People uprooted from Aldergrove (54)

Aldergrove, a community in Langley on the traditional territories of Stó:lō Peoples, was established by non-indigenous settlers in 1883, initially called Shortreed. The community had a general store, telegraph, and post office. It was renamed Aldergrove for its abundance of alder trees in 1885. The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in 1909 stimulated the local logging industry and promoted community growth. In 1922, the Otter District Farmer’s Institute was incorporated to support the local farming community.

Many Japanese Canadian families living in the area owned farms. These families, including the Tanakas, Mimuras, Etos, Maruyamas, Nakamuras, and Oridas, cultivated berries and other vegetables. Many of the farms were located near present-day Highway 1. Their children attended local schools and took Japanese language classes held on Wednesday nights. Residents living on the southern part of Otter Road (now 248th Street) would also have been part of the Aldergrove community.