Winter Blues Got You Down?

It’s that time of year in Indiana. We’re a month into winter – the point at which two camps of people emerge. Those who are longing for more snow! More cold! And more ice! And those who are already looking forward to the sunshine of spring. Looking at the calendar, we’re not quite to spring yet. If you’re ready for daffodils and budding trees, you’ll need to wait a bit longer. But, looking out the window, snow lovers are likely longing for more as well.

If, like me, you are someone who longs not just for a white Christmas, but a white winter, this year’s mild temps and lack of snowflakes have definitely delivered some winter blues. Luckily, the Minnetrista Heritage Collection can provide some wintertime escape for those of us looking for snowy views and glimpses of the past.

With numerous pieces of local artwork represented in the Heritage Collection, it is no surprise that there are several stunning wintertime scenes to enjoy. One particularly eye-catching piece is this untitled landscape by area artist Dana Jester.

Untitled, Oil on Canvas by Dana Jester, 1991
Minnetrista Heritage Collection

Executed in oil paint on canvas, Mr. Jester captures the stillness and beauty of many wintertime hikes here in the Hoosier state. Utilizing a variety of textures, shadows, and contrasting warm and cool colors, Jester draws his viewer into the canvas. Just looking at the composition you can feel the brisk air and hear the snow crunching beneath your feet.

Artwork is not the only treasure housed in Minnetrista’s collection, however. The Heritage Collection also contains countless objects documenting the history of East Central Indiana. If this sled, made around 1940, doesn’t get you in the mood for some wintertime fun, I don’t know what will.

Sled manufactured around 1940
Minnetrista Heritage Collection

Branded as the “Eskimo” sled, this fast moving glider was given to Frank Bracken when he was about six years old. Looking at how the paint is worn and the runners are worked smooth, it’s obvious that this sled was loved. It undoubtedly saw action on snowy winter days, bringing excitement and entertainment to any and everyone who dared to take a ride.

While the “Eskimo” sled might have been a thrilling ride, it was certainly nowhere near as advanced at the sled seen in the photo below.

Photograph of George Kemp (left) and friend in motorized sled, around 1912
Minnetrista Heritage Collection

Born in 1887, George Kemp was a driving force in the early aviation scene of Muncie and Delaware County. An inventor with a mind for motor and engines, Kemp established the Kemp Machine Shop in the first part of the 20th century. There, he specialized in aircraft engines parts. As president of the Aero Club (an early flying club in Muncie), Kemp and other budding aviators would test hop their planes in a field near the present airport in 1912 when the club was founded. Apparently, Kemp’s inventions and daredevil impulses didn’t stop with airplanes, however. The above photo shows Kemp trying out a sled that he fitted with one of his motors.

From child-sized sleds, to photos of larger gliders, the Heritage Collection also contains legitimate vehicles for snow travel. If you attended Minnetrista’s Enchanted Luminaria Walk this past December you may have seen a piece of Ball family history sitting in our lobby.

Sleigh, 1877-1897, on display during Enchanted Luminaria Walk, 2022

Made sometime between 1877 and 1897 in Buffalo, NY, the above sleigh was owned and used by members of the Ball family here in Muncie. While we know that various units of the Ball family along Minnetrista Boulevard owned and used sleighs for a variety of purposes, this one has some special features. Quite petite, it has a single seat and is made of a lightweight painted wood. The slim metal runners also keep the unit lightweight. So, why all this focus on featherweight design? As its name – the Buffalo Speed Cutter – implies, this sleigh was made specifically for fast, quick travel. Ideal for short trips and quick jaunts.

Reminiscing about growing up on Minnetrista Boulevard, Margaret Ball Petty fondly remembered, “wonderful sleigh rides … down to the end of the Boulevard and back.” As Margaret and her siblings grew up, later marrying and having children of their own, certain traditions continued on the Boulevard. Seen here is home movie footage from the 1940s. Piled into a different family sleigh, the Bracken family enjoys a sleigh ride on the Minnetrista property while visiting Rosemary Ball Bracken’s childhood home, Minnetrista.

Home movie, Frank C. Ball family, 1940
Minnetrista Heritage Collection

If you’re looking for more wintertime escapes to feed your seasonal blues, check out Minnetrista’s online collection - https://minnetrista.rediscoverysoftware.com/Mhome.aspx . You can also view several winter landscapes from the Heritage Collection in person at Minnetrista’s main building until March. Just come on in and ask at the front desk, where our helpful staff will point you toward the Indiana Room. As always, if you’re looking for more resources or information about the Ball family, Ball Company, or the history of East Central Indiana don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Collections and Storytelling team are here to assist you at any time! https://www.minnetrista.net/heritage-collection