Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – In 1978, a gallon of gas cost 63 cents, Jimmy Carter was president, the comic strip Garfield made its debut and the towering derrick with the “Welcome to Bedford” sign was installed on Ind. 37.
Like a lot of things that date back to the 1970s, the derrick and sign were showing their age.
Several years ago, Bedford city leaders made refurbishing the derrick and improving the property around it a priority. It would prove to be an arduous process but Mayor Sam Craig said it was worth the effort.
On Tuesday, Craig celebrated the completion of the derrick’s restoration with a ribbon cutting.
“We are very pleased to get it back to what it needs to be,” said Craig, addressing members of the community and Bedford City Council. “It’s very nice to see it up and the condition it’s in.”
The derrick was originally installed in 1978 under Bedford Mayor Lovell Harp.
In 2023, the city applied and received a $100,000 matching grant from Regional Opportunity Initiatives as part of its READI 1.0, which awards grants to enhance quality of place and quality of life in the Indiana Uplands region.
“Anyone who drives through Bedford on Highway 37 knows the iconic ‘Welcome to Bedford’ Limestone Derrick. The rehabilitation of this landmark is a perfect example of how READI funding can bring community-led projects to life,” said Julie Halbig, ROI’s vice president for Economic & Community Development. “Determination and innovation rooted this region, and exceptional collaboration is making it thrive today. By restoring this iconic landmark and creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors, Bedford is honoring its limestone heritage while investing in its future. In a region filled with talent and resources, Uplanders are working, creating, and thriving — and projects like this strengthen communities, build pride, and showcase why our 11 counties are such a special place to call home.”
The ROI grant and city funds were used to refurbish the derrick and reinstall the Land of Limestone, an exhibit of photos, tools and artifacts that tell the story of Lawrence County’s limestone history. The Land of Limestone Museum is now housed in StoneGate Arts & Education Center in downtown Bedford.
The derrick project included the city acquiring property around the derrick. Other improvements to the site include new lighting, concrete improvements around the derrick base and a paved walkway.
Craig thanked ROI, city employees for their work and the following businesses involved in the project:
- E&H Bridge Co.
- Johnny’s Signs
- Gary Earl Welding
- Infinity Solutions
- Needmore Powder Coating LLC