Interview with W.H. O'Brien July / August 1975 - Track 8
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/oralhistory25
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Date Range
- [1932]-1936
- Length
- 0:11:12
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's involvement with the formation of the Army of the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union).
- Repository
- City of Burnaby Archives
- Summary
- This portion of the interview pertains to W.H. "Harry" O'Brien's involvement with the formation of the Army of the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union).
- Date Range
- [1932]-1936
- Photo Info
- Harry and Gertrude (Sutherland) O'Brien on their wedding day, October 12, 1940. Item no. 315-005
- Length
- 0:11:12
- Subjects
- Organizations
- Interviewer
- Bradbury, Dr. Bettina
- Interview Date
- July / August 1975
- Scope and Content
- Recording is a taped interview with W.H. "Harry" O'Brien by SFU (Simon Fraser University) graduate student Bettina Bradbury. Major themes discussed are: the Army of the Common Good, the Union of the Unemployed and the Common Good Credit Union (now the South Burnaby Credit Union). To view "Narrow By" terms for each track expand this description and see "Notes".
- Biographical Notes
- W.H. “Harry” O’Brien was born in the coal mining town of Nanaimo, British Columbia on October 20, 1914. He came to Burnaby with his parents and five siblings in 1927. Harry’s mother, a school teacher, wanted her children to live closer to school in order to obtain a better education, so the O’Brien family settled at Inman Avenue, Burnaby. Harry's mother, Mary Anne Crossan, was Gilmore Avenue School's first teacher. Harry left school in June of 1929. Harry’s father worked as the caretaker at Central Park around this time and Harry helped him to clear brush, plant trees and enforce the land clearing and wood cutting permit regulations held by men who were on script. Although too young to vote by just over a week, Harry O'Brien worked as a scrutineer for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) during the 1935 Federal Election. On October 12, 1940 Harry O'Brien married Gertrude Sutherland at St. John the Divine in Burnaby. The Sutherland family came to Burnaby from Winnipeg in 1933 and settled at Nelson Avenue. Harry began his involvement with the Unemployment Organization in Burnaby by participating in an organised protest against the municipality for homeowner evictions brought on by unpaid taxes. The South Burnaby Union of the Unemployed organised in order to protest rules around receiving Relief. Harry became involved, eventually becoming one of the spearheads of the organization, taking over as secretary by 1936. Harry was an original member of the Army of the Common Good, helping to produce over one hundred and twenty-five tons of vegetables from its own gardens to feed Burnaby citizens suffering from the lack of resources during the Depression years. The members of the Army of the Common Good who cut wood for consumption or worked in the gardens were given credit for their work through LU (Labour Units) which they could then use to buy groceries and that at the Army's Cooperative stores, one of which was at McKay Avenue, where Harry began working as Manager of Groceries in 1937. The Credit Union movement of British Columbia was also organized by Harry O'Brien and his fellow Army of the Common Good members. W.H. "Harry" O'Brien died July 1, 1992.
- Total Tracks
- 9
- Total Length
- 1:17:56
- Interviewee Name
- O'Brien, Harry
- Interviewer Bio
- Bettina Bradbury teaches history and women's studies at York University. She is the author of Wife to Widow. Lives, Laws and Politics in Nineteenth-century Montreal. (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, June 2011), 520p; Working Families. Age, Gender and Daily Survival in Industrializing Montreal. (Toronto: Canadian Social History Series, McClelland and Stewart, 1993); (Republished Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996) (3rd edition, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007). These interviews were undertaken after she completed her MA at Simon Fraser University in 1975 with the support of an LIP grant.
- Collection/Fonds
- Burnaby Historical Society fonds
- Subseries
- Oral history subseries
- Transcript Available
- None
- 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 eight of interview with W.H.
Track eight of interview with W.H.
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/media/hpo/_Data/_Archives_Oral_Histories/_Unrestricted/100-13-25/100-13-25_Track_8.mp3Bylaw Number: 587 - Street Traffic Regulation Bylaw 1915, Amendment Bylaw 1927
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/bylaw22861
- Repository
- Legislative Services
- Bylaw Number
- 587
- Format
- Bylaws - Other
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- Legislative Services
- Bylaw Number
- 587
- Format
- Bylaws - Other
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Bylaw Number: 137 - Street Traffic Regulation Bylaw 1912
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/bylaw23311
- Repository
- Legislative Services
- Bylaw Number
- 137
- Format
- Bylaws - Repealed
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
- Repository
- Legislative Services
- Bylaw Number
- 137
- Format
- Bylaws - Repealed
- Collection/Fonds
- City Council and Office of the City Clerk fonds
Documents
Russian Submarines at Barnet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/landmark748
- Repository
- Burnaby Heritage Planning
- Associated Dates
- 1915-1917
- Heritage Value
- This site was a top secret site where 460 men worked on the assembly of five submarines for the Russian Navy during World War I. The Seattle contractor was forbidden from doing the work in the US because of American neutrality regulations and he set up the secret plant here without the knowledge of the Canadian Government.
