Our Hometown
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Marion Historian seeks Sears houses
They are considered by some to be architectural treasures, and many books have recently been published on the subject. The houses have also caught the attention of Marion Historian Carolyn Adriaansen. She is in the process of her own area search for the homes (such as the one pictured here on Grace Avenue in Newark.) The kit houses were shipped by rail, with plans to assemble the numbered pieces. The lumber was stamped with the Sears name and numbered to correspond with the building plans. The kits came complete with everything needed, from nails and screws to wallpaper. The houses came in a variety of styles - over 440 designs according to some resources. Adriaansen has found evidence from a 1908 catalog that greatly resembles the Newark house. The catalog offers plans for a handsome 9-room concrete residence for $1995. Unlike the kits for wooden homes, which came with all the parts ready-to-assemble, the concrete homes were more of a do-it-yourself project. Sears claimed, 'With one of our Wizard or Buckeye Concrete Block Machines, fully described on pages 574 to 579, anyone can make a sufficient number of blocks at leisure moments during the dull season of the year to erect his buildings and thus save the cost of labor.'
Because the homes have become 'fashionable' to own again, it may be worth your time to investigate. There are several excellent books on the subject, and pictures of the designs can be found online. If you believe your home to be from a Sears kit or Sears plans, you can contact Carolyn Adriaansen at 926.4436.
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2003 |
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Was your house ordered from a Sears, Roebuck catalog? From 1908 to 1940, it is estimated that between 75,000 to 100,000 people ordered their homes from the famous mail-order catalog company. Many of these ready-to-assemble homes still exist, and after years of relative obscurity, have become of interest again. Some buyers search for the homes and restore them to their former glory, while others have lived in the kit houses for years, unaware of their origin. 
It will not always be easy to identify your house as a Sears kit house. Authorities suggest you start by looking at the lumber in your basement. Often Sears houses were built in groups, so talking to your neighbors may help. Railway shipping records may help if you live close to where a railroad line existed in the early 1900's. Sears may have held a mortgage on the house, or may be listed as the 'architect' on any building permits.