Haunt Spot: Ghost Stories, Ghost Photos, and real Hauntings

Farrar,Iowa

At one time the makeshift town of Farrar was the epicenter for the surrounding farm communities. In the early 20th century a schoolhouse was built to accommodate the growing population.

Upon its dedication, the Farrar schoolhouse was welcomed by an orchestra playing in its auditorium. Outside, a grand banquet was held in which hundreds attended. The schoolhouse, built upon farm land donated by C.G. Geddes, was a replacement for the antiquated one room schoolhouses that dotted Farrar's farm land.

Dedicated and opened in 1921, the schoolhouse survived for 80 years. However, during its lifetime the population that surrounded Farrar abandoned their farms for easier lives in cities and suburbs. The Farrar schoolhouse was closed and shuttered May 3, 2002. Once again, an orchestra played, now with melancholy mourning the death of the Farrar schoolhouse.

For many children, the Farrar schoolhouse was the first time they met others outside of their isolated farms. Many made life long friends, developed first loves, and found a place of welcoming. However, like any school, some children found torment. Bullied, teased, and marginalized, some children found themselves ostracized in a building that promised a welcoming community.

For four years after its shuttering the schoolhouse stood alone and decaying until a couple, Jim and Nancy Oliver, bought the schoolhouse in hopes of restoring it into a grand home.

During the schoolhouse's restoration Jim and Nancy began to notice strange occurrences. Disembodied footsteps and voices echoed throughout its hallways, doors slammed, and shadowy figures roamed the abandoned rooms.

At one point during the restoration Nancy became unbalanced on the stairs leading to the gym. A helpful hand steadied her. Nancy, believing Jim was behind her turned to thank him only to discover that she was alone.

Shadow people have been seen throughout the schoolhouse. In particular, a small shadow person, measuring approximately 3 1/2 foot tall is seen where Nancy was helped.

Today, the Farrar schoolhouse is a welcoming spot for paranormal investigators. Jim and Nancy now welcome investigators to stay overnight at the schoolhouse with a paid admission that goes to restoring the schoolhouse.

Investigations can be overnight, or for the less brave a daylight tour.