1230 records – page 1 of 62.

Mayor's Office General and Administration series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription158
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1828 (date of original) -2002
Collection/Fonds
Mayor's Office fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of records created in the administration of the Mayor’s Office. This includes: reports, file lists, address books, subject files, correspondence, memoranda, photographs and ephemera. The Office of the Mayor is managed by an administrative staff who maintain the Mayor’s schedule, l…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1828 (date of original) -2002
Collection/Fonds
Mayor's Office fonds
Series
Mayor's Office General and Administration series
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of records created in the administration of the Mayor’s Office. This includes: reports, file lists, address books, subject files, correspondence, memoranda, photographs and ephemera. The Office of the Mayor is managed by an administrative staff who maintain the Mayor’s schedule, liaise with other City officials, and assist the Mayor fulfill his duties and responsibilities to the citizens of Burnaby. As a by-product of these activities, the Mayor’s Office maintains files related to general administrative tasks like record-keeping as well as collecting subject files and records of general interest to the Mayor and Council. These records were used as reference material and have been maintained for their informational value.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Hill family and Vidal family papers series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82702
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1850-1983]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Series
Physical Description
9.5 cm of textual records
Scope and Content
Series consists of five files: (1). Jones family textual records; (2). Wright family textual records; (3). Hyde family textual records; (4) Vidal family textual records; and (5). Hill family textual records.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1850-1983]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Series
Hill family and Vidal family papers series
Physical Description
9.5 cm of textual records
Description Level
Series
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Series consists of five files: (1). Jones family textual records; (2). Wright family textual records; (3). Hyde family textual records; (4) Vidal family textual records; and (5). Hill family textual records.
Media Type
Textual Record
Notes
Title based on contents of series
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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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William Randolph Beamish scrapbook

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription100654
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1861-2009
Collection/Fonds
William Randolph Beamish fonds
Description Level
Series
Physical Description
3.5 cm. of textual records; 17 small b&w prints; 10 med. prints; and 6 large b&w prints.
Scope and Content
Series consists of records that were compiled into a binder as a scrapbook by Ilma Beamish Dunn, the adopted sister of William Randolph Beamish. Scope and content notes at the file- and item-level have been drawn from the thorough recordkeeping Dunn employed in creating the scrapbook.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1861-2009
Collection/Fonds
William Randolph Beamish fonds
Series
William Randolph Beamish scrapbook series
Physical Description
3.5 cm. of textual records; 17 small b&w prints; 10 med. prints; and 6 large b&w prints.
Description Level
Series
Record No.
66672
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2023-03
Scope and Content
Series consists of records that were compiled into a binder as a scrapbook by Ilma Beamish Dunn, the adopted sister of William Randolph Beamish. Scope and content notes at the file- and item-level have been drawn from the thorough recordkeeping Dunn employed in creating the scrapbook.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
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Legal document and certificate series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription166
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1867-1961]
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Description Level
Series
Physical Description
2 cm textual records
Scope and Content
Series consists of legal documents including as wills, birth certificates and military papers pertaining to Claude Hill and Annie Sara (Kenrick) Hill. Documents also include a diary kept by Claude, a few pieces of correspondence, ledgers related to Claude's land transactions and certificates of ci…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1867-1961]
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Series
Legal document and certificate series
Physical Description
2 cm textual records
Description Level
Series
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2007-12
Scope and Content
Series consists of legal documents including as wills, birth certificates and military papers pertaining to Claude Hill and Annie Sara (Kenrick) Hill. Documents also include a diary kept by Claude, a few pieces of correspondence, ledgers related to Claude's land transactions and certificates of citizenship and identification. Also in the file is a sketch showing a “Birds Eye View of the Burnaby Lake Area circa 1910,” a book of Common Prayer Hymns, a Bible, a Post Card Album, address book, a Birthday Book and a cross-stitch sampler done by Annie Kenrick in 1877.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Bylaws series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription136
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2010
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of all bylaws passed, signed and sealed by the municipal Council of Burnaby, as well as drafts of bylaws that did not receive final adoption or a final reading. Bylaws pertain to all aspects of municipal government, including, but not limited to, public works, land and building reg…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2010
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Bylaws series
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of all bylaws passed, signed and sealed by the municipal Council of Burnaby, as well as drafts of bylaws that did not receive final adoption or a final reading. Bylaws pertain to all aspects of municipal government, including, but not limited to, public works, land and building regulation, taxation, finance, licensing, public health and safety, and recreation and culture. Series also includes files of correspondence and other documents related to the development of individual bylaws and municipal bylaw elections, as well as appendices to bylaws, including maps, plans, and engineering related comprehensive development drawings (CD plans). Included also are bylaw record books, which list all bylaws and related information, such as dates of reading and final adoption dates. Bylaws are numbered sequentially and are arranged according to bylaw number.
Formats
Microfiche copies are available in the Clerk’s Department vault for bylaws number 1 to 10584.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Clerk's Department record series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription137
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2018
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of files relating to the various functions of the Office of the City Clerk, more commonly referred to as the Clerk’s Department or Clerk’s Office. In addition to records created, received, and set aside by the Clerk’s Department, this series also includes records and copies of reco…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2018
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Clerk's Department record series
Description Level
Series
File Class
1500 20 (add. 2020)
1650 10 (add. 2020)
Scope and Content
Series consists of files relating to the various functions of the Office of the City Clerk, more commonly referred to as the Clerk’s Department or Clerk’s Office. In addition to records created, received, and set aside by the Clerk’s Department, this series also includes records and copies of records created and received by other City departments which are the Clerk’s responsibility to keep. As a result, files reflect the changing record keeping responsibilities of the City Clerk over the years. For instance, the series includes the City’s early financial records, including Auditor’s reports, cash books, and records related to bond sales, mortgages, taxes, and tax sales, which were the Clerk’s responsibility to keep until a municipal accountant was appointed in 1912. Series also includes records relating to the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel (previously Court of Revision) and administration of the Clerk’s Office.
Formats
Many files ca. 1940 to 1979 exist only on microfilm located in the Clerk’s Department vault.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Council minutes and agendas series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription140
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2018
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public healt…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1892-2018
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Council minutes and agendas series
Description Level
Series
File Class
2430 09 (add. 2020)
Scope and Content
Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public health, and administrative decisions. Series includes minutes of “in camera,” or closed, Council meetings in which confidential issues are discussed. Some of the early minute books contain minutes of Court of Revision proceedings as well.
Media Type
Textual Record
Notes
Access to in camera minutes is restricted in accordance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act legislation. Contact the City Archives for details.
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Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 8

