Mark, I attended a training back in 1996 at Frederick, MD for about 2 months. I was amazed at the old architecture of the old historical downtown district. Very different from South Texas. Also, the locals were very friendly.
Looks like Florence ave. My Dad designed and built 309 florence ave for his parents. Also 700 Gum Street built after he married my Mom in 1939. So interesting about the Sears houses. I bought one in Montclair , NJ in 1984. That house was from the 1920’s
Hi there! You might want to get in touch with an architectural historian with experience or expertise in identifying kit homes. The majority of historical societies have no clue. No provenance. While local lore might be a lead it’s not provenance when it comes to authenticating these homes. That block looks to be pattern homes, or stock plans. The house at 324 is a pattern book home which I think you might find in The Home Builders Catalog. I’ll look later. The house at 278 resembles the Sears Conway or Uriel but the fenestration of the front elevation is wrong. It’s likely a pattern home as well. Btw, that’s my blog watermark on that image and that is the 111 first offered in 1908 and renamed the Chelsea in 1918. Best of luck! Rachel Shoemaker Owner of the blog Oklahoma Houses By Mail
Hi there, Mark Holmes! I'm afraid that you are mistaken about these houses being Sears kit houses. We are the group of researchers who find and document Sears houses around the U.S., and maintain the national list of Sears houses in the U.S. While some Sears houses have been found in Waynesboro, these brick, foursquare houses you are pointing out, are not models offered by Sears. The general style of these houses is known as American Four Square, and every company offering home plans in the era of these homes, offered variations of this kind of home. The architectural features that you are pointing out are not unique to Sears kit houses whatsoever.
I absolutely am in awe about these houses, just incredible
Mark, I attended a training back in 1996 at Frederick, MD for about 2 months. I was amazed at the old architecture of the old historical downtown district. Very different from South Texas. Also, the locals were very friendly.
There is so much around us that people never notice or know nothing about.
Looks like Florence ave. My Dad designed and built 309 florence ave for his parents. Also 700 Gum Street built after he married my Mom in 1939. So interesting about the Sears houses. I bought one in Montclair , NJ in 1984. That house was from the 1920’s
They are great home and you are right that is Florence ave. Your dad house is across the street and down.
Hi there!
You might want to get in touch with an architectural historian with experience or expertise in identifying kit homes. The majority of historical societies have no clue. No provenance. While local lore might be a lead it’s not provenance when it comes to authenticating these homes.
That block looks to be pattern homes, or stock plans. The house at 324 is a pattern book home which I think you might find in The Home Builders Catalog. I’ll look later.
The house at 278 resembles the Sears Conway or Uriel but the fenestration of the front elevation is wrong. It’s likely a pattern home as well.
Btw, that’s my blog watermark on that image and that is the 111 first offered in 1908 and renamed the Chelsea in 1918.
Best of luck!
Rachel Shoemaker
Owner of the blog Oklahoma Houses By Mail
Thanks Rachel! I'll check out your blog and definitely try to connect with some experts to confirm.
Hi there, Mark Holmes! I'm afraid that you are mistaken about these houses being Sears kit houses. We are the group of researchers who find and document Sears houses around the U.S., and maintain the national list of Sears houses in the U.S. While some Sears houses have been found in Waynesboro, these brick, foursquare houses you are pointing out, are not models offered by Sears. The general style of these houses is known as American Four Square, and every company offering home plans in the era of these homes, offered variations of this kind of home. The architectural features that you are pointing out are not unique to Sears kit houses whatsoever.
Would love to talk with you more about Waynesboro homes that could be Sears kit homes. how can I get in touch with you?