- Historic Neighbourhood
- Barnet (Historic Neighbourhood)
- Planning Study Area
- Burnaby Mountain Area
Images
handcuffs
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact209
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV971.5.47
- Description
- Burnaby Municipal Police issue handcuffs. The cuffs are secured by three links of chain. There is no key.
- Object History
- These handcuffs were used by Constable George Jeffery. George Jeffery served as a Constable on the Burnaby Police Force from 1912 - 1935. His patrolled the large Central Park District by foot, stretching from Boundary to Royal Oak and Marine Drive to Moscrop. Over the coarse of his duties, Constable Jeffery saw the need for recreational activities in the area. He founded the Burnaby Athletic Association which featured a competitive boxing ring and gym. In 1935, when the Burnaby Police became the British Columbia Provincial Police, rather than leave the community he chose to leave the force. George Jeffery than worked at the nearby Oakalla Prison Farm until retiring in 1945.
Images
sign
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact1217
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV971.33.1
- Description
- Weathered wood sign in two parts; informs readers of the penalty for attaching any raft, vessel, boat, etc., to wooden bridges in the province of British Columbia in 1902.
- Classification
- Written Communication T&E
- Object Term
- Sign
- Marks/Labels
- "The attention of Steamers and of any person in charge of any vessel, barge, boat, raft, or any floating body is directed to Clause 12 "Chapter 25" Bridges Act of the Revised Statutes of British Columbia. Any person that shall moor, make or last or in any other way "Attach" any raft, vessel, boat, barge or any other floating body to any wooden or other bridge... shall be.. not exceeding fifty dollars. Department of Land and Works, Victoria, BC 23rd June 1902.
- Subjects
- Recreational Activities - Boating
- Regulative and Protective Tools and Equipment
- Transportation - Boats
- Written Communication Tools and Equipment
Images
B C driver's licence
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact2814
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV990.16.1
- Description
- British Columbia Driver's Licence - License -- [1928]. Driver's Licence issued to Jean Caldwell Thompson on August 8, 1928. The front cover has the Provincial Coat of Arms and the issue number for the licence "No. 144650". The fee for obtaining the licence was $1. It states that "The Licence Must Be Carried With You At All Times When Driving". Inside provides detailed information about Jean and rules and regulations to driving. The address given for Jean was "General Hospital Vancouver". The license has been stamped by the Provincial Police in Vancouver, B.C. and signed by Superintendent of the Provincial Police E. McArthur. The licence measures 6.5cm x 10cm.
- Colour
- White
Images
handcuffs
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact3618
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV988.23.3
- Description
- Set of police handcuffs; with key
- Marks/Labels
- "Peerless Patent 1531451 - 1872857"
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact6699
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV985.115.1
- Description
- B.C. Electric - Ticket. Child's ticket for the B.C. Electic Railway Company on the Vancouver Street Cars. The ticket is green cardboard with black print. Stamped at the top of the ticket is a serial number "46744". The back of the ticket states the regulations and conditions of the ticket.
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Transportation - Public Transit
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact14342
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV984.11.7
- Description
- B.C. Electric - Ticket. Black and white child ticket for the B.C. Electric Railway. The top of the ticket has "CHILD/ B.C. Electric", "355828 VPV". The ticket states the various regulations on both the front and the reverse.
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Transportation - Public Transit
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact14348
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV984.11.13
- Description
- B.C. Electric - Ticket. B.C. Electric Railway Co ticket for a Child on the Richmond Transportation Lines. The ticket is green and has a serial number at the bottom "14546". The reverse side of the ticket states the regulations and conditions of the ticket for that zone.
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Transportation - Public Transit
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact14350
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV984.11.15
- Description
- B.C. Electric - Ticket. Child ticket for the B.C. Electric Railway Company on the Burnaby Line. The ticket is buff coloured with a black horizontal stripe and a red vertical stripe. The ticket has been stamped with the serial number "15971". The reverse side of the ticket states the regulations and conditions of the ticket.
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
- Transportation - Public Transit
Images
B C driver's licence
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact18261
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV978.57.5
- Description
- British Columbia Driver's Licence -(License) -- [1927]. Driver's Licence issued to Norah Irene Descoteau in 1927. The front cover has the Provincial Coat of Arms and the issue number for the licence "No. 118183". It states that "The Licence Must Be Carried With You At All Times When Driving". Inside provides detailed infromation about Norah and rules and regulations to driving. The license has been stamped by the Provincial Police in New Westminster, B.C.
- Object History
- From the estate of Norah Byrne, daughter of Peter Byrne and Priscilla Amelia Rowling Rowling. She married William Napoleon Descoteau on May 28th 1924 in New Westminster. William worked as a steam engineer on the railroad.
Images
leg irons
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact33604
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV972.190.1
- Description
- Pair of leg irons, for police, prisons use. Made in England and constructed of wrought iron. The securing chain consists of five links on either side of a swival. Surface is discoloured by rust patina.
