The Restoration of a 132 Year Old One-Room Schoolhouse: A Story of Community and History
Vickers Schoolhouse in 2016 stands again vacant and unkempt.
Have you ever driven by an old building and wondered about its history? Vickers Schoolhouse near Paola, Kansas is one of those buildings - a small, charming schoolhouse that stands on the side of a road in Miami County. Built in 1891, it was once a bustling place of learning, but at one point in its history, after years of disrepair and neglect, it seemed destined for ruin. Thanks to the dedication of community members, Vickers Schoolhouse has a new lease on life. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating story of the restoration of Vickers Schoolhouse and its remarkable transformation throughout the years.
The history of Vickers Schoolhouse is a rich one. Built in the late 19th century, it was a place where generations of children received their education. But after the school district restructuring and subsequent closure of the Schoolhouse in 1966, the building's future seemed uncertain. For years, the Victory 4H Club did their best to maintain the property, but as time went on, the repairs became overwhelming. The building was on the verge of being disposed of, but fate had other plans.
Ted and Opal Alpert pose in front of Vickers Schoolhouse in a 1980 Miami County Republican article describing their restoration efforts.
Enter Ted and Opal Alpert. In 1980, they took possession of the deed to Vickers Schoolhouse and began their work. The restoration process was slow, but over time, the Alperts restored the old building into a community center. Their efforts paid off when Vickers Schoolhouse began serving polling location for the local elections. A television commercial was even filmed inside the schoolhouse in 1980!
Vickers Schoolhouse on December 1st, 1980.
Thanks to Ted and Opal Alpert, the Schoolhouse once again is used as a community gathering center. Here the interior is set up prior to a May 31, 1981 card party and supper.
One of the most ambitious restoration projects was undertaken by Ted and Opal's son, Jack Alpert, in 1997. He worked to rebuild the long missing bell tower, using a photograph of the school taken in 1912 to recreate an exacting replica. Unfortunately, the original bell was long gone, having been given away to the man who dismantled the tower. Despite a search, the bell was never found. Nevertheless, Jack's work helped restore the charm and character of the building.
A photo of Vickers Schoolhouse from 2016 showing the replica bell tower Jack Alpert restored to the schoolhouse façade.
Jack Alpert’s 1997 renovation as shown in these photos from 2016, before Mr. and Mrs. Vickers purchased the property and turned it into their home.
The schoolhouse fell into disrepair again many years following Jack's work. It was sold in 2016 to Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Vickers, who rebuilt the interior themselves as their own home, turning the Schoolhouse into an adorable rustic cabin with one bedroom, and one and a half baths.
2016 Renovation of Vickers Schoolhouse as completed by Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Vickers. Photos taken in 2020 just prior to the sale of the Schoolhouse.
In 2020, Tony and Lara Justesen purchased the Schoolhouse and converted the two open lofts into bedrooms and began sharing the charming landmark with guests who came to stay from as far away as New York and as nearby as the surrounding cities.
Tragically, on May 13, 2022 after a strong spring storm, the Schoolhouse suffered an electrical fire that completely destroyed the interior of the home. Heartbroken, but not without faith, the Justesens began the long process of gutting and rebuilding Vickers Schoolhouse. In 2023, the Schoolhouse is transformed once again - now a beautiful and modern home with a rich history.
Vickers Schoolhouse as it stands today, ready to welcome guests for a unique experience that exudes peace and tranquility in a historical landmark setting.
The preservation of Vickers Schoolhouse is a testament to the power of community involvement and the importance of preserving our history. This charming building now stands as an inspiration to all who visit it - a reminder of the past and a testament to the future. If you ever find yourself in Miami County, Kansas, be sure to book your own stay at Vickers Schoolhouse - it's a beautiful and fascinating piece of local history.
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