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Interview with Merrill M. Gordon by Rod Fowler March 19, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory475

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1946-1987

Length: 00:06:32

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s career at Canadian Industries Inc (CIL) for a few years and then for Fleck Brothers until 1965, when he started his own business, Blaze Industries, which manufactured fire places and wood burning heaters. He also describes his short retirement…

1 image 1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about Merrill Gordon’s career at Canadian Industries Inc (CIL) for a few years and then for Fleck Brothers until 1965, when he started his own business, Blaze Industries, which manufactured fire places and wood burning heaters. He also describes his short retirement in 1980 and going back to work for a solar panel manufacturing company, which led to building a plant in India.

Date Range: 1946-1987

Photo Info: Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263

Length: 00:06:32

Subjects: Occupations

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: March 19, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Merrill Gordon, conducted by Rod Fowler.Gordon Merrill was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is about Merrill Gordon’s childhood in the Depression, including his story about the family’s difficult trek to Burnaby from Alberta; his education, teachers and first volunteer activities at Grandview High School; his career at Fleck Brothers and the start of his own company Blaze Industries and later work in India; and his many volunteer activities in Burnaby. He describes how he started the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, the soccer club's subsequent growth and development, some of the people involved, and the founding of the youth soccer exchange. He also describes his work on the Parks Board and in the arts community, including the 1987 arts centre referendum, and involvement with the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society (1988- ), and mentions his work for other groups including the New Vista Society, library board, and Burnaby Mental Health Committee. He also talks about his political career with the Better Burnaby Committee and Burnaby Voters Association, resulting in his 1972 election to Burnaby’s 1973 council. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Merrill M. Gordon was born in Saskatchewan in 1929 to parents farming north of North Battleford. After a fifth year of crop failure the family of four left the farm in 1934 to join relatives living near the corner of Union and Sperling in Burnaby. With little resources the family adapted as well as possible in the Depression years, moving often in the East Vancouver/North Burnaby area in an attempt to better their situation. Merrill’s father obtained work at sawmills including Kapoor’s Sawmill at Barnet, walking to work over Burnaby Mountain. After attending numerous public schools, Merrill Gordon eventually spent three years at Templeton School and then completed his education at Grandview High School of Commerce, majoring in accounting and commercial law. He worked a few years at Canadian Industries Ltd., then joined Fleck Brothers. In 1965 Merrill Gordon and his wife started their own company Blaze Industries of Canada that manufactured wood burning fireplaces, selling the company to AB Electrolux in 1980. After a short retirement, Merrill Gordon went back to work in 1981 for a company manufacturing solar panels, one project taking him and his wife intermittently to India over a four year period. Merrill Gordon helped found the political group Better Burnaby Committee, later the Burnaby Voters Association, with Alan Emmott and Bill Lewarne, ran for Burnaby Municipal Council and served one year as councillor in 1973. Merrill Gordon is well known for his over 40 years of volunteer work in Burnaby, particularly as founder in 1956 and director of the Cliff Avenue United Football Club, one of the largest soccer clubs in BC. He was also the founder of Burnaby Youth Soccer and the first youth soccer exchange with Washington State. His other volunteer work includes library trustee, Parks Commissioner (1987-1992), Director of New Vista Home for Seniors, Chair of campaign raising funds for building Shadbolt Arts Centre, and Chair of the Burnaby Mental Health Committee. In 1988 Merrill Gordon, Betty Gordon, Dean Lamont and several others formed the Burnaby Mountain Preservation Society, which advocated for the return of unused land to Burnaby from SFU and the subsequent creation of Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Merrill Gordon and Elizabeth Balfour (nee Leitch) (1926-2012) married in 1953 and had two children.

