January Visitor’s Committee Meeting

MCCOOK, Neb. - The Red Willow County Visitor’s Committee met on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024, but no official decisions were reached due to the absence of two committee members and Director of Tourism, Carol Shlegel. Despite the lack of formal outcomes, representatives from the Indianola Historical Society were present to present their Improvement Fund Grant Request of $75,000. This request aims to support the relocation of a historic one-room schoolhouse and blacksmith shop to a more accessible site in Indianola.

Paul Schaffert led the discussion for the Historical Society, highlighting the significance of preserving local history. The proposed new location for the buildings is along Highways 6 and 34. The structures, a 1905 schoolhouse and a blacksmith shop, were donated in memory of Griff Malleck, who played a key role in organizing community events featuring steam engines, wheat-threshing demonstrations, quilt displays, and homemade ice cream. After Malleck's passing, both the Griff Malleck estate and his wife, Vickie, donated the buildings to the Historical Society.

Community support has been strong, with donations of school desks, blackboards, an old stove, and a teacher’s desk for the project. The Historical Society plans to relocate the schoolhouse and blacksmith shop from Malleck’s property – currently situated five miles south and west of Indianola – to the center of town by the end of January 2025. Following the move, they intend to organize tours and demonstrations to engage the public.

The blacksmith shop is equipped with a forge, trip hammer, turning lathe, and other tools, all functioning off overhead belt systems. Previously, Tony Howard, a knife maker and blacksmith from St. Francis, Kansas, operated the shop on Malleck’s property.

A commitment has been made to ensure that the relocated structures are handicap-accessible. “Our foundation is set into the ground, which means there will not be any stairs, making it fully accessible,” Schaffert stated.

Dan Stramel from the Visitor’s Committee emphasized the importance of the grant, stating, “I believe this will be a destination for Red Willow County.” The committee is expected to make a decision regarding the grant at its next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. Additionally, Stramel mentioned the possibility of assistance with a promotions grant after the relocation.

As preparations continue, including the pouring of the schoolhouse foundation and the hiring of Star Movers from Grant, Nebraska, the Historical Society remains optimistic that these historical relics will soon play a crucial role in educating future generations about their community’s heritage. Those interested in supporting the project can mail contributions to PO Box 388, Indianola, NE 69034.