Sweet syrup, history flow at Naper Settlement
Sweet syrup was flowing Sunday in Naperville, not from a bottle, but from an even better source - a maple tree.
Visitors to the Naper Settlement witnessed the technique used by Native Americans and early European settlers to tap maple trees for their sap.
Sap from a tree's trunk forms the basis for maple syrup, which was a less expensive alternative to cane sugar, making it the most significant sweetener in the states until the end of the Civil War.
Maple tapping coincides with the coming of spring. Each year the Naper Settlement historical museum celebrates the tradition with tapping demonstrations on the lawn and sticky, syrupy maple treats inside the tavern at the Pre-Emption house.
Maple sap drips into a bucket during the Naper Settlement's annual Maple Sugaring Days. The Sunday event featured tapping demonstrations and plenty of treats made with maple syrup.
Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.