The A frame building was forward thinking

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Even today people still ask what’s the story with the A frame building? This all begin in the 1950s as a marketing tool for the area by the Lafollette Chamber of Commerce.

The building was designed to draw attention with its shape and bold lettering on the roof sides. And history says it worked. It really worked.

Long before internet, the easiest way to find information about the area was through the Chamber’s Tourist Information Center. There they provided maps of the area along with information and, in many cases, coupons for local businesses. You could get information about restaurants, motels/hotels, service stations, grocery stores and many other places.

The Lafollette Chamber of Commerce had one or two hosts on duty to help answer visitors’ questions.  Also on site were restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables, BBQ  grills, water spigots and a swing set for the kids.  At that time, this was forward thinking by the Lafollette Chamber of Commerce.

The building sat on the busiest traveled route for traffic going north or south before I-75 opened. They marketed Lafollette as the “Gateway to Norris Lake.” Even today, almost 70 years later, you’ll run across old information with that slogan on it. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/13/2022-6AM)