The Houses That Sears Built

Rating:
Summary: A Fascinating, Fun Read!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: And the Award goes to the reader
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Home Sweet Home!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A "must read"
Review: 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!