Willingdon Heights was another new subdivision developed in Burnaby during the post-World War Two building boom. A brochure about the development published in 1948 proclaimed "the Willingdon Heights 500 home development project in Burnaby fulfills its promise to provide a self-contained community for former members of the armed services and their families...the largest single veteran housing project in Canada as far as homes for individual ownership is concerned, Willingdon Heights development was planned by the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation...At this date the earlier built rows of homes have passable roads and the owners are improving lawns and gardens in spare time...eventually additional stores and professional services will be installed and recreational projects will add to the amenities of a community of congenial residents..."
"Presented
To my valued fried Rev. D. W. Scott. a former neighbor at Capitol Hill with best wishes of the author
George Green
Victoria March 1 1947" [handwritten in black ink on page opposing front pastedown]
"BMMM-WU SIGNED 1st ED 50.00" [handwritten in pencil on page opposing front pastedown]
"By George Green, pioneer resident of Burnaby, and an ex-Councillor. Charter Member of the British Columbia Historical Association, Vancouver Branch, and an Executive Member."
File consists of a photographic reproduction of a twenty nine page photograph album that was created by Florence Hart Godwin. The first page of the album reads "Florence, with Grandma's and Auntie Felicia's best love, Xmas 1910" and the other pages contain photographs. The album was given to Flore…
File consists of a photographic reproduction of a twenty nine page photograph album that was created by Florence Hart Godwin. The first page of the album reads "Florence, with Grandma's and Auntie Felicia's best love, Xmas 1910" and the other pages contain photographs. The album was given to Florence Hart for Christmas in 1910, by her grandmother Jane Chapman (nee Isbell) and her Aunt Felicia Chapman. Album contains photographs of the Alice and Frederick J. Hart and Chapman families, including childhood photographs of the five Hart children, Kingsley, Florence, Fredricka, Edwyna and Jack; the Hart family at their home in New Westminster and at "Avalon" their summer residence and home on Deer Lake.
Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public healt…
Series consists of minutes and agendas of the meetings of Burnaby City Council. Minutes of open Council meetings reflect Council discussions and decisions regarding issues of municipal concern, including, but not limited to, public works, taxation, bylaw enforcement, land development, public health, and administrative decisions. Series includes minutes of “in camera,” or closed, Council meetings in which confidential issues are discussed. Some of the early minute books contain minutes of Court of Revision proceedings as well.
Access to in camera minutes is restricted in accordance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act legislation. Contact the City Archives for details.
Item consists of the bottom portion of a Deed of Land Sale. It contains a hand written, legal description of property which reads: "Cumberland Road in Lot 25, G. 1, N.W. Dist the / same being distant 14.18 Chs. S. 63.30 (degrees) E, from / the Northeast corner of said Lot 25; thense S. 63.30 E....a…
Item consists of the bottom portion of a Deed of Land Sale. It contains a hand written, legal description of property which reads: "Cumberland Road in Lot 25, G. 1, N.W. Dist the / same being distant 14.18 Chs. S. 63.30 (degrees) E, from / the Northeast corner of said Lot 25; thense S. 63.30 E....and containing by estimaton ten (10) acres...".
History
See extensive history of Love Family and Love farmhouse located at Burnaby Village Museum.
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…
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.
Subseries consists of photographs depicting Edmonds School, including its students, staff, and surrounding area, as well as a collection of records related to a research project in which students interviewed former Edmonds School students.
Subseries consists of photographs depicting Edmonds School, including its students, staff, and surrounding area, as well as a collection of records related to a research project in which students interviewed former Edmonds School students.
History
Edmonds School traces its history back to the opening of the first school in Burnaby in 1894. The "Burnaby school" was a typical one-room school house constructed on a small site on the opposite side of Canada Way (then named Douglas Road) and 18th Avenue.
