March 1 st marks the 128 th anniversary of the start of production in the famed Ball Glass Works of Muncie factory.
At the beginning, the factory produced only coal oil containers and lamp chimneys. But, later came the manufacturing of what would make Ball Glass Works of Muncie famous: Ball mason jars.
The jars were ubiquitous throughout the 20 th century due to their utility in storing food.
Recently, they are experiencing a renaissance of sorts. Throughout the states there are Ball mason jar collectors popping up, scavenging their local antique stores for rare kinds of ball jars.
Rare jars are distinguishable based upon their color, condition and molds.
Jars that are considered rare are sold for up to $265 on eBay.
"They'll use them for ice-tea glasses, they'll use them for center-pieces for flowers on the table, they'll use them in the kitchen," says Bloomington Antique Mall manager Will Rosena. "Whatever the fad is at the time, and it changes year to year, there's always a use for a Ball jar."