A Century of Darkness
From a place of learning to a beacon of paranormal activity, discover the haunted history that made Farrar Schoolhouse Iowa's most notorious supernatural location.
The Timeline of Terror
Key events that shaped the legend of Farrar Schoolhouse
1922
The Beginning
Farrar Schoolhouse is constructed to serve the rural community. Students from grades 1-8 attend classes in the two-story brick building. Local residents report the land itself felt "different" during construction.
1945
The First Tragedy
Young Sarah Mitchell, age 8, falls down the main staircase during a severe thunderstorm. Her injuries prove fatal. Students and teachers begin reporting cold spots near the staircase immediately after the incident.
1954
Escalating Activity
Teachers report books moving on their own, chalk writing appearing on blackboards overnight, and children's laughter echoing through empty hallways. Several teachers resign, citing "uncomfortable working conditions."
1962
Forced Abandonment
After a mass exodus of students and staff, the school board votes to close Farrar Schoolhouse permanently. Local newspaper reports cite "structural concerns," but witnesses later reveal the truth about supernatural encounters.
1985
First Investigation
The Iowa Paranormal Research Society conducts the first formal investigation. They document over 200 unexplained phenomena in a single weekend, including multiple EVP recordings and photographic evidence.
2004
National Recognition
Ghost Adventures features Farrar Schoolhouse in a special episode. The investigation captures some of the most compelling paranormal evidence ever recorded, including full-body apparitions on camera.
2026
The Legend Continues
Today, Farrar Schoolhouse remains one of the most active paranormal locations in the Midwest. Professional tours and investigations continue to document supernatural activity on a regular basis.
Notorious Hauntings
Meet the spirits that refuse to leave Farrar Schoolhouse
Sarah Mitchell
The young girl who fell to her death in 1945 is the most frequently encountered spirit. Visitors report seeing her in a blue dress, playing with invisible friends in the main classroom. She's known to be friendly but mischievous, often moving objects and leaving handprints on dusty surfaces.
Common Manifestations:
- • Child's laughter in empty rooms
- • Small handprints on windows and walls
- • Toys and objects moving on their own
- • Cold spots near the main staircase
The Schoolmaster
A stern male figure, believed to be a former principal, is often seen patrolling the hallways. He appears as a tall, dark silhouette and seems protective of the building. Witnesses describe feeling watched and sensing disapproval when they don't show proper respect.
Common Manifestations:
- • Heavy footsteps in the upper hallway
- • Doors slamming shut
- • Feeling of being watched
- • Electronics malfunctioning
The Class of '45
Multiple child spirits, believed to be Sarah's classmates, appear together in the gymnasium. They're often heard reciting lessons, singing songs, and playing games. Their presence brings a drop in temperature and the sound of school bells ringing.
Common Manifestations:
- • Children's voices singing in unison
- • School bells ringing at 3:15 PM
- • Chalk dust appearing on clothes
- • Multiple EVP recordings
The Caretaker
An elderly man in work clothes is seen maintaining the building, even decades after its closure. He carries keys that jingle, and visitors often hear the sound of sweeping or repairs being made. He seems unaware that the school is no longer operational.
Common Manifestations:
- • Jingling keys in empty corridors
- • Sound of sweeping and cleaning
- • Lights turning on and off
- • Doors found unlocked
Media & Investigations
Professional paranormal teams and media outlets have documented our hauntings
Ghost Adventures
Featured in Season 8, Episode 12 - "The most compelling evidence we've ever captured"
Paranormal State
Season 4 investigation resulted in multiple Class-A EVP recordings
Des Moines Register
"Iowa's Most Haunted: A Scientific Investigation" - front page feature
Coast to Coast AM
Multiple appearances discussing ongoing paranormal research
Iowa Paranormal Research
Ongoing scientific study with published peer-reviewed findings
Haunted America
Featured in "America's Most Haunted Schools" chapter 7
Paranormal Evidence
Documented supernatural phenomena captured at Farrar Schoolhouse
Sarah's Voice
Clear recording of a child saying "Will you play with me?" captured in the main classroom.
Cold Spot Data
Thermal imaging shows dramatic temperature drops correlating with spirit activity.
Shadow Figure
Verified photograph of a full-body apparition in the second-floor hallway.
Experience the History Yourself
Book a guided tour and witness the paranormal activity that has made Farrar Schoolhouse legendary.