Q: We recently moved into a subdivision off of Mars Hill and pass by an old general store that is now a bank. Can you tell me about it?
A: You are asking about the Historic Lost Mountain Store that is now a United Community bank at the corner of Dallas Highway and Mars Hill Road NW, in Power Springs.
Judge Aaron Lafayette Bartlett bought 200 acres and a house in the area for $2.95. Using bricks he made and mortar made from lime and sand, Bartlett finished the Lost Mountain Store in 1881.
He named it The Watson and Bartlett Store, after himself and his brother-in-law, John Coleman Watson, according to the bank.
People traveled from miles around by horse and buggy to trade at the store by selling goods for staples. The store had been a center of commerce for the Lost Mountain community, according to information from the bank.
Watson was given the title “Postmaster General” for the district, where mail was delivered to the store once a week. Over time, there were other managers that ran the store. In 1992, after more than 100 years, the store closed.
“It’s fun to work here with so much history,” said Peggy Pietras, vice president and branch manager for the bank.
In front of the bank are two replica gas pumps from the time. A few steps away is the porch, with big green wooden doors leading to the entrance.
The interior paint color, windows and doors were restored to match the original building. Walking into the bank is like stepping back in time. The tongue-and-groove wood floor is original. There’s a small sitting area that looks as if it has not been touched from the general store.
Wood from the general store was used to create the bank’s counters and conference room table. The store’s first sign hangs on the wall inside the bank and there’s a glass case of old artifacts that were found in the attic..
“When customers come in, they love it. They share their stories from when it was a general store,” Pietras said
Independent Bank and Trust Company, now United Community Bank, purchased the store in 1995 and restored the building to its original glory, according to the bank.
Actual Factual Georgia runs on Sundays. If you’re new in town or have questions about this special place we call home, ask us. E-mail your request to atlactualfact@gmail.com.
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