I recently visited my hometown of Muncie, Indiana, for my baby brother’s high school graduation, and while I was home I decided to head to one of my favorite parts of town to shoot photos of some of the beautiful homes. I wanted to share a little history with you about where I come from, and one of the families that has helped shape the community. Muncie would not be what it is now had it not been for the contributions of the Ball family.
Referred to as “industrialists and philanthropists,” this family is known for founding the Ball Corporation, and funding what would later become Ball State University (my alma mater).
You know this family for their “Ball Jars” — those mason jars everyone loves to craft with or can jam or veggies with. (Fun fact: my maternal grandfather worked for Ball Brothers, in the glass factory where Ball jars were made.)
The Ball family had five brothers and two sisters.
The family homes (aka Ball mansions) line a beautiful street surrounded by gardens along the White River near the Minnetrista Cultural Center, and that’s where I strolled to take some photos. (The info found below was compiled from several sources, including websites, local lore, and my dad aka the human encyclopedia of Muncie history.)
This cool, spooky-looking home is called Oakhurst, and was home to George A. and Frances Ball. It was built in 1894. Their only child, Elisabeth, never married and lived in the home her whole life.
Here it is from another angle:
This was the home of Lucius and Sarah Ball. Lucius practiced medicine and was not involved with the canning jar company.
This is Maplewood, the home of William C. and Emma Ball. They had one child, William H. Ball, and if you find yourself in the company of my grandpa then he will most likely entertain you with dozens of stories about him. He was a very interesting character.
This is Nebosham, also known as the E.B. Ball Mansion. It was the family home of Edmund B. and Bertha Ball for 50 years.
Bertha died in the 1950s, and the house sat vacant for a few years after her death. It was later leased to Ball State University, and in the 1970s the Ball Brothers Foundation gave it to the university to use as a continuing education facility.
There is also a murder mystery festival that takes place here each year which draws mystery writers and fans from all over the world. (I attended a party in this home several years ago — it is amazing inside too!)
Pictured above is the carriage house at Oakhurst.
Below is Discovery Cabin located in Oakhurst Gardens, and is referred to as a “hands-on information station” where you will find resources on the surrounding gardens.
This is a path leading through Oakhurst Gardens:
There was another home, the Frank C. Ball home, which sadly burned down in 1967. It was built in 1894 and was gorgeous. The pillars are still standing, and the Minnetrista Cultural Center is now located where the home once stood.
I hope you enjoyed strolling through a little piece of my hometown with me. I always enjoy walking through the gardens when I’m home visiting, and I often take my boys there for photo shoots (you can see some portraits I’ve shot in the gardens here).
This location provides a beautiful backdrop. We’ve had family photos taken there as well. There’s no question about the impact the Ball family has had on Muncie, and I’m happy to to be able to share a little bit of their legacy with you.
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Robin says
Wow, these are gorgeous homes! I (admittedly) know next to nothing about Indiana so this was very interesting. Thanks so much for sharing!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thanks Robin! Indiana is mostly known for cows and corn fields, but there really is more to it than that! 🙂
Betty J Sollars says
Erin,
Your story is absolutely beautiful and perfectly done!
I was on Minnetrista staff as Programs Assistant from March 1995 until July 2011.
My office was in the L L Ball House. It was a very satisfying position and I loved every minute of it.
The Minnetrista staff is a wonderful team, it was my pleasure to be involved there until my retirement.
Thanks again, you did a great job on the story and the photography of the homes and the grounds!
Respectfully,
Betty
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Thank you so much Betty! I love Minnetrista and I try to take my kids there to visit whenever I’m in town. I always enjoyed visiting when I was a kid.
Don Jones says
WOW! I VISITED THE Minnetrista Cultural Center, a few days ago, I was very happy that I did, it was a blast.
Erin Spain says
So glad you were able to visit Minnetrista! I’ve always loved it, and we try to visit as often as we can when we come back to Indiana to see family.
Kate says
Erin, thank you for this post! My parents would drive my sister and me past the Ball mansions more than 50 years ago. Today, looking at a Ball jar, I happened to wonder if the mansions were still standing. I am so happy to find your beautiful photos. They bring back delightful memories of my childhood.
Erin Spain says
Thank you, Kate! I’m glad you stumbled upon my post. The Ball mansions are such beautiful landmarks in Muncie. I hope they’ll still be there hundreds of years from now! We always enjoy visiting them when we are in town.
Mitch Hagan says
A bit of trivia. Oakhurst has secret rooms and a hidden passageway from the library to an enclosed porch. Elisabeth was a bit of a recluse and if anyone would come to the house unannounced, she wanted to be able to quickly hide. It’s a really cool house inside, and much less scary since they replaced the cedar shingle siding. Having been inside all of the houses, it’s my favorite because it is so unique and clearly built to its occupants exact specifications.
Erin Spain says
Hi Mitch! I forgot about the hidden passageway! My dad took me to visit Oakhurst when I was a kid and I remember seeing that. It’s been a long time though. Thanks for stopping by!
Todd Menard says
My grandfather lived in the carriage home next to the Ball Mansion, as my great grandfather was Mrs. Ball’s chauffeur, back in the 30’s. I’m trying to find confirmation on this. From what I was told, not only did the Ball’s provide my great grandparents a job, but housing, and Mrs. Ball paid for my grandfather to attend summer camp.
Linda Kester says
My grandmother and grandfather (Merrill & Hazel Jones) worked for the ball family. My grandmother was the maid and my grandfather was the chauffeur and took care of the yards. I remember her telling us about what a beautiful home they had.
Erin Spain says
Oh wow! How neat. All of the Ball homes are so beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Kate says
My Geandma and unvle’s family lived in Muncie all their lives. Nebosham is my favorite Ball mansion !!
Erin Spain says
Oh awesome!