Historically, the book One Day at a Time - the Story of Ainsworth Lumber, is a combination of family history intertwined with the business the family started and still operates today.
Usually when a writer is commissioned to write about corporate history, the resulting books are normally for the employees, retirees, and their families, says author Paul Luft of 108 Mile Ranch.
"This is a little different since the growth of Ainsworth coincides with the growth of 100 Mile House. Ainsworth was a dominant company in the community."
Luft was commissioned by Ainsworth founder David Ainsworth a number of years ago, the author says.
He adds Ainsworth wanted the story to be about the family history, as well as the business and it was for employees, their families and clients.
When the book was first published, more than 200 were sold with all proceeds going to the local food banks, Luft says, adding the remaining books are now available to help the South Cariboo Health Foundation’s current fundraising campaign.
"The book took about three years to write. I interviewed family, past employees, government officials, actually quite a range of people."
"Plotting it out took time, since David [Ainsworth] wanted to include the history of the family with the history of the business."
Luft adds he interviewed so many people who had so many different stories he added them as little anecdotal inserts scattered throughout the book.
One Day at a Time - the Story of Ainsworth Lumber documents the history of the Ainsworth family, the South Cariboo forest industry and the impact Ainsworth Lumber had on building 100 Mile House economy.
Ainsworth was a visionary, Luft says, providing the example of Ainsworth pioneering the use of lodgepole pine for lumber.
Books are available at Higher Ground Natural Foods, CIBC, South Cariboo Visitor Centre, 108 Supermarket, 100 Mile House Free Press, and the Showcase Gallery Cafe while supplies last.