Narrow Results By
Decade
- 2020s 89
- 2010s 4301
- 2000s 7770
- 1990s 10816
- 1980s 10035
- 1970s 14608
- 1960s 10658
- 1950s 9046
- 1940s 5580
- 1930s
- 1920s 9629
- 1910s 7014
- 1900s 3170
- 1890s 1479
- 1880s 155
- 1870s 74
- 1860s 121
- 1850s 18
- 1840s 7
- 1830s 6
- 1820s 6
- 1810s 3
- 1800s 3
- 1790s 2
- 1780s 2
- 1770s 2
- 1760s 2
- 1750s 2
- 1740s 2
- 1730s 2
- 1720s 2
- 1710s 2
- 1700s 2
- 1690s 2
- 1680s 2
- 1670s 1
- 1660s 1
- 1650s 1
- 1640s 1
- 1630s 1
- 1620s 1
- 1610s 1
- 1600s 1
- 1590s 1
- 1580s 1
- 1570s 1
- 1560s 1
- 1550s 1
- 1540s 1
- 1530s 1
- 1520s 1
- 1510s 1
- 1500s 1
- 1490s 1
- 1480s 1
Subject
- Accidents 4
- Accidents - Automobile Accidents 1
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards 5
- Aerial Photographs 1
- Agricultural Tools and Equipment 2
- Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Gardening Equipment 2
- Agricultural Tools and Equipment - Plows 1
- Agriculture 2
- Agriculture - Crops 2
- Agriculture - Farms 16
- Agriculture - Fruit and Berries 3
- Animals 1
William J. Devitt subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97418
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1901-1996 (date of originals)
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of papers compiled by the Burnaby Village Museum pertaining to the life of former Burnaby Police Chief William J. "Bill" Devitt.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1901-1996 (date of originals)
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- William J. Devitt subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1996-17
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of papers compiled by the Burnaby Village Museum pertaining to the life of former Burnaby Police Chief William J. "Bill" Devitt.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Creator
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Notes
- Title based on content of subseries
- MSS082
Police papers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58215
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1901 (date of original) -1984
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of papers pertaining to the police force including newspaper clippings and correspondence (most of which is photocopied).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1901 (date of original) -1984
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Evelyn Salisbury subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS061-051
- Access Restriction
- In Archives only
- Accession Number
- BHS1991-24
- Scope and Content
- File consists of papers pertaining to the police force including newspaper clippings and correspondence (most of which is photocopied).
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
William J. Devitt papers
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58429
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1901-1996 (date of originals)
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photocopied photographs, newspaper articles and correspondence pertaining to William J. "Bill" Devitt, who served as Burnaby Police Chief from 1921 to 1936. These pages were compiled by the Burnaby Village Museum when researching information for the writers of "Follow that Fire."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1901-1996 (date of originals)
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- William J. Devitt subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS082-001
- Accession Number
- BHS1996-17
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photocopied photographs, newspaper articles and correspondence pertaining to William J. "Bill" Devitt, who served as Burnaby Police Chief from 1921 to 1936. These pages were compiled by the Burnaby Village Museum when researching information for the writers of "Follow that Fire."
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Tax Assessment Rolls
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71743
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1902-1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Finance Department fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 110 rolls microfilm
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1902-1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Finance Department fonds
- Series
- Assessment records series
- Physical Description
- 110 rolls microfilm
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 49680
- Accession Number
- 2012-14
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Tax Assessment Rolls for years 1905, 1907, 1910, 1911, 1917 (Wards 1,2,3, and 6 only), 1927, 1928, and 1929 never transferred to Archives.
