Anderson Joins Muncie in Celebrating 150 years

Muncie’s neighbor to the southwest is also celebrating its sesquicentennial this year. Yes, Anderson is 150 years old in 2015. Muncie and Anderson have a lot in common, including names derived from a shared Native American heritage, glass and auto manufacturing, and, of course, basketball.

Like Muncie, Anderson benefited from the Gas Boom of the late 1800s. The gas ran out in the early 1900s, but the auto industry stayed and expanded. Delco Remy was a major employer, and at one time employed more than 17,000 people. Former employee Sarah Ann Myers Voyles has donated quite a few Delco Remy items to the Minnetrista Heritage Collection.

In the 1950s, Sarah Ann was given this badge when she exhibited a handmade comforter made by her sister Mildred at Delco Remy's Hobby Show. The show was organized in conjunction with the opening of Delco Remy's new Plant 11 on Scatterfield Road in Anderson, Indiana. In a letter to Sarah Ann, General Manager H.D. Dawson said, “I feel sure that the more than 50,000 visitors who toured Plant 11 enjoyed immensely the many fine hobby exhibits and displays… You, as one who exhibited your hobby, are certainly to be congratulated for your contribution to the event’s success.”

You can also see the photograph of Sarah Ann on the Anderson Sesquicentennial Facebook page. We were pleased to share some of our Anderson photos and help our neighbor celebrate.