Total Tracks: 11

Total Length: 1:31:44

Interviewee Name: Gordon, Merrill

Interview Location: unknown

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Images

Burnaby Alderman Merrill Gordon (second from right) following a candidates' meeting, 1973. Item no. 480-263 thumbnail

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Merrill Gordon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-020/MSS187-020_Track_4.mp3

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription19611

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (90 min., 21 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (90 min., 4 sec.)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shushma Datt and her son, Sudhir Datta conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Curator, Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik. 00:00 – 12:47 Interview opens with introductions. Shushma Datt shares information about; where she’s lived in Burnaby sin…

1 audio

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum fonds

Series: Museum Oral Histories series

Subseries: South Asian Canadian Interviews subseries

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 2 sound recordings (wav) (90 min., 21 sec.) + 1 sound recording (mp3) (90 min., 4 sec.)

Material Details: Interviewers: Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik Interviewees: Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta Location of Interview: Spice Radio, Norland Avenue, Burnaby Interview Date: January 20, 2023 Total Number of tracks: 2 Total Length of all Tracks: 01:30:21 Digital master recordings (wav) were edited into one recording and converted to mp3 for access on Heritage Burnaby

Scope and Content: Item consists of a recording of an oral history interview with Shushma Datt and her son, Sudhir Datta conducted by Burnaby Village Museum Curator, Jane Lemke and Anushay Malik. 00:00 – 12:47 Interview opens with introductions. Shushma Datt shares information about; where she’s lived in Burnaby since immigrating in 1972 and her arranged marriage which lead her to immigrate to Canada. Datt provides detailed information about her family background in Kenya and her parent’s decision to move their family from Kenya to India in the 1960s and then to England in the 1965. Datt describes her family’s experiences living in Kenya and India in the 1960s and provides some context on the political unrest that happened in Kenya which lead her family to leave. 12:48 - 28:07 Datt talks about her time living in England and shares information on her family life and her employment experiences. Datt conveys an experience from her childhood that inspired her to become a broadcaster and shares her experiences working for the BBC oversees service in England (1965-1972). Datt describes some of the articles that she's written for various publications and the people that she's interviewed. Datt highlights a particular experience about writing a critical review about the controversial design on Jimi Hendrix’s album “Axis: Bold as Love” that depicted Hindu religious iconography. 28:09 – 34:47 Datt and Datta provide further details about Datt's arranged marriage which lead her to immigrate to Canada in 1972 and to work as a broadcaster in Canada. Datt recalls her experiences working as a radio station operator for CHQM, a radio broadcaster for CJVB and starting her own South Asian radio station Rim Jhim in 1987. 34:48 – 40:01 Datt and Datta share information on where they’ve lived in Vancouver and Burnaby. Datt and Datta recall pivotal family life events that impacted their lives in 1974. 40:02 – 45:53 Datt recalls the travel trunks and contents that she and her family brought with them when they left Nairobi. Datt describes the letters that her parents wrote. Datt and Datta describe photos of their family and convey the impacts to their family after two of Datt’s brothers died at 24 years of age. 45:54 – 50:56 Interview continues chronologically from 1974, after Datt’s son, Sudhir Datta was born. Datt describes how she had to work hard to help pay her bills and support her family. Datta describes his childhood growing up as a South Asian child living and attending school in Burnaby (1979-1992). Datt and Datta recall Datt’s graduation ceremony and Datta’s Order of British Columbia awards ceremony. 50:57 – 58:03 Datt and Datta talk about food and cooking and where they’ve shopped for traditional food supplies. Datta explains her family lineage as Hindus who eat meat and how she’s been a vegetarian for over 30 years. Datt and Datta share stories about Datt’s mother Leela Datta. 58:04 – 1:05:38 Both Datt and Datta reflect on what’s it’s been like living as South Asians in Burnaby. Datt conveys the message that she got from her mom, Leela Datta "not to assimilate but to integrate". They both reflect on how the ethnic and cultural diversity of neighbourhoods has changed over time and Datt describes his experiences as a student in Burnaby. 1:05:39 – 1:16:51 Datt and Datta talk about the role of religion in their lives, describe the purpose of Radio Rim Jhim and reflect on how the South Asian community has grown in Metro Vancouver and the disparities created within. They both recall how their lives were threatened and impacted in 1984 following an interview that Datt did with Indira Ghandhi. Datt talks about the origins of her and her son’s surnames. 1:16:52 – 1:26:11 Datt and Datta talk about and reflect on their own experiences of racism and discrimination. Datt talks about Spice Radio’s annual campaign “Raise your hands against Racism”. Datt and Datta provide background on the radio stations Rim Jhim and Spice Radio including; how they got started, their unbiased approach to broadcast content and their experiences in the complex realm of broadcasting a multi-cultural radio station. 1:26:12 – 1:30:04 In closing, Datt and Datta convey what they think that younger generations of South Asian Canadians should understand about the South Asian Community in British Columbia.

