103 records – page 1 of 6.

Grieve family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66379
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1908-1966
Collection/Fonds
Grieve family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
14 cm. of textual records and 15 b&w prints.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of publications, correspondence and photographs pertaining to the Grieve family of North Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1908-1966
Collection/Fonds
Grieve family fonds
Physical Description
14 cm. of textual records and 15 b&w prints.
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2011-04
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of publications, correspondence and photographs pertaining to the Grieve family of North Burnaby.
History
William Ewart “Bill” Grieve was born at Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan (then the North-West Territories), on August 15, 1885. He was the eldest child of John and Flora Grieve. Bill attended school at Qu’Appelle until he was 12 years old and went to work at a furniture store. In October of 1902, at the age of 17, he moved to the Okanagan and worked on a Kettle Valley Railroad construction camp for four years. Bill enlisted at Kamloops in 1915 and served overseas as a member of the 72nd Seaforth Battalion. He was wounded at the Battle of Lens in August of 1917 and was invalided home in November of 1917. On April 14, 1920, William Ewart “Bill” Grieve married Christine. Bill’s ill health sent them to California for a year but by April of 1923, they had returned to Canada and bought a house at 3925 Triumph Street in North Burnaby. Bill worked as manager of the Used Car Department of Johnston Motors Ltd in Vancouver for the next twenty years. He retired in 1946 and opened his own used car business at 4507 East Hastings Street, Burnaby. Christine Grieve was a life-long member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the United Church of Canada. Christine and Bill had two sons, Kenneth Ewart “Ken” and William Ronald “Ronald.” Ken was born about 1922. By 1928, he was in grade three at Gilmore Avenue School and by 1948, he was at the University of British Columbia. Ken died prior to March of 2006. Ronald was born about 1929 and was 13 years old during World War II. Like his older brother before him, he attended the University of British Columbia. He later married and had children, one of whom was Catherine E. “Cathy” Grieve (later Linowski). Ronald died April 7, 1970, at the age of 41. Bill served as president of the North Burnaby Liberal Association for four years and was liberal candidate for the Burnaby Provincial riding at the General Election in 1937. He also served on the Burnaby School Board from 1943 to 1957 consecutively. Bill died April 1, 1969 at the age of 83.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
Grieve, William Ewart "Bill"
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS155, photo catalogue 523
Less detail

Gillis family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66689
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1914-1940 (date of originals), copied 2011
Collection/Fonds
Gillis family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
4 photographs (jpeg)
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of scanned photographs of the members of the Gillis family.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1914-1940 (date of originals), copied 2011
Collection/Fonds
Gillis family fonds
Physical Description
4 photographs (jpeg)
Material Details
Records exist only in electronic format
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2011-10
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of scanned photographs of the members of the Gillis family.
History
Duncan Gillis was born on March 25, 1892, in Vancouver, B.C., to James Gillis and Isabelle (Adams) Gillis. He had four older siblings: Isabel, Allan, James, and Marion. Duncan died on April 2, 1985, in Kamloops, B.C. James and Isabelle were from New Brunswick and lived in Minnesota for a time, which is where the three oldest children were born, and then came to British Columbia and pioneered in Yennadon (Maple Ridge) in 1890. Florence Ethel Denton was born on December 9, 1894, in Vancouver, B.C. to Edwin Denton and Elizabeth Anne (Zinn) Denton. She had three siblings: John, Edwin, and Beatrice. Florence died on February 28, 1962, in Kamloops, B.C. Edwin Denton was born in England and met Elizabeth in Ohio were she was born. They were married in 1890 in Vancouver. Florence’s older brother, John Montague Denton, was born on August 7, 1892. He enlisted on October 6, 1915, as part of the Canadian Infantry (British Columbia Regiment) 72nd Batalion and was killed in France on November 1, 1916, at the age of 24. He is buried in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Duncan married Florence on June 27, 1914, in Eburne, B.C. Florence was the first schoolteacher at the newly built school in Yennadon (Maple Ridge), which was built by Duncan’s father James in 1913. This is how they met. Duncan was working as a carpenter and saw filer before enlisting on January 8, 1916, at the age of 23. He served overseas and was captured as a prisoner of war (POW) for a time. When Duncan returned to Canada, he and Florence had three sons: Boyd Leslie “Bud” born on January 7, 1920; Norman Montague born on August 20, 1921; and Donald Allan Gillis born on February 23, 1923. They raised their family in Burnaby, B.C., and lived there until 1960, then moving to Kamloops, B.C. Bud served overseas as a Flying Officer (Wireless Gunner) during World War II for the 428 (RCAF) Squadron. He was on his fifteenth operation and took part in the raid on Aachem on the night of July 13 (14), 1943, when the plane was shot down over Holland. It was later determined that he had been captured as a POW at Stalag 6 and wasn’t released until May 14, 1945, returning home in August of 1945. He married Mary Irene Thoen and had five children: James, Steven, Donna, Gregory, and Pamela. Boyd was also a carpenter and saw filer and had a saw shop in Kamloops where he raised his family. He also enjoyed woodworking in his spare time and built three airplanes. Boyd died in 1979 in Edmonton, Alberta. Norman Montague served overseas as a Flight Engineer Sergeant during World War II for the 138 RCAF Squadron. His plane crashed in the woods while attempting to land at RAF Woodridge, England, returning from an operational flight. He was pronounced dead on admission to hospital, December 17, 1943, at the age of 22. He is buried in Rushden Cemetery, Northamptonshire, England. Donald served in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve during World War II. He enlisted on May 9, 1942, and was a Signalman on a Corvette in the Atlantic. In 1944, after hearing of the loss of his two older brothers, the RCNR moved him to the Pacific, where he was until November 9, 1945. He married May Yule Ferrier and had two children, Robert and Barbara. Donald graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1951 with a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering. He worked for the City of Burnaby for five years and for the Greater Vancouver Regional District for 32 years, while living in Burnaby, B.C. and raising his family. He retired to the Sunshine Coast, Halfmoon Bay, B.C. in 1988, where he still lives today.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Gillis family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 524
Less detail