Harcourt and Gilley Ave. and Murphy
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription88216
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1902]-[1951] (date of originals), copied [199-]
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 postcard : 10.5 x 14 cm. - 2 photographs : b&w and col. ; 10 x 15 cm and 9 x 12.5 cm. - 4 photographs : photocopy ; 21.5 x 28 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographs of the Murphy family, the Murphy family bible, a Christmas postcard photograph of Mrs. Murphy in her garden and a photograph of the Murphy family grave at Ocean View Cemetery.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1902]-[1951] (date of originals), copied [199-]
- Collection/Fonds
- Mary Forsyth fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 postcard : 10.5 x 14 cm. - 2 photographs : b&w and col. ; 10 x 15 cm and 9 x 12.5 cm. - 4 photographs : photocopy ; 21.5 x 28 cm
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- 572-016
- Access Restriction
- In Archives only
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2014-27
- Scope and Content
- Photographs of the Murphy family, the Murphy family bible, a Christmas postcard photograph of Mrs. Murphy in her garden and a photograph of the Murphy family grave at Ocean View Cemetery.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
- Notes in black pen on verso of colour photograph 572-016-2, reads: "Centre Plaque is in Honour of Ernie/ Ocean View Cemetary/ first section to be esables bed/ Gordon Brabazon younger son of Jessie (Murphy and Edward- died of dyptheria"
- Notes in pencil on verso of postcard 572-016-1 reads: " in her garden"
- Notes in pencil on front of laser copy 572-016-4 reads: " Children of Joshua and Elizabeth Murphy".
- Notes in pencil on front of laser copy 572-016-5 reads: "Elizabeth Ann Dolby Murphy 80th Birthday 1951".
- Notes in pen on front of laser copy 572-016-6 reads: "Mr & Mrs Joshua R Murphy and their 9 children. 1911/ Jessie/ Nora/ Myrtle/ Mrs Murphy/ Patricia/ Ernest/ Gerald/ Mr. Murphy/ Ada/ Louise/ Hilda"
- Notes in pen on front of laser copy 572-016-7 reads: "Mrs Elizabeth Murphy/ Ada/ Ernest/ Jessie/ Myrtle/ Louise/ 1902"
Municipal correspondence records
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription2242
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1902-1934, predominant 1930-1934
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- Textual record
- Scope and Content
- This is a volume containing a record of correspondence, December 3, 1930 - February 7, 1934, with enclosed booklet titled "Burnaby By-laws In Force 1902."
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1902-1934, predominant 1930-1934
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Physical Description
- Textual record
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 4132
- Accession Number
- 2001-02
- Scope and Content
- This is a volume containing a record of correspondence, December 3, 1930 - February 7, 1934, with enclosed booklet titled "Burnaby By-laws In Force 1902."
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory253
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1903-1940
- Length
- 0:09:46
- Summary
- This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's descriptions of road construction in Burnaby, including the names of the settlers and logging companies involved in their construction. Alfred discusses the changes that took place during World War I, along with municipal Relief work that he t…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's descriptions of road construction in Burnaby, including the names of the settlers and logging companies involved in their construction. Alfred discusses the changes that took place during World War I, along with municipal Relief work that he took part in at Burnaby Mountain. Alfred also discusses early schools and mentions his wife, Ada Bingham.
- Date Range
- 1903-1940
- Photo Info
- Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
- Length
- 0:09:46
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
- 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
- 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 three of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings
Track three of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-20-2/100-13-20-2_Track_3.mp3Elsie B. Wilson subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97446
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of records documenting the piano career of Elsie B. Wilson. Records include concert programmes and newspaper clippings.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1933
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Elsie B. Wilson subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of records documenting the piano career of Elsie B. Wilson. Records include concert programmes and newspaper clippings.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Creator
- Wilson, Elsie B.
- Notes
- Title based on creator of subseries
- PC034, MSS002
Interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon July 9, 1975 - Track 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory91
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1904-1932
- Length
- 0:08:08
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to Charles A. Purdon's employment history and first years of marriage to May E. Purdon.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to Charles A. Purdon's employment history and first years of marriage to May E. Purdon.
- Date Range
- 1904-1932
- Length
- 0:08:08
- Subjects
- Transportation - Rail
- Interviewer
- Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
- Interview Date
- July 9, 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is a taped interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon by SFU graduate student Bettina Bradbury July 9, 1975. Major themes discussed are: the Depression and Canadian politics. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
- Biographical Notes
- May Eliza was born in London, England in 1907. She came out to Regina with her family when she was eleven. Charles A. Purdon was born February 28, 1904 in London, England. He came to Canada in 1925 from China where he had been working as an accountant for the previous three years. Charles first came to Vancouver and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but within a week he was sent to Regina. This is where he met May. May and Charles got married in 1926 and Charles began working as an accountant for the Saskatchewan Wheat Growers, then for the Canadian Wool Growers before being laid off. In October of 1930, Charles and May left Regina for Vancouver Island. Charles drove himself out and May rode the train with her children; twin boys and a daughter, only one year apart. They settled at May’s parent’s second house in Coombs. The Purdons arrived in Burnaby in December of 1932 and rented a house on Edmonds Street. Charles was unable to do road work and instead found work through the Liberal Party and also with the Municipal engineers indoors on a number of projects. In 1938 the Purdons were able to get into a reverted house built by Ernie Winch at Maple Avenue (then Jubilee) and Nelson Avenue that had nine bedrooms. They paid ten dollars a month to the municipality for use of this property. May Eliza Purdon died April 6, 1983 at the age of seventy-six.
