The MSA Pioneer Association celebrated its 75th anniversary with a banquet at the Rancho on Friday, May 3.
The celebration also included the launch of a new book, which compiles the recollections and stories of the Abbotsford area’s first settlers.
“Matsqui Sumas Abbotsford - Pioneer Stories: 1890-1950” is a collaboration between the MSA Pioneer Association and the MSA Museum Society.
Three members of the association – Frank Keis, Clifton Hansen and Allan Keeping – had the idea for the book in 2011. They wanted to focus on the people who settled in the Abbotsford area between 1890 and 1950. Partnering with the museum society, they collected about 200 stories from 150 families.
The book strives to be inclusive of all aspects of local history, featuring stories from the pioneers of the local European, Mennonite and Indian communities that settled in Abbotsford. The stories also reflect the many communities that make up what is now Abbotsford, such as Matsqui, Sumas, Bradner and Peardonville, which all have their own stories and character.
Keis said they hope to preserve these memories for the community, and for the children and grandchildren of the families involved.
Dorothy Van der Ree, executive director of the MSA Museum Society, said she was amazed by what she learned in the process of creating the book, and hopes people in Abbotsford will be enriched by reading it.
“I think it will bring families and communities together.”
The book costs $50 with no GST. For more information or to order a book, contact the MSA Museum at 604-853-0313 or email msapioneers@gmail.com.
Frank Keis displays a copy of "Matsqui Sumas Abbotsford - Pioneer Stories: 1890-1950"