William Martin family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66694
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927-1940 (date of originals)
Collection/Fonds
William Martin family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
26 photographs : 1 original photograph + 19 jpegs + 6 copy prints
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs of the William and Ellen Martin family, pioneers of Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927-1940 (date of originals)
Collection/Fonds
William Martin family fonds
Physical Description
26 photographs : 1 original photograph + 19 jpegs + 6 copy prints
Material Details
2 copy prints + 1 jpeg are duplicates to the original; 3 copy prints are duplicates to a larger copy print
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2011-11
2006-03
2012-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs of the William and Ellen Martin family, pioneers of Burnaby.
History
William Martin and Ellen Ward met while attending school in Glasgow, Scotland. They married in 1916 while William was on leave from the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force. After the war, they immigrated to Canada with their two-year-old daughter, Margaret. They spent a few years in Vancouver where three more daughters were born: Barbara (later Punnett); Juanita (later Safarik); and Sally (later Forbes). With their four small daughters, they moved to Los Angeles where William worked as a craftsman for Samuel Goldwyn Studios. In 1926, they returned to B.C., where William purchased five acres of land on Spruce Street in Burnaby. Much of the land had been logged but not cleared. Dynamite was used to remove the large, burnt stumps. While William prepared the land for a new house, the family lived in a temporary building that was later used for a garage. The seven-room house that William built was one of the first houses on Spruce Street. During this time, William and Ellen’s two sons, Bill and Jackie, were born. The Martins made good use of their property. They kept chickens, ducks, and a goat, planted fruit trees, and had a large raspberry patch. The children enjoyed their large playground, much of it still heavily forested. In the winter they walked to Deer Lake to ice skate. They hiked Burnaby Mountain and sometimes walked to Capitol Hill where there was a recreation centre. All six children attended Douglas Road School and South Burnaby Secondary School. Margaret became a schoolteacher; Juanita and Barbara did office work after attending Sprott Shaw Business School; Sally became a public health nurse; and Bill and Jackie became doctors. Margaret taught in Burnaby schools for 27 years. Before her marriage, Sally served as a public health nurse in Burnaby for three years. Bill had an ophthalmology practice in Burnaby until his retirement. Margaret married Jack Greenall, the eldest son of another Burnaby family who lived on Nursery Street on a large property with a garden, greenhouse, and chicken house. Margaret and Jack had three children: Dr. Martin Greenall, Sharon (later Ingalls), and Diane (later Macnair). Margaret later married Peter Andrusiak and had two sons: Gordon and Peter. All of her children were raised in New Westminster. Margaret was active in her community and was awarded the New Westminster Citizen of the Year award in 1992. She died July 26, 2006, at the age of 89.
Formats
Records from accession 2011-11 exist only in electronic format - copied 2011
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Martin family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 525
Less detail

Robert Bailey fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66714
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1965-1970
Collection/Fonds
Robert Bailey fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
39 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs of the construction and opening of the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, taken by Robert Bailey.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1965-1970
Collection/Fonds
Robert Bailey fonds
Physical Description
39 photographs : col. slides ; 35 mm
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2011-14
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs of the construction and opening of the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, taken by Robert Bailey.
History
Robert Bailey worked as the Parks Superintendent in Burnaby until 1975. He died in 2002.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Bailey, Robert
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 526
Less detail

Maurice Phillips collection

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription66716
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1930-1950
Collection/Fonds
Maurice Phillips collection
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
3 maps + 1 brochure
Scope and Content
Collection consists of three maps; 1936 Burnaby lot map, 1950 map of the Fraser Valley, 1950s map of the Fraser Canyon and one brochure entitled "Corporation of Burnaby Attractively Priced Lands."
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1930-1950
Collection/Fonds
Maurice Phillips collection
Physical Description
3 maps + 1 brochure
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2011-13
Scope and Content
Collection consists of three maps; 1936 Burnaby lot map, 1950 map of the Fraser Valley, 1950s map of the Fraser Canyon and one brochure entitled "Corporation of Burnaby Attractively Priced Lands."
History
Maurice Phillips was born in Victoria in 1919 and moved to East Pender Street in Vancouver during the 1930s. As a young man, he served as a cadet in the Seaforth Armory. When World War II broke out, Maurice was sent overseas with the First Battalion Seaforth Highlanders. This is where he met his future wife, Betty Joyce Thomas, who was herself serving as a member of the British Woman's Land Army (WLA). Maurice and Betty were married in Brighton, Sussex, in 1943. Betty (Thomas) Phillips travelled to Canada via the Queen Mary and stayed with Maurice's sisters and mother in Vancouver so that her daughter, Judith Phillips, would be born in Canada in 1944. Maurice was in Europe until 1945 and ended up as a Captain in the army. After the war, Maurice returned to work at Woodwards but, through his army contacts, went to work at Barber-Ellis, a wholesale paper and envelope manufacturer. He and his wife and daughter moved to Burnaby in 1948 or 1949, first on Royal Oak and then to a house on Waltham. This is where their son, William George Phillips, was born in 1950 and their second daughter, Susan Maureen Phillips, was born in 1953. The Phillips family often took trips to the Okanagan after the Hope-Princeton highway opened. Maurice also took William to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh along the "new" highway when it first opened. The Phillips family lived in Burnaby until Maurice was transferred east in 1960.
Media Type
Textual Record
Cartographic Material
Creator
Phillips, Maurice
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS158
Less detail

Kantonen Family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription70549
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1930]
Collection/Fonds
Kantonen Family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of one class picture which is believed to have been taken at Riverway West in Burnaby. The donor's aunt, Terttu Ulriki (Bertha) Kantonen, is pictured in the second row, fourth from the left.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1930]
Collection/Fonds
Kantonen Family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph (jpeg) : b&w
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2012-06
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of one class picture which is believed to have been taken at Riverway West in Burnaby. The donor's aunt, Terttu Ulriki (Bertha) Kantonen, is pictured in the second row, fourth from the left.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Kantonen family
Notes
Photo catalogue 531
Less detail