In 1896, when West Burnaby School, was built the school was renamed the "East Burnaby School." By 1908, the original small school house and its little playground became too small to contain the growing number of school-aged children living in the area. That year the Municipality of Burnaby and the Burnaby School Board funded a new four room school to house 75 students on the present site facing Edmonds Street. This building was known for many years as the old "gray school" because of its drab paint colour. In 1913, a four-room addition completed this school which was then renamed the "Edmonds Street School." In 1922, the school was was expanded with a new four-room "bungalow" building on the Douglas Road side of the property. By 1925, four more rooms were added to house the student population of this rapidly growing district, which peaked at 580 by 1930.
After World War II, the old school was designated as a junior high school and in 1949, the present building was opened on an expanded site. By 1953 and 1955 the school received more additions to accommodate a student enrolment that had expanded to thirteen hundred students. The original gray building was demolished in 1956 and the bungalow building, which had served for many years as the elementary school, was destroyed by fire in 1989.
The school was later rebuilt as Edmonds Community School.
Photograph of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan in a canoe on the flooded family farm; background contains trees and two buildings; foreground contains a hedge.
Photograph of Suey Ying Jung (Laura) and Puy Yuen Chan in a canoe on the flooded family farm; background contains trees and two buildings; foreground contains a hedge.
File consists of two envelopes and one dictionary. One envelope is empty and is addressed to: "To Whom it May Concern" and is from: "Hugh M. Fraser High School / 2350 Kingsway / New Westminster, BC". It most likely contained the reference letter from May 12, 1941 written by the principal of Hugh M.…
File consists of two envelopes and one dictionary. One envelope is empty and is addressed to: "To Whom it May Concern" and is from: "Hugh M. Fraser High School / 2350 Kingsway / New Westminster, BC". It most likely contained the reference letter from May 12, 1941 written by the principal of Hugh M. Fraser Senior and Junior High Schools. The second envelope is addressed to "Miss Hazel Simnett / 4019 Kingsway / New Westminster, BC" from the Department of Education in Victoria, BC. It contains the reference letter as discussed previously, a University Entrance Examination certificate, a High School Graduation certificate from Burnaby South High School, a Grade Twelve Examination Junior Matriculation certificate and a purple and gold ribbon. The dictionary is a Nelson's "Highroads" English Dictionary. Inside an inscription reads: "Hazel Simnett / 4019 Kingsway / Burnaby / BSHS / Hazel Simnett / Kingsway West School".
File contains the military records of Jack Shaw. In 1941, Jack volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and this file contains all of the records related to his service including enlistment papers, medical certificates, reviews, appraisals, last will and testament and discharge papers. …
File contains the military records of Jack Shaw. In 1941, Jack volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and this file contains all of the records related to his service including enlistment papers, medical certificates, reviews, appraisals, last will and testament and discharge papers. Also included in this file are pieces of correspondence received by Jack from his family while in service including birthday and Christmas cards.
2 folders textual records and cartographic material
Scope and Content
File contains correspondence regarding the re-survey of the Municipality of Burnaby. File also contains blueprint plan of lots 1-3 and 34 of lots 61 and 62, DL 30.
2 folders textual records and cartographic material
Description Level
File
Record No.
2470
Accession Number
2001-02
Scope and Content
File contains correspondence regarding the re-survey of the Municipality of Burnaby. File also contains blueprint plan of lots 1-3 and 34 of lots 61 and 62, DL 30.
Most of the photographs are copy prints taken from the Riverway West PTA scrapbook MSS068-001 (Bay 64 - Shelf 6)
Many of the photographs contain annotations on verso
Note in pencil on verso of photograph 572-002-1 reads: "Riverway East"
Note in pencil on verso of photograph 572-002-2 reads: "school site for/ 1) Dundonald with shed/ 2) Riverway East 1905/ 3) Glenwood"
Note in blue pen on verso of photograph 572-002-38 reads:"back row/ Miss Kidd, Donald Kin, William Waldner, Sammy Gilbert, Lucy Checkowsky, Geraldine McIntyre, Beatrice MacGowen, Jean Banon, Dorren McClure, Sady Mann, Sonny McClure, 2 Normal Students/2nd row/Eva Eng, Florence MacGowen, Evelyn Rorison, Kay Rorison, Nelie Wilson, Jessie Gilbert, Margaret Corothers, Audrey Banon, Betty Mann, Jean MacMullin/3rd row/ Hughie Rorison, Engine Banoff, David Downs, Donald McIntyre, Fred Chambers, George Eng, Anthony Checkowsky, Jimmy Wintson, Art McClure, Leonard Geall, Jack Rorison, Peter Smith, Gum Eng."
