Giddings, a town of about 5,000 people, sits about an hour east of Austin. You may have driven through there on your way to Houston.
For decades, peanut farming thrived in the area. Farmers would collect their crop and send the harvested peanuts over to the Lee County Peanut Company, located right near the railroad tracks in downtown Giddings. There, peanuts were cleaned, shelled and shipped out — usually to peanut butter factories. But, no more.
The shell of the factory is still there, along with Peanut Company owner Jonathan Socha.
Play the video below to hear from Jonathan himself.
Photos by Ilana Panich-Linsman.
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Oh, My Goodness! I heard this interview on NPR ! Can’t believe it’s Margot’s brother! Best wishes, Donna Ryan (friend of Margot)
Always proud of my younger brother Jonathan…he raised 3 wonderful kids, and has always been involved in his church and community!!