Kit Homes: The Mail-Order Houses That Changed America

Kit homes and mail-order houses changed American housing in the early 20th century. In this episode, Ken explores how Sears, Aladdin, Montgomery Ward, and Gordon-Van Tine shipped entire houses by railroad boxcar with precut lumber, doors, windows, nails, and hardware, and how those catalog homes helped make homeownership possible for working, and middle-class families. Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress Assets from: Envato Elements Music from Epidemic Sound