Mableton existed as a town for four years, from 1912 until a flood wiped away roads and rail tracks in 1916. The city deferred to county funding to aid in repair. Now although 30126 is a Mableton ZIP code, it’s part of Cobb County. The community is anchored by the complex that includes the historic 1843 home of the town's namesake, Robert Mable, the Mable House Arts Center and the Mable House Barnes Amphitheater.
Between the three places, there's always something going on. Children rehearse for their November performance of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” The 24th National Juried Art Exhibition hangs at the arts center with works from 99 artists from 14 states. Free candlelight concerts at the amphitheater that rivals Chastain occur regularly. The Oct. 22 storytelling festival is a big family draw. And the Christmas House Arts & Crafts show that runs in early December features scores of handmade art, pottery, jewelry, soaps and gifts as well as an impromptu tea room that opens for the event. Last year, Christmas House profits were $47,000.
The activity hums along fueled by about a dozen committees and groups dedicated to the Mable property’s assets for the South Cobb area. Mable House is run by Cobb County’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, and the South Cobb Arts Alliance curates the arts center, organizes the 20-year-old free concert series, and sponsors heritage camps, among other duties.
“There’s this very strong partnership between Cobb County PRCA and the South Cobb Arts Alliance,” said Ann Cummings, former director and board member on the alliance. She is especially proud of the research done on Robert Mable’s 10 slaves, who the group believes are buried with the landowner, along with his first and second wives.
“Most slave cemeteries in the South were never located in the family plot. South Cobb Arts Alliance did substantial research of the history. We can’t say this one is Celia’s and this one is Thack’s, but we were able to identify through that effort that they are stones belonging to slaves.”
Most employees and volunteers at the site report that visitors are often surprised to know so much is offered within the complex, and that unlike Chastain, parking at the amphitheater is quick and easy and the venue more intimate.
“We love what we do here,” said Vanita Dauphinais, Mable House Arts Center Coordinator. “We want more people to know about it."
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