Burnaby Gem and Mineral Club fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71181
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1963-1985
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Gem and Mineral fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
15 cm. of textual records.
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of seventeen files of textual records pertaining to the operations of the Burnaby Gem and Mineral Club.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1963-1985
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Gem and Mineral fonds
Physical Description
15 cm. of textual records.
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2012-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of seventeen files of textual records pertaining to the operations of the Burnaby Gem and Mineral Club.
History
The Burnaby Gem and Mineral Club was formed in Burnaby in 1963 and became a chartered member club of the Lapidary Rock and Mineral Society of British Columbia on June 15, 1965. Meetings were held at Bonsor Hall on the third Tuesday of every month. The club became a registered federation member of the Gem and Mineral Federation of Canada in 1978. From 1978 to 1985, Marguerite “Mary” Skinner was the recording secretary. Mary and her husband John Skinner were members for 21 years, and during that time, John organized all of the “big shows” with the help and support of fellow members. On December 15, 1985, the general membership of the Burnaby Gem and Mineral Club voted to close the club. They had a final dinner meeting on February 18, 1986, at the Copper Kettle on Kingsway.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
Burnaby Gem and Mineral Club
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS160
Less detail

Hazel Simnett collection

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71379
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1996]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
13 files of textual records : ill. (some col.) ; 9 paintings : colour print ; 2 photographs : b&w
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of City-generated records, personal records, and political records collected by Hazel Simnett.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1910-1996]
Collection/Fonds
Hazel Simnett collection
Physical Description
13 files of textual records : ill. (some col.) ; 9 paintings : colour print ; 2 photographs : b&w
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2013-22
2012-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of City-generated records, personal records, and political records collected by Hazel Simnett.
History
Hazel Simnett was born in Burnaby in 1922 to Frederick and Mary Ann Simnett and grew up looking up to her father who was very involved in labour and unions. A politically active citizen, Hazel Simnett has supported the Canadian Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and the New Democratic Party (NDP). She once ran as a New Democratic Party candidate for Burnaby City Council. Hazel attended Kingsway West Public School and Burnaby South High School in Burnaby. During the 1970s, Hazel was President of the Century Park Museum Association, which governs Burnaby Heritage Museum and published the work "Bygones of Burnaby". Hazel worked on the campaign team of Joan Sawicki from 1990 to 1991, which led Sawicki to be elected as Burnaby-Willingdon riding's MLA. Hazel volunteered her time to be a member of the Burnaby Advisory Planning Commission from 1993 to 1996. In 2006, Hazel won the Burnaby Local Hero Award for her volunteer work at the New Vista Society where she served as chair for a number of years. She also served as a member of the Burnaby Historical Society and established the Hazel Simnett Endowment with the Burnaby Public Library to bring a collection of books on Canadian history and social issues.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Graphic Material
Creator
Simnett, Hazel
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS167
Less detail

Warren Mulligan fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription71783
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1963-1974
Collection/Fonds
Warren Mulligan fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
12 ledgers (hardcover) ; textual records
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of ledgers created by Warren Mulligan, containing his daily logs while on duty at Oakalla Prison Farm.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1963-1974
Collection/Fonds
Warren Mulligan fonds
Physical Description
12 ledgers (hardcover) ; textual records
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
Subject to FOIPPA
Reproduction Restriction
Reproductions subject to FOIPPA
Accession Number
2011-03
Scope and Content
The fonds consists of ledgers created by Warren Mulligan, containing his daily logs while on duty at Oakalla Prison Farm.
History
Warren Mulligan, son of Julia Mulligan and brother of Maurice Mulligan, was born in Semans, Saskatchewan, in [1921] and moved to Langley, British Columbia, in 1934. During his youth, he attended Langley High School and was a member of the first Tuxis group at the United Church in Langley. He was also an Assistant Scoutmaster of the Milner Troop under Reverend Daniel Donaldson. During World War II, he spent seven years serving in the Royal Canadian Navy and retired in 1947. In 1949, Warren married Mary Beulah Bush, who was also from Langley. They had two sons. Warren joined the B.C. Jail Service in 1949 as a guard at Oakalla Prison Farm, later becoming the Chief Custodial Officer for the Young Offenders' Unit. He also had experience in the Westgate Area. In 1955, he was named Deputy Warden of the Prince George Provincial Jail. He was appointed as Warden of the Prince George Provincial Jail in 1956. During his time at the P.G. Jail, Warren was involved in administration and professional program training. In 1963, he was appointed as Warden of Oakalla Prison Farm, a position he served in until 1974. During his time within the B.C. Provincial Jail Service, Warren was credited with innovations in the provincial penal system, particularly in relation to prisoners' group therapy and relations between prison staff and inmates.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
Mulligan, Warren
Notes
MSS163
Less detail

