Catalog ordered homes delivered by rail

Those of a “certain age” can still recall the days when consumers could order merchandise from mail order catalogs from such retail businesses as Sears and Roebuck and Montgomery Wards among many others.

A little over a hundred years ago, long before the age of computers, cell phones, and the Amazon app, people were turning the pages of catalogs and making out their “wish lists.” In the early days, Montgomery Ward and Sears and Roebuck were both headquartered in Chicago and became the leaders of the mail order industry. Both businesses became well-known for their catalog sales long before they opened actual retail stores. The first Montgomery Ward catalog was distributed as early as 1872. The catalogs, which were often about 4 pounds in weight, sometimes contained over 1,000 items that could be ordered and delivered right to your front door.

In addition to selling household items, general merchandise, and clothing, some of the mail-order catalogs such as Sears and Roebuck began in fact selling “home kits.” The catalog offered several different floor plans and styles to choose from. Consumers could place an order for a kit home, and everything needed for construction would be delivered to them in cartons by rail loaded in box cars including such items as pre-cut lumber, nails, screws, paint, windows, doors, shingles, and plumbing. When the kits arrived, buyers would often hire workers who could assemble the homes using detailed instructions that arrived with the kit. Sears often advertised that some of their homes could be built within ninety days after arrival.

During the period from 1908 until 1942, Sears “home kits” sold approximately 75,000 homes. The kits were shipped across the United States even as far away as Alaska. Sears helped to build American neighborhoods as they are known today, although few of the homes are still in existence.

A few months ago, on their Facebook page, the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce posted an advertisement from many years ago, which showed a drawing and floor plan for a Sears home kit. The post was replied to by an individual who stated that one of the Sears mail order homes was still standing, in great condition and located on College Avenue in Oglesby. The home in question is owned by Elisa Hirt who purchased the home about nine years ago.

“I was told it was a Sears and Roebuck house,” Hirt said.

Although she is unsure of the exact date when the house was constructed, she did say that on one of the walls in her home was written a date from the 1920s. Hirt, who loves history, is in the process of restoring her Sears home and preserving some of the local history.