A new book by an Abbotsford couple tells the story of their immigrant parents’ arrival in Canada during the 1920s, life during the Depression and their 70 years in the Fraser Valley.
Close to Home by Jacob and Hilda Born is now in Abbotsford bookstores.
In 1949, Jake began as a vita-grass trucker for Buckerfields on Sumas Prairie. What is now acres of tulips used to be vita-grass that was cut, pulverized and shipped across Canada.
Both Jake’s and Hilda’s parents’ homes were flooded during the 1948 Fraser River flood.
Jake helped with the rebuilding and re-seeding at home and in the neighbourhood.
During the Borns’ 70 years of farming in Mt. Lehman and Matsqui, part of their land was expropriated three times with minimal compensation.
However, they say it has been an excellent community to raise their five children. Social, spiritual and medical help is still a great boost to their expanding family.
Our Canada magazine chose to publish two articles from the book. The Noble Art of Embroidery appeared in November and the Purcell- Born Bonding story is to appear in the July 1st celebration issue.