- Marks/Labels
- "_ _ _TISH / MADE", stamped in side of cuff. "HIATT", stamped in cuff. "WARRENTED . WROUGHT _______", stamped in cuff. "1", stamped in cuff
- Country Made
- England
Images
handcuffs
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact33605
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- HV972.190.2
- Description
- Heavy handcuffs with a single swivel link in the connecting chain. Surface is plated but is badly worn.
- Marks/Labels
- "HIATT", stamped in cuff
- Maker
- HIATT
- Country Made
- England
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact35492
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.45.7
- Description
- B.C. Electric Railway - Ticket; Pass -- [1912]. Punch card ticket for the British Columbia Electric Railway Company from Vancouver to Central Park. The ticket pass was good for 50 fares during 31 days from the date of issue. The ticket was non-transferable and was issues to G.C. Barclay on February 16, 1912. On the left side of the ticket is a grid from 1 to 50. Each square in the grid has been punched with various shapes. The ticket was also stamped with "Central Park" and "Apprentice". On the back of the ticket, it restates the rules and regulations of the pass. The back has also been stamped twice with a round stamp that says "B.C. Electric Railway Vancouver, B.C./ Feb/16/1912". The ticket measures 10.5cm x 6cm.
- Colour
- White
- Country Made
- Canada
- Province Made
- British Columbia
- Site/City Made
- Vancouver
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact35493
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.45.8
- Description
- B.C. Electric Railway - Ticket; Pass -- [1912]. Punch card ticket for the British Columbia Electric Railway Company from Vancouver to Central Park. The ticket pass was good for 50 fares during 31 days from the date of issue. The ticket was non-transferable and was issues to G.C. Barclay on April 17, 1912. The ticket is number "2309". On the left side of the ticket is a grid from 1 to 50. Each square in the grid has been punched with various shapes. The ticket was also stamped with "Vancouver", "Central Park" and "Apprentice". On the back of the ticket, it restates the rules and regulations of the pass. The back has also been stamped twice with a round stamp that says "B.C. Electric Railway Vancouver, B.C./ APR/17/1912". The ticket measures 10.5cm x 6cm.
- Colour
- White
- Country Made
- Canada
- Province Made
- British Columbia
- Site/City Made
- Vancouver
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact35494
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.45.9
- Description
- B.C. Electric Railway - Ticket; Pass -- [1912]. Punch card ticket for the British Columbia Electric Railway Company from Vancouver to Central Park. The ticket pass was good for 50 fares during 31 days from the date of issue. The ticket was non-transferable and was issues to G.C. Barclay on March 18, 1912. The ticket is number "2484". On the left side of the ticket is a grid from 1 to 50. Each square in the grid has been punched with various shapes. The ticket was also stamped with "Vancouver", "Central Park" and "Apprentice" three times around the ticket. On the back of the ticket, it restates the rules and regulations of the pass. The back has also been stamped twice with a round stamp that says "B.C. Electric Railway Vancouver, B.C./ MAR/17/1912". The ticket measures 10.5cm x 6cm.
- Colour
- White
- Country Made
- Canada
- Province Made
- British Columbia
- Site/City Made
- Vancouver
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
Images
interurban ticket
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact35500
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV993.45.15
- Description
- B.C. Electric Railway - Ticket; Pass -- [1912]. Punch card ticket for the British Columbia Electric Railway Company from Vancouver to Central Park. The ticket pass was good for 50 fares during 31 days from the date of issue. The ticket was non-transferable and was issues to G.C. Barclay on January 16, 1912. The ticket is number "1110". On the left side of the ticket is a grid from 1 to 50. Each square in the grid has been punched with various shapes. The ticket was also stamped with "Vancouver", "Central Park" and "Apprentice" three times around the ticket. On the back of the ticket, it restates the rules and regulations of the pass. The back has also been stamped twice with a round stamp that says "B.C. Electric Railway Vancouver, B.C./ JAN/16/1912". The ticket measures 10.5cm x 6cm.
- Colour
- White
- Country Made
- Canada
- Province Made
- British Columbia
- Site/City Made
- Vancouver
- Subjects
- Exchange Medium
- Exchange Medium - Tickets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Electric Railroads
Images
booklet
https://search.heritageburnaby.ca/link/museumartifact39274
- Repository
- Burnaby Village Museum
- Accession Code
- BV985.5678.1
- Description
- Rules of the Road - Booklet -- [1922]. Booklet with the revised "Rules of the Road and Traffic Regulations" for the Province of British Columbia for the year 1922. The booklet cost 50 cents. The front cover has an illustration of a police officer conducting traffic in a cityscape. The main colours are blue and red. At the bottom of the cover it states "Keep to the Right". The booklet includes information on accounting, licenses, various offences and penalties, along with regulations for Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle.
- Object History
- On January 1, 1922 at 2:00 a.m. motor vehicles in British Columbia changed from driving on the left to driving on the right hand side of the street.
- Title
- Rules of the Road and Traffic Regulations Province of British Columbia
- Subjects
- Documentary Artifacts
- Documentary Artifacts - Booklets
- Transportation
- Transportation - Automobiles
Images