George H.F. McLean fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription72150
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1961-1970
Collection/Fonds
George H.F. McLean fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
6 optical discs
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of 23 short film segments on 6 DVDs. The films were originally filmed in colour using an 8mm film camera, they have no sound. The films provide insight into the McLean family in Burnaby, their daily activities, celebrations and travels during the 1960s.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1961-1970
Collection/Fonds
George H.F. McLean fonds
Physical Description
6 optical discs
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
Open access
Accession Number
2014-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of 23 short film segments on 6 DVDs. The films were originally filmed in colour using an 8mm film camera, they have no sound. The films provide insight into the McLean family in Burnaby, their daily activities, celebrations and travels during the 1960s.
History
George Henry Foster McLean was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in 1925 and lived with his family at their home located at the corner of Nelson and Burrard Streets in Vancouver. In 1942, at the age of 16, George enlisted with the Royal Navy at the HMCS Discovery located off Stanley Park. By the end of the war, he had been awarded numerous medals and awards, including the Italian Star, North African Star and the France/Germany Star and Malta Star. After the war, George returned to Canada, settling in Burnaby with his wife Edna. Together, the couple raised five children while George maintained a life of public service, becoming the Director of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1946, continuing his involvement until 1957. Following this, he was elected to Burnaby Municipal Council, serving as an alderman for 18 years, as Burnaby Parks Commissioner for 14 years, and as Burnaby Planning Commissioner for eight years. He also served on several civic committees including the Lower Mainland Planning Board, the Greater Vancouver Regional District Planning Committee, and the Greater Vancouver Regional District Water and Sewer Board. In his role as parks commissioner, he fostered the expansion of the Burnaby Parks system as well as the Burnaby Parkland Acquisition Program. George also found time for coaching sports such as minor hockey and softball and was an active member in community organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, the Rotary Club, and the Burnaby Hospital Society. In 1987, George retired from municipal politics and was honoured in 1989 by the Burnaby Municipal Council, when he was bestowed the title of Freeman for the Municipality. George continued his commitment to public service and became an active participant in the Memory Project, sponsored by Veteran Affairs of Canada, to help bring history home to schoolchildren, sharing his wartime experiences with younger generations. He also participated in a project entitled From the Heart: The Freeman Legacy, which was a collaboration between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University. A feature film was produced as one element of the larger multimedia project and was broadcast nationally in 2007. In 2010, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission extended permanent recognition to Freeman George H.F. McLean by changing the name of Inman Green Park to George McLean Park in his honour. In his private life, George took pride in spending time with his family and was a successful businessman. George was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 83, The Burnaby Kingsway Rotary Club, and the Burnaby Hospital Society, and enjoyed working in his organic garden in his free time. George H.F. McLean died on May 7, 2015.
Media Type
Moving Images
Photographer
McLean, George H.F.
Creator
McLean, George H.F.
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo/MI catalogue 567
Less detail

LaFavor Family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription72548
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[191-]; 1953-1955
Collection/Fonds
LaFavor Family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
0.5 cm. of textual records (newsprint) and 59 photographs : sepia postcards ; 8 x 13 cm
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographic postcards (some are duplications) depicting the village of Barnet in Burnaby along with newspaper clippings pertaining to Barnet Village from the 1950s.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[191-]; 1953-1955
Collection/Fonds
LaFavor Family fonds
Physical Description
0.5 cm. of textual records (newsprint) and 59 photographs : sepia postcards ; 8 x 13 cm
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2007-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographic postcards (some are duplications) depicting the village of Barnet in Burnaby along with newspaper clippings pertaining to Barnet Village from the 1950s.
History
Orville Glen LaFavor was born in Willow City, North Dakota, on May 31, 1903, to Harvey M. LaFavor. On April 20, 1924, Orville married Cathryn Arlou "Kate" Lewis. In that same year, Orville and Kate moved to Barnet Village to join Harvey and his wife. Orville and Kate had five children who were all born in Barnet: Lewis in September 1925, Irene in December 1927, Clyde Martin in July 1930, Florence Alice in March 1933 and Cathryn Bernice on April 24, 1934. Orville worked as a trimmer for the Barnet Lumber Company. He and his family lived at Number 10 on the Barnet property. In 1924, he began working at the mills and retired in 1960. During the war, he made blackout blinds and worked as a warden or home guard in Vancouver. Kate LaFavor stayed at home to look after the five children. All of the children went to Barnet School until grade five, when they had to bus up to Capitol Hill in North Burnaby. Once evictions began in Barnet in 1953, Orville bought the house from the municipality and moved it to Port Coquitlam. Orville's brother, Vern Victor LaFavor, married Irene Winnifred "Winnie" Warner on August 6, 1928. Clyde and Lou LaFavor also worked in the mill. Fred Marshall and his brother Roy Marshall lived and worked at the mill and were uncles to the LaFavor children. Harvey, the grandfather of the children, worked as a millwright and had a section in the village for gardening, which he tended to regularly. He had horses that worked with him at the mill and later on the construction of Barnet Road, allowing him to make money during the Depression. During a strike for higher wages at the Barnet Sawmill, Harvey was badly beaten. Murray Glen "Bud" LaFavor was born on December 13, 1944, in New Westminster. He had four sisters: Irene, Catherine, Carol, and Rene. He worked as a volunteer fireman for 25 years and was employed by the District of 100 Mile House. He died in 2009. Lewis LaFavor, son of Orville and Kate, joined the navy and survied World War II. Catherine Bernice (LaFavor) Nelson, daughter of Orville and Kate, died July 7, 2011, in Nelson, British Columbia.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
LaFavor family
Notes
Photo catalogue 540, MSS166
Less detail

Yanko family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription74502
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1917-2010
Collection/Fonds
Yanko family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
4 albums (1272 photographs : b&w and col.) and other material
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of four photographic albums, two scrapbooks, one guestbook, one recipe notebook, 19 loose photographs, and 1 cm of other textual records pertaining to the Yanko family. Included are photographs depicting the building of the Yanko family home at 7391 Broadway, Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1917-2010
Collection/Fonds
Yanko family fonds
Physical Description
4 albums (1272 photographs : b&w and col.) and other material
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2012-09
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of four photographic albums, two scrapbooks, one guestbook, one recipe notebook, 19 loose photographs, and 1 cm of other textual records pertaining to the Yanko family. Included are photographs depicting the building of the Yanko family home at 7391 Broadway, Burnaby.
History
Annie D. Basiuk (later Yanko) was born on February 25, 1902, in Sheho, Saskatchewan (formerly Sheho, North West Territories). Daniel "Dan" Yanko was born in Kobyl'nya, Ukraine, in 1887, and immigrated to Canada in May or June of 1905. Dan married Annie D. Basiuk and they had 13 children together. Their son, John Ivan Yanko, was born on the family farm, near Kelliher, Saskatchewan, on June 27, 1923. In grade six, John was pulled out of school to help support the family. Eugenia “Jenny” Haresomovych (later Carman) was born August 8, 1904, in Galecia, Austria. She came to Canada in 1928, when her parents sent her to live with the Austrian consular in Halifax. A year later, she was in The Pas with Albert Edward Carman, with whom she would have three children. Their daughter, Leida Doria "Lillian Doris" Carman, was born in The Pas, Manitoba, on March 24, 1929. Jenny later re-married Joseph Nagy who was born in Hungary in October 3, 1900. Jenny, Joseph, and the children moved to Nelson, British Columbia, where Joseph worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway. At the age of 20, John Ivan Yanko met his future wife, Lillian Doris, while visiting relatives in Burnaby. Lillian received a rail pass because of her dad’s employment with the CPR and, at 14, had gone to visit her godmother in Burnaby. John and Lillian Doris were married on October 16, 1948, in Nelson, British Columbia, and moved into the basement of John’s sister’s house on Union Street. Lillian began working at the downtown Woodward’s store as a cashier in 1948. In 1950, the young couple bought property at 7385 (later renumbered 7391) Broadway in Burnaby and began constructing a house as they could afford it. Knowing she’d be let go if she was pregnant, when Lillian was expecting her first child, Jenny sewed her several versions of the same outfit; they all used the same material, but each was a little bit larger than the last to accommodate her expanding girth. Rhonda, born in 1953, and Charmaine, born in 1955, grew up in the Broadway home. They attended school at Sperling Elementary, and later at Burnaby North High School. Lillian left her job to be a stay-at-home mom when Rhonda was born, but that changed in 1963 when John and Charmaine were in a car accident that left John temporarily unable to work. Joseph Nagy died on April 20, 1962; his wife Jenny passed away on August 14, 1985. Dan died in 1976; his wife Annie died in 1997. John later returned to work, establishing his own tile-setting business and working until age 82. John and Lillian lived out the rest of their married lives on the Broadway property. John passed away in 2010; his wife Lillian Doris passed away in 2011.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Yanko family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS170, photo catalogue 545
Less detail

