Holland was the homeland of John and Dora Aben: However
it was in Canada where they met, and married on December
26, 1927. They then took up residence near Coalhurst on
a farm owned by J. McDermott. After renting for a number
of years, they purchased this property and farmed here until
1954. It was at this location that two sons were born and
raised, and which holds many fond memories for them.

As was the case for most farms in the area, this land could
be "irrigated" and was well suited for grain, dairy, hog and
poultry farming. During the early years on this farm, income
was generated by delivering milk, cream and butter to
customers in Coalhurst, particularly when the coal mine was
still operating. In later years as people became more mobile,
customers came from Lethbridge for cream, homemade butter
and a friendly visit to the farm.

The pond near the farm house was a favorite skating spot
during the winter months and attracted many youngsters
from neighboring farms. It always seemed that the
"younger" kids always cleared the ice of snow just in
time for the "bigger" kids to take over.

It was in 1954 that the Aben family moved from the original
location to a farm directly east and adjacent to the Picture
Butte highway. It was in this same year that one son
set out to seek his fortune in Calgary. He still resides in
Calgary, with his wife and three children. John
and his other son farmed in this "new" location until 1972.
John and his wife Dora took up residence in Coalhurst,
in a house directly north of the Catholic Church and
his second son moved to Lethbridge where he still
resides, with his wife, one daughter an three sons.

After spending a number of years in Coalhurst, Dora
moved to a nursing home in Lethbridge where she passed
away on May 28, 1980. John remained in Coalhurst until
1979, and then moved to the same nursing home in
Lethbridge. He resided there until his death on
November 2, 1982.

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