Search Results | Heritage Burnaby

Interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19602

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pe…

1 image 1 document 1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: Many Voices Project Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (68 min., 52 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (68 min., 53 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewer: Eric Damer Interviewees: Ellen and Bill Schwartz Location of Interview: Burnaby Village Museum Interview Date: May 15, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:08:52 Digital master recordings (wav) were recorded onto two separate audio tracks, edited and merged together and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby Photograph information: Bill and Ellen Schwartz.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Ellen and Bill Schwartz conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Registrar and Researcher, Eric Damer. 00:00-16:47 Bill and Ellen share where they were born, grew up and went to school as citizens of the United States and how they met in Pennsylvania the 1970s. Bill and Ellen explain how in the 1970s, they were discouraged about the current politics in the United States under the Nixon administration and how they were inspired by the “back to the land” ideals, rejecting materialism and wanting an alternative lifestyle. With these ideals in mind, they recall how in 1972 they and a few other friends decided to leave the United States, move to British Columbia with the goal of buying land in the Okanagan or Kootenay region and starting a new lifestyle for themselves. Bill and Ellen recollect how they purchased 20 acres of land in Galena Bay in the Kootenays and how they lived in the area off and on until the early 1980s. They describe how they cleared three acres of land, built a cabin, put in a garden, chicken coop and honey bees. With the challenges of the isolated location and no access to electricity they explain how they decided that they had to live elsewhere in order to make a living. Ellen talks about working as a special education teacher in Revelstoke and Slocan and how Bill obtained his teaching certificate while they lived in Nelson. Bill and Ellen describe themselves as environmentalists and of how they both became active Provincial environmentalists during the construction of the Revelstoke Dam. Bill talks about getting work with the “Energy Van” program talking about energy conservation, renewable energy and recycling. They explain how after their first child was born in 1980, they returned to Galena Bay for about a year and a half until Bill was offered a job with the Department of Energy Conservation which lead them to move to Vancouver. 16:48 – 22:46 Bill and Ellen describe their first few years of living in Vancouver and at University of British Columbia while Ellen completed her master’s degree in creative writing. During this time, they had their second child. They recall how in 1988 how they purchased a house in Burnaby, selecting to live in the Deer Lake neighbourhood. They talk about the benefits of the neighbourhood including; a French immersion school for their children, proximity to the trails around Deer Lake and having transit close by. 22:47 – 33:55 Bill and Ellen talk about their consulting business “Polestar Communications”. A Burnaby based communications consulting firm composed of three people, Ellen and Bill and colleague Richard Banner. They describe how their business got started and some of the projects that they’ve worked on including; BC Hydro’s Power Smart Program, financial literacy curriculum that was introduced in B.C. schools and reports for the Province of British Columbia. Ellen and Bill convey how Bill has been a very active member with the City of Burnaby Environment Committee, the Steering Committee to develop a sustainable environmental strategy for Burnaby, how he’s been awarded for his contributions in coaching youth sports and other areas in which they have both volunteered. 33:56 – 43:07 Ellen describes how she got started in writing educational resources about the environment and how since she completed grad school in 1984, she’s published nineteen books. Ellen conveys how her first book was published and sold to the Province of British Columbia as part of the B.C. educational curriculum on the environment. Ellen talks about some of the children’s books that she’s written and published with themes including; social justice, the labour movement and racism in sports. Ellen describes some of her books and the research that she’s done. 43:08 – 51:04 Ellen and Bill Schwartz reflect on what they like about living in Burnaby. They talk about the benefits of their neighbourhood including; performances at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival, the Burnaby Art Gallery and Deer Lake as well as having access to parks and community centres in Burnaby. 51:05-56:36 Bill and Ellen reflect on their involvement in the Jewish community, considering themselves non-secular Jews. Ellen talks about how they were involved with “Burquest” a Jewish Community Association and how they often observe some of the Jewish holidays including Hanukah and traditions including the Jewish coming of age ritual, bar mitzvah (masc.) and bat mistvah (fem.). Ellen mentions her involvement with the “Jone Betty Stuchner Oy Vey! Funniest Children’s book Award” where she acts a judge and her involvement with the Jewish Book festival and that she is a recipient of the Jewish Book award. 56:37 – 1:08:53 Bill and Ellen reflect on their 35 years living in Burnaby and how they’ve seen it change. They talk about the increased development and density in the city, how they are troubled by a lack of low income housing, the benefits and importance of public transportation and preservation of green space including Burnaby parks.

