Near Dadeville in Tallapoosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Rock Store / The Rock Store's Cosby Family
1890s~1957
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 21, 2023
1. The Rock Store Marker
Inscription.
The Rock Store, also, The Rock Store's Cosby Family. 1890s~1957.
The Rock Store. Built in the late 1890s by Wingfield Terrell Cosby, Sr., his wife Drusilla, and their seven children, the Rock Store was a Tallapoosa County institution for more than a half century. Local rocks crudely stacked and joined with concrete comprised the building’s unique façade. From its rafters hung stalks of bananas, lengths of bologna, and cigarette and soft drink advertisements which featured celebrities of the era. Icy cold drinks and hoop cheese, cut by the slice, were perennially popular items among customers. After the use of automobiles became more prevalent, the store owners installed a gravity-fed gasoline pump, a curiosity that was also popular with the children. As nearby Lake Martin grew as a recreational destination, the store’s popularity increased. The Rock Store was an unmistakable landmark and a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It closed in 1957 due to the deaths of the two last proprietors, Sam and Julius Cosby. The building continues to be used for other purposes; ownership remains in the Cosby family.,
~ Children ~ , Dora Catherine Cosby (Sept. 22, 1887-Oct. 27, 1962) Archie Clinton Cosby (Nov. 26, 1889-Mar. 16, 1909) Belton Stephen Cosby (Aug. 9, 1891-Apr. 24, 1957) Wingfield Terrell Cosby, Jr. (Feb. 17, 1893-Mar. 3, 1966) Vera Louisa Cosby (Jan. 6, 1895-Dec. 24, 1975) Verna Mary Cosby (Apr. 29, 1897-Oct. 17, 1962) Julius Davis Cosby (Mar. 26, 1899-Nov. 16, 1957).
The Rock Store
Built in the late 1890s by Wingfield Terrell Cosby, Sr., his wife Drusilla, and their seven children, the Rock Store was a Tallapoosa County institution for more than a half century. Local rocks crudely stacked and joined with concrete comprised the building’s unique façade. From its rafters hung stalks of bananas, lengths of bologna, and cigarette and soft drink advertisements which featured celebrities of the era. Icy cold drinks and hoop cheese, cut by the slice, were perennially popular items among customers. After the use of automobiles became more prevalent, the store owners installed a gravity-fed gasoline pump, a curiosity that was also popular with the children. As nearby Lake Martin grew as a recreational destination, the store’s popularity increased. The Rock Store was an unmistakable landmark and a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It closed in 1957 due to the deaths of the two last proprietors, Sam and Julius Cosby. The building continues to be used for other purposes; ownership remains in the Cosby family.
27, 1962)
Archie Clinton Cosby (Nov. 26, 1889-Mar. 16, 1909)
Belton Stephen Cosby (Aug. 9, 1891-Apr. 24, 1957)
Wingfield Terrell Cosby, Jr. (Feb. 17, 1893-Mar. 3, 1966)
Vera Louisa Cosby (Jan. 6, 1895-Dec. 24, 1975)
Verna Mary Cosby (Apr. 29, 1897-Oct. 17, 1962)
Julius Davis Cosby (Mar. 26, 1899-Nov. 16, 1957)
Erected 2018 by the Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 32° 42.612′ N, 85° 47.121′ W. Marker is near Dadeville, Alabama, in Tallapoosa County. Marker is at the intersection of Rev James Arter Smith Highway (Alabama Route 50) and Stillwaters Highway (Alabama Route 49), on the right when traveling west on Rev James Arter Smith Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9327 Hwy 49 South, Dadeville AL 36853, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. The Rock Store / The Rock Store's Cosby Family Marker heading west on AL-50.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 21, 2023
4. The view east of building and marker (in background).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 21, 2023, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
