Thanks to friends Ersela Jordan and Rebecca Hunter, I have some photos of the Sears Van Dorn.
These Dutch Colonial kit homes can be hard to identify, because they’re so ubiquitous, rather simple, and sometimes, they all look alike!
Ersela managed to get inside the Van Dorn in Beckley, West Virginia and take some wonderful photos. That house is in beautifully original condition. Hopefully, the owners know what a treasure they have there. Too often, people get into such a rush to “modernize” their old house that they forget to save what’s really important.
To see a plethora of pretty, pretty pictures, scroll on down!
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The Van Dorn, as seen in the 1928 catalog.
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In the 1930 catalog, a testimonial extolled its virtues.
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I wonder if Mr. and Mrs. Meiners still love their Van Dorn?
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Nice-looking house, but not very distinctive as these things go!
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Here's a Van Dorn in Barrington. I wonder if there's a Barrington in Van Dorn? Photo is copyright 2010 Rebecca Hunter and may not be used or reproduced without written permission. Please check out the link below to learn more about Rebecca's new book. It's a treasure!
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A Van Dorn that Ersela Jordan found and photographed in Beckley, WV. Like the Van Dorn shown above, this one also has its original front door. Photo is copyright 2008 Ersela Jordan and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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The Van Dorn was one of a handful of Sears kit homes that had functional shutters (1928).
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Good floorplan, too.
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I think I would have gone for the Rhythmics. After all, they're extremely modern and not faddish, plus, isn't that what sweet dreams are made of? 😉
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Ersela got inside the Van Dorn and took some wonderful photos, such as this close-up of the La Tosca hardware. Photo is copyright 2008 Ersela Jordan and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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This is a very busy chandelier, but I love it! Check out the medallion on the front (1930).
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How cool is that!? An original Sears chandelier. Be still my heart! What a beauty! Photo is copyright 2008 Ersela Jordan and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.
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To read more about the kit homes in West Virginia, click here.
To learn more about Rebecca Hunter’s wonderful new book, click here.
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