- Total Length
- 1:40:03
- Interviewee Name
- Purdon, Charles A.
- Purdon, May Eliza
- Interviewer Bio
- Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Audio Tracks
Track one of interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon
Track one of interview with Charles A. Purdon and May E. Purdon
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-19/100-13-19_Track_1.mp3
Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 3
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory245
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1904-1975
- Length
- 0:09:45
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's opinion of shopping at a store in the present day. He mentions George Green's book "History of Burnaby", the Royal Oak Hotel and the development of Alta Vista. As well, Murdock mentions his father Robert William McMurray. Lillian (Wray) M…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's opinion of shopping at a store in the present day. He mentions George Green's book "History of Burnaby", the Royal Oak Hotel and the development of Alta Vista. As well, Murdock mentions his father Robert William McMurray. Lillian (Wray) McMurray is heard helping her husband with these descriptions.
- Date Range
- 1904-1975
- Photo Info
- Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
- Length
- 0:09:45
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Interviewer
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Interview Date
- November 17, 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
- Biographical Notes
- Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
- Total Tracks
- 7
- Total Length
- 0:58:55
- Interviewee Name
- McMurray, Lillian Wray
- McMurray, Murdoch
- Interviewer Bio
- Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track three of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
Track three of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-010/MSS137-010_Track_3.mp3
Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 5
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory247
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1904-1975
- Length
- 0:09:26
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of his first team of horses. Lillian (Wray) McMurray and her husband discuss their son Bob McMurray's volunteerism and professional activities.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of his first team of horses. Lillian (Wray) McMurray and her husband discuss their son Bob McMurray's volunteerism and professional activities.
- Date Range
- 1904-1975
- Photo Info
- Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
- Length
- 0:09:26
- Names
- McMurray, Bob
- Subjects
- Transportation - Sleighs
- Animals - Horses
- Interviewer
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Interview Date
- November 17, 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
- Biographical Notes
- Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
- Total Tracks
- 7
- Total Length
- 0:58:55
- Interviewee Name
- McMurray, Lillian Wray
- McMurray, Murdoch
- Interviewer Bio
- Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track five of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
Track five of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-010/MSS137-010_Track_5.mp3Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 1
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory650
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1904-1940
- Length
- 0:11:22
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two ro…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two room house for the family, Reidun’s birth in 1931, and the family’s move to Curtis Street in 1932. She talks about her childhood memories of playing on a big stump and cedar log in the yard.
- Date Range
- 1904-1940
- Length
- 0:11:22
- Names
- Seim, Sjur
- Seim, Martine
- Geographic Access
- Curtis Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Lochdale Area
- Interviewer
- Bossort, Kathy
- Interview Date
- January 13, 2016
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.
- Biographical Notes
- Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.
- Total Tracks
- 14
- Total Length
- 2:35:58
- Interviewee Name
- Seim, Reidun
- Interview Location
- Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library
- Interviewer Bio
- Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
- Collection/Fonds
- Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
Audio Tracks
Track one of interview with Reidun Seim
Track one of interview with Reidun Seim
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS196-017/MSS196-017_Track_1.mp3Lewis family subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription79
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1904]-[193-] (dates of originals), copied 1985
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- 10 photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consist of photographs of the Lewis family and houses on 4th Street, Douglas Road and Hubert Street. Photographs also include images of Coronation Day celebrations at Burnaby schools; classes at Burnaby's first school; and class at East Burnaby.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1904]-[193-] (dates of originals), copied 1985
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Lewis family subseries
- Physical Description
- 10 photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1985-10
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consist of photographs of the Lewis family and houses on 4th Street, Douglas Road and Hubert Street. Photographs also include images of Coronation Day celebrations at Burnaby schools; classes at Burnaby's first school; and class at East Burnaby.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Creator
- Lewis family
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- PC140
Norah Code subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs and textual records
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs taken and compiled by Norah Code during the course of her work as editor of the Burnaby Courier newspaper. Photographs depict Central Park and various 1958 BC Centennial events and people. Also included are photographs and news clippings related to the old Bonsor …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1973
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Norah Code subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs and textual records
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- BHS1997-05
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs taken and compiled by Norah Code during the course of her work as editor of the Burnaby Courier newspaper. Photographs depict Central Park and various 1958 BC Centennial events and people. Also included are photographs and news clippings related to the old Bonsor Hall and scrapbooks about the Burnaby Rhythm Rascals seniors' music troupe.
