The Magical Christmas Decorations of Ball Stores

Those of us of a certain age remember, with great fondness, the wonderful decorations at Ball Stores in downtown Muncie. Recently, I shared some photos of the decorations with the audience at the latest Tea & Talk at Minnetrista. During tea time, there was lots of chatter at the tables as new and old friends exchanged memories. It was especially great to meet one gentleman in the audience who had worked at Ball Stores for more than thirty-five years. Some of those years were spent working on the windows, and he told us that many of the decorations had originally been displayed at Saks Fifth Avenue!

The story of Ball Stores started during the Great Depression of the 1930s when times were tough, and many retail stores suffered. The W. A. McNaughton Company, located at the corner of Walnut and Charles Streets was one of them. Bankruptcy was declared in 1933. Several members of the Ball family felt that the store should not be vacant nor should it be sold to a chain. Instead the building, fixtures and stock were purchased by Ball Brothers Company.

In September, 1938, Fred J. and Margaret Ball Petty purchased the store. Fred served as president and treasurer until his death in 1949. Margaret, daughter of Frank C. and Elizabeth Brady Ball, assumed the presidency of the store upon his death. She was succeeded in 1965 by her son Edmund F. Petty. The store closed in 1986.

Check out some photos of the decorations donated by Frances Petty Sargent. In the comments, please share your memories of this wonderful store and the magical decorations.