Category: People

My explorations in Maple began as a new set of places to explore. My first sugarhouse was Harris Farm in Dayton, Maine in 2008. I have discovered Farms that were planted, like traditional farms, or sugar groves that were discovered in woods that already existed (Harris Farm is a combination of both). I realized that Maple Producers, like dairy or vegetable farmers, work hard to create their product. And, like any other workers, maple farmers run the gamut of involvement and experience, from those who collect with buckets on their trees and boil in a pot on the wood stove, to groves with thousands of taps over acres of land with sugarhouses that look like factories. People may just cook the sap until it looks or tastes right, or use the latest and greatest of gadgets to make sure it’s perfect.

If a newbie wants to figure out what they need to do to produce syrup, they can take workshops, attend lectures, speak with neighbors, or get involved with a local association with like-minded people. In the fall of 2018, my like-minded people, the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, lost three past presidents and the wealth of knowledge they brought to the art.

I wish I had been able to visit Longview Forest Products When Bill Eva had been there. He sounds like an amazing gentleman, a pilot in the Air Force returning after a 21-year career to the family farm in Hancock. He then studied Forestry at the UNH Thompson School and developed his company with woodcutting, logging, Christmas trees and maple syrup. His Maple passion led him to such pursuits as teaching class field trips and serving as President of the NHPMA.

When I visited Fadden’s Store in April of 2017, I thought I had missed Jim so I enjoyed myself in his maple museum. As I spent time checking out the museum, he returned. We walked out to the sugarhouse through the back hall past the photos of ancestors, beginning a series of stories that lasted a couple of hours. He told me about sugaring with his dad, and of Louie, dad’s helper. Louie didn’t know how to read or write but he taught young Jim how to drink and smoke. Jim was glad he learned from Louie because he never wanted to touch either again.

Jim’s story is one of loyalty, service, and tradition. I love the memorial video that was posted where he speaks of people buying syrup in his store (all his syrup is retailed) and that it’s kind of like going to a winery, where people can get educated with the purchase of their quality product. “I am doing it for my ancestors, and for my children and grandchildren.”

I met Roy Hutchinson at the end of the 2018 Maple season. Although I mostly spoke with his son Brian and Brian’s wife Adrienne, it was obvious that Roy was the heart of the operation. He was elected to the Maple Hall of Fame in 2003 and I believe 2018 was his 60^th season of maple. Brian is proud to continue the production of traditional syrup; he learned from the master.

Maple is not left wanting – there are many experienced farmers willing to bring newbies alongside, and many younger men and women learning and sharing. Soon the sap will run, spring will come again, and others will try to fill the boots of these great men. But they will be missed!