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Interview with Tony Fabian by Kathy Bossort October 29, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory599
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1860-1995
Length
0:15:57
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s description of the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain, the creation of the Pavilion area in 1957, the history of proposals for how Burnaby Mountain could be used, the land transfer to SFU in 1963, and difficulty accessing the m…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Tony Fabian’s description of the history of setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain, the creation of the Pavilion area in 1957, the history of proposals for how Burnaby Mountain could be used, the land transfer to SFU in 1963, and difficulty accessing the mountain for recreation prior to 1965. He also talks about the dispute between SFU and the City of Burnaby over land ownership and control.
Date Range
1860-1995
Length
0:15:57
Names
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Burnaby Mountain Centennial Park
Simon Fraser University
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
October 29, 2015
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Tony Fabian conducted by Kathy Bossort. Tony Fabian was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Tony Fabian’s part in park creation and protection of natural areas in Burnaby, particularly as a member of the Park and Recreation Commission in the 1970s; his childhood and how that contributed to his land ethic; and the history of the uses made of and setting aside parkland on Burnaby Mountain.
Biographical Notes
Tony S. Fabian was born in 1934 in north Saskatchewan. At less than a year old Tony, along with his siblings, was removed from his family home and eventually placed with an immigrant farm family. As a child he worked on the farm and witnessed what he considered abusive treatment of the land and farm animals. When he was about 12 years old his adoptive family moved to the BC coast where he went on his own, working for a variety of farmers in Richmond and Delta. At 19 he contracted polio, quit farm work, and found work with the telephone company. In 1956 Tony married, and in 1957 he and his wife moved to a home on Hardwick Street in Burnaby where he still lives. Tony entered civic politics in the 1960s when he objected to development on Hardwick Park and became concerned about the destruction of Burnaby’s natural landscapes. He became a life long advocate for preserving natural areas and helped to create large parks in Burnaby on the foreshore of the Fraser River and on Burrard Inlet. He served as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission 1970-1975, is a long time volunteer with the Burnaby Lake Park Association, and continues to stay current on local and regional environmental issues. In 2008 Tony was presented with the City of Burnaby Environment Award for Community Stewardship.
Total Tracks
7
Total Length
1:43:22
Interviewee Name
Fabian, Tony S.
Interview Location
Tony Fabian's home in Burnaby
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 four of interview with Tony Fabian

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Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory251
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1865-1919
Length
0:10:18
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's essay entitled Stump Rangers, a listing of early settlers that includes addresses and short descriptions, essays on Confederation Park, land clearing and on Burnaby's first Council meeting.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's essay entitled Stump Rangers, a listing of early settlers that includes addresses and short descriptions, essays on Confederation Park, land clearing and on Burnaby's first Council meeting.
Date Range
1865-1919
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:10:18
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Officials - Aldermen and Councillors
Land Clearing
Scope and Content
Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
Total Tracks
12
Total Length
1:38:06
Interviewee Name
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Transcript Available
MSS142-001 contains transcripts for each of the short stories
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 one of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

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In the park

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription407
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1890 and 1910]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w
Scope and Content
Photograph of seven young men and sixteen young women, sitting and standing in three rows at a park.There are trees and walkways in the background. Most men are in suits and have hats. The two seated men in the front have their hats resting on their feet. A man standing to the extreme left of the …
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w
Material Details
Photograph is mounted on a card board, and the card board is torn around the edges
Photograph printed with high contrast
Scope and Content
Photograph of seven young men and sixteen young women, sitting and standing in three rows at a park.There are trees and walkways in the background. Most men are in suits and have hats. The two seated men in the front have their hats resting on their feet. A man standing to the extreme left of the photograph is holding a racket in his hand. Most women are in light coloured blouses with long dark skirts.The woman standing third from the right in the back row resembles the woman depicted in other photographs in this accession identified as Gloriana Bird, or Birdie.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Accession Code
HV983.42.147
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1890 and 1910]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-11-28
Images
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Interview with Norman Dowad

