A Story of Sears Homes: How a Kit House Became A Symbol of the American Dream
If you ask most people today what they picture when they think of the American Dream, they'll tell you it's buying their first home. This was an unattainable dream for many Americans in the early 20th century, but mass production made it possible by the end of World War II and into the 1950s and 1960s, when more than 60% of American families owned their own homes. One of the main reasons so many people were able to achieve this dream was Sears Homes, which helped define and shape American residential architecture during those decades with its kit homes.
The History of Sears Homes
In 1908, Richard W. Sears and Alvah C. Roebuck sent out their first mail order catalog, selling watches and jewelry to customers across America. In 1925, with their business booming, they decided to start selling homes made from an entirely new type of building material called kit homes.
The houses would be manufactured in factories and shipped as complete units on railroad cars all over the country--a revolutionary idea at the time. The company's first mail-order home was priced at $6,000 and included more than 400 building pieces that were assembled by two men in just two days on a suburban Chicago lot purchased expressly for this purpose. The result was an instant sensation--more than 20,000 people toured it within one year alone.
Why they were so popular in the 20th century
Sears, Roebuck and Company was not only one of America's largest retailers in the 20th century, it was also one of its first. The company made more than just clothes and home appliances; it also sold many things that people needed to create their own homes. Through this unique service, they helped many Americans achieve their dreams.
In 1908, Sears began selling homes as part of an initiative to move away from retailing merchandise at brick-and-mortar stores and instead focus on mail order catalogs. The mail-order houses were sold by mail with prices including delivery anywhere in the United States as well as an initial deposit down payment (around $500) and payments over time until completion.
Why Sears Homes Are Popular Today
Sears homes have not only stood the test of time, but have become popular in today's market for their affordability, durability, and design. In addition to being a staple in suburban communities across America, these pre-built houses can be found in urban areas as well. The ability to build these homes from start to finish without professional help has been both liberating and empowering for so many families over the years. For people who are eager to own their own home but don't have the means or know-how to do it themselves, this is an exciting opportunity with endless potential.
