The high school complex was remodeled and enlarged in 1990-91. Iola Junior High School was built in 1923. The Iola Swimming Pool was one of the largest in the region when it was constructed. It was one of several WPA projects started in the 1930s. In the Great Depression the federal government provided work for the unemployed through the Works Progress Administration program which was administered here through the Soil Conservation Service.
Workers line up on South Street waiting to leave for work sites.
Pet Milk plant, built in 1924 operated in Iola until 1967. The Iola Junior College was established in 1923. Classes were conducted on the third floor of the high school building until it was decided to build a separate campus in 1966. The building was a national architectural award for excellence. Dormitories, a technical education center and an exercise and social center were added over the years.