Nebraska family relocates century-old farmhouse

Grand Island, NE — Letting go is difficult especially when it comes to family heirlooms, but one Nebraska family isn’t just letting go, they’re lifting off their century-old house from its foundation and giving it a new home.

It was an emotional day for the homeowners to give up their house. They say it’s not just a sentimental move, but it’s a part of history.

In 1917, Ernest and Marie Ostermeier had a nearly 4,000-square-foot home built for approximately $10,000.

Locals claim it was one of the first rural homes in Hall County to get electricity.

Three generations of the same family called it home, but Tuesday marked the first day that’s no longer true.

“Yeah, yup, it’s going to be a tough deal not to see it there every time you drive by,” Jessica Olcott, granddaughter of the current homeowner said tearfully.

The family gathered to laugh, cry, and reminisce.

Bill Kay, grandson of the original owner said, “There were nine children that grew up in there, there was five boys and four girls and they’re all gone.”

The house was more than just a structure, it was a home built by memories, both good times and bad – oh, and there was a cave.

“It was kind of cool.”

Still, the family felt it was time for change after the house sat vacant for more than a decade.

So, on Wednesday, the home made a short journey down the street to its new owners, but this wasn’t the first attempted move.

“We tried to give it away twice, but the deals fell through, on the account of the expense of moving it," said Jim Ostermeier, the current owner of the home.

That’s right, he said to give it away.

Although it’s been a long time coming, it’s still tough for the Ostermeiers to watch their legacy roll away.

Although the Ostermeiers are closing the door on a part of their family's past, the foundation is already laid for another’s future.

The land will continue to stay with the Ostermeier family, and the new homeowners, well - they have waited over a year for this day.

They hope to restore the interiors as close to the original as possible.