History: Interviewees biographies: Shushma Datt was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1946 and is the second eldest of six children. In the 1960s during the unrest in Kenya, her family moved to India. After about nine months of living in India, Datt's family decided to return to Kenya, leaving Datt and her brother to complete their education in India. While living in India, Datt studied at Delhi University and worked at the Indian newspaper. In 1965, Datt, her parents and five siblings decided to leave Kenya and immigrated to England. While living in England, Datt got work as a broadcaster with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) overseas service, producing her first program in 1969. During her time with the BBC, Datt has interviewed many influential artists including Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles as well as the Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. In 1972, Datt immigrated to Canada and settled in Burnaby. In late 1973, Datt sponsored her mother who joined her in Burnaby. Datt joined the CJVB radio station in Vancouver working as the Punjabi and Hindi language broadcaster. Datt worked here until 1978 when she started her own radio station, Radio Rim Jhim. In 2005, Datt obtained her own AM radio band license for a multicultural radio station RJ1200 which was later rebranded "Spice Radio". In 2015, Datt launched Spice Radio's annual "Hands Against Racism" campaign which has won awards from the Government of British Columbia and the B.C. Association of Broadcasters. Datt has also been a producer for Omni TV and Shaw TV and was the first woman to obtain a broadcasting license from the Canadian Radio- Television Telecommunications Commission. In 1992, Shushma Datt was awarded the Order of British Columbia and is also the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. Datt has been listed by the Vancouver Sun newspaper as among the 100 "most influential Indo-Canadians" and has been recognized by the Royal British Columbia Museum as one of the 150 "most influential British Columbians". Sudhir Datta is the only child of Sushma Datt and was born in Burnaby. Datta graduated with a computer science degree from Capilano University in 1995. Datta is the Vice President of Media Broadcasting (founded in 1984) creating television and radio programming for Canada's South Asian Community and has been the General Manager and Program Director of Spice Radio since 2006. Datta is also the author of many articles highlighting the South Asian community in Vancouver. Interviewers biographies: Anushay Malik is labor historian with a geographical focus on South Asia. Anushay studied at the University of London and was a research fellow at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 2014, Anushay moved back to her native Pakistan and joined Lahore University of Management Services as an Assistant Professor. In 2023, Anushay is a visiting scholar at Simon Fraser University and lives in Burnaby with her family. Anushay was a co-curator of the Burnaby Village Museum exhibit “Truths Not Often Told: Being South Asian in Burnaby”. Jane Lemke has worked in various museums in the Lower Mainland and has been the Curator at Burnaby Village Museum since 2019. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts degree in History and a Master of Museum Studies degree. Her research focus has been on trauma and memory and its role in shaping Canadian identity. She loves sharing memories and stories of Burnaby with the public. Jane sits on the Council of the BC Museums Association and is the Chair of the BC Museums Association Professional Development and Education Committee.

Creator: Burnaby Village Museum

Subjects: Migration; Occupations - Broadcasters; Occupations - Entrepreneurs; Occupations - Journalists; Persons - South Asian Canadians; Radio Stations; Religions; Religions - Hinduism; Religions - Sikhism; Social Issues; Social Issues - Racism

Names: Datt, Shushma; Datta, Sudhir; Datta, Lila Vati "Leela"; Spice Radio; Rim Jhim

Responsibility: Malik, Anushay; Lemke, Jane

Accession Code: BV023.1.3

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

Media Type: Sound Recording

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Transcript available upon request

Audio Tracks

Interview with Shushma Datt and Sudhir Datta, [1946- 2023] (interview content), interviewed 20 Jan. 2023

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_BVM_Sound_Recordings/Oral_Histories/2023_0001_0003_003.mp3

The Canada year book 1946

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumlibrary3888

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Publication Date: 1946

Call Number: 317.1 CAN 1946

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection: Special Collection

Material Type: Book

Accession Code: BV005.53.14

Call Number: 317.1 CAN 1946

Place of Publication: Ottawa

Publisher: Dominion Bureau of Statistics, Department of Trade and Commerce

Publication Date: 1946

Printer: King's Printer and Controller of Stationery

Physical Description: xxvii, 1224 p. : col. maps ; 232 cm.

