Helen 'The Swinging Girl' Neon Sign
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Other Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear Sign
- Geographic Access
- Hastings Street
- Associated Dates
- 1956
- Formal Recognition
- Heritage Designation, Community Heritage Register
- Enactment Type
- Bylaw No. 12771
- Enactment Date
- 19/04/2010
- Description
- Commercial building.
- Heritage Value
- While the building here is of some importance as the former North Burnaby municipal office, its primary importance is its delightful neon sign that has become a North Burnaby landmark. Helen Arnold opened Helen’s Childrens Wear shop in the building next door to the old Municipal offices in 1948. In 1955, when North Burnaby moved out, she moved into the vacated building. As part of the renovations, Helen enlisted the assistance of her good friend Jimmy Wallace, owner of Vancouver’s Wallace Neon Company, to create a new sign for her expanded business. One of the company’s designers, Reeve Lehman, created the swinging neon girl that was installed in 1956. Designed in two parts, one section of the sign is cloud shaped and reads ‘Helen’s’ while the other section is a moving representation of a little girl on a swing. The sign is nine feet six inches high and nine feet wide, and the lower section is animated with an internal motor and gears. It immediately became a landmark on Hastings Street, and recently the sign’s design fame has spread far and wide as one of the best surviving examples of kinetic neon art in North America.
- Locality
- Vancouver Heights
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Vancouver Heights (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Willingdon Heights Area
- Community
- Burnaby
- Names
- Helen's Childrens Wear
- Subjects
- Buildings - Commercial - Stores
- Advertising Medium - Signs and Signboards
- Street Address
- 4142 Hastings Street
- Street View URL
- Google Maps Street View
Less detail
1000 Block Gilley Avenue
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1955] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 3.0 cm print on contact sheet 21.5 x 26.8 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the 1000 block of Gilley Avenue (later renumbered the 8000 block) looking south towards Marine Drive in the snow.
311 Madison Avenue
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1949 or 1950] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.0 x 4.5 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a side view of 311 Madison Avenue, in the snow. The photograph was taken from Madison Avenue.
4674 Southlawn Drive
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.8 x 2.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.1 x 26.7 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of 4674 Southlawn Drive in the snow. The snow-covered road can be seen in front of the house.
5987 Malvern Avenue during snowfall
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1958 or 1959] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the front of 5987 Malvern Avenue during a heavy snowfall. Someone is standing outside the house under an umbrella.
Looking northwest from Roberts' property
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 cm x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the house and mushroom barns located at 3107 Dominion Street and the chicken house and garage at 3093 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The photograph was taken from the Roberts' property, looking northwest.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : sepia ; 6.5 cm x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-025
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the house and mushroom barns located at 3107 Dominion Street and the chicken house and garage at 3093 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The photograph was taken from the Roberts' property, looking northwest.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.25"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "3107 (5493) Dominion St. / Prob 1951"
- Stamp in black ink of verso of photograph reads: "500"
- 3107 Dominion Street later renumbered 5493 Dominion Street and then subdivided into two lots: 5491 and 5495 Dominion Street.
- Street Address
- 3017 Douglas Road
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Less detail
Looking west from Douglas Road
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1951
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 cm x 9 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Kathryn and Elizabeth Small standing in front of the Roberts' house at 5118 Douglas Road. Snow covers the ground, trees, and house and the girls wear winter coats. The photograph was taken from Douglas Road, looking west.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1951
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 12.5 cm x 9 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-012
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Kathryn and Elizabeth Small standing in front of the Roberts' house at 5118 Douglas Road. Snow covers the ground, trees, and house and the girls wear winter coats. The photograph was taken from Douglas Road, looking west.
- Subjects
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Persons - Children
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Kathryn and Elizabeth / Jan [struck through] 1951"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "March?"
- Note in blue ink on verso of photograph reads: "P.12"
- Stamp in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "754"
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Less detail
Underhill family home
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1945 and 1955] (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.6 x 2.7 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Dr. Underhill's home at 3789 Yale Street.
Yanko family house
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Yanko family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Yanko family house at 7385 Broadway (later renumbered 7391) in Burnaby after a snowfall.
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1957
- Collection/Fonds
- Yanko family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7.5 x 7.5 cm
- Material Details
- Secured to album page with photo corners
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 545-239
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No restrictions
- Accession Number
- 2012-09
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the Yanko family house at 7385 Broadway (later renumbered 7391) in Burnaby after a snowfall.
- Subjects
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Buildings - Residential - Houses
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Title based on contents of photograph
- Note written on album page reads: "1957 Rhonda Sherrie / Burnaby House garage / Swing made by Uncle Fred"
- Street Address
- 7391 Broadway
- Planning Study Area
- Sperling-Broadway Area
Less detail
Campsite Collection
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- [between 1958 and 2002]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file : 33 photographs + textual records + other material
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photographs, an illustration, ephemera and histories about Burnaby Guiding Camps including Burnaby Chalet on Cypress Mountain, Galalina Camp at Camp Olave near Sechelt B.C., Burnaby Guide Camp at Wilson Creek and a few postcards of Camp Tsoona, Rosedale B.C.