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19638
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recording (wav) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information …
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) (61 min., 37 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (61 min., 37 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewee: Norman Dowad Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: August 14, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:14:37 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Norman Dowad conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar, Eric Damer on August 14, 2023. 00:00:00 – 00:14:38 Norm shares biographical information about himself and background information on the Dowad family. Norm conveys information about his grandfather Samuel Dowad's immigration to Canada and his father Wilfred Dowad's military service and successes as a property developer. 00:14:39 – 00:17:26 Norm provides background information on his mother’s side of the family. 00:17:27 – 00:31:36 Norm talks about his childhood, growing up in the Deer Lake neighbourhood, his early education in Burnaby and sports that he played. 00:31:37 – 00:39:59 Norm talks about his educational experiences attending Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Osgoode Hall law school and information regarding his law career. 00:40:00 – 00:45:03 Norm reflects on his childhood growing up in Burnaby and on his experiences and relationships as a student and in his career as a lawyer. 00:45:04 – 01:01:37 Norm talks about his siblings and shares information about family property development projects as well as career and business successes. In closing he talks about research that he’s done through Archives Canada on his grandfather Sam Dowad and father Wilfred Dowad.
History
Interviewee biography: Norm Dowad was born in Burnaby, December 1948 to parents Wilfred “Wilf” (1925-2011) and Cherry Dowad. His father, Wilfred (1925-2011) was born in Winnipeg to parents Samuel “Sam” (Salim in Arabic) Esper Dowad (1895-1969) and Martha (Shaheen) Dowad (1894-1955). Sam and Martha Dowad were both born in a province of the Ottoman Empire which is now present day Lebanon. In 1912, while trying to immigrate to Canada, several of Sam’s relatives including his mother died tragically as steerage passengers on the ill fated Titanic. In 1913, at the age of 18 years, Sam immigrated to Canada to join other family members who'd already arrived here safely. As a new immigrant in Canada, Sam worked with other Labanese immigrants in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the United States. In December 1921, Sam's wife, Martha immigrated to Canada arriving by ship in St. John, New Brunswick. Sam and Martha established their home in Winnipeg where they began to start a family. Their first two children died in infancy and son Wilfred was born in 1925 and daughter Kathleen was born in 1926. While living in Winnipeg, Sam worked as a grocer and in the 1930’s he got work as a farmer in a nearby town. In 1943, Wilf joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCVNR) and served as a gunner on merchant ships during World War II. In 1945, while Wilf was away serving, his parents, Sam and Martha moved to Burnaby. After discharge in 1945, Wilf joined his parents in Burnaby, began working at Fraser Mills and commenced his studies in construction and drafting. In 1949, with his father’s help Wilf acquired a lot next door to his parents’ home and built his first apartment block. After Martha died in 1954, Sam moved to Kelowna where he bought an orchard. Sam remarried in 1957 to Naomi “Mamie” (David) Dowad (1899-1978) who was also from a Lebanese family. Sam and Mamie lived in Kelowna until the mid 1960s when they moved to White Rock. While living in Burnaby, Wilf met and married Cherry Piggott and the couple had six children; Norm, Bruce, Michael, Kathie, Phil and Tom. In 1955, Wilfred Dowad established "W. Dowad Ltd." and over the years he was successful in developing and subdividing land to build housing and commercial developments in Burnaby, New Westminster and Vancouver. Wilf was the first president of the Burnaby Winter club and was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce holding office at the local, provincial and national level. In 1970, Wilf purchased 238 acres of land bordering the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh River and relocated there the following year. While living in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Wilf became actively engaged in local business and community affairs. Wilf was later remarried to Grethe Dowad and he died in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in 2011.Wilf's six children are the sole owners of "W.Dowad Ltd." and his daughter, Kathie Smillie is the president and CEO. While growing up in Burnaby, Norm Dowad attended Schou Street School, Douglas Road School, Kensington School and graduated from Burnaby Central Secondary School. Following graduation from high school, Norm attended Simon Fraser University for one year, travelled in Europe, attended University of British Columbia and obtained his law degree from Osgoode Hall at York University. Norman has been practicing law for 49 years and has his own law practice that he operates out of Vancouver. 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
Agriculture - Farms
Education
Persons - South Asian Canadians
Migration
Sports
Sports - Football
Wars - World War, 1939-1945
Names
Dowad, Norman W. "Norm"
Dowad, Samuel Esper "Sam"
Dowad, Wilfred "Wilf"
Dowad, Naomi "Mamie" David
Dowad, Martha Elias Shaheen
Dowad, Kathleen "Kay"
Rideout, Dr. John Anthony
Burnaby Central Secondary School
Douglas Road School
W. Dowad Limited
Responsibility
Damer, Eric
Geographic Access
Buckingham Avenue
Deer Lake
Street Address
5533 Buckingham Avenue
Accession Code
BV023.16.16
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Morley-Buckingham Area
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