Inscription: Canada Year Book / 1946 / Dominion Bureau of Statistics / Department of Trade and Commerce

Library Subject (LOC): Canada--Statistics--Historical texts; Canada--Statistics; Canada; Periodicals

Notes: "The official statistical annual of the resources, history, institutions, and social and economic conditions of the Dominion" --T.p.

Graduating class from St. Paul's Hospital School of Nursing

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription9883

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: [between 1945 and 1946]

Collection/Fonds: Gerald F. Sanders and Alice Sparman Sanders fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 cm x 13.7 cm

Scope and Content: Group portrait of nursing class at St. Paul's Hospital School of Nursing. 22 nurses in uniform arranged in three rows outside front of building. Alice Viola Sparman Sanders is nursing student in the group.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Gerald F. Sanders and Alice Sparman Sanders fonds

Series: Sanders-Sparman photographs series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 8.7 cm x 13.7 cm

Material Details: "POST CARD / MADE IN CANADA / CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS" printed on back.

Scope and Content: Group portrait of nursing class at St. Paul's Hospital School of Nursing. 22 nurses in uniform arranged in three rows outside front of building. Alice Viola Sparman Sanders is nursing student in the group.

Subjects: Occupations - Nurses

Names: Sanders, Alice Viola Sparman

Accession Code: BV018.34.8

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Date: [between 1945 and 1946]

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2022-07-12

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Graduating class from St. Paul's Hospital School of Nursing, [between 1945 and 1946] thumbnail

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15147

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 8 Feb. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In his letter Colin tells of how his regiment is now in Germany and that he is writing to her from a bombed out cellar in a German town; he tells of his current position as Battery Signal Sergeant and of how he and his regiment observed a German soldier being captured.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.34

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 8 Feb. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE.../ FE 12 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15148

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 28 Feb. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. Co…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. Colin writes his letter while in Germany; he describes the current state of the war there and how the soldiers are eating much better.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.35

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 28 Feb. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE 487 / * / MR 3 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15149

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 24 Mar. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. Co…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. Colin writes his letter from a cellar somewhere in Germany; he tells of how the mail has had a tough time getting through; thanks May for her parcel that she sent; how they've been fighting hard against the Germans and how he hopes that it will all be over soon.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.36

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 24 Mar. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE 487 / * / MR 27 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15150

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 5 Apr. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In his letter, Colin thanks May for a registered letter containing a neck chain; how the troops are advancing on the Germans each day and of how the people were glad to see them when they crossed the Rhine into Holland.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.37

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 5 Apr. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE 487 / * / AP 7 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15151

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 7 Apr. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a typewritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a typewritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In his letter, Colin thanks May for her last letter; he tells of how he's been in touch with his younger brother Allan who is unhappy that he's too young to go overseas; wonders about the war in Japan and whether he'll volunteer after the war is over in Europe; he conveys that he is part of the Third Division and that they are going to get a new insignia patch with a rat in the centre due to their division nickname "the water rats" resulting from time spent fighting in the flooded areas.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.38

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 7 Apr. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE 487 / * / AP 10 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15152

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 27 Apr. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In his letter, Colin thanks May for her recent parcel; he tells of how they've been busy in the drive across the North of Holland; how they're back in Germany now and while on a mission they had to take thirty German prisoners; how he heard from his brother Allan about coming overseas to Police Germany after the war is over; how he's heard that the Americans and Russians have linked up and wonders why the Germans won't quit.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.39

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 27 Apr. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE 487 / * / AP 29 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15153

