New displays at the Odessa Museum

Herbert V. Zimbelman has lived in the Odessa area all of his life. The third youngest of 10 children born to Gus and Emma Zimbelman in rural Lincoln County, Herb lived independently and pursued his interests and hobbies despite being profoundly deaf.

Until only a couple of years ago, Herb owned his own home, where his basement workshop offered activities that kept him well occupied. Woodcarving was long a favorite hobby. He has created carved animals, airplanes, stagecoaches and wheat wagons complete with reins and halters and many fine details.

He was convinced to move into Quail Court, Odessa’s assisted-living facility, at the urging of family members. Hesitant at first, he has since come to enjoy the company of the other residents, the freedom to come and go as he sees fit and, best of all from what family members say, the three square meals per day that he does not have to cook for himself.

Herb still drives to the post office every day to pick up his mail, and he still attends many school functions that interest him, especially home basketball games.

His collection of wood carvings has found a new home at the Odessa Historisches Museum. One entire corner of the barn is dedicated to Herb’s artwork. The display nearly became a casualty of Odessa’s unpredictable spring weather. The initial shelving installed to hold the carvings was attached to the metal walls of the barn. As windstorm after windstorm buffeted the walls, the shelves became loose and finally came crashing down.

Herb’s brother Bob Zimbelman took the box of tangled and sometimes broken items up to Quail Court. Overcoming his dismay at the condition of his handiwork, Herb got busy repairing, gluing, painting and otherwise restoring his artwork.

In the meantime, Odessa Historical Society member Paul Scheller, with help from Bob Zimbelman, put up new shelves bolted securely into place. Now Herb’s face lights up every time he sees the display of his carvings and historical vehicles.

New displays and items of interest are continually being put in place at the Odessa Museum by the members of the historical society. Those who have not paid a visit recently will find many new and interesting things to see.

The museum’s summer season begins on Memorial Day weekend and runs through Deutsches Fest weekend, opening every Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m.?

The museum also opens for various special events throughout the year. The museum was also open for this past weekend’s old-time farming demonstration at the Leanna and Keith Schafer farm just outside of town. The museum will open again during Spring Fling weekend on April 27 and 28.