1 scrapbook (2 digital files : (pdfs) + 58 photographs : col. (tiffs)) + 1 file of textual records + photographs + illustrations + ephemera
Scope and Content
File consists of images and original records from a scrapbook that was created by Mrs.M. Bate during her involvement with Burnaby Girl Guides. The original scrapbook is titled: "Scrapbook / Presented to / 5th Burnaby Brownie Pack / by Mrs. M. Bate / April 7th 1948" . The scrapbook contains 62 photo…
1 scrapbook (2 digital files : (pdfs) + 58 photographs : col. (tiffs)) + 1 file of textual records + photographs + illustrations + ephemera
Scope and Content
File consists of images and original records from a scrapbook that was created by Mrs.M. Bate during her involvement with Burnaby Girl Guides. The original scrapbook is titled: "Scrapbook / Presented to / 5th Burnaby Brownie Pack / by Mrs. M. Bate / April 7th 1948" . The scrapbook contains 62 photographs, newspaper clippings, original artwork and memorabilia for 5th Brownie Pack; 1948 to 1965. Many of the photographs are described with notes on each page, some photographs refer to : a group photo of brownies and leaders gathered on April 7th, 1948 for the "Presentation of 3 Proficiency Badges and 17 Golden Bars" outside [St. Alban's church]; A Guide Rally at Hastings Auditorium; Sports Day events held at Stanley Park June 1948; Girl Guide parade floats for Community Day 1949 and 1950; Lady Baden-Powell in Vancouver ca. 1952; 3rd Brownie Pack Easter visit to Eatons; Christmas Party 1958 and a Gathering of Guides and Scouts on Burnaby Mountain [1961].Scrapbook also includes various awards, certificates, original artwork, correspondence and a pop up Christmas Card.
File consists of a scrapbook with a handpainted wood cover titled "50th Anniversary / G.G.C". The scrapbook documents events and ceremonies of the 4th Guide Company with the first half of the scrapbook containing photographs and documents regarding the 50th Anniversary of Girl Guides which was cele…
File consists of a scrapbook with a handpainted wood cover titled "50th Anniversary / G.G.C". The scrapbook documents events and ceremonies of the 4th Guide Company with the first half of the scrapbook containing photographs and documents regarding the 50th Anniversary of Girl Guides which was celebrated at St. Nicholas Church in 1960 while the second half documents earlier events from 1926, as well as other events in the 1960s such as; "Year of the Golden Jubilee", a parade in North Burnaby as well as Thinking Day 1976-1978, banquets, a disco contest, camping on Hollyburn mountain and a visit to Victoria in 1979. On November 3rd, 1926 the company was registered as the 5th Burnaby Guide company, in 1951 the number was changed to the 4th Vancouver Guide Company and in 1956 the number was changed to the 4th Burnaby Company.
Item is a report of "1946 Data from the Burnaby Town Planning Commission" compiled by H. Nolan MacPherson. ("MR. B.A. EAGLES" is written on the front cover underneath the title). Affixed to the inside back cover of the report are a series of maps, and loosely contained inside the report are two pap…
Item is a report of "1946 Data from the Burnaby Town Planning Commission" compiled by H. Nolan MacPherson. ("MR. B.A. EAGLES" is written on the front cover underneath the title). Affixed to the inside back cover of the report are a series of maps, and loosely contained inside the report are two papers - one is a letter introducing the report and the other is the agenda for the meeting at which the report would be discussed.