Tag Muncie

An even bigger chunk of the Muncie Mall is coming down

Ted Shideler 4 Comments
Read time: 6 min.

Back in July, I wrote that a large slice of Muncie’s retail past was on its way out- the former JCPenney at Muncie Mall was marked for demolition. Yesterday, the story grew: nearly 255,000 square feet of space, including the former JCPenney, the old Sears, and the long-closed Movies at Muncie Mall, are now set to come down! The mall’s new owners, Hull Property Group, say the sweeping teardown is key to breathing new life into the property.

Continue reading “An even bigger chunk of the Muncie Mall is coming down” →

The last days of Lincoln School

Ted Shideler 3 Comments
Read time: 11 min.

I’d been driven by the sad remains of Muncie’s Lincoln Elementary School for years before I learned about its past. Later, I realized I worked with a colleague who managed the property. He let me in to explore the structure in 2019. As I stepped inside, the air was heavy with the musty scent of nostalgia and asbestos. What was left of Lincoln School had transformed into a chamber of memories.

Continue reading “The last days of Lincoln School” →

Muncie’s old “Big Dipper” slide at Kmart

Ted Shideler 6 Comments
Read time: 10 min.

It doesn’t take much for me to start yammering about amusement park rides and slides: a rusty metal pole was enough to get me to write 2,000 words about Muncie’s old Kiddieland! Many don’t recall the place since it was only open for two years in the 1950s, but I’m sure you’ll find someone who remembers Muncie’s giant Kmart slide if you ask around. Aside from the memories, a concrete pad is all that remains of the structure.

Continue reading “Muncie’s old “Big Dipper” slide at Kmart” →

The Auto Park Theater: Muncie’s first drive-in

Ted Shideler 1 Comment
Read time: 12 min.

Muncie has always loved movies. From the days of open-air nickelodeons to today’s cavernous AMC 12, people flocked to places like the Lyric, the Wysor Grand, the Delaware Cinema, and Movies at Muncie Mall to see the latest flickers, talkies, and blockbusters! Although few remember it, the city’s first drive-in was called the Auto Park Theater. Nothing remains of it today.

Continue reading “The Auto Park Theater: Muncie’s first drive-in” →