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The Chicago House Wrecking Company’s House Design No. 160

The Chicago House Wrecking Company’s House Design No. 160

by Architectural Observer | Jul 18, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses

It’s no wonder that the Chicago House Wrecking Company changed its name to “Harris Brothers” after it started selling kit houses; the name just doesn’t conjure up a sense of permanence!  Beginning as a salvage operation in 1893, Chicago House...
Inside a Sears Maytown – a.k.a. Modern Home No. 167

Inside a Sears Maytown – a.k.a. Modern Home No. 167

by Architectural Observer | Jul 6, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses

Recently I ran across this example of a Sears “Maytown” on Zillow.  Currently on the market at 410 D Street in Central City, Nebraska, the house is easily recognized by its signature corner turret.  First marketed as Sears Modern Home No. 167, the design...
A Plan Book Rip-Off of the Sears Rodessa

A Plan Book Rip-Off of the Sears Rodessa

by Architectural Observer | May 28, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses

Recently I discovered a plan book of houses published by C. L. Bowes of Hinsdale, Illinois, which was copyrighted in 1926.  Within its pages was a dead-ringer for the “Rodessa” by Sears.  Marketed with the nondescript name of Design 14155-A, this copy-cat...
Radford’s Design No. 1509

Radford’s Design No. 1509

by Architectural Observer | May 15, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses

Design No. 1509 was a popular plan for the Radford Architectural Company of Chicago judging by the number of surviving examples I’ve seen.  The most recent I’ve found is surprisingly intact and appears to be loved by its owners.  While this one in Oakley,...
The Cabot by Gordon-Van Tine

The Cabot by Gordon-Van Tine

by Architectural Observer | May 5, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses

I ran across this house yesterday… it appears to be a Gordon-Van Tine product, but I’m not exactly sure which of the many variations of this design it is.  I think it is the Cabot “A” model.  There is one clue above the door that makes me...
A Sears Langston – A Century Later…

A Sears Langston – A Century Later…

by Architectural Observer | Mar 4, 2018 | Blog, Mail Order and Kit Houses

This Sears Langston caught my eye while searching for an entirely different house on Zillow.  The distinctive and memorable porch posts remain to proclaim their Sears heritage despite a rather clumsy addition on the side of the house.  Images from the 1918 Sears...
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