As a child growing up in Mableton in the 1970's, I always looked forward to the summer weekends when we would drive out to Allatoona Lake to camp and ride around the lake in my Dad's red ski-boat. Even though it was only about a 30 minute drive, to me it seemed like a long journey. I would get so excited when we would come upon the little red brick store because I knew it meant we were almost there! Sometimes we would stop for cold Coca-Cola's and candy at the old store by the mountain. There always seemed to be old men sitting out on the porch and if memory serves, there was usually a dog laying around too.
Now, as a resident of West Cobb, I pass by the Old Lost Mountain Store nearly every day. Originally built in 1881, the historic building is no longer a store but a branch of the United Community Bank. It was renovated in 1996 and they used as much of the original materials of the store as possible in the renovation, adding replicas of the original gas pumps in front of the store.
The original shelves of the store were used to build the counter for the bank, and all of the desks (including the conference room table) were built from wood from the store counters. The bank proudly displays memorabilia from the old store as well as
the original Coca-Cola sign that hung outside the store. They even have rocking chairs and a game of checkers set up in the back in case anyone wants to "sit a spell" and remember the old times. 
I was so glad that the bank renovated the Old Lost Mountain Store rather than tearing down this unique community landmark. Even though it is now surrounded by shopping centers and upscale neighborhoods, this beautiful old building is a constant reminder of days gone by.Click here to read Part 2 of "The Old Lost Mountain Store".............
(A display of memorabilia from the store and old newspaper clippings sit behind a table ready for a game of checkers at the United Community Bank, Lost Mtn. People used to sit on the porch of the Old Lost Mountain Store playing checkers.)
(Rocking Chairs remind customers of days gone by when people used to just sit and chat for a while at the old store.)
(The bank saved as much of the original material from the store as possible in the renovation. This Conference Table was made from wood that came from the counter of the Old Store.)
