Welcome to the list, Kris!

I searched for plywood references on the web and found a site for the
Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association:

http://www.hpva.org/

If you click on Association, then on Information and Additional
Resources, and finally on The Story of Hardwood Plywood, there's a brief
history of the industry.

Or, if you click on Publications, there's a book on the list for sale
that may be useful:

"The Fine Hardwood Veneer Industry in the United States
 1838-1990, John Callahan, 306 pp.

 The author spent 15 years compiling information for this wonderful
 hardcover history of the decorative face veneer industry in the U.S.
 and Canada. Makes a great gift for family, schools, and libraries."

Hope this helps.

Laurie Paonessa