17 records – page 1 of 1.

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 2

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory252
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1955
Length
0:06:06
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's memories of constructing a mill for Simpson & Giberson and of working on homes for himself, Angus McLean and Percy Little in the Lochdale area. He discusses the strike at Barnet mill and reads an essay written by Grace E. Carpenter. Land clear…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's memories of constructing a mill for Simpson & Giberson and of working on homes for himself, Angus McLean and Percy Little in the Lochdale area. He discusses the strike at Barnet mill and reads an essay written by Grace E. Carpenter. Land clearing is described in detail. Alfred also relates a story from 1920 involving early settlers E. Powell and J. Amos.
Date Range
1919-1955
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:06:06
Subjects
Land Clearing
Buildings - Industrial - Mills
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Scope and Content
Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
Total Tracks
12
Total Length
1:38:06
Interviewee Name
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
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 two of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

Less detail

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 6

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory256
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1939
Length
0:09:06
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's description of Commissioner Fraser taking power in Burnaby. Alfred mentions the Burnaby Housing Committee and the Willingdon Heights Subdivision before beginning reading his series of short stories. He reads "I ARRIVE IN BURNABY AND WE BUILD A…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's description of Commissioner Fraser taking power in Burnaby. Alfred mentions the Burnaby Housing Committee and the Willingdon Heights Subdivision before beginning reading his series of short stories. He reads "I ARRIVE IN BURNABY AND WE BUILD A SHINGLE MILL/ 1919/ Burnaby Lake" as well as "WE BUILD A HOME AND DIG A WELL. 1920", both written in 1963.
Date Range
1919-1939
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:09:06
Subjects
Organizations
Buildings - Industrial - Mills
Historic Neighbourhood
Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
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 six of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

Less detail

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 7

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory257
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1939
Length
0:09:44
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's continuation of reading his series of short stories. He reads "WHAT THE LOCHDALE DISTRICT LOOKED LIKE IN 1919-20-21-22" and "1st and SECOND SETTLERS IN THE LOCHDALE DISTRICT" 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 "WHAT THE LOCHDALE DISTRICT LOOKED LIKE IN 1919-20-21-22" and "1st and SECOND SETTLERS IN THE LOCHDALE DISTRICT" both written in 1963.
Date Range
1919-1939
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:09:44
Subjects
Land Clearing
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Burnaby Mountain Area
Scope and Content
Recording is of Alfred Bingham's writings, as read by Alfred Bingham. Major themes discussed are: Pioneers, early days in Burnaby and the Co-op Movement. To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
Biographical Notes
Alfred "Alf" Bingham was born in England in 1892 and moved to Canada in 1912. His first job in Canada was laying track for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) from Edmonton to McBride in 1912. His second was in Vancouver at the Rat Portage Mill on False Creek, working on the Resaw machine. He quit after one week due to poor working conditions. After taking part in the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike as a delegate of the Retail and Mailorder Union (A.F.L.) on the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council, Alfred moved to Burnaby where he and fellow Burnaby residents Aungus McLean and Percy Little worked ten hour days to build a Shingle Mill on the edge of Burnaby Lake for Simpson & Giberson. George Green, carpenter and millwright (author of “The History of Burnaby”) also helped in the construction of the mill. Alfred built his own home from lumber cut from the mill in the Lochdale area on Sherlock Street between Curtis Street and Kitchener Street. On April 10, 1920 Alfred married Mary Jane “Ada” Reynolds. Alfred and Ada often took in foster children during their marriage. Due to her nursing experience, Ada was often called upon to deliver babies in the Burnaby area. Alfred and Ada Bingham were instrumental members of the Army of the Common Good, collecting vegetables and grains from growers in the area and even producing over 125 tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed children and youth suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The army was in operation for ten years and during that time the members organised the Credit Union movement of British Columbia and drew up the Credit Union act thorough the Vancouver Co-operative Council. They also started Co-Op stores and the Co-Op Wholesale Society. Alfred was also Secretary of the Burnaby Housing committee and in 1946 he became the Secretary of the North Burnaby Labour Progressive Party (LPP). Mary Jane “Ada” (Reynolds) Bingham died on August 9, 1969. Her husband Alfred died on April 29, 1979.
Total Tracks
12
Total Length
1:38:06
Interviewee Name
Bingham, Alfred "Alf"
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
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 seven of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

