Reasons to Like Muncie: The Jar Museum

Muncie, as it turns out, is home to the world's largest collection of canning jars. Owned by Phillip Robinson and housed in the garage next door to his house, this collection of over 4000 includes glass jars of every color, brand, and style imaginable. While the concept of a Jar Museum is a little bizarre at first, a quick tour proves it to be actually quite charming. And, given the glass jar heritage the Ball brothers gave to Muncie, also quite fitting.

In his former life, Mr. Robinson was Reverend Robinson. He is also a veteran of two wars: WWII and the Korean War. He began his jar collection in the early '70s and has been adding to it ever since. His interest in jars turned his hobby of jar lid making into a small business and people all over the area turn to him when they need a lid replaced or repaired (so bring your lid-less jars when you come! He has also been known to pay top dollar for your more rare jars). At age 83, Mr. Robinson is ever the delightful person, always willing to give you a tour of the Museum if you're willing to knock on his door and ask him for one. Sometimes, though, if the weather is pleasant, he will wait for his visitors on a bench in his yard.

The Jar Museum won't cost you anything to visit. In fact, one time the city of Muncie told him to close up shop because he didn't have a business license. Mr. Robinson was mildly bewildered because after all, why did he need a business license if he wasn't charging admission? It puzzled him for a while, but eventually he applied for his license and is once again welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Blake and I have been to the Jar Museum twice: once because we were curious, and again because we just had to show my mom and brother, Tyler, when they poked their heads in for a quick visit last December. (Ask them...they'll tell you it's worth the trip!) My first thought upon entering both times was, "Holy cow! Jars come in this many colors?" Yes, my friends, they really do: clear, blue, gold, purple, pink, brown, green, orange. It's pretty amazing, if you stop long enough to think about it. This little museum is packed wall to wall with thousands of jars -- some on shelves, some in boxes on the floor, some placed haphazardly on the window sills or balanced on top of each other.

It's quite the collection--an interesting slice of history. You really should come see it. We'll take you when you come to Muncie.