ALFRED BORCHARD

Sacramento County

Biographies

ALFRED BORCHARD

There crossed the ocean to the United States during the year 1887 an enterprising German named August Borchard, who, accompanied by his wife, Louise, sought the larger opportunities offered by the new world and established a temporary new home in the city of Erie, Pa., remaining there for two years. Their family comprised two children, but of these Alfred is the sole survivor, the other having been taken from the home by death when quite young. During the year 1889 the family made the long journey across the continent to San Francisco and bought a home in the western metropolis, from which point for years August Borchard traveled on the road as a commercial salesman. Later his business interests took him to Alaska and he was a traveling salesman in that country for four years, returning thence to San Francisco, and during 1910 established his home and business headquarters at Sacramento. In this city he is a partner of his son in the Sacramento Inlaid Floor Company. In addition he owns an interest in the Inlaid Floor Company of San Francisco, a leading concern of its kind and in no wise connected with the newer institution in the capital city. During his long residence in California Mr. Borchard has formed a wide circle of acquaintances throughout the state. As a man of fine mind, unusual business qualifications and honorable principles of action, he has won and retained the confidence of commercial associates, while he has been equally popular in the orders of Moose and Foresters. His wife, a woman of culture, is a leading member of the Sacramento Lodge of Rebekahs and the Saturday club.

Born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in the year 1885, Alfred Borchard received the advantages of a thorough English education in the schools of San Francisco, and he had the further benefit of a course in a business college. After leaving the college he began to study the drafting business, but a year later turned his attention to cabinet work and later began to take contracts of his own. During June of 1911 he joined his father at Sacramento and formed the partnership now known as the Sacramento Inlaid Floor Company. A factory for the making of inlaid floors was established on Fifteenth between L and M streets. Business was started without delay. The product manufactured met with immediate popularity. The prospects were so bright that the firm was obliged to seek larger quarters, and is now located at No. 2413 I. Much of the favorable prospects for the business is due to the energy of the younger member, who supplements the caution and conservative policy of the senior member by his own progressive plans and enterprising activities, the two thus working together harmoniously and profitably. In fraternal connections he holds membership with the Improved Order of Red Men. The Home Products league has in him a well-informed member and progressive leader. February 22, 1909, he was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Samuels of San Francisco. They are the parents of a daughter, Dorothy, born in San Francisco December 14, 1909. Mrs. Borchard has been a resident of California throughout her entire life, and is the owner of a tract in Humboldt county called Shelter Grove. The ocean place comprises three hundred and sixty acres and forms a natural harbor that is said to be one of the very best along the entire coast.

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.

Source: Willis, William L., History of Sacramento County, California, Pages 680-683. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1913.