For almost 50 years, visitors have made it a "point" to see Wytheville's Main Street landmark. The late John Campbell Findlay (the original owner of Wytheville Office Supply) had the "Big Pencil" constructed in the early 60's. Made of metal, it is approximately 30 feet long. Over the years it has had a number of facelifts to keep it in pristine condition. Recently, in the Washington Post the syndicated comic strip "Zippy" by Bill Griffith, featured the "Big Pencil". Ty and Wayne Roop purchased Wytheville Office Supply in 1972 and have developed it into a large, multi-state outlet for everything from office supplies and office furniture to copiers. Ty is the daughter of the original founder, Campbell Findlay.