Sears Kit Home: How To Identify A Mail-Order Gem

Hey there, fellow history buffs and architecture enthusiasts! Ever stumbled upon a charming old house and wondered about its story? Well, you might just have encountered a piece of American history – a Sears Kit Home! These homes, sold through the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog from 1908 to 1940, offered affordable housing options and became incredibly popular. Identifying a Sears Kit Home can be like solving a historical puzzle, and this guide is here to help you crack the code. So, let's dive into the fascinating world of Sears Modern Homes and learn how to spot one in the wild.

What are Sears Kit Homes?

Sears Kit Homes, also known as Sears Modern Homes, were a revolutionary concept in the early 20th century. Sold through the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog, these homes were essentially mail-order houses. Think of it – you'd flip through a catalog, pick your dream home from a variety of styles, and Sears would ship all the necessary materials right to your doorstep! From the lumber and nails to the windows and doors, everything was included. It was like a giant, build-it-yourself LEGO set for houses! This innovative approach made homeownership accessible to many families, particularly in rural areas and booming industrial towns. Sears offered over 400 different models, ranging from cozy bungalows to grand two-story houses, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. These homes weren't just affordable; they were also well-designed and built with quality materials. Sears even offered financing options, making the dream of owning a home a reality for countless Americans. The popularity of Sears Kit Homes speaks volumes about their impact on American housing history. They represent a fascinating era of innovation, affordability, and the democratization of homeownership. So, the next time you see a charming old house, remember the legacy of Sears Kit Homes – it might just be a piece of history waiting to be discovered.

Key Features to Look For

To successfully identify a Sears Kit Home, it's essential to become familiar with the key features that set them apart. These homes possess unique characteristics that, when pieced together, can reveal their fascinating history. Let's explore some of the telltale signs that you might be looking at a Sears Modern Home.

The Paper Trail: Mortgages and Blueprints

One of the most reliable ways to confirm a Sears Kit Home is to check the historical records. If you suspect a house might be a Sears model, a trip to the local county recorder's office or historical society could be in order. Look for old mortgage documents that mention "Sears, Roebuck & Co." as the mortgagee. This is a strong indicator, as Sears offered financing options for their homes. Another valuable piece of the puzzle is the original blueprints. Sears provided detailed blueprints with each kit, and these might still exist with the property records or with the current homeowners. These blueprints will not only confirm the Sears origin but also reveal the specific model of the home. Tracing the paper trail can be a bit of detective work, but the reward is a definitive answer to your Sears Kit Home question. It's like uncovering a hidden chapter in the house's story, connecting it to a significant piece of American history. So, put on your detective hat and start digging – you might just find the evidence you need to confirm your suspicions.

Interior Clues: Lumber Markings and Hardware

Delving into the interior of a house can reveal hidden clues about its past, particularly if you're on the hunt for a Sears Kit Home. One of the most distinctive features to look for is the lumber markings. Sears used a unique numbering system on their lumber, often stamping the pieces with a six-digit number. These numbers can be found on exposed joists, rafters, and other structural elements in the basement, attic, or behind walls (if you're doing renovations). Discovering these markings is like finding a secret code that confirms the home's Sears pedigree. Another telltale sign is the hardware. Sears sourced high-quality hardware for their homes, and certain doorknobs, hinges, and other fixtures are specific to Sears models. Look for the "S.R." logo or other markings on these items. The layout and design of the rooms can also provide clues. Sears homes often followed specific floor plans, and recognizing these layouts can help you narrow down the possibilities. So, take a closer look at the interior – the details might just whisper the story of a Sears Kit Home.

Exterior Elements: Architectural Style and Features

The exterior of a house is often the first place to look for clues when identifying a Sears Kit Home. Sears offered a wide variety of architectural styles, from classic Craftsman bungalows to stately Colonial Revivals, so familiarizing yourself with these styles is a great starting point. Look for features that were common in Sears homes, such as specific window designs, porch details, and rooflines. The symmetry and proportions of the house can also be telling. Sears homes were known for their well-balanced designs and attention to detail. One particularly distinctive feature is the presence of pre-cut framing lumber. Sears used a system of pre-cutting the lumber to specific sizes, which meant less cutting and fitting was required on-site. This can sometimes be visible in the way the exterior trim and siding are fitted together. Don't forget to examine the foundation – Sears homes often had specific foundation designs. By carefully observing the exterior elements, you can start to piece together the puzzle and determine if the house might be a Sears Kit Home. It's like reading the architectural language of the house, deciphering its history through its design.

