By Doris E Rufli
Family, friends, acquaintances and people from near and far stopped by Marianne Van Osch’s home in Forest Grove on Sept. 22 to purchase her latest publication – A Mill Behind Every Stump.
It tells the story of longtime local resident Louis Judson, who turned 92 that very day.
Some people stayed for a few minutes to simply have the book signed by both Marianne and Louis; others lingered, chatted with all present and enjoying "goodies" and a cup of coffee prepared by Walter Janke.
Despite his age, Louis is still very active.
"I lived a busy and interesting life that’s why I am still living and celebrating my 92nd birthday today."
He recently drove to Quesnel River from his Ruth Lake home to mine for gold and then picked apples in his yard "before the bears had a chance to feast on them."
Louis is also the local "go-to-guy" when dowsing for water is concerned, and having years of experience, he offers advice on trapping to all that seek his council.
Louis says he loves the book, but insists he knows enough tales to fill at least another volume. He also admitted the research, which involved visiting many of his "old haunts," brought back a lot of memories and some of the exploits during those day trips are also covered.
He emphasized his respect for Van Osch and acknowledges her as an excellent, truthful and accurate writer who did his biographical account justice and beyond.
This is Marianne’s seventh publication describing the history of people in the South Cariboo.
"It all started with meeting and becoming friends with Noveta Higgins Leavitt. This resulted in her writing her first book The Homesteader's Daughter.
Marianne says she feels a way of life is disappearing and these stories need to be told and preserved for future generations.
Each and every one of her seven books is based on her meeting with the person described and interviewing them personally.
Each and every one subsequently chose the colour of the book with their story to be published, which included Harold Gangloff’s The Wanderer; Albert Walters’ The Buffalo Man; John Calam’s A Teacher's Story: Forest Grove 1951 and Toody Greenlee Shirran’s Along The Clearwater Trail.
The only exception is Marianne’s Cariboo Christmas, which is a compilation of short stories inspired by the memories of local pioneers and early Cariboo residents. The publication also includes a poem, written as a tribute to a local fire department, as well as adventures of Santa Claus, with illustrations sketched by local artist Tom Godin.
The topics covered in her latest book encompass Louis’ life as a child of pioneers who grew up to build his own bush/saw mill business.
In the past, about 100 bush mills used to operate in the 100 Mile House area; they are disappearing fast and are being replaced by fewer and bigger saw mills.
Brent Trentholme has designed both layout and covers for all of Marianne’s books and also updates her website – www.mariannevanosch.com – originally developed by Laura Kelsey.
Marianne and Trent are also currently revising Along The Clearwater Trail and adding an update/epilogue.