The Columbia Store, another Plantation Store, is right after you turn onto Irish Bend.
The first Harley engine.
        The picture above and the four below are from a previous article on Mr. Martin's Store. They were taken on his property. There is no prettier piece on the bayou. It is the perfect example of Teche Land. To visit Mr. Martin's store, CLICK HERE. On this trip I saw him getting into his silver Cadillac. I estimate his age at 99. You must go by and see  him. He is a South Louisiana legend that will be sorely missed. He has owned and managed the store since 1936.
      On La.182, just to the west of Franklin is Irish Bend Road. It is best recognized by the Oaklawn Manor's sign. Oaklawn is the present home of Mike Foster, our last Governor.
It is open for tours. There is a charge.
   One definition of "Quarters" is "a place to live for a time" In the plantation system it was where the workers lived.
This "home" or "homes" is very typical of the buildings that served as a place to live in the Quarters.
   "Antebellum" means "before the [Civil] war. Cottages to huge Greek Revivals can fall into that classification.
    This one's a cottage. It is privately owned. Ride slowly down Irish Bend. I've run up and down it and still see new stuff.
I didn't have time to take the tour at Oaklawn Manor, so this is all you get.
     I know this church and the graveyard below is on the other tour. Sunday the parking lot was full of members. That minister must be a good one.
Why?  They don't float.
Below, an old sugarcane boiling pot. Home size.
One of the homes on Mr. Martin's property.
Another fine home down near the golf course.
    The Swain Grocery is one of my favorites. It is, I'd say, a great example of the the home/store. The large second floor porch is common all over south Louisiana. . Remember, air-conditioning was not always around. I can remember.
   If the sun is shinning on one porch, go to the other. Open the window and the rain won't be a problem.
Getting into Franklin, this is the office building of Sterling Sugar.
This is an early sugar press run by a Harley engine. Just kiddng. Just kidding.
The Old Way, The New Way
  Below: The Grevemberg House, 1851, is a museum, holding a lot of Civil War documents, I've been told. I may have to take the tour.
   The Grevemberg house is on the south side of the Teche on La.322. La.322 can be accessed on the west side Franklin. It is the continuation of Irish Bend Road. I really like this part of Louisiana and felt that you needed a little tune up and reminder. That's why I've redone some of it. Now we are on to new stuff. We'll come back to Franklin on the way back. That would be pretty much required as we are riding on the only high ground between the Gulf and the Atchafalaya Basin, to the north. You won't get bored, I promise you.