More to the Story with Staley: Rock City Sign

FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WDEF) — Rock City is in the midst of celebrating its 90th anniversary! And for almost 90 years, Rock City has been advertising its beautiful little “slice of Americana” by painting its insignia on barns. One of those barns is in Fort Payne, Alabama.

They used to be everywhere. Over 900 of them all across the country.

But because of laws passed decades ago, there are only 44 left. Forty-four barns, mostly here in the South, with “See Rock City” painted on the roof.

It’s a “badge of honor” for the Darren Henderson family. But it’s a two-way street. You see, it’s free advertising for Rock City. And for the Henderson’s?

“It’s a partnership. Painting the barn over the years has preserved the tin roof. That’s helped us tremendously,” Darren Henderson said. “We haven’t had to replace the barn roof in many years.”

Henderson says the barn was first painted in the early ’60s, when his grandparents owned the place. It’s periodically repainted, such as this job, celebrating Rock City’s 90th anniversary.

The men and woman on the roof, doing the “heavy lifting” certainly know what to do. They are pros!

“These are full-time partners that work for us- for See Rock City Incorporated. They do all kinds of things for Rock City,” owner of Rock City Doug Chapin said. “So, this is a time they get to step out of the shop!”

Doug Chapin is a 4th generation owner of Rock City. His aunt and uncle started it. They came up with the idea of painting barns back in the mid-’30s.

It was a novel idea. But it’s turned into much more than that.

“I think they’d be surprised that it’s become such a legacy thing. One of their core things back then was innovation,” Chapin said. “This was a pretty unique idea back then. Maybe they’d be surprised that we haven’t done more outside of the box.”

This barn itself is no longer a working barn. It’s at least 70 years old.

But Darren Henderson says it’s been on postcards, paintings and TV shows.

And he says, more than anything, it’s cool.

“We’re very proud. It’s a source of pride for our family. Every time I look at it, I reflect back on my grandparents,” Henderson said. “They would be tickled. And it’s a survivor. Think of all the thunderstorms and heat waves. It’s even survived many presidents!

Up goes the sign on the side, and the job is finished. Good for about another 10 years. If mother nature and gravity keep it upright!