For nearly two centuries, laborers in south-central Indiana have been blasting, cutting, and carving away at the great mass of Salem limestone that has served as the geological and financial bedrock of the region. Early settlers in the area harvested and cut this stone by hand to lay foundations for their homes, businesses, and schools. Once the railroad made its way through the Hoosier state in the mid-19th century, the industry erupted, making way for building projects of epic proportions across the United States and around the world.
Master Carver Ned Cunningham comes from a different background than most in his trade and has had his hand in creating works that adorn buildings and spaces from Southern California’s Thomas Aquinas College to his wife’s gardens.
Photography and video by Ryan Dorgan
What a great subject for a feature story. The limestone industry is a very important part of our Hoosier heritage and has shaped thais area and the lives of our ancestors for generations… It too often goes unnoticed. I would love to see more and more features on the area’s limestone industry as well as other local industries and occupations with a rich history… These (and men and women like them) literally built our local economy and communities. They fed their families by suffering summer’s heat, winter’s cold, occupational hazzards and old fashioned hard work and the fruits or their labors can be seen in enduring art, architecture and other structures all over this country and even around the world.
Go to http://www.limestonemonth.com for information about June 2012 Limestone Month activities and events and for information about “Experience Indiana Limestone!”, the Limestone Trail through Lawrence & Monroe counties. Limestone Month features carving exhibitions, tours, the Limestone Symposium, displays, and more. Check it out!