Less detail

Alfred Bingham's writings - Track 10

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory260
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1919-1939
Length
0:06:51
Summary
This portion of the recording includes Alfred Bingham's continuation of reading his series of short stories. He reads; "OUR HOUSE BURNS DOWN. 1922. Sherlock and Kitchener." that he wrote in 1963. Alfred reads "The Story of the Burnaby Giants of long ago" written by Eloise Street, published in the I…
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; "OUR HOUSE BURNS DOWN. 1922. Sherlock and Kitchener." that he wrote in 1963. Alfred reads "The Story of the Burnaby Giants of long ago" written by Eloise Street, published in the Indian Time Magazine March, 1954.
Date Range
1919-1939
Photo Info
Alfred Bingham, April 20, 1947. Item no. 010-066
Length
0:06:51
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
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 ten of recording of Alfred Bingham's writings

Less detail

Gavin house

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36002
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Gavin house located on Buckingham Road at Sperling. The house was designed by architect A.C. Hope and built for Francis John Gavin and his family.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1912
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Gavin family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 8.5 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
209-001
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-09
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Gavin house located on Buckingham Road at Sperling. The house was designed by architect A.C. Hope and built for Francis John Gavin and his family.
Subjects
Buildings - Residential - Houses
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Buckingham Avenue
Sperling Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sperling-Broadway Area
Images
Less detail

Hastings Grove Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark746
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1905-1924
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1905-1924
Heritage Value
During the height of the real estate boom between 1909 and 1913, Vancouver developer Frederick Munson plotted the subdivision of more than 150 acres of land on Curtis Street east of Sperling Avenue, on the newly logged slopes of remote Burnaby Mountain. Burnaby opened up Curtis Street to facilitate access to Hastings Grove and Munson agreed to pay one-third of the cost but never did. He also paid only $1000.00 down on the agreed price of the land. When he failed to make further payments, the mortgage holders foreclosed and re-sold the properties. People who had bought lots from Munson lost not only the land they though they owned, but also the money they had paid for it. Hastings Grove was a disaster. The converted automobile - which served as the bus - stopped running. The few houses and most of the lots reverted to the Municipality because of non-payment of taxes and are now part of Burnaby Mountain Park. The only remaining building is the old Hastings Grove Store which still stands as an apartment building.
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
Less detail

In front of Duthie School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37159
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1911 and 1919]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man with surveyor equipment sitting on the wooden sidewalk in front of Duthie School (also called Johnston Road School). This school existed from 1909 to 1921.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1911 and 1919]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Disney family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 x 8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
325-031
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1996-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of a man with surveyor equipment sitting on the wooden sidewalk in front of Duthie School (also called Johnston Road School). This school existed from 1909 to 1921.
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Names
Duthie School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Disney, John Harold "Jack"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Broadway
Sperling Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sperling-Broadway Area
Images
Less detail