Brainerd family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription76949
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1926-1958; 2013
Collection/Fonds
Brainerd family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
1 cm. of textual records + 4 photographs (copy-print)
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of receipts, agreements, and registry letter for family home on Harwood Street, along with an election slip, a labour publication, and a propaganda leaflet related to Lawrence Brainerd, as well as a newspaper clipping from 2013 and photocopied and copy-printed early photographs of th…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1926-1958; 2013
Collection/Fonds
Brainerd family fonds
Physical Description
1 cm. of textual records + 4 photographs (copy-print)
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2013-05
2013-06
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of receipts, agreements, and registry letter for family home on Harwood Street, along with an election slip, a labour publication, and a propaganda leaflet related to Lawrence Brainerd, as well as a newspaper clipping from 2013 and photocopied and copy-printed early photographs of the family.
History
Lawrence and Violet Brainerd came to Vancouver in 1925 or 1926. Lawrence purchased a small house on Harwood Street in North Burnaby for his wife and two children from her previous marriage. Roy Brainerd was born in 1928 at Royal Columbian Hospital. His sister Patricia Brainerd (later White) was born in 1931, also at Royal Columbian Hospital. Lawrence rebuilt and renovated the house to fit his growing family, planting abundant vegetable gardens and building a chicken coop, and paid off his taxes by doing roadwork for the municipality. Violet Brainerd supplemented her family's income by doing in-home nursing, as she'd been a nurse in France during the war. Roy Brainerd started at Douglas Road School in 1934 and then attended Hugh M. Fraser High School. Roy left his high school at 15 to work for Snap-On Tools, working his way up from pushing a broom to becoming a branch manager. He retired in 1983 after 41 years of service. Together with his wife, Carol, Roy raised three daughters.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Brainerd family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS172, photo catalogue 551
Less detail

Stiglish family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77186
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1943]-1970 (date of originals), digitally copied 2013
Collection/Fonds
Stiglish family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
7 photographs (b&w copy-print) + 5 p. of textual records
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of copy-printed early photographs of the F.J. Stiglish family and their mushroom farm and a file of food and gardening pamphlets.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1943]-1970 (date of originals), digitally copied 2013
Collection/Fonds
Stiglish family fonds
Physical Description
7 photographs (b&w copy-print) + 5 p. of textual records
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2013-07
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of copy-printed early photographs of the F.J. Stiglish family and their mushroom farm and a file of food and gardening pamphlets.
History
F.J. "Jack" Stiglish (originally spelt Stiglich) and his wife bought a Burnaby home in 1943 at Keswick Street, just south of the Lougheed Highway, and took up mushroom farming. Jack decided to change the spelling of the family's surname when he went into business because people seemed to be having trouble discerning the 'ich' sound at the end of "Stiglich," so it became "Stiglish". By the time their daughter Diane was born five years later in New Westminster, the F.J. Stiglish mushroom farm was an established business. Mushrooms grown at the F.J. Stiglish farm were sent off to Money’s Mushrooms to be packaged and retailed. Later, mushroom growers bought out Money’s to form the Fraser Valley Mushroom Growers Co-op and nominated Jack as their first president. Jack then entered a float in the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) parade and set up a mushroom booth at the fair. In 1969, Jack sold the mushroom farm and he and his wife moved next to their trailer court business just down the road. Jack's son Allan Stiglich (his family name returned to the original spelling) moved to Langley to open a large mushroom farm of his own, which he established with the help of his father. Diane began a career with BC Tel.
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Creator
Stiglish family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 552
Less detail