A collection of written…
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Girl Guides fonds
- Series
- Burnaby Girl Guides administrative records and histories series
- Description Level
- File
- Physical Description
- 1 file : 33 photographs + textual records + other material
- Scope and Content
- File consists of photographs, an illustration, ephemera and histories about Burnaby Guiding Camps including Burnaby Chalet on Cypress Mountain, Galalina Camp at Camp Olave near Sechelt B.C., Burnaby Guide Camp at Wilson Creek and a few postcards of Camp Tsoona, Rosedale B.C.
A collection of written material provides historical background regarding the two storey cabin on Hollyburn Mountain. The cabin was purchased by Burnaby Girl Guides in 1964 and appropriately named Burnaby Chalet. A Chalet Committee was formed with representatives from each Division appointing a Chalet Manageress to handle reservations. This typical ski cabin can accomodate up to 40 people. The file also includes a "Campsite Log Book" for the Hollyburn Chalet with handwritten notes from 1981 and 1982, an embroidered triangular shaped badge "Burnaby Royal / Girl Guides / Hollyburn Chalet" and a dedication ceremony program for "Burnaby Guide Camp / June 8, 1958" (Wilson Creek).
- Subjects
- Organizations - Girls' Societies and Clubs
- Recreational Activities - Camping
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Geographic Features - Beaches
- Names
- Girl Guides of Canada
- Accession Code
- BV015.35.161
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- May be restricted by third party rights
- Date
- [between 1958 and 2002]
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Textual Record
- Notes
- Transcribed title
Less detail
Back yard of 5118 Douglas Road
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 cm x 11.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard and screened summer house at 5118 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The summer house was used by the Roberts children for sleeping outdoors in the summertime and by the Small children as a playhouse. It rotted and collapsed in the 1960s, likely following the "Big Snow" of …
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1951]
- Collection/Fonds
- Small family fonds
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 cm x 11.5 cm
- Description Level
- Item
- Record No.
- 620-019
- Access Restriction
- No restrictions
- Reproduction Restriction
- No reproduction permitted
- Accession Number
- 2017-01
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of the backyard and screened summer house at 5118 Douglas Road after a snowfall. The summer house was used by the Roberts children for sleeping outdoors in the summertime and by the Small children as a playhouse. It rotted and collapsed in the 1960s, likely following the "Big Snow" of December 1964.
- Subjects
- Natural Phenomena - Snow
- Buildings - Residential - Cabins
- Media Type
- Photograph
- Notes
- Transcribed title
- Title transcribed from donor's notes
- Note in black ink on verso of photograph reads: "Summer House in the Snow / Burnaby - 1951?"
- Note in blue ink on verson of photograph reads: "P.19"
- 5118 Douglas Road renumbered to 3131 Douglas Road in 1958 and to 5538 Dominion Street in 1970 or 1971
- Street Address
- 3131 Douglas Road
- 5118 Douglas Road
- 5538 Dominion Street
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Ardingley-Sprott Area
Less detail
Walking to June Ickringills house
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [1957 or 1958]
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 7 x 10 cm, mounted on heavy-weight paper 17.5 x 27.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of four kindergartners walking along a gravel sidewalk, along a gravel road to June Ickringills house. The girl in front is wearing a plaid dress, and the three boys behind her are wearing short pants and short-sleeve dress shirts. There is a woman in a white dress walking on the other s…
B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1309 tram on Central Park Line
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1953
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1309 travelling along the Central Park Line westbound to Vancouver between Collingwood West and Earls Road after a winter storm. The tracks and hillside are covered with snow.
Woodworking Plant
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1954 (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 James Brookes Woodworking Plant, located at 7730 6th Street, taken from 6th Avenue after a heavy snowfall. The plant was built originally as Cliff's Can Factory, and also served as Western Canadian Can Factory.
From 4042 Yale Street
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1952 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 2.9 x 4.8 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph taken looking north from 4042 Yale Street. Burrard Inlet and the northshore mountains are visible in the background, and there is snow.
New Vista Society Housing Projects
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1949 and 1957]
- Collection/Fonds
- Ernest Winch fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w postcard ; 8 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photographic postcard of an unpaved road lined with New Vista Society Housing Projects.
Blythe Eagles outside his home
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- [between 1955 and 1960] (date of original), copied 1996
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w copy negative ; 4 x 5.5 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of Blythe Eagles standing in front of the Eagles' estate at Deer Lake.
B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1306 on Central Park Line
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Date
- 1952
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 9 x 13 cm
- Scope and Content
- Phototgraph of B.C. Electric Railway tram no. 1306 running on the tracks between Earles Road and Collingwood west on the Central Park Line. The ground is covered with snow.
Bea Mengel, Sandy Matheson and Pat Loynes
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1954 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 3.1 x 4.6 cm print on contact sheet 20.2 x 25.3 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of a woman and two children in the snow on the 6100 block of Kathleen Avenue. Clockwise from top: Bea Mengel, Sandy Matheson, and Pat Loynes.
David Ellis
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date
- 1952 (date of original), copied 1991
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Description Level
- Item
- Physical Description
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 4.3 x 3.4 cm print on contact sheet 20.6 x 26.1 cm
- Scope and Content
- Photograph of David Ellis, leaving for school, in front of 6926 Nelson Avenue, the home of James and Sarah Ellis, his grandparents.