Bob started sugaring in 1960 by buying the Beaver Brook Sugarhouse in Wilmington from the Brown family. His first year Bob, with 4000 taps, produced 1100 gallons of syrup in 14 days. In years following, a gift shop was added and by 1966 his family produced 6600 gallons of syrup from 25000 taps.

Beaver Brook was sold in 1971 to his son Bill, but the other family members thought it would be nice to sugar at home again so a small sugar house was built and the family continues to set about 400 buckets annually.

Bob sold sugaring equipment for Combs Maple Products for years during which time he was able to acquire a vast collection of old and unusual sugaring tools. These artifacts are available for festival goers to see.