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Who Is The Cobbler ?
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The Original Cobbler:
Percival Raymond Gregory
A WWII veteran who built a life of service, craftsmanship, and dedication in the hills of New Hampshire.
From War Hero to Craftsman
Born in Norwalk, Connecticut on September 13th, Percival Raymond Gregory—known to everyone as "Ray"—served his country in World War II under General MacArthur in England. After the war, he worked as a machinist before making a life-changing decision.
In 1952, Ray left the bustle of Connecticut (population ~19,000) for the quiet, rural town of Benton, New Hampshire (population ~350). There, he established what would become a cornerstone of the community: a working farm built on principles of hard work, quality, and self-sufficiency.
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Building a Farm & Family Legacy
Ray didn't just farm—he excelled at it. His operation became a model of New England agriculture:
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Maintained up to 14 milking cows at peak production
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Raised goats, chickens, and other livestock
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Aspired to maintain 1,000 chickens (operated around 500)
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Sold eggs wholesale—12 dozen per case—to Landy Beal in Woodsville
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Produced hay from over 20 acres in Easton
But farming wasn't his only calling. Around 1961, Ray began working for the U.S. Postal Service, balancing his farm duties with public service to his community.
The Cobbler's Craft
Ray's dedication to quality extended beyond farming. He became a master cobbler and leatherworker, known throughout the region for his meticulous craftsmanship:
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Taught 4-H leathercraft to local youth for years
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Specialized in making pocketbooks, belts, and wallets
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Operated professional cobbling machinery for shoe repair
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Emphasized safety and precision in every project
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Refused to compromise on quality, even as "throwaway culture" emerged
His wife contributed too, crafting leather vests in tie-dyed and brown tones. Together, they embodied the values of American craftsmanship: attention to detail, durability, and pride in one's work.
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Growing Excellence
For Generations to Come
A New England family's commitment to helping you grow better, naturally and sustainably
From Cobbler's Farm to Modern Business
When Ray Gregory passed, his farm's spirit of quality, craftsmanship, and self-sufficiency didn't die with him.
In the small town of Benton, New Hampshire, the Brown family has carried forward these values, building their lives around farming and landscaping principles passed down through generations.
Mission
"Provide the in between home & gardening solutions you don't get from monopoly brands."
Learning Craftsmanship Young
Clinton Brown, the current owner, grew up learning from his grandfather Arthur—also a skilled cobbler who taught an 11-year-old Clinton the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
But Arthur's passion extended far beyond his trade. Like Ray Gregory before him, he was deeply committed to farming, homesteading, and self-sufficiency. Rather than buying produce from stores, the family grew their own, raising cattle, chickens, and other farm animals.
This dedication to quality and doing things right became the foundation of everything to come.
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Carrying On the Tradition
After Arthur passed, Clinton's parents maintained their own farm, providing homegrown food and materials for the household. From there, they expanded into a nursery business, which supported the landscaping company Clinton ran with his dad, while his mom operated the greenhouse, growing and selling plants in small-town New Hampshire.
Eventually, the landscaping and nursery business evolved into a retail store called Railway in Woodsville, New Hampshire, where the family sold specialty fertilizers, grass seeds, and livestock feed under major brand names.
Taking It Online
The Browns moved their business online to offer custom-made products directly to customers who deserved better. Starting on eBay, they eventually moved to Amazon and have since expanded to 8 different platforms.
Today, they've served over 20,000 customers and maintain a 4.7-star rating on Amazon.
The spirit of Ray Gregory's workshop lives on—every product is crafted with the same attention to detail, the same refusal to cut corners, and the same commitment to teaching others how to do things right.