History: Interviewees' biographies: Ellen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, (1950) but grew up in New Jersey. She attended the Universities of Chicago and Wisconsin before moving to a farm in Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband Bill Schwartz. Bill Schwartz grew up in and around Philadelphia (b. 1947), and attended Pennsylvania State University. After travelling, and discouraged with life in eastern America, he and Ellen decided that British Columbia held better prospects. Bill and Ellen quit their jobs in 1972 and moved to the Kootenay region where they adopted a “back to the land” lifestyle, a very new experience for both of them. After eight years of modest success, and occasional work in nearby towns, they opted to return to Vancouver where Bill had work and where they could raise a family more easily. They rented in Vancouver for a few years before moving to family housing at UBC, while Ellen studied creative writing. Bill founded a communications and writing company, and in 1988 they purchased a home in Burnaby. Ellen launched a new career as a writer, mainly for children young adults. Both were active in their careers, raising a family, and participating in local social and political activities. Interviewer biography: Eric Damer is a Burnaby Village Museum Interpreter, Museum Registrar, Researcher and Blacksmith. Eric pounded hot steel for the first time in 1977 in junior high. Fifteen years later, he joined Burnaby Village Museum where he has smithed for three decades. He also provides historical research for museum exhibits and special projects. Outside the museum, Eric is a social historian with a special interest in educational history.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Education; Environmental Issues; Environmental Issues - Environmental Protection; Geographic Features; Geographic Features - Parks; Housing; Occupations; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Writers; Persons - Volunteers; Persons - Jewish Canadians; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism; Religions; Religions - Judaism

Names: Schwartz, William "Bill"; Schwartz, Ellen; City of Burnaby; Polestar Communications; British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority

Responsibility: Damer, Eric

Accession Code: BV023.16.6

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1969-2023] (interview content), interviewed 15 May 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Burnaby Lake Area

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcription available on Heritage Burnaby

Images

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

Documents

2023_0016_0006_004

Audio Tracks

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

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0016_0006_003.mp3

Brothers Earl and Norman Wild

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription80586

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1925] - 1990

Collection/Fonds: Murray family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 7 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of brothers Earl and Norman Wild in Idaho, in the United States of America (USA). Norman is holding an unidentified toddler on one arm, and has his other arm around his brother.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1925] - 1990

Collection/Fonds: Murray family fonds

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 7 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 548-003

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No restrictions

Accession Number: 2012-31

Scope and Content: Photograph of brothers Earl and Norman Wild in Idaho, in the United States of America (USA). Norman is holding an unidentified toddler on one arm, and has his other arm around his brother.

Names: Wild, Norman; Wild, Earl

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "Norman's brother Earl + Norman. Idaho USA"

Images

Brothers Earl and Norman Wild, [1925] - 1990 thumbnail

Auvache, Lou - Burnaby Fire Chief

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58812

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 Photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5 cm

Scope and Content: Photographic portrait of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 Photograph : b&w ; 8 x 5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1273

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photographic portrait of Lou Auvache, Burnaby Fire Chief.

Subjects: Occupations - Fire Fighters

Names: Auvache, Lewis; Burnaby Fire Department

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Auvache, Lou - Burnaby Fire Chief, ca.1965 thumbnail

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58831

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 20 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish and other unidentified men in uniforms inspecting a boat.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 20 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1292

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish and other unidentified men in uniforms inspecting a boat.

Names: Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58833

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1960

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 4.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee. He is wearing a nautical hat and is smoking a pipe.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1960

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 11 x 4.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1294

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee. He is wearing a nautical hat and is smoking a pipe.

Names: Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58834

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1295

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee.

Names: Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Orr, Ken

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Stamp on verso reads "COLUMBIAN PHOTO B KEN ORR SOCIAL"; Note on verso reads "Dr. L. W. Beamish"

Images

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58835

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 13 cm

Scope and Content: Photographic portrait of Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 13 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1296

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photographic portrait of Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee.

