It was love at first site for Andrew Rockhold as he drove past this old abandoned school in 2013. He purchased the forlorn building, then thought about turning it into a wedding venue. Money, however, put a snag in that aspiration. So he began selling off stuff in the building. Now he has decided to put the school on the market. If you plan on visiting the school, you are welcome to tour the grounds, but do not go in the building. Note the sign that states, “Vandals will be hunted down. God is watching you!”
History
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original two-story portion of the school opened in 1909. In 1910 and 1911 more classrooms were added. A one-story high school wing was added to the rear in 1929, and in 1939 a gymnasium was built.
During the 1950s enrollment declined significantly which led to consolidation with the nearby Barnesville school. High school classes moved to Barnesville in 1956, and the Comstock school shut its classroom doors completely in the mid 1970s, when elementary classes also moved to Barnesville. Although classes were no longer held in the school, I am told that local kids were allowed to play in the gym until the late 1980s.
Condition
The old high school building needs a new roof on a section and windows. Some of the floors are not safe to walk on, the others need leveling. Rockford stressed, however, that the school has good bones and is not beyond repair.
REALTOR COMMENTS
Only a short drive from Fargo (about 15 min) and just across the river from Oxbow is a great opportunity to own a piece of history. New roof on the front section (later summer 2020), nearly all of the inside needs to be cleaned out and gutted. Sq footage is an estimate as some floors have collapsed. Flood plain-parcel is currently not mapped. Building sold as-is. Contract for deed is available. Owner/Broker