Montgomery family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription77525
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927-1962
Collection/Fonds
Montgomery family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
21 photographs : b&w
Scope and Content
Fonds consists mainly of photographs taken outside the Cunningham house which depict members of both the Montgomery and Cunningham families.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1927-1962
Collection/Fonds
Montgomery family fonds
Physical Description
21 photographs : b&w
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2013-09
2013-04
Scope and Content
Fonds consists mainly of photographs taken outside the Cunningham house which depict members of both the Montgomery and Cunningham families.
History
Samuel Clifford “Monty” Montgomery was born on July 24, 1894, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He studied Mechanical Engineering at McGill University in Montreal before serving in World War I. After the war, Monty came out west to Vancouver. Marjorie Elizabeth Carpenter was born on May 5, 1900, in Montreal, Quebec. She studied to be a teacher before moving out west with her sister Mildred Carpenter, brother Harold Carpenter, and widowed mother Claire Carpenter in 1920. Marjorie trained to be a nurse from 1920 to 1923 when she moved to Hawaii with her sister and mother. While living in separate countries, Monty and Marjorie courted through correspondence. On July 16, 1927, Monty and Marjorie were married in Hawaii. The couple had two daughters, Margery Kathleen “Kathleen” Montgomery (later Green) born in 1928 and Janet Montgomery (later Fernau) born in 1934. Monty met Fred Cunningham when they were young men. Monty is believed to have helped in the design of the Fred and Edna Cunningham house built in 1923 at 3555 Douglas Road in Burnaby. From 1926 to 1930, both Fred and Monty were working in Ocean Falls, British Columbia. Monty was working at a mill and Fred was an insurance agent. Marjorie (Carpenter) Montgomery was ill with tuberculosis during this time, so their only daughter at the time, Kathleen, was sent to live with Edna Cunningham in Burnaby from the spring of 1929 to the fall of 1930. Though the Montgomery family had settled in Rossland, British Columbia, they would make frequent trips to Vancouver to visit the Cunninghams. Kathleen met Lewis Green in Vancouver and on September 16, 1950, they were married. Their wedding reception was held at the Cunningham’s house. They lived most of their married lives in Vancouver, and each month Kathleen would visit her ‘Aunty’ Edna Cunningham. Janet would visit her ‘Aunty' Edna each week; later she moved permanently to the United Kingdom. The Cunningham and Montgomery families have remained close friends over generations.
Media Type
Photograph
Creator
Montgomery family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 554
Less detail

Hill family and Vidal family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription82116
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1850-1983]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
255 photographs : b&w and sepia and 9.5 cm of textual records : ill. (some col.)
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs and textual records from the Vidal and Hill family. Textual records include handwritten family trees, typed and handwritten biographical information of the Jones, Wright, Hyde, Vidal, and Hill families, copies of photographic prints, published works by J. H. Vidal and …
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[1850-1983]
Collection/Fonds
Hill family and Vidal family fonds
Physical Description
255 photographs : b&w and sepia and 9.5 cm of textual records : ill. (some col.)
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
2013-03
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of photographs and textual records from the Vidal and Hill family. Textual records include handwritten family trees, typed and handwritten biographical information of the Jones, Wright, Hyde, Vidal, and Hill families, copies of photographic prints, published works by J. H. Vidal and William Cowper, newspaper clippings, and a New Testament.
History
Minard Gerald “Gerry” Hill was born in Burnaby on July 31, 1893, to Marian (nee Berkeley) and Bernard Richard Hill. Marian was born in London, England. Bernard Hill, born in Bengal, India, in 1858 to Sir Richard Hill and Jane Ann (nee Rollinson) where his father worked for the East Indian Railway, was one of the early inhabitants of Burnaby. Despite their years of training as engineers, Bernard, along with his brother, Louis Claude Hill, became strawberry farmers and owned all the land between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake where Deer Creek runs, and halfway around Deer Lake. Bernard built his family home at Douglas Road near Deer Lake in 1892. After the decline in the strawberry industry, Bernard worked as a surveyor for the municipality. Bernard also served as a Burnaby trustee and as councilor of Burnaby in 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1909. Bernard and Marian had four children: A. Claude (born in England around 1885, married Marion “Mamie”), Frank L., Winnifred “Winnie” L., and Gerry. Gerry attended Miss Harriet Woodward’s kindergarten class, and went on to Edmonds School with Miss Ellen Lister as his teacher. He later went to Central High School in New Westminster, often on horseback. Gerry served in World War I, signing his recruitment papers on November 9, 1914. When he returned home, he worked felling trees, then as an apprentice surveyor and finally as a carpenter. His father, Bernard, died in Burnaby on March 27, 1939, at the age of 80. Bernard's brother, Louis, was one of the first members elected to the Burnaby council and served in 1892, 1893, 1894, and again from 1909-1910. Louis, born in 1860, married Annie Sarah Kendrick (born in 1896) and they moved to the Burnaby Lake area in the early 1890s. Together they had one child, Katherine “Kitty” Maude, born in 1898. The first Hill family home, “Brookfield,” was sold around 1907 and the family moved to their new home, “Broadview,” which was also built in the vicinity of Deer Lake. Kitty, their only child, married William “Bob” John Peers in 1925 and they went on to have three children: Robert C.K., Barbara (later Barbara Jeffrey), and Anne (later Anne Latham). Charlotte Elizabeth Vidal was born in 1897 in the United States to Louisa Sophia (nee Jones) and Herbert P. Vidal. Louisa Vidal (1871-1943) was a descendent of Jones of Exeter of England and the House of Llanio Cardigan of Wales. Herbert Vidal (1868-1934)’s father was Alexander Vidal (1819-1906). Alexander Vidal, born in Brocknell, England, immigrated to Upper Canada in 1835 and later served as a senator of Canada from 1873 to 1906. He married Catherine Louisa Wright, the daughter of Capt. William Elliot Wright. Both of Charlotte’s parents, Louisa and Herbert, were born in Ontario. Charlotte Vidal was sister to Dorothy Kate and Alexander E. E. Vidal. Gerry Hill (aged 27) and Charlotte E. Vidal (aged 23) married on September 28, 1920, in Vancouver. Gerry built a house for him and his wife about a thousand feet from his parents’ home. He also bought property at Yellow Point on Vancouver Island around this time. By the early 1930s, Gerry had moved to Yellow Point permanently and begun building the Yellow Point Lodge. Gerry and Charlotte bore three children: David, Lesley C. (born in 1929), and Gerald. Gerry was later remarried to Elizabeth (nee Holen) and had one child: Richard Grant McEwan Hill, born in Ladysmith. Lesley married M. Clarke and had two boys: Roy and Graham. She later married B. Durban and had four boys: Patrick, Michael, Gary, and Grant. Charlotte died on February 11, 1984, at the age of 87. Gerry died on January 30, 1988, in Ladysmith at the age of 93.
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Creator
Hill Family
Vidal family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 550, MSS176
Less detail

