Material Type

Recording

Date Range

1981

Physical Condition

Excellent

History Biographical

Copyright glenbow archives (Ref 3 RCT-388-1 and RCT-388-2).

Acquisition Source

Sir Alexander Galt Museum

Scope and Content

2 Cassette Tapes. Approximately 90 Minutes.Interviewee: Cy W Redfern. Interviewer: T W Kirkham.Date: 18 November 1981. Tape 1 Side A - Introduction. Interview is being conducted in Mr. Redfem's home in Lethbridge. - He was born in Belleville, Ontario to parents who had immigrated from England prior to WWI. His father was an engineer with the CNR. His mother passed away in 1935. - Cy completed his schooling in Belleville. In 1939 he enlisted in the air force and arrived in Lethbridge in 1940 for training. He trained as a pilot and then taught instrument flying to RCAF trainees at the test force headquarters until the end of the war. While training at Lethbridge he met and married Gladys Baalim of Lethbridge. - Following the war he returned to Lethbridge and went into partnership with his father-in-law A G Baalim (Kirkham mentions that Redfern donated a number of early Baalim photographs to the Glenbow). - Redfern discusses the Baalim Automotive business. - Talks about other automotive supply companies and the evolution of the automotive supply industry - one of the companies he discusses in detail is the Taylor Pearson & Carson [Harold] Supply Co. - Information about the suppliers and customers of automotive supply companies. SideB - Talks about when he started with Baalim and the changes he implimented - inventory control, personnel training. - Baalim's also opened a machine shop to make parts for the supply company. A machine shop could rebuild motors. - He discusses other businesses that started because of the automotive industry. - Talks about rebuilt motors. - Discusses automobile headlights. - Biographical information about A G Baalim, who died at age 91 in Lethbridge. Baalim came to Canada from England when he was 14. Discusses his business ventures prior to obtaining the Chevrolet Co. dealership in 1916. His territory covered Red Deer south to the U.S. border. He decided that Lethbridge, because of its central location, would be the headquarters. - Information about the dealership which Baalim owned until 1945, and his salesmanship. - Talks about Baalim's interest in the oil industry and his investments in that area. - Talks about service clubs and community interests Baalim was involved in. Baalim was very involved in Victory Bond fund raising during WWII. - Redfern retired and sold the company in 1981. This was the first time in 60 years the business was owned by non family members. - Discusses the Automotive Industry of Canada Assoc and other associations created to promote the automotive industry. Part II Side A - Continue with automotive industry associations. - Talks about a trade show he organized to promote the products they sold called the Baalim Wholesaler Show. It was so successful they held it for 12 years. - Talks about the Automotive Industry of Canada Assoc newsletter "The Jobber". - Continue with the Baalim Wholesaler Show. - Sums up his talk by saying that the automotive industry is strong because of the dedication of, and cooperation between, the owners of automotive supply companies.

Access Restrictions

Public Access

Accession No.

19971073000

Collection

Archive

Less detail