Friday ~ Hedrick, Iowa

About our Friday journey ~ the mid-day stop...

Hedrick, Iowa (pronounced “head-rick” if you were wondering), with a 2010 population of 837, is located in Keokuk County with a motto of “Where Friends Meet”. To the right on this page a Hedrick landmark

The town was founded in 1882 and named after a Civil War General John Morrow Hedrick. The Carl Craft Civic Center, formerly the school, is being restored. The town has never hosted RAGBRAI before but the town celebrates an annual Bar-B-Que Days and many folks including pie contest judges, come from all over the state come to attend.

Hedrick has seen better times. In 1990 the State of Iowa forced Hedrick schools into closing due to budget concerns. Much of it's historic business district has been boarded up.

Once a railroad town with the last trains rolling through in 1980m but the The Hedrick Union Depot has been restored, converted into a real estate office and contains many examples of Hedrick history. Another historical site to visit while in Hedrick is the Tri-County Veteran’s Museum. This museum contains veteran’s memorabilia from a three county area.

One of Hedrick's local businesses, The Preaching Picker's Antiques (just a few miles east of Hedrick) has been featured on HGTV's West End Salvage Show. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition showcased photos of their emporium.

Hedrick's streets...

....paved with brick!

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IMAGE CREDITS: Hedrick Depot found on the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's blog. All other photos by Sue Merrow