CUMMING, Ga. — A north metro community is hoping a staple small business will make a comeback. Over the weekend, family pharmacy Goodson Drug Company in Forsyth County went up in smoke.
The company has been around since 1959 but has been at the specific location where the fire happened since 1970. While customers scramble to take their prescriptions elsewhere temporarily, they are talking about the memories they hold so dear.
Kathryn Clark, 9, was just getting to know the pharmacy. She shared why she loved it.
"The sweet people and the candy; it just feels warm," Kathryn said.
Kathryn said she will especially miss the one-of-a-kind quarter horse inside.
"It has some love in it," Kathryn said.
Chad Clark, 52, said he's been loyal to Goodson Drug Company since he was 14. He said the prescriptions weren't what made him feel better. It was the customer service from owner Jimmy Goodson and his family.
"I was really sick. And he says, 'I'm coming down there. I'll be down there as soon as we close the store and bring your medicine, and check you out, and make sure you're OK,'" Chad said.
Chad also explained that the staff would even work with patients who couldn't afford their medications and would often hand out treats, like coffee and cake, to adults, too.
"That just meant the world to me," Chad said.
Jayne Clark, 13, said she cried when she heard about the fire. She said she'd miss drinking soda from a glass instead of a can.
"I got a free Coca-Cola," Jayne said.
The symbols attached to those memories are now mostly reduced to ashes.
"It even burnt the medication and everything," Chad said.
Chad said he cried, too, just like Jayne.
"I was in tears for two hours," Chad said. "And my heart just broke."
Chad describes the pharmacy as the last untouched historical landmark in Cumming. And to the community, it was indispensable.
Kellie Clark, 11, said she wants to help raise money for the staff.
"I wish I could help build it back," Kellie said.
Goodson Drug Company released the following statement via a post on Facebook:
"We are hoping to be able to give copies for your prescriptions by the end of this week. We highly recommend getting new prescriptions from your doctor and having those prescriptions sent to a pharmacy of your choice. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers! Our goal is to be back open as soon as possible and to continue serving our wonderful community."
Hundreds of comments confirm how badly the community wants it back.
"They had always helped out the community, now it was time the community should help them out," Chad said.
The Forsyth County Fire Department is still investigating the cause of the fire.