When the little schoolhouse on Mygatt Road first appeared in the deeds in 1858, who could have foreseen that by 1940 the building would be standing empty, and that by 1990 it would be all but a ruin surrounded by brush and trees.

Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, the schoolhouse is again filled with children. Every year they plant a garden and trees in the schoolyard. They come with their parents to picnics and workshops. Their grandparents come there to remember their days going to school in a one-room building much like Indian Rock. The schoolhouse has been restored and is painted red. There are new desks inside. The big pavilion behind the school is a wonderful place for picnics and concerts.

In 2007 the Schoolhouse Association made Indian Rock a year-round tradition by developing a winter outreach program consisting of a series of “trunk shows.” The large suitcases contain historical objects, games, costumes and learning materials which appeal to a wide audience. There are two themes: “Visit to a One-room School” and “Freedom Quilts,” with several more trunks in the works.

They have been enthusiastically received at Maplebrook, Kildonan, Amenia Elementary School, Sharon Center School, and by adults at local organizations and sites: The Amenia Lions Club, the Wassaic Seniors and the Hyde Park Historical Society. This spring the trunks will travel to Dutchess Day School, the Fountains, and OFA Friendship Center in South Amenia.

A new trunk is being created. Called the  Arbor Day” Trunk, it features books and information on the importance of trees and conservation of that resource, as well as legendary tree heroes: Pine Cone Pete, Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan and George Washington among others. The Webutuck PTA is the sponsor of this new trunk.

In 2008 the Schoolhouse turned 150 years old, and this logo was created by member Judy Carlson as a birthday present for Indian Rock. At a celebration at the schoolhouse, Abraham Lincoln (Norm Cayea) read a proclamation honoring Indian Rock and John Quinn:

“Let it be known by all assembled here today that Indian Rock Schoolhouse is one hundred and fifty years old. The one-room school first appeared on the maps of Amenia in 1858, even before I ran for President of the United States of America.

“May it also be known that many good citizens of the fine town of Amenia and in the whole of Dutchess County — even nearby Connecticut — contributed to the effort of restoring the school and bringing children and adults here again.

“And in light of those accomplishments we recognize and congratulate our friend, the esteemed John Quinn. He researched and wrote many articles about one-room schoolhouses in the Webutuck District for the newspapers from 2001 to 2003, and now has collected them into a fine book entitled Memories from a Country Schoolhouse for all of us.

“Three cheers for John Quinn!”