Our Story

Benjamin T. Martin moved his family from North Georgia to what was originally Pike County, Georgia. The family included his wife, Telitha Elizabeth, sons Elijah and Johnny, his sister and several brothers. On October 5th, 1893, great grandfather Benjamin Martin purchased 66 acres from M.W. Rice for $850. Papa Ben expanded the farm by purchasing additional acres through his lifetime.

The farm had a sawmill, which provided the timbers from which the original farmhouse — now known as the Sugar Shack — and the second farmhouse were built. Some of the timbers were also used in the construction of the Methodist Church in Milner. There were dairy and pecan trees; the milk money paid for daily expenses and the pecans were sold to pay the annual land taxes.

Through the years the farm has passed through four generations. The dairy remained operational through three generations, after which beef cattle were raised. Each generation grew vegetables and hens were kept until the grandmother passed away.

It was familiar and it was home, even with our first step. The beautiful pasture sprinkled with pecan trees. The backdrop of rolling hills. Signs everywhere of days gone by and family heritage. Roots ran deep here. It was reminiscent of my Smith family's farm in Florida. There, in the heart of this Martin Dairy Farm, stood the 1893 homestead. Instantly, for me, it was the Sugar Shack.

On the Smith farm, there is a similar home nicknamed just that. Truth be told, I only recently learned that it got its name because my PawPaw Smith bought it from a bachelor man!

These picturesque 30 acres tell a story of the past, yet long to unfold visions of the future. Here at Sugar Shack Farms, we hope it feels like home and family to you, too. We look forward to celebrating life's greatest moments with you.