Marietta was more than just a hometown for Carl Broughton; it was the heart and soul of his life. Every street, every building, every person in this cherished town held a special place in his heart. Born and raised in Marietta, Carl's deep connection to the community shaped his life's purpose.

In the mid-1970s, while working on a downtown restoration project, Carl stumbled upon a revelation that would forever alter Marietta's future. He observed that the most successful and vibrant towns all shared a common thread: a strong community foundation.

This insight sparked a vision, and in 1974, Carl, along with a group of like-minded individuals, established Marietta Community Foundation. What began as a simple idea to streamline charitable giving soon blossomed into a powerful force for good, laying the foundation for millions of dollars to be invested in the community he loved so deeply.

Fifty years later, Carl's vision is not just alive but thriving. His legacy lives on through Marietta Community Foundation and in the hearts of his children—Ruth, Mary, and George—who were adopted by Carl and his wife, Elizabeth, as infants. The Broughton children grew up in a home where love for the community wasn’t merely taught; it was a way of life.

"Our parents didn’t just love this town—they lived for it," George shared. "From a young age, we saw their dedication in everything they did. It was impossible not to fall in love with Marietta when we were surrounded by that kind of passion."

Reflecting on their father's influence, Mary added, "Daddy was a man of few words, but his actions spoke louder than anything he could have said. He had these grand ideas for Marietta, and he didn’t just dream them—he made them happen. Watching him, we learned that true love for your community means rolling up your sleeves and getting involved."

Carl’s life was shaped by ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his community. As a young man, he attended The Ohio State University, but the Great Depression forced him to leave after just two years. He returned to Marietta, where he found success in the family business. Yet, the memory of his unfinished education never left him. It became a driving force in his life, fueling his desire to help others achieve their educational dreams.

One of Carl’s most cherished memories was meeting Elizabeth, the love of his life. The Broughton Dairy and Restaurant, a family business, was located next to her family's bookstore. As Mary fondly recalled, "Daddy would find any excuse to walk over to the bookstore—often just to buy a pencil—so he could see her. And the rest, as they say, is history."

Carl’s love for Marietta was evident in every project he touched. Whether advocating for a Hot Lunch Program in Marietta City Schools or leading the charge to raise $14 million for Marietta College in the 1960s, his energy and passion were boundless.

His vision extended beyond his own lifetime; he saw the potential in institutions like Peoples Bank, which grew from a small community bank into a network of many full-service locations.

One of Carl’s most enduring legacies is the Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area, a dream he nurtured for over 40 years. He envisioned transforming 600 acres of family land into a public park. Before Carl and Elizabeth passed away in the mid-1990s, their children promised to bring this dream to life.

“Daddy always wanted to make the outdoors accessible to everyone,” Mary said. “He started developing trails and stocking the pond behind our house when we were kids. His dream was to create a space the entire community could enjoy.” George added, “We couldn’t let that land turn into just another development. We had to do something meaningful with it—for daddy, for the community.”

Today, the Broughton Nature & Wildlife Education Area welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually, offering hiking trails, mountain biking paths, a disc golf course, fishing spots, and habitats for wildlife. The park is also home to the Elizabeth Sugden-Broughton Community Building, a project completed in honor of their mother. The building, available for public events, helps fund the park’s maintenance, ensuring that Carl’s dream continues to flourish.

“Daddy had this incredible way of seeing what could be, not just what was,” George said.