- History
- Norah Code was the editor of the Burnaby Courier newspaper.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Creator
- Code, Norah
- Notes
- Title based on creator of subseries
- PC345, MSS126
Tax sale records
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription2066
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1945
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- Textual record
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1945
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Physical Description
- Textual record
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 3936
- Accession Number
- 2001-02
- Media Type
- Textual Record
Gladys Killip subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58418
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1998
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and graphic material
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of papers pertaining to the Killip family, primarily Gladys Killip's personal activism in the municipality of Burnaby and the causes she supported. Subseries also includes photographs of the Burnaby Council of Women taken during Gladys Killip's time as Publicity Co-Chairwoman du…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1998
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Gladys Killip subseries
- Physical Description
- Textual records and graphic material
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1996-12
- BHS1998-11
- BHS2000-02
- BHS2007-04
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of papers pertaining to the Killip family, primarily Gladys Killip's personal activism in the municipality of Burnaby and the causes she supported. Subseries also includes photographs of the Burnaby Council of Women taken during Gladys Killip's time as Publicity Co-Chairwoman during the 1967 Centennial Celebration festivity "100 Years of Progress in Women's Activities, Arts and Crafts" .
- History
- Gladys M. Yeomans married Alfred Charles “Charlie” Killip in St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church in Vancouver on August 16, 1947. They spent their honeymoon together at the Sunset Inn at Qualicum Beach. The Killips lived in the same house in South Burnaby for the greater part of their married lives. Their address began as 729 Marshall, changed to 729 Hazelmere Street in 1951 (due to bylaw 3133) and again to 7763 Hazelmere Street (due to 1958/1959 street re-numbering). The Killips were activists within Burnaby, writing letters to their member of Council when they felt that the citizens of Burnaby were not being treated fairly. An example of this is when they led the protest against Pacific Stage Lines for reducing its service on the Grandview Highway by making fewer stops and by changing its route. Gladys led their delegation to Council in June of 1964. Gladys was also involved in the activities of the Valley View Players and in Burnaby Little Theatre activities. She was part of the cast of “Crime at Blossoms” in 1951 and held a membership card from 1952 to 1959 for the Valley View Players Club. Among other roles, she was one of the principle actors in “You Can’t Take it With You” and “In the Shadow of the Glen” both performed in 1957. Gladys was the Burnaby Council of Women Publicity Co-Chairwoman. In this capacity she helped to organize such events as the "100 Years of Progress in Women's Activities, Arts and Crafts" for the Centennial Celebration in 1967 (the Burnaby Diamond Jubilee). She was also a founding member of the Century Park Museum Association, which created under the auspices of the Burnaby Centennial '71 Committee, to administer Burnaby's Centennial '71 Commemorative Project, Heritage Village. Both Gladys and Charles Killip were active members of the Monarchist League of Canada. Gladys’ hobby started with a small silver spoon commemorating King George VI taking the throne in 1936. Her collection includes items commemorating every Royal from Prince Edward, Queen Victoria's father, to a cup commemorating one of Prince Williams recent birthdays. Gladys opened the Silver Spoon collectors shop in Burnaby in 1974 and operated it until 1980 when she and her husband Charlie retired to Qualicum Beach and opened Chilham Village Antiques and Collectables in 1984. The Killips earned a Silver Badge of Service from the Monarchist League of Canada in 1992 for their significant contribution to the League’s work. As of November 2010, Ms. Gladys Yeomans’ collection of British Royal family memorabilia has grown so large, that she has countless of mugs, spoons, plates, t-shirts and pieces of poetry, filling a room in her basement and upstairs in her home in Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of subseries
- PC497, MSS125, MSS081, MSS085
Canadian booklets
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58497
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1949
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Scope and Content
- File consists of two booklets. One is entitled "How to become a Canadian Citizen" published by the Canadian Citizen Branch Department of the Secretary of State. The other is entitled "Canadian History Notes" by Geo. E. Henderson and Chas. G. Fraser.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1904-1949
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Gladys Killip subseries
- Physical Description
- 1 file of textual records
- Description Level
- File
- Record No.
