Sears Kit Homes: A Legacy of American Innovation
The Birth of the Sears Kit Home
In 1908, Sears introduced its first specialty catalog, Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans, featuring 22 home styles priced between $650 and $2,500. The goal was to make homeownership accessible through affordable, build-it-yourself kits delivered straight to customers via railroad.
Affordability and Accessibility
Sears homes were affordable without compromising quality. Prices ranged from $360 for a modest bungalow to over $5,100 for the elaborate Magnolia mansion. Kits included pre-cut lumber, hardware, fixtures, and blueprints - everything needed for construction except masonry materials.
Buyers could finance their purchases directly through Sears, making it even easier to realize the American dream.
Architectural Diversity
Over the course of the program, Sears offered more than 370 different home designs. Popular styles included:
- Craftsman Bungalows - Low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and wide porches.
- Colonial Revivals - Symmetrical facades and columned porches.
- Tudor Styles - Steeply pitched roofs and decorative half-timbering.
- American Foursquares - Two-story homes with simple boxy shapes and efficient layouts.
Each kit came with detailed instructions, allowing the average person to construct their dream home in as little as 90 days.
The Assembly Process
After purchase, the home kits were shipped in railroad boxcars to the nearest depot. From there, materials were hauled to the building site. Because all the wood was pre-cut and labeled, homeowners could follow the blueprints step-by-step or hire local laborers to do the work. The result was a sturdy, stylish home at a fraction of the cost of traditional builds.
The End of an Era
World War II brought rising material costs and industrial redirection. Sears discontinued the Modern Homes catalog in 1940, and by 1942 the program was retired. Still, over 70,000 Sears homes were sold and built in the United States, many of which are still standing today.
Sears Homes in Northwest Indiana
Several communities in Northwest Indiana are known to have Sears homes, particularly:
La Porte
La Porte has a high concentration of Sears homes, especially in the Lakeview area. Notable models include:
- Rossville (No. 171) - A charming farmhouse design.
- Greenview (No. 115) - Similar to Rossville, with unique porch details.
- Starlight (No. 217) - A popular and affordable bungalow style.
South Bend
South Bend is home to one of the few Magnolia models, the most luxurious and expensive Sears home ever sold. With two stories, grand columns, and Southern mansion aesthetics, it remains a prized architectural gem.
Other Nearby Towns
Reports and local historians also suggest Sears homes can be found in Valparaiso, Hammond, Michigan City, and even Crown Point. These homes blend seamlessly into older neighborhoods and are often indistinguishable from traditionally built homes unless you know what to look for.
Fun Facts About Sears Homes
- Some homes were so well built they've withstood over 100 years of use with minimal structural changes.
- Original lumber was stamped with part numbers to match the blueprints - some markings are still visible today in basements and attics.
- Sears sold everything from paint and nails to kitchen sinks as part of their kits.
- Several former Sears homes are now on historic registers due to their craftsmanship and legacy.
How to Identify a Sears Home
Wondering if a home in your neighborhood is a Sears kit home? Look for these clues:
- Stamped lumber with Sears part numbers in attics or basements.
- Shipping labels inside walls or under stairs.
- Matching architectural features with models from vintage Sears catalogs.
- Permits or purchase records indicating Sears-Roebuck as the origin.