Customer Reviews

The Houses That Sears Built

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Author Rosemary Thornton did an excellent job with this book. I expected that the book would be a dull, purely technical treatise on Sears Catalog Homes. To my surprise and delight, this was not the case at all.

The book does excel as a technical reference. What makes it a cut above, though, is how the author describes in detail the social and historical context into which the Sears Homes fit. She reminds the reader of the relative value of the dollar back then along with what it was like to live in the peak of the Sears Home era. She also describes the status of the construction technology of the time, noting for example that some Sears home models were offered without bathrooms since running water and sewer systems were not available in some of the regions in which they were marketed.

Author Thornton also engages the emotions of the reader in her writing. One example that struck me in particular was on page 11 where she wrote, "Imagine someone pressing a handsaw into your hands and pointing you toward 620 pieces of framing lumber!" She also included many personal anecdotes about how she did her research and the humorous and heart warming situations that occurred in doing so.

Yes, this is an excellent technical reference on Sears Catalog homes for sure. Beyond that, though, it is a wonderful read, filled with historical facts about construction in general and how things were done back then. Even though I am a university professor and have taught construction courses for decades, I nonetheless I gained a wealth of new knowledge from this book.

I would like to thank the Academy, my mother, my father, my teachers, my girl scout leader, my psychoanalyst, my minister, my co-workers, and everyone I have ever brushed a shoulder with in my entire life! But most of all I want to thank Rosemary Thornton for writing the book The Houses That Sears Built!

Ms.Thornton's book about everything you ever wanted to know about Sears catalog homes is the Holy Grail for anyone interested in a special piece of Americana. As a woodworking artist, I replicate historical homes and buildings into functional birdhouses. The Sears homes seemed like an interesting project, so I needed to do some research. Ms.Thornton's book seemed like the logical place to start. Little did I know that the research was going to be so much FUN!!!

The Houses That Sears Built not only gives you a practical and orderly reference to all the different models of homes that Sears offered during it's "hay day," it also offers up a light hearted look at our American way of life. It's the Grapes of Wrath on the sunny side. It's the Donald Trump copy cat story of Richard Sears without the annoying hair!!!

Just as Richard Sears offered a needed product to the everyday working family man, Rosemary Thornton's writing offers today's reader a much needed look at a simpler way of life. There is a real bonus to this book. Besides getting an accurate and factual account of The Houses That Sears Built, Rosemary Thornton's writing has taught me and told me a wonderful "tell me again" story.

This book chronicles the story (and the stories behind the story) of how Richard Sears got rich by bringing the opportunity of home ownership to others in and through the good and the bad times of the early 20th century beginning in 1915. Sears helped to fulfill the "American dream" for thousands of people who otherwise wouldn't have a home by marketing do-it-yourself homes through his catalog and how he created a market for his other catalog merchandise through the people who bought his homes.

The quality of these homes was second-to-none. Everything was pre-cut and fit together perfectly. All one had to do is follow the directions and blueprints which were supplied with each home. Each piece was numbered. The attention to detail was astounding because the reputation of the Sears company and the Sears home was precious!

The book further chronicles a different era in America when there was much more pride in quality and home ownership than there is today. Even with the technology that we are "blessed" with, I don't see our current society as having the vision that Sears and the other Empire Builders of America had. In those days, these people made a way out of no way. They found a way to get things done. By contrast, in today's society, all we do is complain and people with vision are suspect. The Sears catalog home adventure was the right thing to do at that time. Today, it would never take off.

And there was trust in those early days. Today, one has to beg the bank for the privilege of paying them mortgage interest. Sears would finance their homes and all they asked was one question that would be considered financial: "What is your vocation?" Or, to put it another way, what do you do for a living? They didn't care about how much you made or your Social Security Number.

This new 2004 edition of The Houses That Sears Built updates Ms. Thornton's previous effort with a lot of new information that will bring the reader up to date with her ongoing research. But above all, the underlying purpose of the book is to help you and me to find these gems in our respective communities. Ms. Thornton is working on another book and video to assist us in that endeavor.

The only thing lacking in the book that I could see is an index. Other than that minor shortcoming, I highly recommend the book as must reading for students of Americana or those who are fascinated by the lore of the catalog. It is a fascinating story that just "grows" on you. Beware! Reading this book will "hook" you into finding Sears homes!!! Have a lot of fun doing it.

I found this book fascinating. Not only was it an extremely well researched book, it also provided an accompanying historical perspective which enabled the reader to visualize the climate of the times. I learned far more than simply facts about Sears houses.

I found Ms. Thornton's style refreshing. Her candid asides made it a thoroughly "fun" book to read to the extent that more than once I indeed laughed out loud. It's too bad she doesn't write high school and college text books; studying would certainly be more enjoyable.

I had never heard of a Sears home until I found out that a home I had previously lived in, was one! Since that day, I have read and researched these fascinating timepieces and how they fit into our American history. Whether a history buff, architectural/house buff or if you simply love to learn, Rosemary Thornton's love for these homes and their value comes through in her books, teamed with her obvious extensive research, to provide a wonderful read. Any book where you can feel the authors passion, and have it rub off on you, is special. I also own, and recommend, her book "Finding the Houses that Sears Built, which has some of the same information, but more pictures of actual home styles and floor plans. Both books are worth it! I have officially become a Sears Home advocate!!!! Thanks to Rose!!

This book is essential for anyone who has interest in not only Sears homes, but in the history of homebuilding in the U.S. Sears made the dream of owning a new, well-built home possible for those of a limited income. It also provided a means for companies, such as Standard Oil, to establish quality housing which would attract higher quality employees.

The author's personal writing style makes this an extremely fun and readable book - she presents the facts in a way that helps the reader remember even the smallest details.

This is a well-researched book written by a person who is passionate about the subject. I highly recommend it!

This book is fun!

It's an excellent resource for those interested in learning about and identifying Sears' kit homes. Ms. Thornton has traveled the country in search of these remaining houses and she shares her wealth of knowledge regarding these wonderful kit homes. Her energy and passion shine through the pages as she brings us along on her travels.

What also makes this book such a joy to read is it provides fascinating glimpses into real life, down to earth America during the first part of the 20th century. A high school or college history teacher could easily use this book as a springboard and practical resource for discussing and bringing to life the sociological, cultural, and economic trends and mores during this period of American history. Learning about Richard Sears' foresight and marketing strategy by seeing examples of kit home advertisements for and testimonials from kit homeowners is fascinating. It's an interesting way to learn about American culture through a discussion of our homes throughout the heartland. This book, however, does not read like a textbook or technical manual. Ms. Thornton's casual writing style matches the real life of her subject. It reads more like a fun adventure sprinkled with historical facts rather than a not-so-exciting technical document. Thank you, Ms. Rose, for an excellent contribution!

A nice overview of the Sears kit homes. A nice companion to the various catalogs that have been reprinted by Dover.

This is the book to spark your interest in Sears Homes. I am now motivatied to find the homes in my town. Great read.

This book should be in every American home... When reading this book you feel as if you are sitting and talking to Rosemary Thornton. I just love it!!