Making Cane Syrup

Bottom right: Linda Paulk, proprietor of Puddin’ Creek Cane Syrup, Willacoochee, poses in her syrup house with a homemade strainer, 1997.

Bottom left: At Puddin' Creek Syrup in Willacoochee, Carlos Perez, assisted by Roberto Perez, adds raw cane juice to the kettle to cook into syrup, 1997.

Top right: José and Maria Ruíz put labels on bottles of freshly made cane syrup at the annual December cane grinding, Puddin’ Creek Cane Syrup, Willacoochee, 1997.

Top left: Inez Paulk of Willacoochee stands in front of an old cane grinding “sweep” which was powered by mule, 1997.

Photos by Laurie Sommers.