This story started last Friday (July 31) when I included a picture of the house where my father-in-law lives. Yesterday (August 3) I reported that my friend, Vanilla, had steered me to the Sears online archive that held details on that model and on other homes sold by Sears between 1908 and 1940. They report 70,000 to 75,000 homes (in 447 different styles) sold in that 32-year period. From large multi-story dwellings to simple cottages without a bathroom (you could buy a separate outhouse from Sears). Others have commented on homes from Sears.
George and Rachel (Crosby) Irving and their children Leona and Elouise
Sylvia’s mother, Elouise, was born in January 1920. Her father, George Irving, built the house from Sears later that year or in 1921. As reported earlier, materials cost $753 and finished price would have been around $2,000. Some of you thought that was a real bargain, but you need to realize that a skilled tradesman earned about $1 per hour. Everything needed to build the house was shipped by rail from Chicago. (Lin, you could have hooked up the horse and wagon and picked it up direct! Well, you’d probably send Joe.)
The above photo was taken in the 1920s. the lack of flowers and shrubs around the house suggests it was shortly after the house was built. Dirt around the foundations is not disturbed, so it was at least a matter of weeks after the house was completed. That is probably grandmother Rachel standing in front of the porch, and it may be grandfather George at work in the barn.
This final photo was taken in 1935. Rachel had died four years earlier. Just one day after giving birth to a son, who passed away the following day. The child is buried in his mother’s arms. George hired a woman, Florence, to help him care for his three daughters. They were married a couple of years later. Florence is the woman that Sylvia knew as Grandmother Irving.
Nearly 90 years have passed since this house shipped from Sears on a rail car and built by Sylvia’s grandfather was built. It still stands in good condition today. A testament to the quality of the original product and the care that has been taken to keep it maintained.
wow! that's so amazing, Chuck!:D)) such a lovely house with a very interesting history! sure it's one of the luxurious, ritzie houses then- I guess:))
What a neat thing to order a house from Sears! I love the pictures and stories! Keep up the good work. Annie 🙂
Such cool photos…I love to look at them especially the black & whites!
What an exciting piece of history. Ever watch that show about people who buy and renovate old houses then make fun discoveries. Can't think of the name but I love that too.
Vanilla,
You are most welcome. I'm glad that you enjoy these stories. Thanks for your help with Sears' archive.
Lin,
A good house should last longer than the builder. I don't thing George Irving would feel bad that his son-in-law is living in the house he built more than 80 years later.
Justine,
I'm glad you love houses like that. You might want to spend some time in an old house before you start living full-time in one. Some do have charm and history, like the Irving house. Frequently the floors are starting to sag and the windows don't keep out winter's cold all that well. Plumbing and electrical is frequently problematic as well.
The house Sylvia and I live in is about 16 years old. The windows are double glazed and the electric is all up to modern code.
Oops, that's her mother and grandparents, not GREAT grands.
Justine 😮 )
Wow Chuck, this was totally fascinating! I love old houses and wish to some day live in one… something with a history and a story to tell.
Your fil's house is simply beautiful and I loved seeing pictures of Sylvia's great grandparents. What gorgeous people they were. Amazing how the shrubs and trees grew in 15 year's time, huh?
Justine 😮 )
Gees, the houses lasted longer than some of the folk. How sad! And yes, I would make Joe go pick up the house–piece by piece!
I so enjoy good stories about family. Thanks again.