City of Blue Island Think Outside the Loop
Mail-Order Homes – single family residences that came delivered by boxcar “pre-cut” – can by found across Blue Island. In the days before power tools, this offered the homeowner and builder a tremendous advantage and savings in time and labor. Often known as “Sears Homes” after the most prominent manufacture of kit houses, Sears, Roebuck & Co., pre-fab housing from Alladin and Montgomery Ward can also be found in Blue Island.
The Blue Island Historic Preservation Commission produced a brochure and tour highlighting these homes in our community. Available at City Hall or you can download your own copy today.
Download “Mail-Order Chic: A Guide to Houses Built from Sears Kits”
