Farrar Elementary School - Echoes Of The Past
There's a place in Iowa, a former school building, that holds quite a story, a tale that has captivated many folks, especially those interested in places left behind. This old school, known as Farrar Elementary School, has been sitting empty for a good while, since 2002, to be precise. It has, in some respects, gathered a bit of a reputation, a sort of whispered legend about what might linger within its walls after all these years.
This particular spot gained a lot of attention when Sam and Colby, two creators known for their videos exploring abandoned places, decided to make it their own. They bought this old school in Farrar, Iowa, for a sum of $260,000, which, you know, is quite a bit of money for a building that has seen better days. They then spent about a week inside, filming their time there, and the videos they shared have been watched by millions of people online, sparking a lot of talk and curiosity about the school's past and present.
The school, sitting not too far from Des Moines, really has become quite famous for being a place where strange things are said to happen. The way the windows are boarded up and how the playground equipment looks worn down, it all seems to fit right into the stories people tell. It’s almost as if the very appearance of the place helps to build on that feeling of mystery and what might be going on when no one is around.
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Table of Contents
- Uncovering the Story of Farrar Elementary School
- When Did Farrar Elementary School First Open Its Doors?
- What Happened to Farrar Elementary School?
- The Sam and Colby Connection to Farrar Elementary School
- Is Farrar Elementary School Truly Haunted?
- Where Exactly is Farrar Elementary School Located?
- A Glimpse into the Farrar Community
- The Efforts to Bring Life Back to Farrar Elementary School
Uncovering the Story of Farrar Elementary School
The story of this old school, Farrar Elementary School, is one that stretches back quite a ways, really, to a time when it was a bustling place filled with the sounds of children learning and playing. It served its purpose for many decades, providing a place for young minds to grow and gather knowledge. The building itself, as a matter of fact, stands as a quiet reminder of those days, a structure that has witnessed countless moments of youthful discovery and friendship.
It's interesting to consider how a building can change so much over time, from being a vibrant center of a community to a quiet, empty shell. This school, in a way, represents a piece of local history, a landmark that tells a story not just about education, but about the people and the changes that have swept through the area. You know, it's almost like a silent observer, holding onto all those memories within its walls, even now that it's no longer used for its original purpose.
Many folks are drawn to places like this, places that have a past and a certain feeling about them. The school in Farrar has certainly captured the imagination of many, drawing attention from far and wide, thanks to its current state and the stories that have grown up around it. It’s a spot that, apparently, sparks a lot of conversation and curiosity, making people wonder about the lives that once filled its rooms.
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When Did Farrar Elementary School First Open Its Doors?
The history of Farrar Elementary School, according to records like those kept by the Des Moines Register, goes back to the early 1920s. The building itself was put up in 1921, and then, you know, it officially welcomed its first students in 1922. So, it was a relatively new building when it started its work, ready to serve the young people of the area for what would turn out to be a very long time.
For many years, children from both the Farrar area and the nearby Bondurant community came to this school to get their education. It was, in some respects, a central point for these two places, bringing families together through the shared experience of schooling. This continued for quite a while, with generations of students passing through its hallways and classrooms, learning their lessons and making memories.
The school kept its doors open and operated for a remarkable eight decades, which is a very long run for any institution. It saw a lot of changes in the world during that time, yet it continued to provide a consistent place for learning. Finally, though, its time as an active school came to an end, and its operations ceased in 2002, with the students then going to a different school in Bondurant.
What Happened to Farrar Elementary School?
After operating for such a long stretch of time, Farrar Elementary School eventually closed its doors for good in 2002. This meant that the building, which had once been full of life and activity, became empty. It was no longer a place where children gathered, and the sounds of lessons and laughter faded away, leaving behind a quiet structure. So, in a way, it simply sat there, unused and waiting.
The school, you see, became a deserted building, and over time, it started to show the signs of being left alone. It was, apparently, subject to some damage, with people coming in and causing harm to the property. This kind of thing happens to abandoned places, sadly, and it means that the building that once served the community so well began to look quite different from its active days, becoming a rather forlorn sight.
The story of the school's closure and its subsequent abandonment is a common one for many older buildings that no longer serve their original purpose. It simply stopped being needed as a school, and so it was left to sit empty. The fact that it is now a deserted and vandalized building with a history of strange happenings just adds to its unique character, making it a place that draws a lot of attention, for better or worse.
The Sam and Colby Connection to Farrar Elementary School
A big reason why Farrar Elementary School has become so widely known is because of two internet personalities, Sam and Colby. These two individuals are quite famous for their videos where they explore places that have been left empty, often with a focus on spots that are said to be a bit spooky. They decided to purchase this particular abandoned school, which was a pretty big step for them, buying the property for $260,000.