- MSS085-025
- Accession Number
- BHS1998-11
- Scope and Content
- File consists of two booklets. One is entitled "How to become a Canadian Citizen" published by the Canadian Citizen Branch Department of the Secretary of State. The other is entitled "Canadian History Notes" by Geo. E. Henderson and Chas. G. Fraser.
- Media Type
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Title based on contents of file
Norah Code collection
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97227
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1904] - 1994
- Collection/Fonds
- Norah Code collection
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Physical Description
- 3 photographs (1 b&w , 7.5 x 7.5 cm ; 2 b&w ; 11 x 8.5 cm)
- Scope and Content
- Collection consists of photographs of Tom Irvine taken and collected by Norah Code during the course of her work for the newspaper. The images were taken in 1958 at the opening of the Burnaby Centennial Pavillion, Burnaby's B.C. Centennial Project.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1904] - 1994
- Collection/Fonds
- Norah Code collection
- Physical Description
- 3 photographs (1 b&w , 7.5 x 7.5 cm ; 2 b&w ; 11 x 8.5 cm)
- Description Level
- Fonds
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Accession Number
- 2010-09
- Scope and Content
- Collection consists of photographs of Tom Irvine taken and collected by Norah Code during the course of her work for the newspaper. The images were taken in 1958 at the opening of the Burnaby Centennial Pavillion, Burnaby's B.C. Centennial Project.
- History
- Norah Code was the editor-publisher of the "Burnaby Courier" newspaper at the time these images were taken.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of collection.
Anne Macey subseries
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription97456
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1905] (date of original)-[between 1940-1959]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs compiled by Anne Macey depicting Hart House (also known as "Avalon"), designed by architect Frank W. Macey, and one portrait of Frake W. Macey
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1905] (date of original)-[between 1940-1959]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Anne Macey subseries
- Physical Description
- Photographs
- Description Level
- Subseries
- Accession Number
- BHS1994-01
- BHS2001-03
- Scope and Content
- Subseries consists of photographs compiled by Anne Macey depicting Hart House (also known as "Avalon"), designed by architect Frank W. Macey, and one portrait of Frake W. Macey
- History
- Anne Elizabeth Stokes was born in Misson, BC and raised in Surrey, BC. She married Vancouver Police Department Constable Charles Boyes in 1947, and Major Rolf F. Macey in 1965. Anne and Rolf had two children: son Lane Macey and daughter Naomi Macey. Anne worked as a psychiatric nurse at Essondale Hospital and Director of Volunteer Services at Burnaby General Hospital. She volunteered her time for various clubs, including Save the Children and Dixon House. Anne passed away at Eagle Ridge Manor in Port Moody, BC in 2007.
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on creator of subseries
Murdock and Lillian McMurray interview November 17, 1975 - Track 2
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory244
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- 1906-1975
- Length
- 0:09:00
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his fath…
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the recording pertains to Murdock McMurray's memories of riding the tram as a young man and briefly, of working for Ed Brown. Murdock mentions Reeve Byrne and the development of first water system in Burnaby. He also discusses Gilley Brother's Logging Company practices near his father's ranch of six acres, which grew mostly strawberries to sell in Vancouver.
- Date Range
- 1906-1975
- Photo Info
- Emerson Doran (left) and Murdoch McMurray, 1917. Item no. 229-004
- Length
- 0:09:00
- Subjects
- Agriculture - Fruit and Berries
- Geographic Access
- Imperial Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Edmonds (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Kingsway-Beresford Area
- Interviewer
- McGeachie, Doreen “Pixie”
- Interview Date
- November 17, 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is of an interview with Murdock McMurray and his wife Lillian (Wray) McMurray conducted by Pixie McGeachie on November 17, 1975. Major themes discussed are: Burnaby's development, the Wray Shoe store and Murdock McMurray's cordwood delivery business.