Interview with Maureen Olofson by Kathy Bossort October 14, 2015 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory569
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1906-1950
Length
0:09:08
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s parents immigration to Saskatchewan, her mother Kerstin in 1912 and father Axel in 1928, Maureen’s birth on a trip to Sweden in 1938, and her family’s move to Burnaby in 1942 and the start of their mink ranch, the GAK Fur Farm, near Curtis Av…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Maureen Olofson’s parents immigration to Saskatchewan, her mother Kerstin in 1912 and father Axel in 1928, Maureen’s birth on a trip to Sweden in 1938, and her family’s move to Burnaby in 1942 and the start of their mink ranch, the GAK Fur Farm, near Curtis Avenue in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on Burnaby Mountain.
Date Range
1906-1950
Length
0:09:08
Names
Olofson, Axel
GAK Fur Farm
Skofteby, Gus
Ericksson, Karin
Subjects
Agriculture
Geographic Access
Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Westridge Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
October 14, 2015
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Maureen Olofson conducted by Kathy Bossort. Maureen Olofson was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Maureen Olofson’s memories of growing up on her parent’s Burnaby Mountain mink ranch between 1942 and 1950 and about the operation of the farm. She also talks about her parents’ history, her teaching career, and her thoughts about the beauty and value of Burnaby Mountain’s natural area.
Biographical Notes
Maureen Olofson was born 1938 in Glote, Harjedalen, Sweden, to Axel (1906-1998) and Kerstin Margareta (1906-1980). Axel and Kerstin Olofson, who had separately immigrated to Canada in 1928 and 1913 respectively, married in Canada and then returned to Sweden where Maureen was born. They moved to Burnaby in 1942 with their daughters Maureen and Anita Lea, and bought land and a mink ranch on Burnaby Mountain with their partners Gus Skofteby and Karin Ericksson (Kerstin’s sister). The GAK Fur Farm, located in the old Hastings Grove subdivision on 4th Avenue near Curtis Street, was one of the largest mink ranches in BC, an award winning operation with over 1200 mink animals. In 1950 the partners sold the land and the Olofson family moved to rented homes on Sperling Avenue. In 1952 Axel sold the last of his minks and opened a sporting goods store on Hastings Street. In 1954 the family moved to North Vancouver where Axel Olofson reestablished his sports business. Maureen attended Sperling Avenue School from Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 and Burnaby North High School to Gr. 11, completing school in North Vancouver, before going to UBC where she trained as a teacher. She returned to Burnaby in 1977 to teach, retiring in 1997. She is a volunteer with the Swedish Canadian Rest Home Association and the Dania Homes Society. Maureen continues to enjoy activities on Burnaby Mountain and works toward preserving the natural beauty of the mountain.
Total Tracks
8
Total Length
1:19:04
Interviewee Name
Olofson, B. Maureen
Interview Location
Maureen Olofson'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 one of interview with Maureen Olofson

Less detail

Interview with Reidun Seim by Kathy Bossort January 13, 2016 - Track 1

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory650
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date Range
1904-1940
Length
0:11:22
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two ro…
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Summary
This portion of the interview is about Reidun Seim talking about her father’s immigration to the USA in 1904 at age 16, his return to Norway and marrying Martine, her parents emigration from Norway to Vancouver in 1930, her father’s purchase of an acre of land on Curtis Street and building a two room house for the family, Reidun’s birth in 1931, and the family’s move to Curtis Street in 1932. She talks about her childhood memories of playing on a big stump and cedar log in the yard.
Date Range
1904-1940
Length
0:11:22
Names
Seim, Sjur
Seim, Martine
Subjects
Buildings - Residences - Houses
Land Clearing
Persons - Children
Geographic Access
Curtis Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Interviewer
Bossort, Kathy
Interview Date
January 13, 2016
Scope and Content
Recording is of an interview with Reidun Seim conducted by Kathy Bossort. Reidun Seim was one of 23 participants interviewed as part of the Community Heritage Commission’s Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project. The interview is mainly about Reidun Seim’s memories about her parent’s farm on Curtis Street, events in her childhood, and the people who lived in or visited her neighborhood. She takes us on a tour of her neighborhood in the 1940s, telling us stories about families who lived on Curtis Street on and east of 7300 block, including people who lived on Burnaby Mountain in the old Hastings Grove subdivision above the end of municipal water service at Philips Avenue. She describes changes to Curtis Street, particularly after it provided access to Simon Fraser University in 1965. She also talks about her teaching career, and about how she values the green space and conservation area on Burnaby Mountain.
Biographical Notes
Reidun Seim was born in 1931 in Vancouver B.C. to Sjur and Martine Seim. Sjur and Martine Seim emigrated to Canada from Norway in 1930, and after settling in Vancouver, moved to an acre of land and a new home at the base of Burnaby Mountain in 1932. Sjur attended UBC to learn about poultry farming and began his own chicken and egg business in 1935. The farm animals and large garden also contributed to the family’s livelihood and self-sufficiency. The Curtis Street neighborhood was a lively place and extended well up Curtis Street on the west slope of Burnaby Mountain, where Reidun would babysit for families. Reidun attended Sperling Avenue Elementary School (Gr. 1-8), Burnaby North High School, and Vancouver Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. She began teaching primary grades in Port Coquitlam at James Park School. Most of her career was spent in North Delta, teaching at Kennedy and Annieville schools from 1954-1958, appointed Primary Consultant (1958-1960) and Primary Supervisor (1960-1985), before retiring in 1986. Reidun lived at home with her parents on Curtis Street, commuting to Delta, and continues to live in the original farmhouse.
Total Tracks
14
Total Length
2:35:58
Interviewee Name
Seim, Reidun
Interview Location
Burnaby City Hall in the Law Library
Interviewer Bio
Kathy Bossort is a retired archivist living in Ladner, BC. She worked at the Delta Museum and Archives after graduating from SLAIS (UBC) in 2001 with Masters degrees in library science and archival studies. Kathy grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and, prior to this career change, she lived in the West Kootenays, earning her living as a cook for BC tourist lodges and work camps. She continues to be interested in oral histories as a way to fill the gaps in the written record and bring richer meaning to history.
Collection/Fonds
Community Heritage Commission Special Projects fonds
Series
Burnaby Mountain Oral History Project series
Media Type
Sound Recording
Audio Tracks

