Soapbox Derby
Have you ever seen the paved hill in McCulloch Park and wondered what it was? For several decades that was the site of the soapbox derby races.
“All the Fussing with My Face”: Lucina Ball’s Dental Woes of 1887
Who doesn’t dread an emergency trip to the dentist? One grouping of letters recount—quite vividly—Lucina Ball’s dental emergency in 1887. This quirky little drama from the archives, now over 130 years old, is still fascinating and painfully relatable.
Small Books, Big Story
Writing in the June 1958 issue of Hobbies magazine, Betty Ball said, “Grown-ups, even more than children, are intrigued by the miniature, and book collectors are no exception. So it was not strange that my father, George Ball … always interested in the unusual and in perfection, should have gathered miniature books.”
Fun Finds and Friendships
When Bob asked how he could thank her, she laughingly pointed to a painting of his she admired. “Linda, not that one. I painted it for me.” Not long after, Bob came to visit. He had painted Linda her own copy of the composition – a gift from one friend to another.
A TRIP IN THE WAYBACK MACHINE
Have you ever wondered what it was like in Muncie 125 years ago? Well, Muncie may have been a lot of things, but it wasn’t a sleepy little town. Let’s take a look. How about joining me in the Wayback Machine.
Summer Fun
Summer is the time for vacations, road trips, picnics, family reunions, and all types of outdoor fun. These activities are well represented in the Heritage Collection and tell a variety of stories along the way.
Teaching for Telesales
In early 1983 Bob Ross and WIPB-TV officially came together to begin filming and producing “The Joy of Painting” in Muncie.
Growing Up at Minnetrista
Katy Maggart has been a Muncie native her entire life and continues her life in Muncie by welcoming her newborn, Lily, into the world in late March. Her Muncie pride doesn’t stop there as she has been working for Minnetrista for 3 years as Communications Manager.
Portraits and Personalities
How do you “get to know” celebrities, politicians, and your local “movers and shakers”? I know for me, one of the easiest and quickest ways to find out more is by looking at social media.
Home Movies
Most people cringe when they hear the phrase “home movies”, imagining hours of boring vacation footage taken by relatives who think they had the most unique and interesting adventures ever experienced.
Whistle While You Work (and Remember!)
Sweet and sentimental, what is fascinating about Ruth’s letter is that it wasn’t written about a person. Instead, it was written about “Old Faithful,” the Ball Brothers factory whistle.
Ed Ball: PBS’s Steadfast Supporter
Over the past few months, the name Bob Ross has popped up a lot at Minnetrista.
AN ACE IN MUNCIE
Lucy Ball, daughter of Frank C. and Elizabeth Ball, married Alvin Owsley of Dallas, Texas, on May 16, 1925. I bet you knew that. But did you know that one of Alvin’s groomsmen was both a World War I ace and a man with a famous father?
The Kirby House Hotel - Part 3
On July 21, 1916, Muncie residents were given the opportunity to view The New Kirby Hotel.
The Kirby House - Part 2
At the end of the 19th century, the push was on to make the Kirby House the biggest, the best and the most modern hotel in Muncie. In 1891, the mansard roof disappeared when owner, Julius Heinsohn, added another story, bringing the total to four. Two years later it was new fixtures and furniture.
By the end of 1895, The Muncie Daily Herald announced that Mr. Heinsohn intended to spend $10,000 on the building, both inside and out.