MICANOPY-One of North Central Florida's oldest and most venerable companies has closed its doors.
     Franklin Crate, which has manaufactured produce containers for farmers since 1916, ended operations on Thursday, July 12th, according to company owner Ben Franklin III.
     John Thrasher with the Micanopy Historical Society told TV20 that through the years Franklin Crate was the biggest employer in the region.   He said the company had a close relationship with the people of Micanopy.
     Franklin would not say how many people worked at the company, or why it shut down.  But he said his family would keep the facility, and possibly rent it out.