In the winter of 1974 Ann and Stefan and their two little girls moved from Hamilton to Restoule.Their friends and family wondered at the time what they were going to do way "up north".  The first winter Stefan worked at the local ski area - Nipissing Ridge.  When the owner of the ski area suggested the young couple consider beekeeping as a summer employment opportunity, Ann and Stefan made a commitment to the bees and their community when a deal was made and two hives of bees were bought and placed on their hillside farm. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The years moved ahead in a flurry of activity and much was learned about the bees and beekeeping. Courses were taken that earned certificates and added knowledge, but the 'school of hard knocks' seemed to be the best teacher. The two hives grew to four, then ten and so on.  In the mid-eighties the colony number grew to 200 hives - most located in the driveway!  As the beekeeping business blossomed, so did the interest in bee products like creams with beeswax and candles.  Ann experimented with dozens of recipes creating lipbalm and skin cream that is enjoyed today. She perfected her beautiful hand dipped candles using wax from the hives. A delicious line of honey jellies, mustards and relishes were added to the shelves in the little shop that kept growing.

The inventory continued to diversify and change.  During the nineties the family traveled to craft and trade shows to sell their honey products throughout Ontario.   A faithful clientel of Christmas and Spring shoppers supported the efforts of the Board's and their bees for many years - and still do.  Shows are a wonderful way of meeting customers and introducing 'gifts from the hive'. 

Since the late ninties to the present the family has opened their doors to tour groups and individuals who wish to educate themselves about the honey bee.  The Boards have shifted their focus to the healing aspects products from the hive have to offer.  Stefan is a certified Level One Apitherapist. The farm now produces raw honey and propolis and collects their own pollen.