BEDFORD — For more than a century, Crowder’s Pharmacy has been living up to a simple promise: “Your Hometown Pharmacy.”
Since 1918, the Bedford pharmacy has grown from a traditional neighborhood drugstore into a broader network of healthcare and wellness services, but its foundation has remained the same: caring for people in the community.
That commitment spans three generations of pharmacists: Ralph Anderson, Steve Anderson and Josh Anderson.
Ralph Anderson’s journey into pharmacy began in Lafayette, Indiana, where he delivered prescriptions to customers by bicycle. After graduating from Purdue University’s School of Pharmacy in 1956, Anderson knew he wanted to own a pharmacy of his own.
That opportunity eventually brought him to Bedford.
When the owner of a local pharmacy passed away, his widow needed a pharmacist to continue serving the community. Anderson stepped in, and what began as a career became a family legacy.
— Ann Anderson Garrison
Today, that legacy continues through Steve and Josh Anderson, who joined Ralph in carrying the business into its next generation.
More Than a Pharmacy
While Crowder’s remains rooted in prescription services and personal customer care, the Anderson family has continued expanding its vision of what hometown healthcare can look like.
The Crowder family of businesses has grown to include HPC, Whole Living Medical, Limestone Treatment and Health Center, and Mary’s Place, offering a variety of health, wellness, treatment, and event services to the local community.
Whole Living Medical, for example, takes a direct-primary-care approach, focusing on personalized care, prevention and wellness. The practice offers extended appointments, same-day or next-day sick visits, virtual care, and services designed around helping patients take a more active role in their health.
For those looking for a more personal healthcare experience, Whole Living Medical’s approach centers on getting to know patients and their individual health goals rather than treating every person like another number.
Crowders has also continued adding services directly within the pharmacy. One example is The Brace Zone, which provides a large selection of therapeutic braces and supports, along with personalized fitting assistance. The department serves everyone, from young athletes to adults recovering from injuries or looking for additional support.
A Business That Gives Back
For Crowder’s, being a hometown business means more than simply having a storefront in Bedford. It means showing up for the people who have supported the pharmacy for generations.
That commitment can be seen through the company’s involvement in community events, charitable efforts and partnerships.
In 2025, Crowder’s hosted a community celebration for the opening of The Brace Zone that included food, music, giveaways and a dunk-tank fundraiser benefiting the White River Humane Society.
Crowder’s has also partnered with the American Red Cross to host community blood drives at Mary’s Place, giving local residents another opportunity to help their neighbors.
The pharmacy has also served as a collection location for community initiatives such as Bedford’s annual pad and tampon drive, helping provide menstrual hygiene products to local schools.
These efforts reflect something that has been part of Crowder’s identity for generations: healthcare doesn’t stop at the pharmacy counter.
“Community. Community. Community. Dad [Ralph Anderson] was big on community and treating everybody as a neighbor, not just a customer,” said Ann Anderson.
Explore the Crowder’s Family
The story of Crowder’s Pharmacy is ultimately a story about evolution.
A pharmacist who once delivered prescriptions by bicycle built a business that became a three-generation family legacy. Today, that legacy continues to grow, offering Bedford-area residents access to pharmacy services, medical care, wellness resources, and other healthcare solutions, all with a local connection.
Whether you’re looking for your next prescription, exploring ways to improve your overall wellness, searching for personalized primary care or simply wanting to learn more about the services available locally, Crowder’s and its family of businesses are worth exploring.
Visit the available websites for Crowder’s Pharmacy, HPC, Whole Living Medical, Limestone Treatment and Health Center, and Mary’s Place to learn more about each organization, the services they provide, and how they can support your journey.
With more than 60 years of experience, Crowder’s still does what a hometown business does best: growing with its community while continuing to care for the people who call it home.
“You’re a customer and a name at Crowder’s; not just a number,” said Ann Anderson.