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory258
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1892-1963
Length
0:07:05
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's continuation of reading his series of short stories. He reads; "THE RUM RUNNERS AND BOOTLEG WHISKY IN BURNABY" and "BURNABY. NORTH. SOUTH. EAST? AND WEST 1892---1943" both written in 1963.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's continuation of reading his series of short stories. He reads; "THE RUM RUNNERS AND BOOTLEG WHISKY IN BURNABY" and "BURNABY. NORTH. SOUTH. EAST? AND WEST 1892---1943" both written in 1963.
Date Range
1892-1963
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:07:05
Names
Hawthorn, Mary
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 eight of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

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Burnaby School House contract

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription57958
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1893 (date of original), copied 1988
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
2 p. (photocopied)
Scope and Content
Item is the (photocopied pages of the) original Public Works contract between W.S. Gore Deputy Commissioner of Lands and Works and John M. Archibald, Contractor for the construction of Burnaby School House.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1893 (date of original), copied 1988
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Ephemera subseries
Physical Description
2 p. (photocopied)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
MSS034-001
Accession Number
BHS1988-02
Scope and Content
Item is the (photocopied pages of the) original Public Works contract between W.S. Gore Deputy Commissioner of Lands and Works and John M. Archibald, Contractor for the construction of Burnaby School House.
Media Type
Textual Record
Notes
Title based on contents of item
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Pictures of Hazel, throughout her life

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription93393
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1897-2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 album (19 photographs ; b&w and col.) + 1 accompanying letter
Scope and Content
Photograph album containing photographs of Hazel Peterson throughout her life, from her childhood in San Francisco to her later years. The album also held a letter attesting to Hazel Peterson's vaccination in 1902; there is a lock of hair and a photographic button pinned to the letter.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1897-2000]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Hazel Peterson subseries
Physical Description
1 album (19 photographs ; b&w and col.) + 1 accompanying letter
Description Level
Item
Record No.
504-045
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS2000-08
Scope and Content
Photograph album containing photographs of Hazel Peterson throughout her life, from her childhood in San Francisco to her later years. The album also held a letter attesting to Hazel Peterson's vaccination in 1902; there is a lock of hair and a photographic button pinned to the letter.
Subjects
Persons - Children
Names
Peterson, Hazel
Peterson, Edwin
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title taken from handwritten note inside the original album
Note on verso of 504-045-1 reads: "hair light blond / eyes violet blue / Mrs Erickson / [?]"
Note on verso of 504-045-10 reads: "Hazel Peterson, Dennis & Irene / Aug 18 1994"
Photographer's stamp on verso of 504-045-18 reads: "Souvenir Snaps / 401 W. Hastings St. / Vancouver, B.C. / Extra copies by number"
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Contracts and agreements series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription138
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1898-2012
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of contracts and agreements made between Burnaby and other parties, including individuals, companies, and governments relating to all aspects of municipal affairs. Early contracts and agreements are largely related to the municipality’s land transactions and infrastructure, and inc…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1898-2012
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Contracts and agreements series
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of contracts and agreements made between Burnaby and other parties, including individuals, companies, and governments relating to all aspects of municipal affairs. Early contracts and agreements are largely related to the municipality’s land transactions and infrastructure, and include conveyances, deeds of land, expropriations, and quit claim deeds. The Clerk is responsible for keeping these records.
Media Type
Textual Record
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Land Sales series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription151
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1968-2003
Collection/Fonds
Legal Department fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of records created during the land sale process coordinated by the City of Burnaby’s Legal Department. Records include: correspondence, memos, agreements, proposals, tenders, bids, reports, receipts for fees paid, registration of sale agreements, Land Title forms, surveys, appraisal…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1968-2003
Collection/Fonds
Legal Department fonds
Series
Land Sales series
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of records created during the land sale process coordinated by the City of Burnaby’s Legal Department. Records include: correspondence, memos, agreements, proposals, tenders, bids, reports, receipts for fees paid, registration of sale agreements, Land Title forms, surveys, appraisals, estimates, legal opinions, as well as maps and other cartographic material.
History
In 2017, responsibility for City land sales was transferred to Realty and Lands.
Media Type
Textual Record
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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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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
Names
McMurray, R.W.
Royal Oak Hotel
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
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track three of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

