Hirsch Personal History

My Connection to Hirsch comes from the Backman Family, who married my Mom's sisters, Emilie and Dolly. The Nels Backman Family lived in Hirsch, for many years, until the mid 1990's. The last of their property was sold at Auction just a few years ago. My Uncle Nels Backman lived on a farm, just north of the tracks. There Nels and Emilie raised their family, Nola, Brian and Kelly. Nels operated the North Star Oil, then the White Rose Oil, and finally the Shell Oil, Bulk Station in Hirsch, located just south of the tracks.

My Uncle Roy Backman had his Equipment based on the family homestead, on the North side of the tracks also. He lived in Estevan, and drove out to the farm at Hirsch, every day. When he was in the Road Building Business, in the 50's, this was his home base. After he sold his equipment, he farmed full time in the area, and was a well respected farmer in the area. Their sister Elsa Backman married Ernie Campbell, who operated the Store and Post Office for many years in Hirsch.

Other members of the family, are Eddie, Vera, and Lilly. Their ancestor, Andrew Thomas Backman came to Canada in 1899, from Sweden, and was living in Hirsch area in 1906 on Sec 6, Tsp 3, Rge 5, W2, and owned 2 horses per 1906 Census. This land is only 3 Sections (or miles) west of Hirsch, north of the Highway, from the Jewish Cemetery.

I know Roy farmed land in this area also, since as a teenager I spent many, (TOO many) days, hand picking stones on this land. I never complained about any job after that! I hear now they have machines that do this, and all I can say is, Thank God! Nothing like 98 degrees F in the shade, and picking stones!