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By: Jim Fitzpatrick |
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Email: jim@nunica.com |
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Local Farmer in Polkton Township writes for the Coopersville Observer. |
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Along Brandy Creek By Jim Fitzpatrick
The Coopersville Observer March 6, 2006- - No. 68 |
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There is a sugar shack at the back of the farm. It is nestled among the maple trees along the gully, overlooking Brandy Creek. It has been there for more than twenty years. The building is much older than it looks. The farmer and his Dad built it from boards and beams, salvaged from Great Grand Pa's hundred year old barn. The wood shed next to it is stuffed to the rafters with seasoned firewood ready to burn. There is still snow in the woods, the place has been quiet for almost a year.
Now that February is here the shutters will come down, the place will be swept out, the evaporator made ready for the fire. On just the right day when the air feels right, the sun shinning overhead; buckets will be hung on the maples to catch the sweet sap.
"Is the sap run'n", some will ask? Neighbors and relatives will show up for a walk to the woods. They'll hang out by the fire, breath in the sweet smell of maple syrup being made; help out some, stay for a while.
Gather the sap, fire the "arch"! Gas lanterns will burn on into the night. It will be a busy place out there at the sugar shack for a month or more. |
