Simpson’s Rocky Ridge Sugar Bush began in the early spring of 1926. William P. Simpson and a neighbor from Birchwood, Wisconsin, got off the Soo Line train at the depot at Lehigh, and snowshoed and skied to their sugar camp in the Blue Hills. It was about 2 miles or more with the steep hills and deep snow. In addition, they packed provisions that were needed to complement the supplies that had been previously brought in when the roads were open. This was the first year our Grandparents made syrup from the land they had recently purchased in the Blue Hills, east of Rice Lake.

 

Geologists recognize the Blue Hills as what remains of a mountain range that is claimed to be older than the Rockies. Maple and other trees must put their roots between and on top of the broken rocks that make up much of the forest floor. Since the sugar bush was located on the top of this ridge, William P Simpson named it Rocky Ridge Sugar Bush.

 

It is recognized by the Maple Industry that syrup from different locations and geographic conditions contains different minerals and taste. We believe that the Maple Syrup produced here has excellent flavor, well worth the extra effort it takes because the rocks and slopes which are difficult to work in. However, silver lining is that it's next to impossible to sink a trailer pulled

by a horse or tractor when picking up sap.

 

After our grandfather died, his wife continued to operate the Sugar Camp as she called it for 26 years until her death in 1967. The operation continued with her son William L., daughters, and grandchildren. In her syrup journal from the 50's she wished that maybe someday one of her “grandkids” would run the camp. She got that wish and we have continued to make maple syrup. There was a setback in 1994 when four inches of rain, followed by a 100+ mph sheer wind, destroyed over 70% of the trees in the main bush. Our buildings, however, remained almost undamaged, therefore we're able to continue our grandparents and parents tradition.

 

From past to present, our goal continues: to help nature to provide a quality product, at an affordable cost, for the years to come.

 

William Simpson (III)