Interview with Norman Dowad, [1890-2023] (interview content), interviewed 14 Aug. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0016_002.mp3
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Interview with Rick Sporns by Kathy Bossort October 30, 2015 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory606
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1900-2015
Length
0:17:11
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Rick Sporn’s discussion of the value of natural areas to Burnaby, the city’s history of protecting green spaces, and the complementary role the Pavilion area plays in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He talks about how the rose garden and “Playground of…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Rick Sporn’s discussion of the value of natural areas to Burnaby, the city’s history of protecting green spaces, and the complementary role the Pavilion area plays in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. He talks about how the rose garden and “Playground of the Gods” sculptures (Kamui Mintara) help Pavilion area visitors more fully appreciate the mountain setting. He also talks about the history of the construction of the Kamui Mintara sculptures.
Date Range
1900-2015
Length
0:17:11
Names
Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden
Burnaby Mountain Centennial Park
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Kamui Mintara
Central Park
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Planning
Recreational Activities
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
October 30, 2015
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Rick Sporns conducted by Kathy Bossort. Rick Sporns was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Rick Sporn’s description of the history and design of Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden and the significance of the Centennial Pavilion area in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Rick Sporns also talks about his career with the City of Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, management of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area, and the value of natural areas to Burnaby.
Biographical Notes
Richard Sporns was born in 1957 in Daly Municipality, Manitoba, to Ulrich and Charlotte Sporns. The family moved to the Burquitlam Area of Burnaby in about 1965. Rick Sporns obtained his BSc degree in biology at SFU and a degree in landscape architecture at UBC. In 1985 he began his career in the City of Burnaby’s Park, Recreation and Cultural Services department where he currently is Assistant Manager - Parks Design. Rick was responsible for designing Burnaby Mountain Centennial Rose Garden, a legacy project proposed by Mark Stockdale to commemorate Burnaby’s 1992 Centennial. The rose garden opened to the public July 18, 1992.
Total Tracks
6
Total Length
1:01:40
Interviewee Name
Sporns, Richard "Rick"
Interview Location
City of Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting room
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 four of interview with Rick Sporns

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Young woman hanging onto her hat

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1035
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1900]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified young woman standing, holding onto her large hat with her right hand. The trees are blowing to the left side of the phoptograph. The location is an unidentified park.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of an unidentified young woman standing, holding onto her large hat with her right hand. The trees are blowing to the left side of the phoptograph. The location is an unidentified park.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Parks
Accession Code
HV973.110.49
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1900]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-05-30
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
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Community along the bank of a creek

