You never know what will be the glue that holds a community together. Despite all of our efforts to manufacture the feeling of community in a modern world, often something natural and unexpected makes us truly feel at home. In the case of Franklin, La., Martin's Grocery has been bringing people together since the late 1800s. Medric Martin has been at the helm since 1935.
When we first passed by Martin's, we thought, "What a neat place; wouldn't it be great if it were still open?" A few minutes later we stood inside, looking in awe at the wooden benches (still well-polished after years of use), the soup cans and sundries shelved next to authentic Civil War bullets, and Mr. Martin himself, defying time as he has done every day for the last 68 years.
Martin's isn't so much the place to stock up on groceries anymore but more of a place to catch up with old friends. Medric Martin has become the keeper of a true community hub. When people need to meet up, say to go fishing or to head into town, they do so at Martin's. As a result, if you're looking for someone in this part of Cajun Country, "Mr. Medric," as he's known by locals, can probably tell you just where to find them.
Brenda Jackson, the local woman who introduced us to Mr. Medric, has been visiting the store since her childhood. Toody Keenze brings his own daughter here like his parents used to bring him. To them and to everyone in the community, Martin's Grocery is a place to sit a spell, meet up, check in with the local doings, and, on occasion, actually buy something. But if you do buy something, make it a soda or a beer, because you'll want to sit down on one of the smooth wooden benches and hear Mr. Medric's stories about his 68 years as the glue of this Louisiana town.
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