Written by Susan M. Smith, Archivist

The Muncie Club was a social organization that existed in Muncie, Indiana for almost 100 years. Although records indicated that the club was not formally organized until December 15, 1915, it had been in existence since 1899. Membership was made up of a group of young men who wished to maintain the friendships they had developed during their youth. The club aimed to provide opportunities to make social contacts and enjoy fellowship by organizing activities like social gatherings, golf outings, and even performing groups. In the early 1900s, members wrote and performed shows as the Muncie Club Minstrels at the Wysor Grand Opera Theater.

The elected membership, all young men older than twenty-one years of age, was limited to 150 in 1944 and 180 in 1946. There were two categories of membership: Resident for those living in Delaware County and Non-Resident for those living outside of the county. Both were entitled to the same privileges. The only difference was the cost of their annual dues. During World War II, dues were suspended for members who were active duty in the military.

Members initially met in rooms in the Johnson Block building. In 1904, there was discussion about merging the Muncie Club with the Commercial Club but negotiations fell through. The following year, the club met at the Will Marsh house on the northwest corner of Adams Street and Jefferson Street. Later records indicate that during the mid-1930s to 1947 the club occupied 403 ½ East Main Street in the Hutzel Building. As membership continued to increase, the club decided to build a permanent structure located on land leased from Ernest S. Meeks for fifty years at $75 per month plus taxes on the building and half of the taxes on the land. The new building was constructed at 418 and 420 East Main Street at a cost of $47,081.

Club facilities were open to members and their guests for meals, recreation, parties, and dances. Members enjoyed activities such as cards, fishing, golf, and baseball outings. Women were not allowed to join the club, but they could attend special functions their member spouses. This rule never changed, although women did serve as wait staff and managers of the club’s dining facility.

Through the years several notable citizens of Delaware County were members of the Muncie Club. These included the Ball brothers, the Kimbroughs, Spurgeons, Marshs, McCormicks, members of the Muncie Rotary Club, and many other prominent local businessmen.

The club continually struggled with membership issues and operational costs and considered disbanding several times. By the 1980s, the cost of maintaining the club had exceeded their income and in 1986 they filed for bankruptcy. Meanwhile, club members began meeting and holding functions at the Delaware Country Club while continuing to look for alternative sites. During the 1990s, the club negotiated with the Hotel Roberts for space but leasing and renovation agreements could not be worked out. In 1996 the club disbanded after almost 100 years of existence.

The building on Main Street was sold and for many years it housed the business of artist F.B. Fogg (Ann Johnson). When she retired, the building was acquired by the Muncie Fire Department and currently serves as the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 1348 union hall.

Former Muncie Club member James Wingate Jr. donated the club’s historical materials to Minnetrista in 1998 and 1999. Consisting of photographs, club business papers, meeting minutes, architectural drawings, and much more, the collection is available online through the Heritage Collection database or for in-person research by appointment.

Almost 100 Years of Brotherhood: The Muncie Club Story

That’s a Wrap on Garden Fair 2025!