Resources for Identification

Identifying a Sears Kit Home can feel like a detective mission, but you don't have to go it alone! There are numerous resources available to help you on your quest. These resources can provide valuable information, from identifying specific models to connecting with other enthusiasts. Let's explore some of the key tools and communities that can assist you in your Sears Kit Home identification journey.

Online Databases and Catalogs

The internet is a treasure trove of information for Sears Kit Home enthusiasts. Several online databases and archives contain digitized Sears catalogs, allowing you to browse through the original models and compare them to the house you're investigating. Websites like Sears Modern Homes and the Illinois Digital Archives offer searchable catalogs and resources. These online catalogs often include detailed floor plans, elevations, and descriptions of the various models, making it easier to match a house to its Sears counterpart. You can also find online forums and communities dedicated to Sears Kit Homes, where enthusiasts share their knowledge and experiences. These forums can be invaluable for getting advice, asking questions, and connecting with experts who can help you identify a specific model or feature. The digital world has made it easier than ever to access information about Sears Kit Homes, so take advantage of these online resources and dive into the fascinating history of these mail-order houses.

Local Historical Societies and Archives

Don't underestimate the power of local resources when it comes to identifying a Sears Kit Home. Historical societies and archives often hold valuable records, such as old property deeds, blueprints, and photographs, that can provide crucial clues. These organizations are dedicated to preserving local history, and their collections may contain information specific to the houses in your area. A visit to your local historical society could uncover documents that mention a Sears mortgage or show the original blueprints for the house you're investigating. Archivists and historians can also provide expert guidance and insights, helping you navigate the historical records and interpret the evidence. Local libraries can also be a great resource, offering access to local history books, maps, and other relevant materials. Connecting with local experts and exploring historical archives can be a rewarding way to uncover the story of a house and confirm its Sears Kit Home origins. It's like tapping into the collective memory of your community, piecing together the past one document at a time.

Books and Publications

For a deeper dive into the world of Sears Kit Homes, books and publications offer a wealth of information and insights. Several authors have dedicated their research to documenting the history and architecture of these homes, providing detailed guides and analyses. Books like "The Houses That Sears Built" by Rosemary Thornton are essential reading for anyone interested in identifying and understanding Sears Kit Homes. These books often include photographs, floor plans, and historical context, helping you to recognize the distinctive features of different models. You can also find articles and publications in architectural history journals and magazines that explore the Sears Modern Homes phenomenon. These resources can provide valuable background information and help you to appreciate the significance of these homes in American housing history. Reading about Sears Kit Homes can be like taking a masterclass in architectural detective work, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to identify these hidden gems in your community. So, curl up with a good book and prepare to become a Sears Kit Home expert!

Why Identifying Matters

Identifying a Sears Kit Home is more than just a fun historical exercise; it's about preserving a piece of American heritage. These homes represent a unique chapter in the story of affordable housing and the democratization of homeownership. Recognizing and appreciating these homes allows us to connect with the past and understand the innovative spirit of the early 20th century. When a Sears Kit Home is identified, it can be added to local historical registers, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This recognition can also increase the property value and attract buyers who appreciate the historical significance of the home. Furthermore, identifying Sears Kit Homes helps us to understand the broader impact of Sears, Roebuck & Co. on American culture and society. The company's mail-order business revolutionized the way people purchased goods, and Sears Kit Homes were a prime example of this innovation. By identifying and celebrating these homes, we honor the legacy of a company that played a significant role in shaping the American landscape. So, the next time you spot a charming old house, remember that it might just be a Sears Kit Home – a piece of history waiting to be discovered and preserved.

Identifying a Sears Kit Home is an engaging journey into the past, filled with clues to uncover and stories to tell. By understanding the key features, utilizing available resources, and appreciating the historical significance, you can become a part of this fascinating world. Happy hunting, and may your search be filled with historical discoveries!