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 9 May 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. Co…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. Colin writes his letter from Germany; wishes that he could have been a part of VE day celebrations in Vancouver; tells of how they haven't fired a shot since May 4th and did their celebrating then; how he's been working getting equipment and vehicles cleaned up; how he learned through broadcasts about celebrations in England and he plans on taking his next leave there; he expects that they will tour around Germany until he's released to return home.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.40

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 9 May 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: F P O T O 3 / MY 10 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription15154

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 30 Jun. 1945

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In…

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: E.W. Bateman family fonds

Series: Bateman family World War II letters series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p. (double sided and folded)

Scope and Content: Item consists of a handwritten air mail letter from Sergeant Colin Rhodes Fox of the Royal Canadian Artillery Service to his aunt Marianne "May" Bateman while serving overseas during World War II. Colin Fox served in the 13th Canadian Field Regiment with the 44th and 78th Canadian Field Battery. In his letter, Colin tells of how he may not returnn home until October and explains the process by which they're being released; he tells that he was in hospital due to injuries to his feet which were exasperated after attending a dance and how he learned of his father's recent accident.

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Documentary Artifacts - Letters and Envelopes

Names: Fox, Colin Rhodes; Bateman, Marianne May

Accession Code: BV020.27.41

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: 30 Jun. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 10-Feb-2021

Scale: 100

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Air mail letter is addressed to: "Miss M. Bateman / c/o C.P.R. Land Dept. / Vancouver B.C. / Canada"; Circular postmark stamps read: FIELD POST OFFICE 900 / * / JU 30 / 45"; Stamp on outside of air mail letter reads: "PASSED BY / CENSOR / No. / 11800"; Return address on outside of air mail letter reads: "K19022 Sgt. / C.R.Fox"

Images

Air mail letter from Colin Fox to May Bateman, 30 Jun. 1945 thumbnail

Civil Defence certificate

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription18992

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: 5 Sep. 1945

Collection/Fonds: Waplington family fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a Civil Defence of Canada certificate to certify Ray Fleming as a "Volunteer Worker for Civil Defence in the War against the German Reich and the other Axis Powers..."

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Waplington family fonds

Series: Waplington and Fleming families album series

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 p.

Scope and Content: Item consists of a Civil Defence of Canada certificate to certify Ray Fleming as a "Volunteer Worker for Civil Defence in the War against the German Reich and the other Axis Powers..."

Subjects: Wars - World War, 1939-1945; Emergency Measures - Civil Defence

Accession Code: BV016.46.153

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproductions subject to FIPPA

Date: 5 Sep. 1945

Media Type: Textual Record

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 2023-01-06

Notes: Title based on contents of item; Document is part of Photograph album BV016.46.52

Tram no. 1220 at the Kitsilano Car Barn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1236

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: September 20, 1945

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 22 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company tram no. 1220 at Kitsilano Car Barn in Vancouver. The destination board sign reads, "MARPOLE."

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15 x 22 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company tram no. 1220 at Kitsilano Car Barn in Vancouver. The destination board sign reads, "MARPOLE."

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: BV992.23.29

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: September 20, 1945

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 01-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Photographer: Webster, Robert D. "Bob"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso of photograph reads: "BCER 1220/ KITS BARNS 9/20/45"; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "BOB WEBSTER/ 9068 - 146th STREET/ SURREY, B.C. CANADA/ 584-9495 V3R 3S8/ RAILROAD PHOTOGRAPHY"

Images

Tram no. 1220 at the Kitsilano Car Barn, September 20, 1945 thumbnail

Tram no. 1231 at Kitsilano Car Barn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1238

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: February 28, 1945

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 24 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company tram no. 1231 stationed at Kitsilano Car Barn in Vancouver.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 15.5 x 24 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company tram no. 1231 stationed at Kitsilano Car Barn in Vancouver.

