McLennan “Sugar Shack” destroyed by fire

Doni & Mike McLennan’s children, Rose (left) and Roy) have grown up over the years as their parents made maple syrup at their farm on M-52, just north of town. Photo courtesy of the McLennan Family.

The appearance of blue bags on trees all around Manchester has long been a sign that spring time is finally here. For 14 years, the McLennan family has been blessed with the ability to provide fresh maple syrup to not only those in Manchester, but around the world.

“We’ve given many tours, hosted pancake breakfasts for the community, and have brought awareness of the maple syrup industry to our area,” says Doni McLennan. “It has been quite a journey. Along the way, we’ve hired many high schoolers to collect sap and met many wonderful people who have the same passion for maple syrup as we do.”

The unfortunate loss of the sugar shack by fire on March 20 has given everyone at McLennan Landscape, the time to sit down and recall all of the wonderful memories made over their years in the maple syrup business. The “Sugar Shack,” where the sap was boiled, was central to the production of McLennan Maple Syrup. Fortunately, no other buildings at the farm were affected by the fire and no injuries were reported. At this time, the family has made no comment on whether they will rebuild the sugar shack, but syrup production has come to a halt for the season.

“We want to thank everyone for supporting us through the years and making McLennan Maple Syrup a staple in the community,” McLennan added. “We also want to thank again, the Manchester Fire Department for their diligent and quick response. We are blessed to live in such a wonderful town.”

For those who are curious, McLennans will still offer local maple syrup and other local products here in their nursery.

On March 20 the McLennan Sugar Shack at 10950 M-52 caught fire and burned to the ground. Photos courtesy of McLennan Landscape.

In the aftermath of the fire, hope is symbolized by a cross of timbers that remained standing. Photos courtesy of McLennan Landscape.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.