looking back

Tom and Abraham (Al) Borman opened their first store, Tom’s Quality Market, in Detroit in 1927, after emigrating to the U.S.
from Russia in 1914. By 1964, they operated 52 grocery stores of various names in the Detroit and southeast Michigan area.
The first Farmer Jack, probably their most well-known store, opened in 1965. The Bormans were very involved in the Detroit
Jewish community, receiving awards and accolades from the Israeli government and prominent Jewish American societies. •

This photograph from the Borman family papers, held by the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan,
captures shoppers at a Farmer Jack supermarket, circa 1970.

From the DJN

Davidson Digital Archive

T

here was a lot happening in the world as reported by the
JN on Sept. 11, 1942. First, it was time to wish everyone
Happy New Year 5703. The message for the New Year —
“Peace Through Victory” — was a reminder of the main issue
on everyone’s mind that year.
The editorial noted that 5702 was a “year of
sorrow,” and although there were many chal-
lenges ahead, there was hope. The Stars and
Stripes were still flying high around the world.
I think the phrase “challenges ahead” might
be one of the most used phrases in politi-
cal history. Candidates for office often cite
the challenges ahead. In 1942, however, this
phrase was certainly warranted. This was the
Mike Smith
decisive year of World War II.
Detroit Jewish News
Inside the JN were many interesting arti-
Foundation Archivist
cles. There was Philip Slomovitz’s “Purely

62

September 7 • 2017

jn

Commentary Column for Rosh Hashanah” on the nature of
Jewish leadership in the New Year. On page six, there was an
extensive essay by Dr. Stephen S. Wise of United Jewish Appeal
titled “Looking into the Future: The Role of the Vital Jewish
Agencies in the War and Reconstruction Period.” Both pieces
reflect one important point — planning for the future. World
War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific, but these authors
were hopeful and looking to a better time … and a victory.
You might also look at the advertisement for Borden’s milk
on the same page as the latter essay. The famous Borden mas-
cot, “Elsie the Cow,” was urging all mothers to have their chil-
dren drink a quart of milk a day from the dairy’s many varieties.
While I do like milk, I must admit that “Softkurd” milk does not
sound appealing •

Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives,
available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.

Historic photos are curated by the
Jewish Historical Society of Michigan.