Alfred Emil Springboard, the optician and jeweler, is a native of Denmark, and was born at Aalborg in 1869. He attended the private schools of that city until he was fourteen years of age. He then went to Hobroe to learn the jeweler’s trade, and, such are the customs of the country, he was compelled to pay $400 for his five years’ experience, and subsequently, in Aalborg, expended $50 to learn engraving. These sums were in addition to services gratuitously give while learning the trades. After a trip to Germany and England, he came to this country, stopped for a short time with a cousin in Southern Illinois and then went to Chicago and worked at his trade for one year. In August, 1891, he arrived in Oakland, Cal., and engaged with Lathrop & Co., watch inspectors for the S.P.R.R.
Soon after entering upon this engagement, he began the study of optics and devoted a large share of the five years’ term with this firm in thoroughly mastering that profession, which was concluded by a course in the Chicago Opthalmic College, from which institute he graduated in October, 1896. In November of that year he came to Redlands and immediately located at the Abbey Pharmacy. Thus has the wish of Mr. Springborg’s childhood been fulfilled, a wish to come and live permanently in California, and Redlands is his choice of all localities. Mr. Springborg is a member of the Uniform Rank, K.of P.
In this busy age the eyes need great care. Slight defects in vision should receive immediate attention. These defects exist in childhood, are common at middle age and frequent in advanced years. The optician should be consulted and can correct, often cure, such troubles, unless organic disease has set in. To-day very fine and perfect instruments are used in detecting these troubles and glasses suited to each case are fitted with greatest care. Mr. Springborg is thoroughly competent for such work; warrants his glasses. A picture of one of the instruments used is seen herewith.
(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 91.
