More than Just a Catalog

Most folks think of Sears as being the first of the catalog stores. But it was much more. It took marketing to new heights--or lows--depending on your point of view. At the Sears Archives you can view catalogs and product lines, read about the history of Sears, view a timeline of the companies developments and changes.

You can even view photographs of the Sears homes. That's right. Sears sold homes. Not just home supplies but homes. Sears began supplying home building materials in 1895 and by 1908 they were selling "building plans" featuring 22 different styles. How good were the homes? If you've ever driven around the suburbs of Chicago, there's a strong likelihood you driven right past one or more. Many are still being used today.

The catalog can be a great source of info concerning material costs during the period. Historical fiction writers will love it as a resource.