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription3080
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1900 and 1915]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w glass negative
Scope and Content
Photograph of a stream with banks on both sides. There are power poles running along both sides of the stream and along the horizon. There are many houses forming a community to the left side of the stream in the photograph. On the right side of the photograph, there is a cabin with a large sign th…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w glass negative
Scope and Content
Photograph of a stream with banks on both sides. There are power poles running along both sides of the stream and along the horizon. There are many houses forming a community to the left side of the stream in the photograph. On the right side of the photograph, there is a cabin with a large sign that reads, "NEW ENGLAND GRANITE & MARBLE CO."
Subjects
Geographic Features - Creeks
Names
New England Granite and Marble Comapny
Accession Code
HV973.110.11
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1900 and 1915]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
300
Scan Date
16/8/2006
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
1 b&w contact print accompanying negative
Images
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Douglas Road, Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38514
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1908]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.8 x 14 cm
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard taken looking northwest along Douglas Road (now Canada Way) near Stanley Street. Two unidentified people are standing next to a wooden fence running alongside the road (above Lubbock's Creek) and a number of houses (including the Sprott house) are visible in the background. To…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1908]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Photographs subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia postcard ; 8.8 x 14 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
449-009
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2007-04
Scope and Content
Photographic postcard taken looking northwest along Douglas Road (now Canada Way) near Stanley Street. Two unidentified people are standing next to a wooden fence running alongside the road (above Lubbock's Creek) and a number of houses (including the Sprott house) are visible in the background. To the right is Burnaby Lake. Stamped at the top of the postcard is "Douglas Road, Burnaby / New Westminster BC."
Subjects
Geographic Features - Lakes and Ponds
Documentary Artifacts - Postcards
Geographic Features - Roads
Media Type
Photograph
Geographic Access
Douglas Road
Stanley Street
Canada Way
Deer Lake
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lakeview-Mayfield Area
Images
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Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription20285
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 sound recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser M…
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 recordings (wav) (121min., 14 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (121 min., 13 sec.)
Material Details
Interviewer: Denise Fong Interviewees: Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy Location of Interview: Residence of Harry Toy Interview Date: September 25, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 1 Total Length of all Tracks: 02:01:13 Digital master recording (wav) was converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby
Scope and Content
Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy conducted by Burnaby Village Museum researcher Denise Fong on September 25, 2023. The interview is divided into four sections: early life of Harry Toy, the Canada Way Food Market, the Fraser Merchants’ Association and Harry's daughters, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy's memories of growing up in Burnaby. 00:00:00 – 00:23:53 Harry Toy shares biographical information about himself and his ancestors. Harry provides information about his migration to Canada and his life in Manitoba, attending school, working at the family restaurant and teaching high school. 00:23:53 – 00:41:16 Harry talks about moving his family to Burnaby and his experiences owning and operating the Canada Way Food Market. 00:41:17 – 00:54:19 Harry talks about his involvement with the Fraser Merchants Association (FMA) and provides some history about the organization. 00:54:20 – 1:22:44 Harry talks about running the Canada Way Food Market and the alterations that he made to the store over the years. Harry and his daughters comment as they look through photographs of Harry and his store and the Fraser Merchants Association. 1:22:45 – 2:01:14 Beverley and Christina talk about their early childhood in Manitoba and growing up in Burnaby. They recall what it was like growing up and working in the family owned store.
History
Interviewee biography: Harry Wee Koon Toy was born in February 9, 1936 in Taikong, Toisan county, Guangdong, China. Harry's father William Toy came to Canada in the early 1920s when he was ten years old. Harry arrived in Vancouver, Canada on September 9, 1950. After staying in Vancouver for one night, he joined his father in Neepawa, Manitoba where the family operated a cafe business (Royal Cafe). Harry grew up in Neepawa and graduated from the University of Manitoba and teacher's college. He became a high school teacher and worked at schools in Minnedosa and Gladstone, Manitoba teaching various subjects including, science, business, geography, history and physical education. Harry and his wife, had three daughters, Melinda, Beverley and Christina who were all born in Neepawa. When the family decided to move to the west coast, Harry was introduced to the grocery store business through an uncle who was a store operator. Around 1970, Harry purchased a grocery store at 4694 Canada Way in Burnaby which he named "Canada Way Food Market" and Harry and his daughters made their home at the back of the store. Harry owned and operated the store for approximately 40 years between 1970 and 2010. Around 1986, Harry purchased the butcher shop next door (4692 Canada Way) which was no longer in operation, expanding his store and adding a second storey to use a residence. Harry's children helped him operate the store throughout their childhood. In the early 1970s, corner stores were threatened by the spread of small chain-operated convenience stories from Eastern Canada to Vancouver. Formed in April 1972, the Fraser Merchants’ Association was established to protect the rights of corner store operators. With no paid legal help, the association was incorporated in Victoria, BC for the cost of 56 cents. The benefits of being a member of the association included warehouse and group purchasing, common advertising and other advantages of being part of an association. Founded by Gary Lee Ling and five others, Fraser Merchants’ Association’s first member was Graham Grocery. By 1978, the association represented over 200 corner stores in the Lower Mainland (Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Coquitlam, and New Westminster) and Fraser Valley. The association remained active into the 1980s and 1990s. Harry has served as President of the Fraser Merchants' Association from 1992 to present. Interviewer biography: Denise Fong is a historical researcher at Burnaby Village Museum. She has degrees in Anthropology (BA) and Archaeology (MA), and is completing her doctoral degree at UBC in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her primary research interests are in Chinese Canadian history and critical heritage studies. She is the co-curator of BVM’s “Across the Pacific” exhibition, and the Museum of Vancouver’s “A Seat at the Table – Chinese Immigration and British Columbia”.
Creator
Burnaby Village Museum
Subjects
Education
Migration
Occupations - Teachers
Occupations - Grocers
Organizations
Organizations - Business Associations
Persons - Chinese Canadians
Social Issues
Social Issues - Racism
Buildings - Commercial - Grocery Stores
Names
Toy, Christina
Toy, Harry Wee Koon "Harry"
Babey, Beverley
Canada Way Food Market
Fraser Merchants' Association
Responsibility
Fong, Denise
Geographic Access
Canada Way
Street Address
4694 Canada Way
Accession Code
BV023.16.19
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023
Media Type
Sound Recording
Related Material
See also: BV023.25 - Harry Toy fonds
Notes
Title based on contents of item
Transcription available
Documents
Audio Tracks