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: BV992.23.31

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: February 28, 1945

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 01-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Photographer: Webster, Robert D. "Bob"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso of photograph reads: "BCER 1231/ KITS BARNS 2/28/45"; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "BOB WEBSTER/ 9068 - 146th STREET/ SURREY, B.C. CANADA/ 584-9495 V3R 3S8/ RAILROAD PHOTOGRAPHY"

Images

Tram no. 1231 at Kitsilano Car Barn, February 28, 1945 thumbnail

Trams at Kitsilano Car Barn

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumdescription1245

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Date: October 6, 1945

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 24 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company trams no. 1219 and 1205 at Kitsilano Car Barn in Vancouver.

1 image

Repository: Burnaby Village Museum

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Village Museum Photograph collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 16 x 24 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of British Columbia Electric Railway Company trams no. 1219 and 1205 at Kitsilano Car Barn in Vancouver.

Subjects: Transportation - Electric Railroads

Names: British Columbia Electric Railway Company

Geographic Access: Vancouver

Accession Code: BV992.23.38

Access Restriction: Restricted access

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Date: October 6, 1945

Media Type: Photograph

Scan Resolution: 600

Scan Date: 01-Jun-09

Scale: 100

Photographer: Webster, Robert D. "Bob"

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph; Note on verso of photograph reads: "BCER 1219/ KITS BARNS 10/6/45"; Stamp on verso of photograph reads: "BOB WEBSTER/ 9068 - 146th STREET/ SURREY, B.C. CANADA/ 584-9495 V3R 3S8/ RAILROAD PHOTOGRAPHY"

Images

Trams at Kitsilano Car Barn, October 6, 1945 thumbnail

Staff at the McKay Branch of the Royal Bank

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription37115

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1945 or 1946]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : 12.5 x 17.5 cm print

Scope and Content: Photograph of the staff at the McKay Branch of the Royal Bank standing outside, in front of the Kingsway side of the building, in front of the main door. Marie Russel is the young woman standing in the front row, second from the right.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [1945 or 1946]

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Joe Russel subseries

Physical Description: 1 photograph : 12.5 x 17.5 cm print

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 321-002

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: No known restrictions

Accession Number: BHS1995-14

Scope and Content: Photograph of the staff at the McKay Branch of the Royal Bank standing outside, in front of the Kingsway side of the building, in front of the main door. Marie Russel is the young woman standing in the front row, second from the right.

Names: Royal Bank of Canada; Russel, Marie

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Kingsway; McKay Avenue

Historic Neighbourhood: Central Park (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Maywood Area

Images

Staff at the McKay Branch of the Royal Bank, [1945 or 1946] thumbnail

Frank A. Whittall

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription46152

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1945 and 1950]

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Description Level: Item

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 11.5 cm

Scope and Content: Photograph of the President of Continental Can Co. of Canada Ltd., Frank A. Whittall.

1 image

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: [between 1945 and 1950]

Collection/Fonds: Columbian Newspaper collection

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 17 x 11.5 cm

Description Level: Item

Record No.: 480-1040

Access Restriction: No restrictions

Reproduction Restriction: Reproduce for fair dealing purposes only

Accession Number: 2003-02

Scope and Content: Photograph of the President of Continental Can Co. of Canada Ltd., Frank A. Whittall.

Names: Whittall, Frank A.

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Images

Frank A. Whittall, [between 1945 and 1950] thumbnail

Lubbock photographs from album

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/archivedescription64493

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1945-1988

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Description Level: File

Physical Description: 130 photographs : b&w and col. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm or smaller

Scope and Content: Photographs of the Lubbock family, including their riding stables and horses, family events, their pets, and landscape and travel photographs. These photographs were originally housed in a photographic album.

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date: 1945-1988

Collection/Fonds: Burnaby Historical Society fonds

Series: Community Archives Collection series

Subseries: Lubbock family subseries

Physical Description: 130 photographs : b&w and col. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm or smaller

Description Level: File

Record No.: 342-046

Access Restriction: In Archives only

Reproduction Restriction: May be restricted by third party rights

Accession Number: BHS1994-02

Scope and Content: Photographs of the Lubbock family, including their riding stables and horses, family events, their pets, and landscape and travel photographs. These photographs were originally housed in a photographic album.

