A current project I am researching involves an examination of the history of the early years of the use of flexible plastic tubing for the gathering and movement of maple sap. This research looks at the evolution of earlier pipeline systems leading up to the first experiments and prototype taps, tubing and fittings before diving into the more specific events leading up to the patents and introduction of marketable products of the 1950s and early 1960s. A focus of the research and story is the role and interaction of the three primary inventors and promoters of early tubing – George Breen, Nelson Griggs, and Bob Lamb.
From a historical point of view, as something that primarily take place in the 1950s, the origins and evolution of plastic tubing is a fairly recent story to tell; however, enough time has passed that none of the key individuals are still living. Despite that fact, as this research has progressed I have been lucky enough to interview various family members of all three of these men, as well as other knowledgeable folks in the maple world with their own connections, stories, and information to share. Nevertheless, I am still looking for a little more detail and corroborating information, most notably related to Bob and Florence Lamb’s back story and their initial introduction and engagement with the maple industry and developing their version of plastic tubing, spouts and fittings.
I am sure there are many individuals out there in the maple world that have had their own interactions with these men and women over the years, not to mention their own experiences with early adoption of plastic tubing. If you are one of these folks and would like to share anything that you think might is relevant, informative, or just plain helpful, I’d love to hear from you. Please drop me a note at maplesyruphistory@gmail.com or use the comment form on this website.