Franklin's Story
​At Franklin’s Farm, we don’t just sell quality, hand-harvested pine straw. Franklin’s Farm is much more than that, and to understand the mission or our business in full, you first need to know where it all began–with Franklin Marshburn.
Born in 1942 in a small eastern NC community called Gum Branch, Franklin was the youngest of 5, and his life circumstances made it so he had to become a man fast.
At age 14, Franklin’s father passed away. With his siblings all grown and away from home, Franklin took it upon himself to care for his mother and grandmother, as well as the family farm. He learned to work the land, grow his own food, and raise the animals and crops. And remember, this was a long time ago–a time in which basics like electricity were uncommon and farm life meant doing most of the work by hand.
Franklin was not only loyal and hard working, but he was known in the community as a kind and generous man. If the golden rule were a person, it would have been Franklin. In everything he did–every decision he made, every word he spoke, every action he took–he treated everyone and everything around him with respect and kindness.
He was magnetic. Everyone wanted to be around him!
Franklin was always happiest when he was able to bring people together. In his book, the world became a much better place when people joined together to work, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company. He was always looking for ways to help the disadvantaged and those in need, and he cherished the hospitality he could provide on the farm and all it entailed.
Franklin’s vision of community–his big heart for people and the world around us–is precisely what motivated us to start expanding the reach and operations of Franklin’s Farm.
In 2010, Franklin planted thousands of NC pine tree seedlings. Now, many of the trees are full and lush, producing top-grade, beautiful pine needles. Gathered and packaged by hand, we handle and deliver all of our pine straw with the very same care Franklin took with every task he tackled throughout his life.
But Franklin’s legacy doesn’t just end with fine pine straws and farm products. To honor Franklin and all he stood for, we are donating a large portion of our sales to a charity that’s near and dear to Franklin and his family–The Autism Society of North Carolina. With a grandson afflicted with autism, Franklin understood the heart-wrenching struggles autism brings to families and the overwhelming grace those families feel when offered a helping hand in times of trouble.
That’s why we’re seizing the opportunity to help in any way we can…it’s simply what Franklin would have done if he were here today.