Allan Amundsen collection

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription84878
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1960-1964
Collection/Fonds
Allan Amundsen collection
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
38 photographs : b&w ; 22.5 x 22.5 cm + 1 photograph : b&w (lasercopy) + 1 p. of textual records
Scope and Content
Fonds comprises aerial photographs and related material used as teaching aids for Geography 12 night school classes at Burnaby Central School. Aerial photographs were taken on the same flight path causing an overlapping of images in most cases to the east or the west.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1960-1964
Collection/Fonds
Allan Amundsen collection
Physical Description
38 photographs : b&w ; 22.5 x 22.5 cm + 1 photograph : b&w (lasercopy) + 1 p. of textual records
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
In Archives only
Reproduction Restriction
No reproduction permitted
Accession Number
2014-08
Scope and Content
Fonds comprises aerial photographs and related material used as teaching aids for Geography 12 night school classes at Burnaby Central School. Aerial photographs were taken on the same flight path causing an overlapping of images in most cases to the east or the west.
History
Allan Amundsen was born in South Burnaby, graduated from Burnaby North Secondary School in 1966 and moved later to Sullivan Heights. Allan was a secondary school teacher who began his teaching career in 1972 and taught at Kitslano, David Thompson, Burnaby Central and night school from 1977- 2011.
Media Type
Textual Record
Photograph
Creator
Amundsen, Allan
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo catalogue 561, MSS178
Less detail

Sadie Clark fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription84923
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1951-1988
Collection/Fonds
Sadie Clark fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
1 cm. of textual records.
Scope and Content
Fonds comprises one school annual for Burnaby South High School (1951) and two copies of a bound book titled, "94 Years of Memories / Edmonds / 1894-1988".
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1951-1988
Collection/Fonds
Sadie Clark fonds
Physical Description
1 cm. of textual records.
Description Level
Fonds
Accession Number
2014-10
Scope and Content
Fonds comprises one school annual for Burnaby South High School (1951) and two copies of a bound book titled, "94 Years of Memories / Edmonds / 1894-1988".
History
Sadie Anna Holen was born in Burnaby in 1936. Sadie was the third child of Peter Emmanual and Emmy Elida (Selin) Holen and sister to Janet (later Curtis) and Gladys (later Winbow). The family lived in a house on Stride Avenue (where the BC Hydro building is now located). While living at this location, Sadie attended Stride Avenue Elementary, Edmonds Street School, and Burnaby South High School. In 1957, Sadie married Ed Esau and moved to Surrey where they raised their two children, Brian and Karen (later Sapach). In 1990, Sadie married Ken Clark and moved to Langley. Sadie Anna (Holen) (Esau) Clark passed away in 2010.
Media Type
Textual Record
Creator
Clark, Sadie Anna Holen Esau
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS180
Less detail

South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription84942
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1957-2001
Collection/Fonds
South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
52 cm. of textual records + 129 photographs (113 photographs : col. negatives, 35 mm ; 12 photographs : col. negatives, 15 mm ; 5 photograph : col., 15 x 10 cm) + 3 moving images (2 film reel (100 ft.) : kodak kodachrome, col., [sd.], 8mm ; 1 film reel (50 ft.) : kodak kodachrome, col., no sound ; 8mm).
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of all records generated by the South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool between 1957-2001 during their operational functions under the Societies Act.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1957-2001
Collection/Fonds
South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool fonds
Physical Description
52 cm. of textual records + 129 photographs (113 photographs : col. negatives, 35 mm ; 12 photographs : col. negatives, 15 mm ; 5 photograph : col., 15 x 10 cm) + 3 moving images (2 film reel (100 ft.) : kodak kodachrome, col., [sd.], 8mm ; 1 film reel (50 ft.) : kodak kodachrome, col., no sound ; 8mm).
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
In Archives only
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Accession Number
2014-06
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of all records generated by the South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool between 1957-2001 during their operational functions under the Societies Act.
History
The South Burnaby United Church Cooperative Play group was formed as a society under the Societies Act in September 1954 when a group of parents in Burnaby decided to create a parent participation and cooperative preschool for children age three to five. The preschool was located at the South Burnaby United Church, 7551 Gray Avenue in Burnaby. The society hired early childhood educators, offering preschool classes in the mornings. In 1961, the preschool expanded in offering classes in both mornings and afternoons. In 1959, they changed their name to South Burnaby Cooperative Preschool Group. In the 1970s, they were also known as the South Burnaby Nursery School and The South Burnaby Cooperative Nursery School Group. They later rebranded in the 1980s as the South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool and were also known as the South Burnaby Preschool. The preschool was based on the following principles in their constitution: a) To promote principles of preschool education in which children through play develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually; b) To provide a high standard of preschool education in which children through play develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually; c) To encourage and facilitate opportunities for parents to observe and learn about the development, needs and behavior of children; and d) To do everything incidental and necessary to promote and attain the foregoing objects. Presidents of the Society included: Helen Gray (1957-1958); Dorothy Lyeler (1958-1959); G.L. Bancroft; Helen Stone (1959-1960); Carol Jane Gray (1969-1970); Nancy Gordon (1970-1971); Barbara Spitz (1971-1972); Debby Fry (1976-1977); Jill Johneox (1977-1978); Nancy Lewis (1980-1981); Nancy Lewis (1983-1984); Lynda Walsh (1984-1985); Margaret Stevens (1985-1986); Nina Crowe (1987-1988); Carol McRae and Cathy Lauzon (1988-1989); Tracy Sawatzky (1996-1997); Shelley Molarni and Charmaine Calbick (1997-1998); Kathie Owen (1999-2000); and Susie Jackson (2001-2002). The first supervisor was Rhoda Darnbrough (1954-1981). All parents who had children enrolled in the preschool were responsible for the administration and staffing of the preschool under the guidance of a qualified preschool teacher. Parents occupied positions on the executive, assisting in the general administration and helping out in the classroom under the guidance of the supervising teacher. The society was an active member of the Council of Parent Participation Preschools in B.C., which was established in 1960 as The Association of Cooperative Pre School Groups, and adhered to the Council's statements of standards and common practices. Members from the preschool executive sat on the South Burnaby executive of the CPPPBC. Salaries were paid to educators in accordance with the Parent Participation Preschool Teachers' Association. In 1958, the preschool was chosen by the Play Groups Association of BC as an Observation Centre and was selected for many years following. The preschool participated in fundraising activities and was granted Gaming/Casino funding to help purchase supplies and furnishings for their facility. The preschool closed in 2001.
Media Type
Photograph
Textual Record
Moving Images
Creator
South Burnaby Parent Participation Preschool
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
MSS181, photo/MI catalogue 563
Less detail

