J. Frank Nelson Undertaking Co. - Kingsport, TN
Posted by: 
vhasler
N 36° 32.759 W 082° 33.589
17S E 360387 N 4045640
The sign outlasted the business by 83 years so far
Waymark Code: WM638X
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 03/25/2009
Views: 7
Kingsport Times-News column on March 13, 2009 by Vince Staten on this ghost sign prompted this waymark. He tells the story of the J. Frank Nelson Undertaking Company opened for business at this location on May 27, 1925. A full page newspaper ad (looks to be an opportunity for another waymark) announced that a free carnation was to be presented to each lady to get acquainted with the new funeral home. The ad also stated that they had the latest combination ambulance and funeral car for prompt service. The funeral home's slogan was: "Just bear us in mind if the Grim Reaper should visit your house." With this tag line, the place only lasted eight months. But the sign is still there after 83-84 years. (Thanks, Vince, for the story.)