The Paloma: A Two-Story Bargain

In 1919, The Paloma was indeed a “two-story bargain.” The very modest 860-square-foot, two-story house cost a mere $1,131 which was a sound value.  And all in all, it wasn’t a bad-looking little house. But it was little. Upstairs, they managed to...

Where Art Thou, Hamilton? (Part II)

The Sears Hamilton is one of those Sears kit homes that I have never seen. And yet, while looking through the catalogs I came across this note listing a specific address for a Sears Hamilton. Who can take a picture for me?  🙂 * * * * * To learn more about the Sears...

A Kenmore House – by Montgomery Ward!

Sears started selling kit homes in 1908. Montgomery Ward followed suit in 1909. Sears started offering financing (mortgages) on their kit homes in 1917. Montgomery Ward reluctantly began offering mortgages in 1925. In 1931, Montgomery Ward saw the writing on the wall...