A Champion of the Maple Syrup Industry: The First 100 Years of the G.H. Grimm Company

Presenter:    Dr. Matthew M. Thomas

Sponsors:  Rutland Free Library and the Rutland Historical Society

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time:  7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (45 minute lecture followed by time for questions and interaction)

Location: Nella Grimm Fox Room

Rutland Free Library

10 Court Street

Rutland, VT 05701

Lecture Description:

This presentation traces the origins and evolution of the G.H. Grimm maple syrup equipment company. Over its first one hundred years, the Grimm Company, with its signature Champion Evaporator, became the leading manufacturer of maple industry equipment in the United States and Canada. The storyline of the presentation follows the Grimm family and the Grimm Company from its start in Hudson, Ohio, to its relocation and settlement in Rutland, Vermont, and on to the opening of its branch operation to Montreal, Québec. New research presents a detailed look at the lives of the Grimm family in Ohio and Vermont and the impact of the Grimm Company in the history of the maple syrup industry.

Matthew Thomas Bio: Dr. Matthew M. Thomas is an independent researcher and is a leading expert on the history of the maple syrup industry. Dr. Thomas has written two maple history books, Maple King: The Making of a Maple Syrup Empire and A Sugarbush Like None Other: Adirondack Maple Syrup and the Horse Shoe Forestry Company. In addition, he shares his research and many published articles on the website www.maplesyruphistory.com.