Eastman Johnson's Maple Sugar Paintings
Eastman Johnson (1824-1906) is remembered as one of the most important American painters of the 19th century. Most of his Maple Sugar paintings were painted between 1861-1865.
His work celebrates maple sugaring not only as a way of life but as a symbol of Yankee independence and self-sufficiency. As an abolitionist, these paintings represent "sugar produced by free workers, unlike cane sugar which was produced by slave labor.
At the center of Johnson's Maple Sugar project is
the traditional sugaring off party held at the
conclusion of the sugar harvest, This raucous
party celebrated a successful harvest with
bonfires, music, sugar-on-snow, doughnuts and
pickles. To many it was viewed as a rite of spring
and signaled the end of a long winter.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 40° 45.58′ N, 84° 3.436′ W. Marker is near Lima, Ohio, in Allen County. It is on North Dixie Highway 0.7 miles north of Ada Road (Route 81), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McLean Teddy Bear Park (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named McLean Teddy Bear Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Johnny Appleseed Apple Tree (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ohio Department of Natural Resources 75th Anniversary (approx. 0.4 miles away); Robert E. Lee Sweetgum (approx. 0.4 miles away); Minuteman Red Maple (approx. 0.4 miles away); Appomattox Court House Pin Oak (approx. 0.4 miles away); Patrick Henry National Champion Osage Orange (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
