Okay, back in my newspaper days this paper was the competition. But it had been almost 3 years since I left The Corning Leader when this article from the Elmira Star Gazette featured my family’s syrup-making efforts. Though they don’t work the sugar bush anymore, it seemed the right time of year to feature this “blast from the past” and catch the breeze of a “simpler” but definitely more physically demanding era.
This is also something that can only be seen in a few places around the world. There are very few places where maple trees, soil and climate work together to create the quality and weather for maple syrup.
Back before I left Caton, I helped out with the process. And after I left I have often wished I had the chance to take extended vacations during the winter to work the bush. It certainly could be fun to do it as a gentleman farmer.
I grew up on the farm so I am not confused, like Bing Crosby’s character in White Christmas with how lazy the farm life it. I know it is work. But sometimes the work can be fun, especially if your very livelihood isn’t depending on it.
At The Rainbow 