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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

The year was 1964, and the city of South Bend, Indiana was facing economic and social hardships. Studebaker had closed its doors, and the future looked bleak. During this trying time, one man sought to bring hope to his community. Charles Burkhart posted signs throughout the town that read, “I believe in South Bend,” a message that resonated with his neighbors and became a rallying cry for the city.

From this simple message, Burkhart Advertising was born. The company has remained family-owned and operated for three generations, and today it partners with both local and national clients to provide out-of-home advertising solutions that reach more than three million people. Today, Burkhart Advertising remains an integral part of northern Indiana’s business community, with its commitment to South Bend as strong as ever.

During the 1980s, Burkhart’s billboards dotted the Indiana landscape, each one bearing the company’s logo and a message of support for the city. The iconic signs became a symbol of hope and pride for the people of South Bend. A collection of photographs from that time shows people posing next to the billboards, their smiles testament to the impact of Burkhart’s message.

Today, Burkhart Advertising continues to serve as a pillar of the South Bend community. The company’s message of “I believe in South Bend” remains a core part of its identity, and its commitment to the region and its people has never wavered. Through its creative and effective advertising campaigns, Burkhart Advertising has helped to shape the narrative of South Bend. In conclusion, Burkhart Advertising’s legacy is one of positivity, resilience, and community building, a testament to the power of a simple message to unite and inspire a city.

#1 Wendy’s New Taco Salad Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, 1982

Wendy's New Taco Salad Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, 1982

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#2 Col. John Anderson’s Furniture Gallery, Lafayette, Indiana, 1985

Col. John Anderson's Furniture Gallery, Lafayette, Indiana, 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#3 First National Bank, Kokomo, Indiana, December 1985

First National Bank, Kokomo, Indiana, December 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#4 Howard Johnson Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, 1985

Howard Johnson Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#5 New McD.L.T Billboard, Indiana, November 1985

New McD.L.T Billboard, Indiana, November 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#6 Quality Olds-GMC, Marion, Indiana, 1985

Quality Olds-GMC, Marion, Indiana, 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#7 The Heidelberg, Lafayette, Indiana, 1985

The Heidelberg, Lafayette, Indiana, 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#8 Wendy’s and WPTH Rock 95 Billboard, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1985

Wendy's and WPTH Rock 95 Billboard, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1985

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#9 Come Celebrate Alexandria’s 150th Billboard, Alexandria, Indiana, June 20-29, 1986

Come Celebrate Alexandria's 150th Billboard, Alexandria, Indiana, June 20-29, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#10 Come to Logansport for the Best Deal, Logansport, Indiana, 1986

Come to Logansport for the Best Deal, Logansport, Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#11 Coral Cars Billboard, North on 9 & 37 By-Pass, Marion, Indiana, August 1986

Coral Cars Billboard, North on 9 & 37 By-Pass, Marion, Indiana, August 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#12 Coral Cars, Marion, Indiana, August 1986

Coral Cars, Marion, Indiana, August 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#13 Coral Cars, Marion, Indiana, May 1986

Coral Cars, Marion, Indiana, May 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#14 Engel Jewelers, Kokomo, Indiana, 1986

Engel Jewelers, Kokomo, Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#15 First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Lafayette, Indiana, 1986

First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Lafayette, Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#16 Hardee’s Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, circa 1986

Hardee's Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, circa 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#17 Hiney Wine WBAT 1400 AM, Grant County, Indiana, 1986

Hiney Wine WBAT 1400 AM, Grant County, Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#18 Marion Independent Federal Credit Union, Marion, Indiana, 1986

Marion Independent Federal Credit Union, Marion, Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#19 Quality Olds-GMC, Marion, Indiana, circa 1986

Quality Olds-GMC, Marion, Indiana, circa 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#20 Steak ‘n Shake Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, 1986

Steak 'n Shake Billboard, somewhere in Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#21 The DeVoe Team, Alexandria, Indiana, July 1986

The DeVoe Team, Alexandria, Indiana, July 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#22 WAFX AM 1450, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1986

WAFX AM 1450, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#23 WMDH Country FM 102, Muncie, Indiana, circa 1986

WMDH Country FM 102, Muncie, Indiana, circa 1986

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#24 Citizens National Bank of Grant County, Indiana, 1980s

Citizens National Bank of Grant County, Indiana, 1980s

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#25 Conkle Pontiac, Kokomo, Indiana, 1980s

Conkle Pontiac, Kokomo, Indiana, 1980s

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#26 Rudd Hutcheson Olds-Cadillac-Avanti, Logansport, Indiana, 1980s

Rudd Hutcheson Olds-Cadillac-Avanti, Logansport, Indiana, 1980s

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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#27 Smith’s Shoe Repair & Leather, somewhere in Indiana, 1980s

Smith's Shoe Repair & Leather, somewhere in Indiana, 1980s

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From Adversity to Hope: The Story of Burkhart Billboards and Its Legacy in Northern Indiana

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Written by Jacob Aberto

Sincere, friendly, curious, ambitious, enthusiast. I'm a content crafter and social media expert. I love Classic Movies because their dialogue, scenery and stories are awesome.

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