experiences wrestling in India and the support and expectations of family members in becoming successful. Gurvinder and Harvinder recall and reflect on the experience of being fired from the WWE when cutbacks were made during the COVID pandemic. 00:38:44 – 00:42:53 Gurvinder and Harvinder describe what a day in their lives looks like now. They talk about how they’re still very passionate and focused on their wrestling careers and describe their experiences of having support and enthusiasm from fans and their parents. They talk about travelling across the country to particpate in different wrestling events. 00:42:54 – 00:47:18 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their training regimen including exercise and diet and describe areas in Burnaby where they like to train in gyms and the outdoors. 00:47:19 – 00:49:49 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about neighbourhoods in Burnaby including Metrotown and Deer Lake and how they’ve seen them change over the years. 00:49:50 – 00:54:27 Gurvinder and Harvinder talk about their highest and lowest points in their wrestling careers, highlighting specific events. They talk about the physical stamina it takes for wrestling and compare their sport with the sport of Kabaddi (a contact team sport between two teams originating in India). 00:54:28 – 00:59:01 Gurvinder and Harvinder reflect on what toughness means to them, and what keeps them motivated to do what they do. 00:59:02 – 01:01:31 Gurvinder and Harvinder impart their words of wisdom to younger kids in chasing their passions and dreams and talk about their favourite Bollywood films and actors.
History
Interviewees' biographies: The Bollywood Boyz are a Canadian professional wrestling tag team composed of brothers Gurvinder "Gurv" Sihra (born in 1984) and Harvinder "Harv" Sihra (born in 1987). The pair are best known for their time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where Gurvinder and Harvinder performed under the ring names Sunil Singh and Samir Singh. They were both born and raised in Burnaby by their parents Harjeet and Parveen Sihra and attended Moscrop Secondary School. Gurvinder graduated from Douglas College where he studied criminology and has worked in loss prevention and has a third degree black belt in Taekwondo. Harvinder attended Douglas College with studies in history and has worked as a model and an actor. Both Gurvinder and Harvinder Sihra are Sikhs. Interviewer biography: Rajdeep was born and raised in the Lower Mainland and is of Punjabi (South Asian) descent. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Asian Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia. She is a student in the Restoration of Natural Systems program at the University of Victoria. Rajdeep works at Simon Fraser University as a Program Assistant and as a researcher with the City of Burnaby. At Burnaby Village Museum, Rajdeep contributed to the exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Migration
Pandemics - COVID-19
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Religions - Sikhism
Social Issues
Social Issues - Discrimination
Social Issues - Racism
Sports
Sports - Martial Arts
Sports - Wrestling
Sports - Ice Hockey
Travel
Names
The Bollywood Boyz
Sihra, Guvinder "Gurv"
Sihra, Harvinder "Harv"
Sihra, Harjeet
Sihra, Parveen
World Wrestling Entertainment "WWE"
Moscrop Secondary School
Marlborough Elementary School
Metrotown
Responsibility
Rajdeep
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Park
Accession Code
BV023.16.12
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1970-2023] (interview content), interviewed 8 Jul. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Photographer
World Wrestling Entertainment "WWE"
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available upon request - contact Burnaby Village Museum
Images
Audio Tracks
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Untold Histories: The Legacy of the Chinese Community on Deer Lake

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14758
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
8 Oct. 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (56 min., 15 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 29 fps
Scope and Content
Item consists of a video recording of a live Zoom webinar hosted by Burnaby Public Librarian, Mariah Gastaldo. The webinar is titled "Untold Histories: The Legacy of the Chinese Community on Deer Lake" and is presented by Nathan Lee, Lead Designer and co-founder of Contexture Design. The zoom webin…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Series
Burnaby Neighbourhood Speaker Series series
Subseries
Neighbourhood Speaker Series - Fall 2020 subseries
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 video recording (mp4) (56 min., 15 sec.) : digital, col., sd., stereo ; 29 fps
Material Details
Presenter: Nathan Lee
Host: Mariah Gastaldo
Date of Presentation: October 8, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Total Number of tracks: 1
Total Length of all tracks: 56 min., 15 sec.
Recording Device: Zoom video communication platform
Scope and Content
Item consists of a video recording of a live Zoom webinar hosted by Burnaby Public Librarian, Mariah Gastaldo. The webinar is titled "Untold Histories: The Legacy of the Chinese Community on Deer Lake" and is presented by Nathan Lee, Lead Designer and co-founder of Contexture Design. The zoom webinar is the third in a collection of seven "Burnaby Neighbourhood Speaker series" webinars that were presented and made available to the public between September 29 and October 27, 2020. The live webinar and recording was also made available on the Burnaby Village Museum's facebook page. In this webinar, Nathan Lee speaks about his public art installation that will be installed near the site of the Burnaby Art Gallery in Deer Lake Park. Nathan presents his background research which lead to the project. He tells how the site of the Burnaby Art Gallery and surrounding Century Garden are rich with stories of early settlers and of how British farmers and social elite have shaped the history of this area since the early 1900’s. Nathan's presentation highlights the unseen presence of a Chinese community that is equally profound in its connect. The presentation is supported with slides consisting of historical and contemporary photographs. At the conclusion of his presentation, Nathan takes questions from webinar participants.
Subjects
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Arts - Sculptures
Geographic Features - Parks
Agriculture - Farms
Names
Lee, Nathan
Ceperley, Grace
Ceperley, H.T.
Ceperley, Arthur
Gastaldo, Mariah
Geographic Access
Deer Lake Avenue
Deer Lake
Deer Lake Park
Accession Code
BV020.29.3
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
8 Oct. 2020
Media Type
Moving Images
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Notes
Title based on contents of video recording
Video recording was edited for publication on Heritage Burnaby. Original mp4 video recording (BV020.29.3.1) is 66 min., 51 sec.
Images
Video

