Painting signs directly on to buildings, especially on to blank brick space, was a popular form of advertising for many years prior to the advent of mass market advertising such as television. Local businesses frequently had signs or wording painted on their buildings to catch the eye of the passer-by. Some businesses did this form of advertising on a much wider level, such as the old “Mail Pouch” signs of the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company of West Virginia or the famous Chattanooga “See Rock City” signs painted on barns across the South. Many fading images of such advertising have been found around Washington County. These reach out to us, almost ghost-like, reminding us of businesses that once were and are no more. This photo gallery shares the signs we have found in Washington County.
Summers Hardware & Supply Co., Johnson City
Summers Hardware Building (side view), Johnson City
The Bee Hive, Johnson City
Coca-Cola (recently repainted), Johnson City
Kress, Johnson City
Chamber of Commerce, Johnson City
Penney’s, Johnson City
Franklin Guaranty, Tennessee Insured General Banking 4%, Johnson City
Coca-Cola, Johnson City
Sears Roebuck, Johnson City
A. B. Cummings store is now more widely known as “the Mail Pouch building.” It was originally painted between 1892 – 1897 and was repainted in 1994. Jonesborough
Hannah Dosser Company, Johnson City
J. C. Penney & Co., Johnson City
R. M. May & Sons, Jonesborough
C. L. Bachman, Johnson City
Mauk’s, Jonesborough (more modern painting)
Harman Ice & Cold Storage, Johnson City
London’s, Johnson City
The Mail Pouch (a side view, more modern painting), Jonesborough
Spearmint Gum, Johnson City
Sears Service Entrance, Johnson City
Keebler Smith Hardware Builders Supply, Limestone TN
Giant Wholesale Grocery, Johnson City
Swift and Company from the front – virtually illegible, Johnson City
Swift and Company. The painting on the front of the building is now illegible, but a stroll to the back of the building reveals a clearer sign.
Washington County, Tennessee Department of Records Management and Archives 