Sears mail order houses

A piece of American history! Sears, Roebuck and Co. was a pioneering retailer that offered mail-order houses, also known as "Sears Modern Homes," from 1908 to 1940. Here's a brief overview:

History

Sears, Roebuck and Co. was founded in 1893 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck. Initially, the company focused on selling watches and jewelry through mail-order catalogs. In the early 1900s, Sears began to expand its product line to include clothing, hardware, and even homes.

Sears Modern Homes

In 1908, Sears introduced its first mail-order house, the "Sears Modern Home No. 1." The company designed and manufactured a range of pre-cut, pre-fabricated homes that could be assembled on-site by the buyer or a local contractor. The homes were marketed through Sears' popular catalogs, which featured detailed descriptions, floor plans, and prices.

Features and Benefits

Sears Modern Homes were designed to be affordable, efficient, and easy to assemble. Some of the key features included:

  1. Pre-cut lumber: Sears would deliver pre-cut lumber to the buyer's site, making it easier to assemble the home.
  2. Standardized designs: Sears offered a range of standardized designs, which reduced construction costs and made it easier for buyers to customize their homes.
  3. Affordable prices: Sears Modern Homes were priced competitively, with prices starting at around $1,000 (approximately $25,000 today).
  4. Convenience: Buyers could order their homes through the mail, eliminating the need to visit a physical store or deal with local contractors.

Popular Models

Some of the most popular Sears Modern Home models include:

  1. Sears Modern Home No. 1 (1908): A simple, one-story bungalow with a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms.
  2. Sears Modern Home No. 117 (1915): A two-story, four-bedroom home with a living room, dining room, and kitchen.
  3. Sears Modern Home No. 150 (1920): A two-story, three-bedroom home with a living room, dining room, and kitchen.

Legacy

Sears Modern Homes played an important role in American history, particularly during the early 20th century. They helped to democratize homeownership, making it possible for more people to own their own homes. Today, many Sears Modern Homes have been preserved and restored, serving as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.