 First established as a conventional printing business in 1957 by Douglas Pollard and his then-wife Jean (née Hope), the business expanded into book sales after accepting a box of books as alternative payment for a printing job.As the business grew, Pollard eventually expanded further into book publishing, releasing an extensive catalogue of titles in English, French and First Nations languages.Books about the history and culture of Northern Ontario were the publishing arm's primary interest, although the company also published some fiction and poetry titles by local authors, as well as how-to and humour titles.