Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, March 6, 2014
(BEDFORD) - Day & Carter Mortuary Inc. celebrates 125 years in business.
This year they will be honoring the past, upholding the present and embracing the future. Brian Pace, owner and president of the funeral home is making sure the business serves modern needs, while preserving the history of the company and its iconic building on Lincoln Avenue.
Day & Carter's history dates to 1889, when Fred Benzel and August Splitgerber started a furniture store and undertaking business, a common combination in that era when viewings and funerals were conducted in the family home.
The business inside displaying mementos and historic photos, there is also a list of every casket used since the funeral home started.
But things have changed over the years, now loved ones and preserve the fingerprints of a lost loved one and have it imprinted onto necklaces and bracelets. Ashes can also be put into necklaces and keepsake urns are also available.
Pace plans to renovate the building beginning this week with a new preparation facility and new family lounge, along with a new handicap restroom downstairs. The offices will be moved upstairs. Pace expects the work will take eight to 10 weeks, and the funeral home will conduct business throughout the renovation.
The additions will bring a new family center along with a ritual washing station, allowing family members to style the hair of the deceased, for example. A veterans wall is also available, featuring various motifs used to customize a veteran's funeral.
Pace explained people come from different backgrounds, follow different religions and have different needs for dealing with death.
Pace also believes in investing in the future hence the establishment of two $1,250 scholarships for Bedford North Lawrence High School students who maintain good grades and volunteer regularly in the community. The business also supports the efforts of Lawrence InterFaith Endeavor, the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, the Salvation Army and the White River Humane Society.
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