Digney Family fonds

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription85415
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1936-19[61]
Collection/Fonds
Digney Family fonds
Description Level
Fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Dign…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1936-19[61]
Collection/Fonds
Digney Family fonds
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w + 1 film reel : col. ; 16mm + 7 optical discs (DVDs) + 1 portable drive
Description Level
Fonds
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
May be restricted by third party rights
Scope and Content
Fonds consists of a reel of film (digitized into four segments) created by Andy Digney; a panorama photograph of the Digney Pee-Wee Bowling League from 1958 or 1959; and 18 film segments on DVD that were originally created by Andy Digney between 1934 and 1961 and digitized by his grandson Paul Digney in 2012. The 16mm film is divided into the following segments: the Oak Theatre in 1936 (construction and opening); the Royal Visit (from the King and Queen) in 1939; Burnaby Sports and May Day events (ca. 1937); and the Labour parade (ca. 1935). The 18 film segments contain footage of the Digney family at their home in Brandon, Manitoba, and Burnaby; views of the Oak Theatre and Digney Speedway in operation; and their travels throughout British Columbia and abroad. The 18 film segments are described at the item level and titled: Andy's first film; Brandon, Manitoba; Burnaby and Digney recreational events; Trip to Kamloops; Burnaby; Burnaby, Vancouver and the north shore; Galiano Island, Oak Theatre and Calgary; Travels to Ontario, Quebec and England; Travels to England #2; Travels to England #3; Parades; Digney family in Burnaby; Paul Digney and family; Digney family and the Oak Theatre gardens; Digney family at Bonsor Avenue and family outings; Building and opening the Digney Speedway; Digney family travel the praries; and San Francisco Trip.
History
Andy Digney was born in London, England, on July 27, 1886. His given names were Andrew Charles. In 1905, he immigrated with his elder brother to Raymore, Saskatchewan, and worked on a farm. In 1914, he met and married Alice Swan and in 1920 they had their one and only child, Ernest ('Dig'). The young family lived in Beatty, Saskatchewan, where they ran a small general store with a pool hall over the top. Andy sold the store and they moved to Carberry, Manitoba, where Andy worked selling lightning rods and hanging wallpaper. At this time, he met and formed a partnership with someone who owned a hand cranked move projector and in the evenings, he and his wife traveled to church halls in neighbouring towns, showing movies. Eventually, Digney purchased his own movie projector and opened a small theatre in Carberry. He worked odd jobs during the daytime and projected movies in his small theatre at night. Eventually he made enough money to move to Brandon, Manitoba, where he purchased a restaurant, which he turned into a theatre with living quarters above. Andy called the theatre 'The Oak' since the mighty oak was strong and stood forever. After starting the first Oak Theatre in Brandon, Manitoba, when talking pictures came along, Andy Digney, his wife Alice and son Ernest ('Dig') moved to Burnaby in 1935 and chose the site of their new theatre and home at the corner of Kingsway and Marlborough. The Oak Theatre - which opened on August 4, 1937 - was hailed as an artistic masterpiece for its ultra modern white stucco exterior, floodlights and pink-and-green neon marquee. The interior featured a mirrored ceiling, fireplace, and aquarium and had a colour scheme of orchid, royal blue, silver and black. Andy was a very involved member of the Burnaby community, becoming the founding president of the Lion's club and the chairman of the committee raising money for war bonds during World War II. In 1944, Andy suffered a severe heart attack, forcing him to retire, so in 1945, he sold the theatre to Odeon Theatres of Canada who continued to operate at this location until 1968 when competition forced its closure and demolition. Andy and his family relocated to a home on Bonsor Avenue on 3/4 acres where he spent much of his time cultivating a lovely garden. In about 1946, Andy was approached by the B.C. Midget Auto Racing Association [original name retained for historical accuracy], who were looking for a good location to race the smaller racing cars popular at the time. Andy was interested and purchased 10 acres of property located near the corner of Irmin Street and MacPherson Avenue and built a race track. The Digney Speedway opened on July 8, 1948, with stands that had capacity of holding 4500 people. In 1949, when the popularity of this kind of racing declined, Digney started racing roadsters. However, he struggled to find local drivers, and it was expensive to bring in drivers from elsewhere. In 1951, Digney found a winner: jalopy racing. Local men would buy 1930s cars and strip them down, remove the glass, and weld the doors shut. By early 1952 over 40 cars were showing up for jalopy races. By the early 1950s, the Speedway was well established, with coverage in the sports pages and on radio. Andy's son Dig worked at the race track but moved away with his wife in 1951 to work in Seattle. Dig and his wife Joyce, along with their two young sons, Paul and Bruce, returned to Burnaby in 1953, moving into a 550-square-foot apartment located above the Digney Speedway restrooms. In 1954, Simpson Sears built a large store on Kingsway and their parking lot came up to the back garden of the family home on Bonsor Avenue. Andy thought of building small stores on his property but in the end decided to build a bowling alley, clearing out his beautiful garden. The Digney Bowl opened on August 19, 1955, and Andy, Alice, Dig, and Joyce all worked at both the Speedway and the bowling alley. In 1956, Andy decided to finally retire and sold the bowling alley and home to his son Dig, which he paid for over time. Dig and his family moved into the house on Bonsor Avenue and ran the bowling alley until their son Bruce took over in 1980. Andy Digney died in 1964 while travelling with his wife in England. Alice died on June 3, 1982, and Dig died on November 27, 2009.
Media Type
Moving Images
Photographer
Digney, Andy
Creator
Digney family
Notes
Title based on contents of fonds
Photo/MI catalogue 562
Less detail

103 records – page 1 of 6.