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

Interview with Harry Toy, Beverley Babey and Christina Toy, [1905-2023] (interview content), interviewed 25 Sep. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0019_002.mp3
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Alexander E. E. "Bill" Vidal

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82417
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1907 and 1913]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 8 x 11 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a boy identified as Alexander E. E. "Bill" Vidal standing on a beach.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1907 and 1913]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 8 x 11 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-039
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a boy identified as Alexander E. E. "Bill" Vidal standing on a beach.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Beaches
Names
Vidal, Alexander E. E. "Bill"
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph and contents of photograph
Note in pencil on album page photograph reads: "Alexander Vidal"
Note in black pen on verso reads: "Uncle Bill"
Images
Less detail

Granville Street looking south from Rogers building

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1063
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.1 x 10.7 cm mounted on paper 13.5 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Granville Street in Vancouver, looking south from the Roger's Building. The two tall buildings to the sides are under construction, and steam is blowing out from building chimneys. Busy street activities can be seen below with two trams running along the tracks.Inscribed on the scrapb…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6.1 x 10.7 cm mounted on paper 13.5 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Granville Street in Vancouver, looking south from the Roger's Building. The two tall buildings to the sides are under construction, and steam is blowing out from building chimneys. Busy street activities can be seen below with two trams running along the tracks.Inscribed on the scrapbook paper in white ink: "Granville Street / Looking South / From Rogers Building / Vancouver B.C."
Subjects
Geographic Features - Cities
Buildings - Commercial
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV972.50.2
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-28
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on caption of photograph
Images
Less detail

Canadian Pacific Railway Depot

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1066
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 8.0 x 10.2 cm, mounted on paper 13.5 x 12.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of (in the foreground, centre) the Canadian Pacific Railway depot, Vancouver with Burrard Inlet in the background. The north shore can be seen faintly across the water. An annotation reads, "C.P.R. Depot and Burrard Inlet / From Rogers Bldg."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 8.0 x 10.2 cm, mounted on paper 13.5 x 12.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of (in the foreground, centre) the Canadian Pacific Railway depot, Vancouver with Burrard Inlet in the background. The north shore can be seen faintly across the water. An annotation reads, "C.P.R. Depot and Burrard Inlet / From Rogers Bldg."
Subjects
Buildings - Commercial - Train Stations
Geographic Features - Inlets
Names
Canadian Pacific Railway Company
Accession Code
HV972.50.5
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-03-28
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Time exposure of Vancouver's city lights

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1070
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.3 x 9.8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Vancouver's city lights taken from Grouse Mountain at night. There are silhouettes of trees in the foreground and rows of lights in the midground. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "City Lights? Time exposure taken from Grouse Mt. of lights of Vancouver. 1910. Box C…
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.3 x 9.8 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Vancouver's city lights taken from Grouse Mountain at night. There are silhouettes of trees in the foreground and rows of lights in the midground. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "City Lights? Time exposure taken from Grouse Mt. of lights of Vancouver. 1910. Box Camera with shutter held open with a string was used." Inscribed in pencil in a different hand reads, "Photo by H.M. Dean."
Subjects
Geographic Features - Cities
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV972.50.9
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Bandsand in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1071
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.3 x 9.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of people walking towards the bandstand in Stanley Park, Vancouver. In 1934, the Malkin Bowl was erected at the site where the banstand used to be. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "Band stand in Stanley Park where Malkin Bowl now stands."
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.3 x 9.9 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of people walking towards the bandstand in Stanley Park, Vancouver. In 1934, the Malkin Bowl was erected at the site where the banstand used to be. An annotation on the back of the photograph reads, "Band stand in Stanley Park where Malkin Bowl now stands."
Subjects
Buildings - Recreational - Bandstands
Geographic Features - Parks
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV972.50.10
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Horseshoe Bay

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1073
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.4 x 9.9 cm mounted on paper 13.6 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Horeshoe Bay. People are walking on the beach, swimming, and boating.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 7.4 x 9.9 cm mounted on paper 13.6 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Horeshoe Bay. People are walking on the beach, swimming, and boating.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Bays
Sports - Swimming
Persons - Crowds
Accession Code
HV972.50.12
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Horseshoe Bay