- Biographical Notes
- Murdock McMurray was born in Vancouver in 1892 to Wilhelmina May and Robert William McMurray. Other children in the family included older siblings John “Jack” and Margaret Lillian, younger siblings Minnie May born May 4, 1895 and Hampton born June 8, 1902. Murdock’s father Robert worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) but retired shortly after moving his family to Burnaby in 1906. He bought six acres of land of what had been previously the Gilley Ranch, the base of operations for Gilley Bros. Ltd. at 2519 Windsor Street (later renumbered and renamed to the 6400 block Imperial Street). Murdock McMurray quit school early to apprentice as a printer. By sixteen he had left the trade and gone into partnership with his older brother Jack. With a team of horses, harness and a wagon, the brothers helped to macadamize roads, haul building supplies for new homes, deliver cord wood for heating, clear land and excavate basements. When Jack McMurray set off to serve overseas during World War I as a driver in the engineer corps, Murdock bought his team of horses and continued working, mainly in the Deer Lake district. In 1916 Murdoch McMurray partnered with Emerson Doran, nephew of the owner of Doran's Mill to buy Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard. As everything was geared towards the war effort, Murdock and Emerson soon ran out of work and had to sell the business. Murdock sold off his horses and equipment and went to work at the ship yard on Pitt River. By 1919 Jack McMurray had returned home from overseas and was working as a fireman at the Shull Lumber and Shingle Mill on the Fraser River. In 1921, he and Murdock teamed up with Emerson Doran and repurchased the Edmonds Coal and Wood fuel yard which they ran together until 1947. Murdock McMurray married Lillian Wray on September 17, 1925. Lillian was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wray, who came to settle in the Jubilee area of Burnaby in 1919. The family lived on Dow Road and Edward Wray operated Jubilee Shoe Store and Post Office. He was known throughout the district as "Wray - The Shoe Man." Mrs. Wray died in 1957 at the age of eight-six and Edward Wray died January 14, 1967 at age of ninety-three. Murdock and Lillian lived at Inverness Street (now Arcola) and raised three children together, Bob, Jack and Bessie. Murdock McMurray died in New Westminster on April 28, 1985 at the age of ninety-two. Lillian Ethel (Wray) McMurray died in Burnaby on February 28, 1986 at the age of eighty-seven.
- Total Tracks
- 7
- Total Length
- 0:58:55
- Interviewee Name
- McMurray, Lillian Wray
- McMurray, Murdoch
- Interviewer Bio
- Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie was a resident of Burnaby for over sixty years. Pixie married John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie and raised their children Kathi (Dunlop) and David McGeachie in the house the couple built themselves in 1947. Pixie served as the editor for the Burnaby Examiner newspaper and wrote a column entitled "Burnaby History" for The News. In 1974 she authored her first book titled "Bygones of Burnaby" which was one of the first to develop anecdotal stories about pioneer life in Burnaby. She authored "Burnaby - A Proud Century" in 1992 and in 2002 she wrote a biography of the city's namesake in the book "Land of Promise: Robert Burnaby's letters from Colonial B.C." She also contributed many hours of volunteering; helping to establish Burnaby's first museum Heritage Village in 1971, serving as President of the Burnaby Historical Society from 1991-1993. She served a six year term on Burnaby's Heritage Commission leading the charge to preserve many historic sites throughout the city, and during her twenty years as the Community Archives volunteer archivist for the historical society, she succeeded in gathering thousands of rare and valuable historic photographs and documents which now forms the core of the photograph collection on the Heritage Burnaby website (as these items were donated by the Society to the City Archives in 2007). The City of Burnaby awarded Pixie McGeachie the Kushiro Cup as Citizen of the year in 2002. In 2006 she received a Heritage BC project award for leading the Friends of Interurban 1223 project, and in 2008 Heritage BC recognised her again by presenting her with the Ruby Nobb Award. John Aloysius "Jack" McGeachie died October 12, 1981 at the age of sixty-seven. Doreen "Pixie" (Johnson) McGeachie died August 14, 2010 at the age of eighty-nine. On 24 September, 2011, the City of Burnaby dedicated the reading at the City Archives in honour of Pixie and formally named it the Pixie McGeachie Reading Room in recognition of her years of service to the community.
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Media Type
- Sound Recording
- Web Notes
- Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks
Track two of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
Track two of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS137-010/MSS137-010_Track_2.mp3