Mail order houses from sears
The nostalgia! Sears, Roebuck and Co. was a legendary American retailer that offered a wide range of products, including mail-order houses, from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Here's a brief overview:
Sears Modern Homes
In 1908, Sears, Roebuck and Co. introduced its Modern Homes catalog, which featured a wide range of pre-fabricated houses that could be ordered and assembled on-site. The catalog included over 400 different house designs, ranging from simple bungalows to elaborate mansions. The houses were designed to be easy to assemble, with pre-cut lumber and pre-assembled parts.
Features and Benefits
Sears Modern Homes offered several benefits, including:
- Affordability: Houses were priced lower than traditional custom-built homes, making them accessible to the average American family.
- Convenience: Customers could order a house from the comfort of their own home, without having to deal with local builders or contractors.
- Quality: Sears houses were built with high-quality materials and construction methods, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Customization: While the houses were pre-designed, customers could still choose from various options, such as exterior finishes, interior layouts, and appliances.
Popular House Designs
Some popular Sears house designs include:
- Crafton: A small, one-story bungalow with a porch and a total living area of around 800 square feet.
- Winston: A two-story, four-bedroom house with a living area of around 1,200 square feet.
- Stratford: A two-story, three-bedroom house with a living area of around 1,000 square feet.
Legacy
Sears Modern Homes played a significant role in American housing history, providing affordable and accessible housing options to millions of Americans. Although the program was discontinued in the 1940s, many Sears houses still stand today, serving as a testament to the company's innovative approach to homebuilding.
Preservation Efforts
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving and restoring Sears Modern Homes. Many homeowners have undertaken restoration projects to restore their homes to their original glory, while others have formed preservation societies to protect and promote these historic homes.
Overall, Sears mail-order houses represent an important chapter in American history, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer convenience.