EDISTO ISLAND TRADITION

Raymond L. Tumbleston, was known as the “Geechie Boy” here on the sea islands where he continued the legacy of farming the rich soil of Edisto by growing, packing and shipping tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupes, grains and winter greens for over 40 years. He was dedicated to his Lord, family, community and farming. The Johnsmans kept the “Geechie Boy” name for their business in honor of the “original” Raymond L. Tumbleston for all of the work that he did not only for the community and conservation, but for all of the farming community state wide. Recently they changed their brand name to MARSH HEN MILL.

HERITAGE CORN

On their Edisto Island farm, the Johnsmans operate historic working mills, creating grits used in the country’s finest restaurants, including  James Beard award-winning chefs in nearby Charleston and around the nation.  On a 3-acre garden next to their market, they grow a variety of heirloom vegetables and specialty crops at the request of chefs.

A PIECE OF HISTORY

Greg Johnsman was raised in a small town in the South Carolina Upstate where he met Jack Brock, a third-generation miller who taught Greg the process of milling grits the old-fashioned way. Greg was hooked. He discovered a 1945 mill and separator in Saluda owned by Lamar Berry. Mr Brock encouraged Greg to purchase and restore the mill and separator. Greg easily agreed to the stipulation that the mill must be on display for the public to see and never be sold again.

GEECHIE BOY MILL – MARSH HEN MILL

Authenticity is a hallmark of Geechie Boy products. Heirloom corn is used in the antique gristmills, which preserve the natural oils and flavors of the corn resulting in the most flavorful grits. At the Geechie Boy Market, customers are guaranteed fresh, seasonal produce.
As they work the land, ship their grits around the country and chase after two young sons, Greg and Betsy are indeed preserving a way a life and capturing a piece of Southern history for generations to come.