Roy Stinnett calls for bids at the start of the auction Saturday at a house in Webb City that's been vacant for decades.

Long-vacant house and large lot sold at auction

Bob Foos

Buyers flocked to an auction Saturday at a unique two-story house on the northwest corner of Seventh and Oakland streets in Webb City.

That part of Webb City was still agricultural when it was built in the early half of the 20th century. The town has since grown up around the house.

What makes it unusual is that the house has been vacant – but taken care of – since at least 1985.

Stan Dorman, of Alvin, Texas, grew up in the house with his parents, Duane and LaVeta Maxine Dorman. During a vist to the house in recent years, Stan said his mother prefered to live in the adjacent ranch-style house that they built. In recent years, Stan had a metal garage built between the houses.

Stinnett Auction Service sold the house on 1.25 acres in addition to the contents of the house.

The vacant portion of the lot behind the house, which extends to Ellis Street along Seventh Street, held about 30 buyers’ cars during the lengthy auction.