Muncie, Indiana
—  City  —
Muncie downtown from the northwest
Nickname(s): Middletown USA, Timeshare Capital of Indiana
Location in the state of Indiana
Coordinates: 40°11′36″N 85°23′17″W / 40.19333, -85.38806Coordinates: 40°11′36″N 85°23′17″W / 40.19333, -85.38806
Country	United States
State	Indiana
County	Delaware
Township	Center, Hamilton, Liberty, Mount Pleasant
Government
• Mayor	Dennis Tyler (D)
Area[1]
• Total	27.39 sq mi (70.94 km2)
• Land	27.20 sq mi (70.45 km2)
• Water	0.19 sq mi (0.49 km2)
Elevation	932 ft (284 m)
Population (2010)[2]
• Total	70,085
• Estimate (2011[3])	70,080
• Density	2,576.7/sq mi (994.9/km2)
• Demonym	Munsonian
Time zone	EST (UTC-5)
• Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP codes	47302-47308
Area code(s)	765
FIPS code	18-51876[4]
GNIS feature ID	0439878[5]
Website	www.cityofmuncie.com

Muncie ( /ˈmʌnsi/) is a city in Center Township, Delaware County in east central Indiana, best known as the home of Ball State University and the birthplace of the Ball Corporation. It is the principal city of the Muncie, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 118,769. The city population, as of the 2010 Census, was 70,085.^[6]

History Edit

The area was first settled in the 1770s by the Lenape people, who had been transported from their tribal lands in the Mid-Atlantic region (all of New Jersey plus southeastern New York, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware) to Ohio and eastern Indiana. They founded several towns along the White River including Munsee Town (according to historical map of "The Indians" by Clark Ray), near the site of present-day Muncie. The tribes were forced to cede their land to the federal government and move farther west in 1818, and in 1820 the area was opened to white settlers. The city of Muncie was incorporated in 1865. Contrary to popular legend, the city is not named after a mythological Chief Munsee, rather it was named after Munsee Town, the white settlers' name for the Indian village on the site, "Munsee" meaning a member of the Lenape people or one of their languages.

Middletown studiesEdit

Muncie was lightly disguised as "Middletown" by a team of sociologists, led by Robert and Helen Lynd, who were only the first to conduct a series of studies in Muncie—considered a typical Middle-American community—in their case, a study funded by the Rockefeller Institute of Social and Religious Research.^[7] In 1929, the Lynds published Middletown: A Study in Contemporary American Culture. They returned to re-observe the community during the Depression and published Middletown in Transition: A Study in Cultural Conflicts (1937). Later in the century, the National Science Foundation funded a third major study that resulted in two books by Theodore Caplow, Middletown Families (1982) and All Faithful People (1983). Caplow returned in 1998 to begin another study, Middletown IV, which became part of a PBS Documentary entitled "The First Measured Century," released in December 2000. The Ball State Center for Middletown Studies continues to survey and analyze social change in Muncie. An enormous database of the Middletown surveys conducted between 1978 and 1997 is available online from ARDA, American Religion Data Archive. Coincidentally, a Henry County farming community actually called Middletown is only a 20-minute drive from Muncie.

GeographyEdit

According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 27.39 square miles (70.9 km²), of which 27.20 square miles (70.4 km²) (or 99.31%) is land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km²) (or 0.69%) is water.^[8]

DemographicsEdit

2010 censusEdit

As of the census^[2] of 2010, there were 70,085 people, 27,722 households, and 13,928 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,576.7 inhabitants per square mile (994.9 /km²). There were 31,958 housing units at an average density of 1,174.9 per square mile (453.6 /km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.0% White, 10.9% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.8% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 27,722 households out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.5% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 49.8% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 28.1 years. 17.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 27.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.4% were from 25 to 44; 20.2% were from 45 to 64; and 13% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 censusEdit

As of the census of 2000,^[4] there were 67,430 people, 27,322 households, and 14,589 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,788.2 people per square mile (1,076.7/km²). There were 30,205 housing units at an average density of 1,248.9 per square mile (482.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.72% White, 12.97% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population.

There were 27,322 households out of which 23.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.6% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city the population was spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 24.6% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,613, and the median income for a family was $36,398. Males had a median income of $30,445 versus $21,872 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,814. About 14.3% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.2% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Economy Edit

