The letters “IMAC” were neatly stenciled on a fresh coat of paint a couple of years ago on the archway porch to the front doors of the old Irrigon High School.

Other than that minor touch-up, the exterior of the massive 1921 building includes chipped and peeling paint. However, most of the windows are intact.

Donna (Isom) Eppenbach, class of 1954, and her husband, Don Eppenbach, class of 1953, have been leading a small but passionate group in the charge to save the building from the wrecking ball.

Although the school district continued to hold some classes in the building and used it for storage, the last graduating class was in 1959. Irrigon city officials later moved in and used it as a city hall until late 2007. Several years ago, the Morrow County School District deeded the building to the Irrigon Multicultural Arts Center.

Handing the building over to the nonprofit organization, treasurer Don Eppenbach said, is saving the school district an estimated $1 million in demolition costs.

“It has a reverse clause in case we change our minds,” he said.

Don’t count on that happening — the Eppenbachs have rallied support to save their beloved school, including fellow retirees Jerry and Vickie Volk.

Although the Volks are Irrigon transplants — they came to the area eight years ago to be closer to family — the couple has lots of free time and dove into the project.

“It’s the oldest public building in North Morrow County,” Vickie Volk said. “It’s just a neat old building.”

The Eppenbachs admit the task is huge, but they are determined.

“We have a pretty good nucleus of people that are interested in the project,” Don Eppenbach said.

Standing on the steps leading up to the old principal’s office during a recent visit to the building, an impish grin broke across Don Eppenbach’s face. Although he denied being sent there, he did tarry once in a while.

“We’d leave goats and cows in the principal’s office as pranks,” he admitted.

Donna Eppenbach smiled brightly as she recalled her mother — Verdie Isom, class of 1931 — working as a cook in the kitchen and prom dances being held in an adjacent multi-purpose room.

While in the lower level, she also pointed out a pair of studio apartments that a couple of bachelorette teachers lived in. One of those single teachers, Florabell McCoy, later lived with the Isom family when the other teacher moved out of her apartment.

“I don’t think she wanted to be all alone in this big building,” Donna Eppenbach said.

The main section of the 8,748-square-foot structure also includes office space, a library and numerous classrooms that could be used to teach art classes and serve as exhibit space for displays.

“We figured we’d make use of everything we can,” Don Eppenbach said. “Except the top floor has a 10-person occupancy restriction imposed by the fire department.”

The fire escape with access from a top story window elicits memories from Shirley (Jackson) David, a 1965 graduate of Riverside High School. She recalls sliding down it on numerous occasions — something teachers allowed students to do on the last day of school.

David, who left the area for 45 years, was swooped up by the Eppenbachs when she returned to town three years ago.

“I just love that building,” David said.

A thin layer of dust coats the floor of the 8,736-square-foot gymnasium, but it doesn’t cover memories of the hard-fought battles on the hardwood. Don Eppenbach recalls watching from the bench as the Comets were led to victory by “a couple of tall kids.”

A mishap with frozen pipes resulted in water damage on a small section of the gym floor. However, the ceilings below sustained additional damage and carpeting in the hallway had to be torn out.

The IMAC board of directors holds monthly fundraising breakfasts at Stokes Landing Senior Center. The money raised mostly covers insurance on the vacant building, Donna Eppenbach said. The group also has a yearly art show, sale and spaghetti dinner fundraiser during its annual meeting.

While they did obtain a Wildhorse Foundation grant several years ago — which was used to abate several tons of pigeon waste — the group would like to get someone on board who specializes in grant writing.

In addition, they are hoping to be established on the National Register of Historic Places. Having that designation, Donna Eppenbach said, would further help in protecting the building and obtaining grants. But they’ve run into a bit of a snag as they don’t know who the building’s architect was.

Vickie Volk is hopeful some history buff will come forward with information they need to continue the process.

Also, before the building can be open to the public, it needs to meet handicap accessibility requirements. Donna Eppenbach said that could range from $20,000-$50,000 as the building has several levels and multiple stairways.

Based on a study conducted by the school district 7-8 years ago, Don Eppenbach said it was estimated total renovation costs would be upwards of $1.5 million. He said that seems a bit steep.

“I’d be happy if someone gave us enough to pay off the insurance, $5,000 would really give us a boost,” he said.

The group continues to raise money any way it can. Don Eppenbach said they are happy to receive donations, including through memberships.

Stealing the words from “Blue Water Line,” a 1962 song made popular by The Brothers Four, Eppenbach said, “If you can’t afford a quarter, then you ought to give a dime.”

Contact Tammy Malgesini at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539

This story originally appeared in East Oregonian.