Money on A String Documentary

The People who picked the Beans in Ashe County, NC
Director: Kelley St. Germain

From the 1940s to the 1970s, green bean farming was more than just agriculture in Ashe County, North Carolina—it was a booming industry that transformed one of the poorest regions in Appalachia. Generating millions of dollars, this unexpected cash crop brought prosperity to rural families, reshaping their lives and livelihoods.

But long before green beans became big business, they were a survival staple, with families canning hundreds of quarts each year to endure the harsh mountain winters. Then, in the late 1930s, everything changed. Commercial green bean production surged, creating jobs, shaping communities, and leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Money on a String tells this remarkable story through the voices of fifteen Ashe County natives who lived it. Their rich dialects and firsthand memories paint an intimate portrait of a way of life that has nearly disappeared. But this documentary isn’t just about green beans—it’s about the people who planted, picked, and built their lives around them. It’s a tribute to resilience, tradition, and a chapter of Appalachian history that deserves to be remembered.

SIDENOTE: We would like to extend a great big “THANK YOU” to 13 year old Michael Schott for writing & performing the original music for our Documentary. I think you will agree that he did an amazing job!

Outtake Videos

Thank you to 14 Year Old Musician, Michael Schott

The “Money on a String” Team is indebted to 14 year old Michael Schott who wrote and produced original music for our documentary. He really did hit it out of the park and was a true professional to work with. We deeply appreciate his participation in our project.

Just this year (2025), Michael has opened for the likes of Sawyer Brown and Chris Cagle, and has played the stages of many festivals in North Carolina and Virginia. 2025 also marks the first year that he will have a scheduled plan of releases and radio distribution and promotion, all while being a 100% independent artist. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Nashville, WATCH OUT! 🙂

You can follow Michael here: https://www.facebook.com/Michael.Schottmusic1


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