Texnadian Sugar Bush Roots:
A Story of Maple, Service, and Adventure
Introduction
Richard and Caroline Lee, throughout their early marriage and later during visits to her family farm, cherished the experience of helping in the making of maple syrup. For Caroline Lee (Campbell), the art of maple syrup production is much more than a seasonal ritual — it is a living thread woven through generations of her family. Her story is one deeply rooted in hard work, tradition, community service, and adventure, stretching from the sugar bushes of Canada to the vast wilderness of Alaska.
The Campbell family's journey began with Caroline’s great-grandfather, John Irvine Campbell, a pioneer who tapped into the bounty of the family’s maple trees. From those early days, the love and craftsmanship of syrup-making were passed from one generation to the next, embedding itself in the family's identity. As a child, Caroline learned firsthand how to gather sap and boil it down into the rich golden syrup that would sweeten not just tables, but memories for years to come.
Today, the Campbell family legacy continues to flow — as rich and enduring as the syrup that first brought them together.
Steward of the Land
Caroline's grandfather, Irvine J. Campbell, learned the craft of maple syrup production from his father, John I. Campbell. In addition to being a skilled syrup maker, he was also a registered tree farmer, widely respected for his extensive knowledge of trees. For more than 50 years, he dedicated each spring to producing maple syrup on his farm.
Caroline’s grandfather was a long-time active member in the community. Combining his love for trees with his role as a Lower Tenth School trustee, he championed the establishment of woodlots throughout the area. Thanks to his efforts and the hard work of school students, many beautiful woodlots continue to dot the local countryside today — living monuments to his vision and dedication.
A Legacy of Service
The Campbell family's legacy goes beyond the sugar bush. Service to others runs deep through Caroline's lineage, exemplified by her great-grand-uncle, George E. Buchanan. A proud Charter Member of the Kiwanis Club of Detroit, Michigan — the very first Kiwanis Club founded in 1915 — George devoted himself to improving the lives of those around him.
His dedication to Kiwanis and community service was a guiding example for generations to follow, inspiring Caroline’s own commitment to making a difference. The spirit of giving back is something that continues to echo through the family to this day.
Service in Texas: Kiwanis and Community Impact
While living in Abilene, Texas, both Richard and Caroline Lee brought their passion for service to the local Kiwanis community. Richard became a dedicated Charter Member of the North Abilene Kiwanis Club, while Caroline joined the Kiwanis Club of Abilene.
Caroline’s commitment and leadership stood out, and she served as Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Abilene. In recognition of her outstanding dedication, she was honored with the Hixson Fellowship — one of the highest accolades in Kiwanis. The club donated to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, in her name, reflecting her deep impact on the organization and the community.
Their time in Texas further deepened their shared commitment to making a difference, a value that continues to shape their lives and work today.
On to Alaska with Buchanan
George E. Buchanan’s impact reached far beyond the boundaries of his local community. Beginning in 1923, amid the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, he demonstrated extraordinary vision and leadership by organizing annual expeditions that led groups of approximately 50 – 60 young people from Detroit to the rugged landscapes of Alaska. These journeys, soon known across the country as “On to Alaska with Buchanan,” became a symbol of adventure and aspiration. More than just a physical voyage, each expedition offered participants a powerful opportunity for discovery, resilience, and personal growth, cementing Buchanan’s legacy as a pioneering mentor and advocate for youth exploration.
Participants were required to earn one third of the cost by working, their parents another third, and George Buchanan covered the rest. The trip was an educational odyssey—train rides across Canada, steamer trips to Skagway, glacier climbs, and gold panning.
The program would eventually inspire Kiwanis organizations across North America, symbolizing the adventurous spirit and commitment to youth that George embodied. His efforts opened new horizons for countless young people and embedded the Buchanan name in a remarkable chapter of service history.
In 1935, girls were included in the program. The expeditions lasted until 1939. Today, the "On to Alaska with Buchanan" sign painted near Skagway remains a tribute to Buchanan's enduring legacy of empowerment and adventure.
A New Chapter: Texnadian Sugar Bush
After several years living and working in Texas, Caroline and Richard returned to Ontario Canada after the passing of Caroline’s mother Barbara Campbell (German) to take care of her father John I. Campbell and the family farm. After a couple of years, they shared a dream: to honor Caroline’s family heritage and contribute meaningfully to their local community.
From this dream, Texnadian Sugar Bush was born — a venture that blends Richard’s Texas family heritage and their Texas experiences with Canadian legacy. Nestled among rolling hills and maple forests, Texnadian Sugar Bush continues the Campbell tradition of syrup-making while creating new opportunities to connect with the community.
Through Texnadian Sugar Bush, Caroline and Richard are not just crafting maple syrup — they are preserving history, honoring service, and creating a place where the past and present meet in every sweet drop.
Carrying Legacy Forward
Today, Caroline Lee embodies a continuing legacy, upholding a heritage rooted in community service, family history, and cherished traditions. Through her and Richard’s work, the Campbell family's story continues to inspire, reminding all who hear it of the power of tradition, community, and adventure.
The spirit of "On to Alaska with Buchanan" lives on in every endeavor, every act of service, and every bottle of syrup shared with friends, family, and neighbors. It is a legacy to be celebrated, cherished, and passed on for generations to come.
Thank You
Special thanks to the Campbell and Buchanan families whose traditions of service and craftsmanship continue to enrich our communities today. Their story is a reminder that with heart, history, and hard work, anything is possible.
It is also with great gratitude that we also thank our children, Connor and Adrianna, for the hard work and support they have given to continue the family traditions of maple syup, service, and adventure.
Historical Photos reference:
WPYR Mediakit
on to alaska with buchanan - White Pass Mediakit
"ON TO ALASKA WITH BUCHANAN". George E. Buchanan, a Detroit coal merchant, began bringing boys and girls to Alaska on adventure trips in 1923.