While we didn’t do another full self-guided historical architectural tour, Bob and I did walk to the next street over to check out three mail-order homes. Mail-order homes were available from 1908-1940 through companies such as Aladdin Homes, Harris Brothers, Montgomery Ward, and Sears, Roebuck, and Company. During this period, more than 200,000 families purchased catalog homes.
Catalog companies sold homes in “kits” which typically included lumber, roofing, siding, framing, wood flooring, porch materials, finishing lumber (millwork and interior doors, trim), windows, mantels, design hardware, and paint and varnish. Kits were sold at various price levels. In 1908, Sears mail-order home prices ranged from $650 to $2,500. In 1921, the prices had increased to $460 to $5,100.
California Bungalow, 1923
American Foursquare, 1923
Historical Colonial, 1928
Bob and I split up today. Bob went to watch the Milwaukee Brewers play the San Francisco Giants at the nearby American Family Field. It was a gorgeous day for a baseball game — mid 80s F with very little humidity.
who played professional baseball as a catcher
but then served as the play-by-play announcer
for the Brewers for 54 seasons!
Sadly, although the Brewers are currently ranked first in the National League Central Division, they lost today’s game 12-9.
While Bob was at the game, I checked out the shops down in the Village and later walked to Hoyt Park, about 20 minutes from the house. Hoyt Park is known for its large pool and outdoor beer garden. It also has walking trails along the Menomonee River.
This place has so many of them.
I’m not reading fast enough to take advantage!
Peckish Travels 