While searching for a comfortable house near Lake Erie, Trish and Tim Mills discovered something much more unique: a Sears catalog house that had been sold for less than $4,000 and had been packaged in a box. They purchased a piece of American history, not simply a house.
Built in 1921, their lovely two-story home in Lorain, Ohio, was originally only $3,420 thanks to Sears, Roebuck, and Company’s Modern Homes program. Having withstood the strongest tornado to hit Ohio in 1924, it is currently valued at over $330,000 and is lovingly referred to as The Tornado House.
The Mail-Order Home That Stole Their Hearts
Trish and Tim were unaware that a whole house could be ordered from a catalog until they moved in earlier this year. However, this was a well-liked and reasonably priced choice in the early 20th century.
Through its Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans, Sears offered tens of thousands of home kits between 1908 and 1940, enabling families to choose their ideal home in the same manner that they would order a stove or a coat.
Trish became enthralled with the home’s unusual beginnings. The Villa, the model they bought, was first transported by train and put together by a construction crew for an additional $1,000. Impressively strong, the house has stood the test of more than a century.
This house is stronger and in better condition than new construction, according to Trish. I adore the sense of security. We don’t hear anything, not even during storms. Its thick walls keep it cool, even in 90 degree weather.
The Sears Modern Homes Legacy
Approximately 75,000 home kits were distributed nationwide as part of the Sears Modern Homes initiative. From simple cottages to sophisticated multi-story homes with porches, bay windows, and custom finishes, buyers had dozens of styles to pick from.
Almost everything required to construct the house was included in each kit, including:
Lumber that has been cut and labeled
Doors, windows, floors, and roofing
Doorknobs, hinges, piping, and wiring
Paint, varnish, screws, and nails
Plans and a construction manual
These houses were transported to the construction site by truck after being delivered by train. In the end, more than 400 distinct home models were available, and many of them are still in high demand today by homeowners who frequently didn’t realize they bought a Sears original until long later.
A Home Rich in History and Charm
The Mills family was drawn to the house by its classic appeal and craftsmanship in addition to its lakefront location. Trish remarked, “It made me think of my grandparents’ house.” As soon as we stepped through it, we fell in love.
Since then, Trish has gone above and above to preserve the house’s vintage charm by learning how to refinish floors, polish chandeliers, and clean old wallpaper. She even used old photographs to design the house, replicating the original flagpole, curtains, and even the porch carpet.
More Catalog Homes Across America
It’s not just Trish and Tim who are keeping a remnant of this lost American custom alive.
Wendy and Terry Bell found out that their 1912 house in Lincoln, Illinois, was a Sears-Palmyra model that had sold for $2,056.
The couple fell in love with its sunny, open layout and many original elements after purchasing home for $119,000 in 1997. We wish to keep the house’s character since we are now its custodians, Wendy stated.
Linda Rice and her husband unintentionally bought a Sears-Osborn model house in New Port Richey, Florida, in 1924. Although it has undergone updates over the years, the original layout, hardware, and doors were still present.
Rosemary Thornton, a Sears home expert, assisted in confirming its model by contrasting images and architectural characteristics.
A Nostalgic Past Meets Modern Trends
Although purchasing a home in a box may seem archaic now, the idea is still relevant. These days, businesses offer small homes online, with kits on sites like Amazon costing between $9,000 and $10,000. They all operate on the same principle, with everything delivered to your door ready to build, albeit smaller and more costly as a result of inflation.
For example, a smart tiny house with several bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom is now listed on Amazon for $9,599. Assembling a sleeker version costs $9,559 and takes less than ten minutes.
Even while they could appeal to contemporary minimalists, many people still take greater delight in renovating and residing in historic homes, particularly those that were first brought here by train, piece by piece, in wooden crates.
Source
