It appears that there have been a number of ads painted on this wall. One of these signs had a wide yellow border. I think that border covered a previous ad. The border paint covered and therefore preserved some lettering under it. The uncovered part of the words would have faded away first, then the border, finally, a hint of the first lettering remains. Look at the top of the sign, just below the holes in the brick wall. To the left is the word "GROCERIES". In order to see it, I tried a bunch of different color and contrast editing alterations, none of which worked. Finally, as I was pushing my chair away from the monitor, I was able to read it. This is important information. I cannot quite make out the word(s) to the right of groceries. My best guess is (small "and" in middle) "FRESH MEATS". Could also be "DRY GOODS".

Looking at the bottom of the sign, right where the bottom line of holes is, you can make out some more lettering. This copy is upper and lower case. It's pretty easy to make out "Knoxville" to the right. The left is less clear. Looks a lot like "Made In". Which makes sense if this was a grocery store. Other old Coca cola signs you see say "relieves fatigue" and/or something about sold at fountains. A grocery store would probably have bottles? The holes apparently were for an addition next door, the roof joists would sit in these holes. They are going to stay, so the ad must be a little shorter than before. It's possible that the made in Knoxville was for a different product, which was sold at the grocery store. But it's also very likely that it WAS Coca Cola.

So. based on the evidence, and my space constraints, I chose "Drink Coca-Cola Made In Knoxville 5c" I wanted it to mention Knoxville, because this is our sign, our town, and the place we have to live and work.

James Donahue.