Couple Purchases Abandoned School on eBay to Create Genealogy Center

Adrian Brisee and his wife read a listing for an abandoned school building in Irwin, Iowa, on the popular auction Web site, eBay. It sounded like what they were looking for; so, the couple drove from their home in Coeymans, New York, to the Iowa location to inspect the building. They made an offer, and it was accepted soon after.

Built in 1917, the elementary school was outdated and was closed roughly two years ago, according to Jeff Kruse, Superintendent of Schools in Irwin. "We were looking at options of either getting rid of the building or tearing it down," said Kruse. The latter option would cost as much as $100,000, so the board opted to try and sell it first. The board had learned that a Kansas district and the closer-to-home Mapleton school district each had placed advertisements and successfully sold school buildings on eBay.

"We kicked it around a while and then thought to give it a try," said Kruse. The district received about a dozen inquiries and three firm bids, ranging from $5,000-$15,000. Bids came from Florida, Canada, and New York. After investigation, the board accepted what ended up being the lowest bid. Explained Kruse, "The board felt most comfortable with this couple.” The reason given was that they were the only ones to visit the site and to meet in person with the school board. Their interest in the building and plans to convert it to a genealogy center for public benefit swayed the school board.

"And as far as the board was concerned, this was a $100,000 swing. They were pleased they wouldn't have to tear it down,” said Kruse.

Mr. and Mrs. Brisee own thousands of genealogy books. The couple plan to move them to the new site and convert it to a Midwest genealogy center that will be open to the public.

Comments

[Andy P]

As an displaced Irwin native and one who attended school in that very building for years, I find this quite interesting. The school has been at the heart of the community since it was built and has many memories (both communal and personal) associated with it. It is refreshing to see those whose interest in history/genealogy taking control of the building, especially in light of other "companies" who also placed bids. I wish them the best of luck with their new home and I hope they recognize the significance of its place in the community.

For those interested in rural Iowa schools, see David Reynolds' book: "There Goes the Neighborhood: Rural School Consolidation at the Grass Roots in Early Twentieth-Century Iowa".

[Dino (All Dino, ALl the Time)]

Isn't a rural schoolhouse on the reverse of the new Iowa quarter?

[Andy P]

I hope so, as it would indicate the importance Iowans have always placed on their educational system.

As a side note, the building they actually bought is known as a Consolidated School building and is a big, brick structure having three floors, 20 or so rooms, and a "full-size" basketball court in the basement. As for "real" rural schools (one room school houses), not many of those left in that area. Most have been converted to barns, garages, or torn down.

[Jenny B Saltorp]

Working with genealogy in Denmark but having attended Irwin-Kirkman Community High School back in the late 70's, with art classes in the elementary building, I am quite certain it is a good building for the purpose.
It is also around 20 miles from the Danish Heritage Center in Elk Horn IA.

[Larry]

Being a regular user of E-bay how does the seller get to choose which bid to take and which to reject? My experience is that high bidder gets the prize. Are there different rules for real estate?

Larry

[Adrian Brisee]

Larry- Many of the Real Estate ads on Ebay are listings only, not auctions. The school board decided what is the best use for the community from the proposals submitted. Not only will I be using the school as a genealogy center, but also as my residence, and I will be reserving one classroom as a community meeting room. this will be for clubs and societies to be able to meet in, not for wedding showers and such. I am working with the theory that my name may be on the deed, but the school belongs to the community, and I'm not going there to take it away from them, but to share it with them. My library will also be accessible by appointment (regular hours in the future?? might happen) so anyone local or passing through is welcome do some searching.

[Kevin H]

I too went to Irwin Community Schools. I was there from kindergarten through high school graduation. I would be VERY interested in seeing what is being done with my old grade school building. The last time I was in that building was our class reunion in 1999. I didn't know what was happening with that building until now.

[Cheryl Hoxie]

Hello Adrian,
It has been a pleasure conversing with you via email. I wish you & your wife the best of luck in your wonderful venture!
Cheryl in Exeter, NH