A Century of Commitment: The YMCA of Muncie
Photo of the “new” YMCA building, no date. Ball Corporation collection within the Minnetrista Heritage Collection
The new YMCA of Muncie building opened on Muncie Central High School’s campus in March 2025.
Panoramic of workers in the 1911 campaign to raise funds for a new YMCA building in Muncie standing at Main Street at Jefferson. YMCA of Muncie, Inc. collection within the Minnetrista Heritage Collection
The relationship between the Ball family and the YMCA of Muncie spans more than a century—deeply rooted in a shared belief in the power of community, character, and opportunity.
Muncie’s first YMCA opened its doors in 1875, operating out of churches and homes before eventually renting space at Charles and Walnut Streets. For decades, community leaders hoped for a more permanent facility—but it wasn’t until 1911 that the dream began to take shape. That year, the Ball brothers pledged funds toward a new YMCA building, encouraging the community to raise an additional $50,000 to bring the project to life.
The community rose to the challenge, exceeding the fundraising goal and prompting the Ball brothers to give additional dollars for furnishings and to support the YMCA’s Camp Crosley in northern Indiana. By May 1913, the cornerstone was laid at the southwest corner of Adams and Jefferson Streets—what is today a bank parking lot just south of Ball Brothers Foundation’s offices.
YMCA Cornerstone Dedication in May 1913, building located at the southwest corner of Adams and Jefferson streets. Courtesy of Ball State University Libraries-Archives and Special Collections
YMCA gymnasium being constructed in May 1914. Courtesy of Ball State University Libraries-Archives and Special Collections
Frank C. Ball captured the significance of the moment in his memoirs, recalling a parade of schoolchildren waving flags as they marched from the high school to the building site. Speaking at the cornerstone ceremony, he said:
“I believe this is one of the most important events in the history of our city… Bricks and mortar, streets and railroads alone will not build a city that will prosper and endure. It requires men and women of good, sterling moral character… If our city is to prosper and endure through coming generations we must build institutions like this YMCA and YWCA that will give to our boys and girls, our young men and young women, high ideals, good character, right principles.”
By May 1914, the building was dedicated—free of debt. It featured a swimming pool, gymnasium, bowling alleys, billiards, a cafeteria open to the public, and even rooms for 100 young men away from home. The facility also housed employment services, Bible study classes, and reading rooms. It was more than a building—it was a community anchor.
YMCA patrons on the steps of the facility in October 1916. Courtesy of Ball State University Libraries-Archives and Special Collections
1923-1924 City Directory original caption: Cost $250,000. Dedicated free of debt May 31, 1914. Rooms for one hundred young men away from home. Swimming pool, shower baths, gymnasium, bowling alleys, billiards, employment bureau, reading rooms, educational and Bible Class rooms, boys' department, and cafeteria open to the public. Ball State University Libraries-Archives and Special Collections
While Ball Brothers Foundation was not formally established until 1926, the values demonstrated in these early acts of personal philanthropy helped shape the foundation’s continued commitment to institutions that strengthen community vitality and individual well-being.
In the decades that followed, the YMCA of Muncie’s reach expanded with additional branches opening across the city, bringing programs and services closer to families in every corner of the community.
New YMCA of Muncie facility under construction in 2024
BBF Board and staff members at the new YMCA for their May 2025 board meeting
This spring, more than a century after that first capital campaign, Muncie celebrated yet another milestone with the opening of a new YMCA building downtown—thanks once again to the generosity of community members who stepped up to raise substantial money to construct this new state-of-the-art facility.
Frank Petty, BBF Vice Chair
When we reflect on Ball Brothers Foundation’s nearly 100-year legacy of grantmaking, it is both humbling and inspiring to trace our roots back to early investments like the YMCA of Muncie. And it is just as humbling to look forward to the next century of partnership with organizations that continue to shape lives in Muncie and beyond.
Special thanks to BBF’s Vice Chair, Frank Petty, for presenting this history as part of BBF’s May 2025 board meeting held at the new YMCA.