By Matthew M. Thomas
You can read my latest maple history contribution in the June 2026 edition of the Maple Syrup Digest newsletter at this link or by clicking on the image of the article. The Maple Syrup Digest, it is the official quarterly publication of the North American Maple Syrup Council.
This article traces the 175 year history of the Green Family’s maple sugar and syrup operation in Winneshiek County in northeastern Iowa. In addition to sharing the history of seven generations of maple production in an easily overlooked corner of the maple world, this article presents the Green family’s efforts to stablize and preserve their nearly 100 year old historic sugar house and assocated cook shanty in their sugarbush.
You can read the article at this link or by clinking on the accompanying image.
Great article, Matthew. I’ve often wondered how much maple syrup gets made in Illinois and Iowa. Indiana is historically ranked as one of the maple producing states, but there’s never any mention of Illinois (right next door). Maybe not as many forested lots for tapping?