Clark Byers

Painted ' See Rock City ' on barns across South; 89

Clark Byers, who painted Southern barns with a " See Rock City " slogan that was perhaps better known than the attraction itself, has died. He was 89.

The Trenton, Ga., resident had been in failing health for several months and died Feb. 19, friends said.

For three decades beginning in 1937, Mr. Byers braved slippery roofs and even a charging bull to paint some 900 barns in 19 states, mainly in the rural South. He was once nearly electrocuted when a power line fell on a metal barn roof he was painting.

Using black paint that he said was virtually fade-free, he painted the barns for free for willing farmers, throwing in Rock City souvenirs as a bonus.

The slogans, including " See Rock City " and " To miss Rock City would be a pity, " promoted a collection of buildings atop Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tenn., that were constructed from the mountain ' s stone.

The signs marked a milestone in the nation ' s tourism history, said Bill Chapin, president of See Rock City Inc. and the great-nephew of the attraction ' s founder, Garnet Carter.

" Clark Byers was instrumental in creating a lasting legacy for Rock City Gardens and in implementing Garnet Carter ' s marketing genius, " Chapin said.