Armory Roller Rink

Muncie’s National Guard Armory, located on 600 N Walnut St., was a staple of the Muncie community, remembered as a venue for events like dances, socials, wrestling, and for its roller rink.

The building was first noted by the Star Press in 1927, but was officially dedicated in February of 1928. The building’s first roller rink was opened by Harold Keetle in January 1929. This first rink featured 500 pairs of skates and a Wurlitzer organ, and was open for skating every Thursday through Saturday. A soda fountain and skating lessons were offered, and Keetle revived roller polo in his rink. Kettle’s rink closed for the summer, and was announced as opening for the fall season, but there was no further mention of an Armory Roller Rink until September 1935.

A new Armory Roller Rink held a grand opening on September 5, 1935, with skating Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. It featured live music, such as the 150th Field Artillery band, and was an event space for parties, including New Years Eve celebrations and an Alumni Association of Selma get together. 

The Armory Roller Rink was sporadically advertised from 1935-1952, but the last time the roller rink at the Armory was mentioned by the Muncie newspapers was another grand opening on October 4th, 1972. The Armory itself closed  and moved to their current location, 401 N. Country Club Road in February 1984.  The site today is occupied by the local Social Security office (opened August 1997) and Walnut Manor Apartments.