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1074
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.8 cm mounted on paper 13.6 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Horeshoe Bay. People are walking on the beach, swimming, and boating.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 9.8 cm mounted on paper 13.6 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of Horeshoe Bay. People are walking on the beach, swimming, and boating.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Bays
Persons - Crowds
Accession Code
HV972.50.13
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Boats docked at a bay

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1075
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.4 x 9.9 cm mounted on paper 13.6 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of three boats docked at a pier at an unidentified bay.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.4 x 9.9 cm mounted on paper 13.6 x 18.3 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of three boats docked at a pier at an unidentified bay.
Subjects
Structures - Piers and Wharves
Geographic Features - Bays
Accession Code
HV972.50.14
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Old Lumberman's Arch

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1079
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 5.9 x 10.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the old Lumberman's Arch by the beachside in Stanley Park, Vancouver. There are people gathered by the arch and standing and sitting on logs strewn on the beach.
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 5.9 x 10.2 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph of the old Lumberman's Arch by the beachside in Stanley Park, Vancouver. There are people gathered by the arch and standing and sitting on logs strewn on the beach.
Subjects
Structures - Arches
Geographic Features - Beaches
Persons - Crowds
Geographic Access
Vancouver
Accession Code
HV972.50.18
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
[between 1908 and 1911]
Media Type
Photograph
Scan Resolution
600
Scan Date
2023-04-04
Photographer
Dean, H.M.
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Images
Less detail

Vidal family at Lake Huron

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82428
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1910 and 1920]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 11 cm
Scope and Content
Photograph shows two women and a man in the foreground. Behind them are six people in the water.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1910 and 1920]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8 x 11 cm
Description Level
Item
Record No.
550-048
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Photograph shows two women and a man in the foreground. Behind them are six people in the water.
Subjects
Geographic Features - Beaches
Clothing
Sports - Swimming
Names
Vidal, Herbert Penrose
Vidal, Louisa Sophia "Lou" Jones
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on note accompanying photograph and contents of photograph
Note on album page in pencil reads: "Herbert Vidal / Louisa Vidal / Lake Huron"
Note in blue pen on verso reads: "Lake Huron / Grandad - Gan & the Aunts"
Images
Less detail

Personal material

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82732
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1978]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Description Level
File
Physical Description
9 paintings : colour print, 2 photographs : b&w, and 1 folder of textual records
Scope and Content
File consists of application for a driver's license, Kingsway Driving School report card, driver's examination receipt and a letter addressed to Hazel Simnett from the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. Also included is an immigration inspection card of Fred Simnett aboard the S.S. Lake Champlai…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1978]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Series
Simnett personal papers series
Physical Description
9 paintings : colour print, 2 photographs : b&w, and 1 folder of textual records
Description Level
File
Record No.
MSS167-008
Accession Number
2013-22
Scope and Content
File consists of application for a driver's license, Kingsway Driving School report card, driver's examination receipt and a letter addressed to Hazel Simnett from the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. Also included is an immigration inspection card of Fred Simnett aboard the S.S. Lake Champlain from Liverpool and a letter from the Office of the Mayor addressed to Mary Ann Simnett for her ninetieth birthday. Also included is a photograph (see item 559-001). Also included are newsclippings regarding Robert Burnaby and the "Bygones of Burnaby" book, a programme of the Robert Burnaby Commemorative Dinner, a photocopy of "The Argus" (Burnaby South High School's newspaper) from 1938, a programme from Madys Pridmore Brown's Variety Programme, "The Buzzer" Volume 40 Issue 16 advertising Vancouver street cars, New Vista Society certificate addressed to Hazel Simnett, an envelope of Fenwick Lansdowne bird prints from 1957 and a print of the Royal Family found in a cardboard envelope postmarked 1972.
Subjects
Arts - Paintings
Documentary Artifacts - Newspapers
Documentary Artifacts - Photographs
Performances - Concerts
Organizations - Societies and Clubs
Personal Symbols - Certificates
Transportation
Persons - Royalty
Names
Simnett, Hazel
Simnett, Frederick "Fred"
Simnett, Mary Ann
Lansdowne, James Fenwick
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Graphic Material
Notes
Title based on note accompanying file on folder ; The Argue was stapled together
Simnett personal papers series
Historic Neighbourhood
Alta-Vista (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Clinton-Glenwood Area
Less detail

100 records – page 1 of 5.