Since the late 19th century, Muncie’s economic backbone had been in the industrial sector, primarily in manufacturing. Drawn to the region during the Indiana Gas Boom of the 1880s, many factories sprang up in the area that relied on the combustible natural resource. The Ball Brothers moved their glass factory from Buffalo to Muncie, beginning glass production there on March 1, 1888.^[9] This relationship with Muncie ended 110 years later, as Ball Corporation moved its corporation headquarters to Broomfield, Colorado in 1998. Other notable factories that were located in Muncie include: Delco Remy, Westinghouse (later ABB, now the site of Progress Rail), Indiana Steel and Wire, General Motors (New Venture Gear), Warner Gear (later BorgWarner), The Broderick Company (former division of Harsco), Dayton-Walther Corporation, and Ball Corporation. However, most of these factories closed during a tumultuous period for the city from the late 1980s and late 1990s. However, many smaller, non-unionized, manufacturing businesses have survived this transition such as Maxon Corporation, Duffy Tool (now North American Stamping), Reber Machine & Tool, MAGNA Powertrain, and a dozen or so other shops that employ anywhere from a few dozen to a couple of hundred workers. In 2009, Muncie became the United States headquarters for Brevini Wind, an Italian-based company. In addition to headquarters, the Muncie Division makes gearboxes for wind turbines use to create renewable wind energy. In 2011, Progress Rail Services (a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc.) opened a location in Muncie, housing the former Westinghouse (later ABB Group) building which sat vacant since 1998. The location is in the division of the company's Locomotive & Railcar Service, which produces locomotives.

Like many mid-sized cities in the Rust Belt, Muncie has had to economically reinvent itself due to the collective fall of the manufacturing industry in the latter part of the 20th century. Muncie’s current economic backbone is in health care, education, retail, and other service industries. The largest employers in Muncie are Ball Memorial Hospital (an Indiana University Health partner), Ball State University, Muncie Community Schools, The city of Muncie, Sallie Mae, Wal-mart, and The Youth Opportunity Center.

The local economy is one of the most controversial topics for Muncie residents, and the city has at times struggled to find cohesion between older unemployed/underemployed Muncie residents who strongly identify with the manufacturing-identity of the city, and newer residents who identify with the city's shift towards educational and health services. Animosity is greatest amongst those in the older, once industrialized parts on the south and east parts of town as much of the economic growth over that last 20+ years has taken place primarily on the northwest portions of town in connection with the growth of both Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University. Muncie, once a factory town with a small teacher's college, is now considered by many as a college-town with a manufacturing past.

SportsEdit

Muncie has gained fame as having a rich tradition in prep sports. Muncie Central High School has fielded a boys basketball team for over 100 years and is the most successful such program, with more state championships (8 State Titles, 7 runner-ups) in the state noted for boys' high school basketball and Hoosier Hysteria.^[10] The "Bearcats" of Muncie Central High School have called the Walnut St. Fieldhouse home since 1928. The 6,000+ (once 7,600) seat facility was one of the largest facilities of its kind when built, and still ranks in the top 20 in being the largest high school gymnasium in the world.^[11] Muncie Central also boasts 6 state championships in girls volleyball. Burris Laboratory School has also gained recognition on a national level for its girls volleyball program. The elite program has won 21 state championships, including the last 13 2A state titles, as well as 4 national championships all under the helm of former coach Steve Shondell.^[12] Muncie Southside High School also has had success in winning two Wrestling State Championships (1975 & 1990) a 3a State runner up in 1999 as well as a State Championship in the Class 3A Boys Basketball (2001). Lost to consolidation in 1988, Muncie Northside High School also found success in athletics winning three Girls' Volleyball State Championships (1975–1978) and one Wrestling State Championship (1974).^[13]

Professionally, Muncie was once home to a National Football League team. The Muncie Flyers (also known as the Congerville Flyers) were a professional football team from 1905 to 1925 and were one of the 11 charter members of the NFL, playing in the league from 1920 to 1924.^[14]

EducationEdit

Elementary schoolsEdit

• Burris Laboratory School
• East Washington Academy
• South View Elementary
• Grissom Elementary
• Storer Elementary
• Longfellow Elementary
• Sutton Elementary
• Mitchell Elementary
• North View Elementary
• West View Elementary
• Heritage Hall Christian School
• Hoosier Academy Muncie
• St. Lawrence Elementary School
• St. Mary Elementary School

Middle schoolsEdit

• Burris Laboratory School
• Northside Middle School
• Wilson Middle School
• Heritage Hall Christian School
• Hoosier Academy Muncie
• Pope John Paul II Middle School

High schoolsEdit

• Burris Laboratory School
• Heritage Hall Christian School
• Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
• Muncie Central High School
• Muncie Southside High School
• Muncie Area Career Center

Colleges and universities Edit

• Ball State University
• Ivy Tech Community College
• Harrison College (Indiana)

Notable natives & residents Edit

GeneralEdit

• Ball Brothers, founders of the Ball Corporation, originally a producer of glass canning jars but now a producer of various products.
• Benjamin V. Cohen - a key figure in the administrations of Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman.
• George R. Dale, editor of the Muncie Post-Democrat (1920–1936) who gained national attention by speaking out against the Ku Klux Klan.^[15]
• Bertha Fry - At the time of her death on November 14, 2007, the 3rd oldest person living on earth at 113 years.^[16]

