Indianola Historical Society Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Restored One-Room Schoolhouse

INDIANOLA, Neb. (October 28, 2025) — The Indianola Historical Society marked a major milestone Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of its restored one-room schoolhouse on D Street.

Cutting the ribbon was Vickie Malleck, joined by members Don Behnke, Paul Schaffert, Ken Kircher, Jim Winchell, Randy Dean, Veronica Waddell, Marcy Rodriguez, and Donna Behnke. The event drew chamber representatives, community members, and local history enthusiasts from across southwest Nebraska.

Restoring a piece of county history

Historical Society member Paul Schaffert shared that the building was originally District 27, located about five miles south of town. The late Griff Malleck purchased the deteriorating structure years ago, determined to save a piece of rural education history. His wife Vickie later donated the fully restored schoolhouse to the Historical Society.

“In 1905 there were seventy-one one-room schools in Red Willow County,” Schaffert said. “This is the only one I know of that’s been restored. It’s a unique gift to us here in Indianola, and we hope to use it to teach future generations how our ancestors lived and learned.”

The society plans to host local fourth-grade classes studying Nebraska history, offering students the chance to experience a day in a 1900s classroom.

Schaffert also shared a favorite story about another restoration project — a 1939 Army truck once used at the area’s WWII prisoner-of-war camp. He and fellow a member discovered it on a farm sale near Phillips, Nebraska, without realizing it had come from Indianola.

“We were walking back through the junkyard and saw this old black truck,” he said. “The man selling it told us, ‘You ought to know — it came from Indianola!’ It turned out to be the same truck in an old POW camp photo.”

After careful repair, the truck now runs again and recently earned the Vintage Car Award in McCook’s Heritage Days parade.

Building awareness and connection

Marcy Rodriguez, the Historical Society’s secretary, said the group is focused on growing awareness of Indianola’s heritage.

“Our goal is to keep history alive,” Rodriguez said. “There’s so much here that people don’t know about. The more we share it, the more we can preserve it for the next generation.”

Veronica Waddell, who manages the society’s online presence, continues to expand digital outreach through bestlittlecityoutwest.com, which features local photos, event updates, and resources about Indianola’s historic sites.

“You came from somewhere.”

Sarah Schneider, Executive Director of the McCook Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the educational and emotional value of the restoration.

“One thing the younger generation forgets is that you came from somewhere,” Schneider said. “Having a place like this—close, accessible, and cared for—gives kids a chance to see where our communities began. It’s fantastic to have a group of people so dedicated to sharing that history.”

McCook Mayor Linda Taylor also expressed support, calling Indianola “an essential part of one great big southwest Nebraska community.”

The Indianola Historical Society’s collection, which now includes the schoolhouse and the Malleck family’s donated blacksmith shop, is open by appointment and during special events. More information is available at bestlittlecityoutwest.com.