Track one of interview with Reidun Seim

Less detail

Johnston Road School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37158
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1911 and 1919]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 12.5 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of Johnston Road School (also called Duthie School) taken from Broadway. This school existed from 1909 to 1921.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
[between 1911 and 1919]
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Disney family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 12.5 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
325-030
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1996-04
Scope and Content
Photograph of Johnston Road School (also called Duthie School) taken from Broadway. This school existed from 1909 to 1921.
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Names
Duthie School
Johnston Road School
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Disney, John Harold "Jack"
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Geographic Access
Broadway
Sperling Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sperling-Broadway Area
Images
Less detail

Lochdale Neighbourhood

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark743
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1905-1924
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1905-1924
Heritage Value
"Picturesquely situated on the south-westerly slope of the highest hill on the Burrard Peninsula is a district that in many ways resembles the early pioneer settlements…its centre is at the intersection of east Hastings Street and Sperling Avenue. Only a few years ago a dense forest covered this area and the settlers were few and some distance apart. After the war working men began to enter the Lochdale woods in quest of cheap home-sites. Today there are more than 400 residents in the district who combine to make a happy contented industrious community living on the edge of a big city yet enjoying the life offered by the country...The Community Hall is the centre of all social activities. Dances, concerts and other forms of entertainment are all there...Curtis Street runs from Sperling Avenue up to the hill, locally known as Hastings Grove. From the top on a clear day there is a view for miles around." ~ From the Sunday Province, March 8, 1925.
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
Less detail

On Curtis Road, North Burnaby

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38854
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1911
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10 cm on page 14 x 17.5 cm (pasted in album)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Claude Hill (right) and E.B. Wentenhall (left) standing on a bridge on Curtis Road in North Burnaby. Both men are holding walking sticks.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1911
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Series
Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 10 cm on page 14 x 17.5 cm (pasted in album)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
477-173
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2007-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Claude Hill (right) and E.B. Wentenhall (left) standing on a bridge on Curtis Road in North Burnaby. Both men are holding walking sticks.
Subjects
Structures - Bridges
Names
Hill, Louis Claude "Claude"
Wentenhall, E.B.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph
Geographic Access
Curtis Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
Less detail

Sperling Avenue and Barnet Road

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription35442
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1915 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Scope and Content
Photograph of a Cadillac full of passengers driving along the plank roadway at Sperling Avenue and Barnet Road.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1915 (date of original), copied 1986
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Pioneer Tales subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : b&w ; 12.7 x 17.8 cm print
Description Level
Item
Record No.
204-300
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-03
Scope and Content
Photograph of a Cadillac full of passengers driving along the plank roadway at Sperling Avenue and Barnet Road.
Subjects
Transportation - Automobiles
Geographic Features - Roads
Media Type
Photograph
Photographer
Eaton, Dr. Carl
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Photograph is believed to be taken by Dr. Carl Eaton
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Barnet Road
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Westridge Area
Images
Less detail

