A Century of Philanthropy Celebrated Along Minnetrista Boulevard
As Ball Brothers Foundation marks its 100th year of grantmaking, the foundation celebrated May 14 with its “Garden Party of the Century,” an evening gathering held along Muncie’s historic Minnetrista Boulevard. The event brought together a small group of grantees, community leaders, peer funders, and board members to reflect on a century of philanthropy and partnership in East Central Indiana.
Guests gathered among the original Ball family homes for an evening of live music, 1920s style lawn games, hors d’oeuvres, and mingling. The setting holds special significance for the foundation, as Ball Brothers Foundation’s first board meeting was held 100 years ago in the home of Edmund B. and Bertha C. Ball, located on the boulevard.
In remarks from the front porch of the E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center, BBF Board Chair Jim Fisher reflected on the meaning of the moment and the enduring importance of partnership in philanthropy.
“Tonight is a celebration of history, but also a celebration of possibility. The story of Ball Brothers Foundation is still being written by all of us together,” shared Chairman Fisher who also emphasized the foundation’s gratitude for the many organizations and individuals who have helped strengthen communities across the region over the past century.
Throughout the evening, guests explored the historic Ball family homes, viewed commemorative displays and fashions from the early 1900s at Maplewood Guest House, and enjoyed music from Nick Engel and his jazz ensemble.
“For 100 years, Ball Brothers Foundation has sought to support the city, region, and state that the Ball family chose to call home. Over time, that work has grown far beyond what those early board members likely could have imagined,” reflected BBF President & CEO. Jud Fisher, in his remarks.
Today, Ball Brothers Foundation remains one of Indiana’s oldest and largest private family foundations still led by members of the founding family. Joining in the celebration were fourth and fifth generation members of the Ball family who are connected to the foundation through its governing board. The foundation continues to support organizations and initiatives focused on improving quality of life across East Central Indiana, particularly in Muncie and Delaware County. In 2026, the foundation will award grant funding totaling nearly $10 million.
As the foundation begins its second century, the evening served not only as a reflection on history, but also as a celebration of the relationships, partnerships, and shared commitment that continue to shape the work ahead.
Ball Family Homes of Minnetrista Boulevard
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the five Ball brothers and their families built homes along what is now Minnetrista Boulevard, overlooking the White River in Muncie. The homes reflected the close relationships shared by the family, whose business would revolutionize the world of home canning, make significant contributions to the aerospace industry, and remain an enduring part of the story of Muncie, Indiana. Today, the homes are part of Minnetrista Museum and Garden’s 40-acre campus and remain vibrant, active spaces for learning, gathering, and community connection.
Ball family home photos: Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
E.B. & Bertha C. Ball Center
Built between 1905-1907, this home was the residence of Edmund Burke Ball and his wife, Bertha. Gifted by Ball Brothers Foundation to Ball State University Foundation in the 1970s, the home now serves as one of Muncie’s most elegant meeting spaces and provides a variety of cultural enrichment programs throughout the year. During BBF’s 100th celebration, guests gathered on the lawn for welcome remarks and a commemorative toast marking 100 years since Ball Brothers Foundation’s first board meeting, which was held in the home in 1926. Tours of the home were also available throughout the evening.
Maplewood Guest House
Originally constructed in 1898 as the home of William and Emma Ball, Maplewood later became as a guest house for entertaining visitors of Ball Corporation. Today, the property serves as a home-away-from-home for students from the IU School of Medicine who are training in Muncie. The home is managed by Ball State University which uses the historic mansion as an immersive classroom for students in property management and hospitality innovation courses. During the celebration, guests explored displays featuring early 1900s fashions and items connected to the iconic Ball Stores, along with the 9 guest room suites.
Oakhurst
Built in 1895, Oakhurst was the home of George and Frances Ball and their daughter, Elisabeth “Betty” Ball. Designed to blend naturally with the surrounding oak grove overlooking the White River, the home remains one of the most distinctive residences along Minnetrista Boulevard. Donated by Ball Brothers Foundation in 1990, Oakhurst is part of Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and is home to the interactive “Oakhurst Experience,” where visitors can explore the family’s love for literature, nature, home food preservation, and time spent together. During BBF’s 100th celebration, the home was open to visitors who also enjoyed drinks and desserts in the backyard gardens.
L.L. Ball Home
An existing farmhouse, the L.L. Ball home was purchased in 1898 by Lucius L. Ball and his wife, Sarah, who extensively remodeled the home. Over the past 125+ years since, the home has played many important roles along Minnetrista Boulevard. The home was once owned by Ball Brothers Foundation and later became home to WIPB, where Bob Ross filmed many episodes of his beloved television series The Joy of Painting. Today, the home is owned by Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and houses the Bob Ross Experience, where visitors can explore Ross’s studio, artwork, and legacy while learning more about his enduring connection to Muncie and public television. During BBF’s celebration, visitors stepped in front of Ross’ easel and made their own plans to participate in Bob Ross painting workshops.
F.C. Ball Home
The home of Frank C. Ball and his wife, Elizabeth “Bessie,” once stood along Minnetrista Boulevard. Although the house was destroyed by fire in the 1960s, several of its iconic columns were preserved and today frame the entrance to Minnetrista’s main museum center building. The site remains an important link to the history of the Ball family homes and the legacy they helped establish along the White River.