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
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track five of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Elections series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription141
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1906-2002
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of municipal elections records, including records pertaining to the election of Reeves/Mayors and Council members and, early on, of school trustees and police commissioners. Series also includes early records related to bylaw elections, in which bylaws were put before the public fo…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1906-2002
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Elections series
Description Level
Series
File Class
45000 25 (add. 2020)
Scope and Content
Series consists of municipal elections records, including records pertaining to the election of Reeves/Mayors and Council members and, early on, of school trustees and police commissioners. Series also includes early records related to bylaw elections, in which bylaws were put before the public for approval. Also included are voters’ lists, 1912 to 1954, and election posters for the period 1906 to 1926.
Media Type
Textual Record
Less detail

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
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Oral history subseries
Media Type
Sound Recording
Web Notes
Interview was digitized in 2010 allowing it to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council and the BC History Digitization Program of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, University of British Columbia. It was recognized by the Heritage Society of BC with an award in 2012.
Images
Audio Tracks

Track two of recording of interview with Lillian and Murdock McMurray

Less detail

Simnett personal papers series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82730
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1978]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Description Level
Series
Physical Description
9 paintings : colour print, 3 files of textual records: ill. (some col.), and 2 photographs : b&w
Scope and Content
Series consists of three files: (1). Roll of Honour records; (2). Personal material; and (3). Graduation records.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1978]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Series
Simnett personal papers series
Physical Description
9 paintings : colour print, 3 files of textual records: ill. (some col.), and 2 photographs : b&w
Description Level
Series
Accession Number
2013-22
Scope and Content
Series consists of three files: (1). Roll of Honour records; (2). Personal material; and (3). Graduation records.
Names
Simnett, Hazel
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Graphic Material
Notes
Title based on contents of series
Simnett personal papers series
Less detail

Council Committee series

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription139
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1910-2020
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of minutes, agendas, correspondence and reports of committees of Council, including the Court of Revision (up to 2001), Advisory Planning Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Civic Development Committee, Community Heritage Commission, Community Housing and Planning Committee, Com…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1910-2020
Collection/Fonds
City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Series
Council Committee series
Description Level
Series
Scope and Content
Series consists of minutes, agendas, correspondence and reports of committees of Council, including the Court of Revision (up to 2001), Advisory Planning Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Civic Development Committee, Community Heritage Commission, Community Housing and Planning Committee, Community Issues and Social Planning Committee, Community Policing Committee, Emergency Planning Committee, Environment and Waste Management Committee, Executive Committee, Family Court and Youth Justice Committee, Finance and Economics Development Committee, Traffic and Transportation Committee (Traffic Safety Commission), Traffic and Transportation Committee (Transportation and Transit Division), as well as the minutes of various defunct committees.
History
Committees of Council are comprised of Council members and citizens of Burnaby who apply to sit on a committee in a volunteer capacity. In the early years, Council committees did not include citizen participation; committees consisted of two or more councillors nominated by the Reeve, or the entire Council would sit as a committee. One councillor would be selected as committee chair. The Reeve would often sit on committees as well. Committees may also be created on an ad hoc basis to deal with particular issues as they arise. For example, a committee was temporarily formed in 1899 to oversee the construction of the new municipal hall. The earliest committees of Council were the Finance Committee, Board of Works, Board of Health and the Licensing Board. Council would also sit once a year as the Court of Revision. [In addition, Councillors also sat on intermunicipal councils with Vancouver and Coquitlam council members]. By 1910, the number of Council committees had increased in accordance with Burnaby’s development; the earliest committee minutes recorded separately from the minutes of Council date from this year.
Media Type
Textual Record
Less detail

1230 records – page 1 of 62.