Fall 2024 - 41

DESTINATION: THE ROOT HOUSE
REBUILDING HISTORY
The Root House was built circa 1845
for Hannah and William Root, early settlers in
Marietta. William was one of Marietta's earliest merchants
and its first druggest after moving to the city in 1839 to open a
drug and mercantile store. The couple had four sons and one
daughter and owned the house from 1845 to 1886.
By the late 1980s, the Root House had fallen into disrepair
and was slated for demolition. After the house was formally
documented as one of Marietta's oldest buildings, preservation
efforts began. In 1989, Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society
acquired the house from Marguerite and William E. Bullard
and the house was moved to its present location in Marietta.
The exterior of the house was then restored to its 1845
appearance through architectural analysis.
Owned and managed by Cobb Landmarks, the Root House
is one of the oldest and best-preserved houses remaining in
the Atlanta area. The museum includes interactive exhibits
including touchscreens, activity books and scavenger hunts
that examine the lives of the Root family. The Root House
was also named 2023 Museum of the Year by the Georgia
Association of Museums.
The Root House had a half-million-dollar renovation and
expansion in 2019, including the addition of the gift shop.
HISTORIC TREASURES
Beemon said the gift shop is a curated selection of locally
crafted treasures and thoughtfully chosen mercantile goods.
" We're passionate about supporting Georgia artisans and
businesses, and our shelves are stocked with a variety of
products made right here in the Peach State, " he said.
The Root House sources its products from Faire Wholesale,
but also frequents local farmers markets and craft fairs
to search for local artisans and creators the museum can
collaborate with.
" We also don't shy from reaching out to larger brands
about wholesale, " he said. " Even though we are a small outfit,
they are typically happy to have us carry their products. "
For heritage brands (companies in business over 100
years), the idea is to offer products that would have been
available when
William operated his
store in Marietta during the 1800s.
These include products from companies like
Thayers, J.R. Watkins, and C.O. Bigelow - which still use
their 19th-century formulas to create lotions and soaps.
" It's a balance between products crafted locally and
products produced by large and established national brands, "
Beemon said.
Some of the store's bestsellers are Georgia-made products
and items designed exclusively for the gift shop.
" Most shoppers really appreciate being able to purchase
something they know they can only find in our store, " he said.
Beemon said the Root House works with vendors to create
custom designs for tea towels, flags, tote bags, clothing,
magnets, mugs and more. They also created an exclusive line
of candles with scents inspired by the Root House including
Smokehouse, Cookhouse, Root House Garden, William's
Study, Apothecary and a signature Root House scent. Beemon
said his favorite item in the store is the William's Study
candle scent.
" It reminds me of an old library filled with leather-bound
books - with notes of bourbon and tobacco for good
measure, " he said.
A customer favorite that visitors are always searching for is
a local postcard.
" When we opened the gift shop, we did not sell postcards, "
he said. " We quickly learned this was a mistake and had some
printed featuring local landmarks. "
Beemon said the Root House decided early on that the
shop had a specific aesthetic they wanted to maintain.
" We are always looking for items with vintage-inspired
packaging, " he said. " We also select items we feel will pop
against the muted colors of the log cabin and store fixtures,
which are all a mix of natural or aged wood. We try to be playful
and have fun, but to honor the history of the site. "
GIFTSHOPMAG.COM 41
http://www.GIFTSHOPMAG.COM
Fall 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fall 2024