Untold Histories: The Legacy of the Chinese Community on Deer Lake, 8 Oct. 2020

Untold Histories: The Legacy of the Chinese Community on Deer Lake, 8 Oct. 2020

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Moving_Images/2020_0029_0003_002.mp4
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Zoey and Johan Makdessi with sign

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription14735
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
8 Apr. 2020
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col. ; 96 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Zoey (left) and Johan (right) Makdessi standing behind a handpainted sign with a rainbow and hearts and the words "We miss you Teachers!" The children are standing outside on a lawn next to a sidewalk. Zoey is holding a doll.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum COVID-19 collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : col. ; 96 dpi.
Scope and Content
Photograph of Zoey (left) and Johan (right) Makdessi standing behind a handpainted sign with a rainbow and hearts and the words "We miss you Teachers!" The children are standing outside on a lawn next to a sidewalk. Zoey is holding a doll.
History
Photograph was taken on April 8 2020 for Taylor Park Elementary School Car Parade. Taylor Park staff with cars gathered at school and then drove through the neighbourhood. The principal Hal Wall organized this because he and his staff want to express their appreciation to parents trying to work from home while teaching their children. He also wanted to have a safe way to say hello and reconnect with students as well as celebrate our community all while maintaining a safe social distance at the height of uncertainty and change of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Arts - Paintings
Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
Advertising Medium - Poster
Pandemics - COVID-19
Names
Makdessi, Zoey
Makdessi, Johan
Accession Code
BV020.20.1
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
8 Apr. 2020
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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christmas decoration

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20273
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.3
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.3
Description
Snowball Girl - Decoration. Possibly a Christmas decoration of a girl holding a snow ball. The girl has a blue coat, pink tissue paper skirt, red boots, gloves and tam hat. There is a string at the top of the hat for hanging.
Subjects
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

decoration

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20271
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.1
Description
Angel - Decoration. Cardboard decoration, possibly for Christmas, of an angel playing the lyre. The bottom part of the angel's skirt is made of tissue paper.
Subjects
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

decoration

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20272
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.2
Description
Angel - Decoration. Cardboard decoration, possibly for Christmas, of an angel holding a horn of plenty. The bottom part of the angel's skirt is made of tissue paper and has traces of glitter.
Subjects
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

decoration

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20274
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.4
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.4
Description
Crying Girl - Decoration. Possibly a Christmas decoration of a girl crying. The girl is in a yellow dress with white smock apron. The bottom of the skirt is made of tissue paper. She is also holding an apple.
Subjects
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

decoration

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact20275
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.5
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
HV977.109.5
Description
"Eskimo" Girl - Decoration. Christmas decoration of a blonde girl in what looks like an "Eskimo" outfit. The bottom of the skrit is made of tissue paper. The girl holds a round yellow sign with "A Merry Xmas" written on it.
Subjects
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
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ornamental light bulb

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact79182
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.1.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.1.1
Description
Small decorative light bulb of a cylindrical Asian lantern. It is decorated with painted red flowers and green leaves. The light has a peach and cream background with black around the top and bottom. It has threads at the top to connect to a light socket.
Subjects
Lighting Devices
Lighting Devices - Light Bulbs
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
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ornamental light bulb

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact79183
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.1.2
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.1.2
Description
Small decorative light bulb of a cylindrical Asian lantern. It is decorated with painted flowers that look like irises. The light has a peach and cream background with black around the top and bottom. It has threads at the top to connect to a light socket.
Subjects
Lighting Devices
Lighting Devices - Light Bulbs
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

ornamental light bulb

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact79184
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.2.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.2.1
Description
Small spherical decorative light bulb of a Asian lantern. It is decorated with painted red flowers and green leaf pattern with an orange and cream background. There is black around the top and bottom. It has threads at the top to connect to a light socket.
Subjects
Lighting Devices
Lighting Devices - Light Bulbs
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

ornamental light bulb

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact79185
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.3.1
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Accession Code
BV008.3.1
Description
Small decorative light bulb shaped like a bird. The bird has a pink coloured back with a translucent white front. It has threads at the top to connect to a light socket.
Subjects
Lighting Devices
Lighting Devices - Light Bulbs
Arts
Arts - Christmas Ornaments
Images
Less detail

100 records – page 1 of 5.