Sperling Avenue School

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark744
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Associated Dates
1914
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Repository
Burnaby Heritage Planning
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Associated Dates
1914
Heritage Value
The Sperling Avenue School was opened in 1914 to service the growing community around the B.C. Electric Company's Pole Line Road (Sperling Avenue). This school replaced the one-room Duthie schoolhouse.
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sperling-Broadway Area
Street Address
2200 Sperling Avenue
Street View URL
Google Maps Street View
Images
Less detail

Sperling Avenue School during construction

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription36027
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1913
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Sperling Avenue School during construction. This was the first school ever built by Bruce Patterson.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1913
Collection/Fonds
Burnaby Historical Society fonds
Series
Community Archives Collection series
Subseries
Patterson family subseries
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia
Description Level
Item
Record No.
213-009
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
BHS1988-13
Scope and Content
Photograph of the Sperling Avenue School during construction. This was the first school ever built by Bruce Patterson.
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Construction
Occupations - Labourers
Names
Patterson Company
Patterson, Bruce
Sperling Avenue School
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on contents of photograph
Hand written note on verso of photograph reads: "1st School Bruce built"
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Street Address
2200 Sperling Avenue
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sperling-Broadway Area
Images
Less detail

Sperling Avenue School site

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription11137
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Date
March 8, 1915
Collection/Fonds
Ronald G. Scobbie collection
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 survey plan : blueprint on paper ; 56 x 54 cm
Scope and Content
Survey plan of "Sperling Avenue School Site / Burnaby Municipality" "Being a 4.11 acre portion of the south half of Block 7 of subd. part of Lot 131, Grroup 1" "New Westminster District".
Repository
Burnaby Village Museum
Collection/Fonds
Ronald G. Scobbie collection
Series
School and church plans series
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 survey plan : blueprint on paper ; 56 x 54 cm
Material Details
Scale 40 feet = 1 inch
Scope and Content
Survey plan of "Sperling Avenue School Site / Burnaby Municipality" "Being a 4.11 acre portion of the south half of Block 7 of subd. part of Lot 131, Grroup 1" "New Westminster District".
Creator
McGugan, Donald Johnston
Subjects
Buildings - Schools
Names
Sperling Avenue School
Responsibility
Burnett & McGugan, Engineers and Surveyors
Geographic Access
Sperling Avenue
Street Address
2200 Sperling Avenue
Accession Code
BV003.83.16
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Date
March 8, 1915
Media Type
Cartographic Material
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Sperling-Broadway Area
Scan Resolution
440
Scan Date
22-Dec-2020
Scale
100
Notes
Title based on contents of plan
handwritten on back, "1748"
Oath on plan reads: "I, D.G. McGugan..." "...person- ally superintend the survey..." "...completed on the 8th day of March 1915"; signed by D.J. McGugan, notarized by "R.E. Chapman", sworn "...12th day of April 1915" "Burnett and McGugan" "B.C. Land Surveyors Etc. New Westminster, B.C..";
Images
Less detail

Tired Tim and Weary Willie

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription38855
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1911
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Description Level
Item
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 6 x 10 cm on page 14 x 17.5 cm (pasted in album)
Scope and Content
Photograph of Claude Hill (left) and E.B. Wentenhall (right) standing on fallen trees in the Curtis Road area of North Burnaby.
Repository
City of Burnaby Archives
Date
1911
Collection/Fonds
Peers Family and Hill Family fonds
Series
Kitty Hill Peers family photograph series
Physical Description
1 photograph : sepia ; 6 x 10 cm on page 14 x 17.5 cm (pasted in album)
Description Level
Item
Record No.
477-174
Access Restriction
No restrictions
Reproduction Restriction
No known restrictions
Accession Number
2007-12
Scope and Content
Photograph of Claude Hill (left) and E.B. Wentenhall (right) standing on fallen trees in the Curtis Road area of North Burnaby.
Subjects
Land Clearing
Plants - Trees
Names
Hill, Louis Claude "Claude"
Wentenhall, E.B.
Media Type
Photograph
Notes
Title based on caption accompanying photograph
Geographic Access
Curtis Street
Historic Neighbourhood
Lochdale (Historic Neighbourhood)
Planning Study Area
Lochdale Area
Images
Less detail

17 records – page 1 of 1.