Once they owned the school, Sam and Colby didn't just look at it from the outside. They actually spent a whole week living inside the building, documenting their entire experience. This was a pretty intense undertaking, considering the school's reputation and its state of disuse. They filmed everything that happened during their stay, capturing their reactions and any strange occurrences they might have noticed.
The videos they created from their time at Farrar Elementary School were then shared on YouTube, and they quickly became incredibly popular. Millions of people watched their explorations, which, you know, really helped to spread the word about the school and its stories. Their work definitely brought a lot of eyes to this quiet spot in Iowa, turning it into a subject of wide discussion and fascination for many who enjoy tales of the unexplained.
Is Farrar Elementary School Truly Haunted?
The question of whether Farrar Elementary School is truly a place where spirits linger is one that many people ask, and it's certainly a big part of why it has become so well-known. The school, which is located near Des Moines, has gained a very strong reputation for being a spot where unusual things are said to occur. This idea has, in a way, become deeply woven into its identity, making it a magnet for those interested in the unknown.
When you look at the building, you can see why this narrative has taken hold. The windows are all boarded up, giving the place a closed-off and mysterious appearance. And the playground, which once would have been full of life, now looks quite worn down and neglected, fitting perfectly with the idea of a place that has been left behind and perhaps has some lingering presence. These visual cues, you know, really help to build the atmosphere.
There are many stories floating around about paranormal activities happening at the school. Some people talk about strange noises or unexplained movements, things that make you wonder. It's also worth noting that there's a cemetery nearby, which for some, adds to the overall feeling of mystery and the potential for otherworldly encounters. All these elements combined contribute to the school's fame as a supposedly haunted location, drawing in people who want to experience something out of the ordinary.
Where Exactly is Farrar Elementary School Located?
For those curious about finding this notable building, Farrar Elementary School sits at a specific address: 11125 NE 134th Ave in Maxwell, Iowa 50161. This gives you a precise spot on the map if you were, for example, thinking of driving by or looking it up. It’s located in Polk County, Iowa, which is a fairly central part of the state, you know, making it accessible from different directions.
The school's general location is also worth noting; it’s just about 30 minutes outside of Des Moines. This means it’s not in the heart of a big city, but it’s also not completely isolated, allowing for relatively easy travel to and from the state's capital. This proximity to a larger urban area might be one reason why it has gained so much attention, as it’s within reach for many people.
Farrar itself is described as an unincorporated community, which means it’s a smaller settlement without its own formal municipal government. It’s part of Washington Township within Polk County. In this small community, you’ll find a few things: the formerly abandoned elementary school building, which is now owned by Sam and Colby, one church, and about 13 houses. So, it’s a rather small and quiet place, really, with the old school being one of its most prominent features.
A Glimpse into the Farrar Community
The community of Farrar, where the old school building stands, is a small and quiet place, as we've mentioned. It's an unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own city government like larger towns do. It’s simply a collection of homes and a few structures that make up a distinct area within Polk County, Iowa. This kind of setting, you know, often has a very close-knit feel, with neighbors knowing each other quite well.
In this particular community, beyond the now-famous former elementary school building, there’s also a church, which often serves as a gathering spot for local residents. And then, there are about 13 houses, which gives you a pretty good idea of its size. It’s a place where life moves at a different pace, perhaps a bit slower and more relaxed than in a bustling city, offering a sense of calm and quiet living.
The presence of the old school, even in its current state, probably means a lot to the people who live in Farrar. It’s a part of their local landscape and history, a building that has stood there for many decades. While it may attract visitors because of its reputation, for the residents, it’s simply a familiar structure in their everyday surroundings, a piece of their home, really, that has seen many years pass by.
The Efforts to Bring Life Back to Farrar Elementary School
Interestingly, the old Farrar Elementary School didn't just sit empty from the moment it closed its doors. There was a period when it was purchased by a couple who had different plans for it. The school remained vacant until December of 2006, which was a few years after its official closure. At that point, a couple named Jim and Nancy Oliver decided to buy the building, apparently seeing potential in the old structure.
Their intention was to make the old school their home. This was quite an undertaking, considering the size of the building and the work that would be involved in transforming it from a public school into a private residence. They had hopes of slowly restoring the school, aiming to bring it back to something resembling its original appearance and layout. This suggests a deep appreciation for the building's history and its unique character, you know, a desire to honor its past while giving it a new purpose.
These efforts by the Olivers show a different side to the story of the abandoned school, one of preservation and personal connection, rather than just decay or curiosity about strange happenings. It highlights how some people see value and potential in old structures, even those that have been left behind for a while. Their vision for Farrar Elementary School was, in a way, about breathing new life into a place that had been quiet for too long, transforming it into a living space once more.
Farrar Elementary
Farrar Elementary
Farrar Elementary
