Highway Book Shop

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. In addition to its physical store, the shop also maintained an extensive mail order business, as well as a search service for people interested in purchasing rare or out-of-print books, and frequently travelled throughout Ontario to sell books at regional fairs and festivals. At its peak, the store had over 300,000 titles in stock in a variety of locations, including the main building, on-site trailers and several warehouses. Douglas Pollard was awarded an honorary doctorate by Nipissing University the following year, the first honorary degree ever granted by that institution. Douglas Pollard was also active in the national literary community, including as a board member of the Ontario Arts Council and as a member of the committee for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. Lois Pollard accepted the award on his behalf. In her late 80s and keen to retire, Lois Pollard placed the store up for sale soon after Douglas' death, but closed it in 2011 after failing to find a willing buyer. She published a history of the store, Highway Book Shop: Northern Ontario's Unexpected Treasure, in 2011, and donated a large collection of records and memorabilia from the store to the Laurentian University archives in 2010 and 2011. The company was purchased in 2012, although the new owners have not reopened the physical store. Legacy website is maintained by White Mountain Publications for historical reference only.

• Name — The Highway Book Shop • Type — Private • Industry — Bookselling Publishing • Founded — 1957 • Founder — Douglas Pollard Jean Pollard (née Hope) • Defunct — 2011 • Fate — Closed (company sold in 2012; physical store not reopened) • Area Served — Canada • Key People — Douglas Pollard Jean Pollard Lois Pollard (née Williams) • Products — Books (new, rare, and out-of-print) Book publishing • Website — (archived; maintained for historical reference) • Hq Location — Ontario Highway 11 near Cobalt, Ontario, Canada