Subjects: Agriculture - Farms; Animals - Horses; Recreational Activities - Horseback riding

Names: Lubbock, Ainsly; Lubbock, Beatrice "Bea"; Lubbock, Elizabeth; Lubbock, Gordon; Lubbock, John; Lubbock, John Barker; Lubbock, Mina

Media Type: Photograph

Notes: Title based on contents of photograph

Geographic Access: Grandview Highway; Canada Way; Burris Street

Street Address: 7803 Burris Street

Historic Neighbourhood: Burnaby Lake (Historic Neighbourhood)

Planning Study Area: Morley-Buckingham Area

Interview with Allan Nixon by Rod Fowler February 21, 1990 - Track 4

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory467

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Date Range: 1945-1990

Length: 00:06:11

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the inhalator equipment used by the department starting in 1945. Al Nixon describes 50% of the calls received by the department as "pre-hospital care", and that the department is an emergency service rather than just a fire department. He also describes the 19…

1 audio

Repository: City of Burnaby Archives

Summary: This portion of the interview is about the inhalator equipment used by the department starting in 1945. Al Nixon describes 50% of the calls received by the department as "pre-hospital care", and that the department is an emergency service rather than just a fire department. He also describes the 1990 department staffing and equipment level.

Date Range: 1945-1990

Length: 00:06:11

Subjects: Public Services - Fire Protection; Emergency Measures

Interviewer: Fowler, Rod

Interview Date: February 21, 1990

Scope and Content: Recording is of an interview with Al Nixon, conducted by Rod Fowler. Al Nixon was one of eleven participants interviewed as part of the SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee's oral history series titled, "Voices of Burnaby". The interview is mainly about the history and operations of the Burnaby Fire Department from its beginning in 1911 to 1990, and Al Nixon’s stories about the various ways photographs, records and artifacts about the department were collected and saved. The interview takes place while looking at photographs, but the information is clear nonetheless (His photographs have been deposited in the Burnaby Archives). Al Nixon also talks about his father's career as a firefighter, and about his Douglas grandparents and their home “The Gables” [Seven Gables] and neighbourhood in Burquitlam. To view “Narrow By” terms for each track expand this description and see “Notes”.

Biographical Notes: Al Nixon was born in New Westminster Feb. 8, 1936, the son of Provincial Fire Marshal Basil Nixon (1904-1975) and Agnes Douglas (1909-?). His mother’s family immigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1922 and lived in a large ca. 1900 home in Burquitlam at 9957 Sullivan Road called “Seven Gables” (recently demolished). His grandfather Thomas Douglas, a Coquitlam Councillor and Socialist, was murdered in 1934 in his North Road service station. Al Nixon began his career as a firefighter with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1957, eventually becoming Deputy Fire Chief Operations in 1987 and Fire Chief in 1991, before retiring in 1993. In the mid 1980's Al Nixon became interested in the department’s history after finding a photograph scrapbook at one of the firehalls. It was in very bad condition but he recognized its value and began a project to collect and save photographs, artifacts and stories about the Burnaby Fire Department, a 6 month project that turned into years. The photographs and information gathered by Al Nixon became part of Douglas Penn’s book “Follow that Fire: the history of the Burnaby Fire Department”.

Total Tracks: 8

Total Length: 0:43:35

Interviewee Name: Nixon, Al

Interviewer Bio: Rod Fowler returned to university as a mature student in the 1980s after working about twenty years in the field of economics and computerization in business in England, Europe and Western Canada. He graduated with a BA from SFU in both History and Sociology in 1987, his MA degree in Geography in 1989, and his PhD in Cultural Geography at SFU. He taught courses in Geography, Sociology, History and Canadian Studies at several Lower Mainland colleges, before becoming a full time member of the Geography Department at Kwantlen University College.

Collection/Fonds: SFU/Burnaby Centennial Committee fonds

Series: Centennial Oral History project series

Transcript Available: Transcript available

Media Type: Sound Recording

Web Notes: Interviews were digitized in 2015 allowing them to be accessible on Heritage Burnaby. The digitization project was initiated by the Community Heritage Commission with support from City of Burnaby Council.

Audio Tracks

Track four of interview with Al Nixon

https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/MSS187-014/MSS187-014_Track_4.mp3