ArtsEdit

• David Letterman - Host of the Late Show on CBS attended Ball State and is a major benefactor.
• Ray Boltz - Contemporary Christian musical artist^[17]
• Angelin Chang - Grammy award winning classical pianist
• Trevor Chowning - Pop artist and former Hollywood talent agent/producer
• Jim Davis - cartoonist, creator of the Garfield comic strip, which has become popular since its debut in June 1978.^[18] Attended Ball State.^[19]
• Emily Kimbrough - Noted author and magazine editor. Author of Our Hearts Were Young and Gay and How Dear to My Heart a recount of her childhood in Muncie.^[20]

SportsEdit

• Maggie Bird - Former All-American swimmer at Yorktown High School. Went on to be a member of the Auburn University 2007 national championship swim team. Bird was a 9 time All-American for Auburn. She also won SEC for 1650 free. Additionally, set the American record for 800 free relay.^[21]
• Ron Bonham - Former All-American Muncie Central HS basketball standout. Played on NCAA champion Cincinnati Bearcats Indiana Pacers (1967–68) and NBA Champion Boston Celtics teams in 1960s.
• Bill Dinwiddie - National Basketball Association forward
• Dave Duerson - All-American Defensive Back for the University of Notre Dame; played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Phoenix Cardinals.^[22]
• Brandon Gorin - National Football League offensive lineman New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams and Denver Broncos. He earned two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots.^[23]
• Adam Lind - professional baseball player for the Toronto Blue Jays
• Matt Painter - Purdue men's basketball head coach^[24]
• Bonzi Wells - Former Muncie Central High School and Ball State University standout. Drafted 11th overall in the 1998 NBA draft and played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Sacramento Kings. Currently plays for the Puerto Rican team Capitanes de Arecibo.[1]^[25]
• Ryan Kerrigan - Former Muncie Central High School and Purdue University football standout. Drafted 16th by the Washington Redskins in the 2011 NFL Draft.
• Richie Lewis Former Southside High School Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds. Relief Pitcher.
• John Paul, Jr. - Indy car driver

Popular culture Edit

• A celebrity reality show called Armed & Famous was shot in Muncie. B-list celebrities such as Trish Stratus, Jack Osbourne, Erik Estrada, Wee Man, and La Toya Jackson trained with the Muncie Police Department and were sworn in as reserve police officers.

• Toby Keith's song "I Wanna Talk About Me" contains the lyric: 'We talk about your nanna up in Muncie, Indiana.'

• Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask) - On the show What's My Perversion?, contestant Chaim Baumel is from Muncie.

• In the 1994 film The Hudsucker Proxy, the main protagonist Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins) grew up in Muncie and graduated from the fictional Muncie College of Business Administration. In an attempt to gain Norville's confidence, reporter Amy Archer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) falsely claims to be from there. As a result, she has to sing with Barnes the fight song for the local college sports team, the Eagles.

• NBC show Parks and Recreation, which takes place in the fictional Indiana town of Pawnee, frequently references Muncie.

• A large portion of the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind takes place in Muncie.

• The fictional detective Clovis Andersen from the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency comes from Muncie.

• Muncie is the setting for the season 5 episode "Hammer of the Gods" of the show Supernatural

• Topher Grace's character Jason Morris from the film Valentine's Day is from Muncie.

• The city is mentioned in Audrey Niffenegger's novel : The Time Traveler's Wife. Henry's grandparents are from Muncie.

See alsoEdit

Indiana portal

• Cincinnati, Richmond & Muncie Depot
• Hemingray Glass Company
• List of public art in Muncie, Indiana
• Muncie Indiana Transit System
• WWHI (WCRD), Ball State University's Radio Station, 91.3 MHz FM
• WIPB, A Public Broadcasting Station owned by Ball State University
• WJCF, Translator W268BJ 101.5
• WMUN-LP, A defunct low-power broadcast television station formerly affiliated with TBN in Muncie
• WLBC, A Muncie Radio station 104.1 MHz FM
• WERK, A Muncie Oldies station 104.9 MHz FM
• WRFM, formerly the original WERK 990 AM, now WRFM
• WRFM-FM, Translator W230AR 93.9

ReferencesEdit

External linksEdit

• City of Muncie, Indiana website
• Muncie Chamber of Commerce
• The Star Press
• Downtown Muncie Website
• Muncie Weather Website
• Muncie Voice
• The Muncie Scene, art/music community portal
• "The Lynds Revisited" by Richard Jensen, in Indiana Magazine of History (Dec 1979) 75: 303-319
• Delaware County Office of Geographic Information
• The Emily Kimbrough Historic District
• Muncie, Indiana travel guide from Wikivoyage
•  Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). "Muncie". Encyclopædia Britannica (Eleventh ed.). Cambridge University Press. 
• LIFE Magazine May 10, 1937, "Middletown-Muncie", pages 15–25, ("the Picture Essay"), at Google Books.
• Digitized archival collections related to Muncie and its history available in the Ball State University Digital Media Repository
• Delaware County Historical Society

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