SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An iconic landmark was removed from the roof of the former Evans Lumber Company building in South Charleston Friday.
The giant metal paint can sat on top of the building on D Street for more than 50 years, since 1963.
South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens, South Charleston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Bob Anderson, city officials, and residents gathered around the lowering of the paint can to take pictures and show support.
“It’s a big part of our history. It’s a sentimental value to our community, so it’s important that we come down and support the Evans family,” said Mullens.
The building was purchased by Ferguson Waterworks. The company plans to re-purpose the old paint can and mold it into a piece of pipe and replace it back where the old paint can sat. Water will pour out instead of the paint.
“This has been there all my life. I was a teenager when it went up,” said Pamela Lowry, a South Charleston resident, “It’s sad. It’s like a part of your life is gone, but knowing that they’re going to put it back up is good. At least it will have another life.”
Samantha Painter, another resident of South Charleston, said she always gave directions to people she knew based on where the paint can sat on D Street.
“I think it’s a new beginning as sad as it is to see it go. It’s also a sign of growth for South Charleston, so it’s welcomed,” said Painter, “We’ll miss the paint can though!”
Plans to refurbish the can will take nearly two or three months to complete.