Story at a Glance

The present investment in the operation stands at $375,000 according to Pete Ganahl, youthful head of the company, which was established in Anaheim in 1904. When his father died 21h, years ago, he took over management of the company with his two brothers. He has been with the firm for 8 years, plus summers, while brothers John and Andy have 2 and one year, respectively, with the firm.

blocks up the street and two other traditional firms in the area.

When Ganahl Lumber Co., decided to build following a forced move from the previous location due to the state building a railroad overpass, they reasoned that to most effectively position themselves in the market, they had better do what they know best. In a word. wood.

The resulting establishment is wood design at its most attractive. There are two pole buildings (built by the San Antonio Rigid Pole Construction Co.) of 10,000 sq. ft. each. One is the storage building to the left of the store andis open on two sides for access and is joined to the store building by wire fences and gates, thus creating an open sales and drive-through area between the two buildings.

The store is divided. in half inside, with 5,000 sq. ft. for office and showroom and the other 5,000 sq. ft. behind it for lumber, paneling and other bulky merchandise. Exterior siding is rough sawn cedar, both vertical and diagonal while interiors are 1x4 clear cedar with 3/4" solid oak panels. The roof is spruce.

Oak parquet flooring is usod throughout the store and office area. A 50' long oak counter separates the open office from the showroom. Like the rest of the lumber and millwork in the building it was produced at the firm's Anaheim operation, which includes a sizeable mill. There is also a Ganahl Lumber Co. at Lake Arrowhead.

Pete Ganahl, in addition to a family heritage in the lumber business in southern California that dates back to the 1880s, is a forestry graduate of Oregon State University, where he studied the business side of that major. When he began working for the family company, his father wisely had him work in the various departments so that today he is well versed'in these different areas. His brothers are currently undergoing the same indoctrination program.

The Corona store is a one-stop shopping point for all building needs, from the foundation up, according to manager Rudy Lopez,who joined the firm (PLease turn to pagegs) lN THE wood business and proud of it, Ganahl Lumber (1) stress wood with exterior cedar siding; exposed poles in pole shed are stained dark and the sign proudly proclaims: The Lumber Yard. (2) Skylights cast remarkably brilliant light on exposed wood trusses above sh owroom f loor. Vertical interior windows tell customer of lumber, plywood, other bulky items stored on other side of wall. (3) Cedarsiding set on diagonals. Landscaping, like store, is brand new. (4) Beautiful wood parquet on showroom floor; some shelves are still bare in these preopening day pictures. (5) Covered entry, heavy wood double doors lend tasteful touch to an exceptionally attractive operation. (6) The classic method for storage and just as effective today. (7) Every part and piece of eye+atching staircase to mezzanine was built by Ganahl mill. (8) Showroom area to immediate right of front doors.

EXPOSED joists and truss-like members are yellow poplar and came from a 200 year-old convent in Kentucky that was being razed. Wood windows, insulated glass were used to conserve energy.