"See Rock City" Barn Painter Dies
February 20, 2004
CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- Clark Byers, who painted "See Rock City" on barns in 19 states, has died at 89.
Byers braved charging bulls, slippery roofs and lightning to adorn rural barns with his advertising message for three decades.
The Trenton, Georgia resident died this week. His funeral is Friday afternoon in Trenton.
Byers began in 1937, offering to paint the barns of farmers who allowed him to add "See Rock City" to the roofs. He also gave them souvenirs from the Lookout Mountain, Georgia tourist attraction.
By the time he retired in 1969, Byers had painted about 900 barns.
Among the slogans, "To miss Rock City would be a pity."
Posted by mike at February 21, 2004 10:34 PMthis has always been a point of confusion for me. to which rock city was that always referring? there is a "rock city" about 20 mins drive from me, here in illinois. but if i recall, you blink and you miss it -- sure doesn't seem worth all them signs.
Posted by: joy at February 23, 2004 11:40 AM