Names: Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Beamish, Ludlow W. Dr. - Burnaby Politics

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58836

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 20.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25 x 20.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1297

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of Dr. Ludlow W. Beamish, who served on the Burnaby Family Court Committee.

Names: Beamish, Dr. Ludlow W.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Freer, Oswald

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58888

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1960

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 12.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of a man idenified as Oswald "Ossie" Freer.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1960

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 20.5 x 12.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1348

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of a man idenified as Oswald "Ossie" Freer.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso reads: "Ossie Freer"

Images

Frederickson, John C. - Burnaby Schools

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58890

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1960

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of C. J. Frederickson, the Municipal School Inspector/Superintendent from 1954-1962, pointing to something in a book.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1960

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1349

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of C. J. Frederickson, the Municipal School Inspector/Superintendent from 1954-1962, pointing to something in a book.

Names: Frederickson, C. J.; Burnaby School Disctrict no. 41

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso reads: "Municipal School Inspector C. J. Frederickson Bby"

Images

Frederickson, John C. - Burnaby Schools, ca.1960 thumbnail

Flower Decorating Class - Instructor Alice Moulder

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58895

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of instructor Alice Moulder, leading eight people in a floral arrangement class. The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 25.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1353

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of instructor Alice Moulder, leading eight people in a floral arrangement class. The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

Subjects: Recreational Activities

Media Type: Photograph

Photographer: Battistoni, Peter

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on recto reads: "Instructor Alice Moulder"; Photographer's stamp on verso

Images

Flower Decorating Class - Instructor Alice Moulder, ca.1965 thumbnail

Volunteer's Gala - Les Creelman; Mrs. Anna Belle MacKay; Mrs. Florence Godwin; Mrs. Helen Street and Peter Acland

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58896

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 25.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of Les Creelman, Anna Belle MacKay, Florence Godwin, Helen Street, and Peter Acland at the Volunteers Gala. A sign in the background reads, "Volunteers Are Special." The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17.5 x 25.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1354

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of Les Creelman, Anna Belle MacKay, Florence Godwin, Helen Street, and Peter Acland at the Volunteers Gala. A sign in the background reads, "Volunteers Are Special." The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

Subjects: Persons - Volunteers

Names: Godwin, Florence Hart

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on recto reads: "Les Creelman / Mrs. Anna Belle MacKay / Mrs. Florence Godwin / Mrs. Helen Street (window of Frank) / Peter Acland"; Note on verso reads: "page 5 Burnaby Today"

Images

Volunteer's Gala - Les Creelman; Mrs. Anna Belle MacKay; Mrs. Florence Godwin; Mrs. Helen Street and Peter Acland, ca.1965 thumbnail

Two men and two women displaying jewelry

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58898

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 20.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of four individuals displaying jewelry inside of a shop or kiosk. The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 20.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1355

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of four individuals displaying jewelry inside of a shop or kiosk. The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

Subjects: Occupations; Buildings - Commercial - Stores

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso reads: "page 13 Burnaby Today / PMT 100%"

Images

Two men and two women displaying jewelry, ca.1965 thumbnail

Young people in a gymnasium

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58899

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 16.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of two young individuals in a gymnasium, skipping rope. One, whose shirt reads "Skip It," is turning the ropes while the other flips.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 25.5 x 16.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1356

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of two young individuals in a gymnasium, skipping rope. One, whose shirt reads "Skip It," is turning the ropes while the other flips.

Subjects: Persons - Adolescents; Sports

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso reads: "page 5 Burnaby Today"

Images

Young people in a gymnasium, ca.1965 thumbnail

Boy Scouts - Darryl Chan; Robin Hickman and Adrian Chow

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription58900

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 16 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of two Boy Scouts and a Scout leader. The leader is explaining something and gesturing; eggs and an egg carton are in front of the two Boy Scouts. The photograph is from Burnaby Today.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: ca.1965

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 18 x 16 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1357

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2009-01

Scope and Content: Photograph of two Boy Scouts and a Scout leader. The leader is explaining something and gesturing; eggs and an egg carton are in front of the two Boy Scouts. The photograph is from Burnaby Today.