I found a great site showing “The Bungalows of Sears Roebuck, 1908 – 1940” with floor plans, and the occasional interior view. You could order a whole pre-fab house thru the Sears catalogue!
http://64.66.180.31/archive/sears/index.shtml
One wonders how many of these charming houses have survived today reasonably intact, as so many included gorgeous built-ins, however, when people deemed these "old fashioned" the tendency was (& unforunately still is) to tear them out.
In the “Interiors-The Ashmore”
http://64.66.180.31/archive/sears/p54int2.html
the ad copy is both interesting & amusing:
“The rustic mantel, the bookcase and the elevated fireplace platform in the living room in this strictly up to date bungalow indicate refinement and good taste. It would be difficult in a building of this character to embody more attractive features than we show in the interiors herewith presented. Happy is the man who can call a house like this his own.
There is an appearance of comfort in the dining room. When furnished as shown in the illustration and when lighted in subdued effects, it will present a most cheerful and inviting appearance. The homelike and hospitable suggestions in the exterior treatment are duplicated in every line of the interior.
Long before the ‘kiddies’ are awake, the busy business man is up and around, ready for eggs and bacon or steaming flapjacks. The Pullman Breakfast Alcove in the kitchen provides a snug retreat where the morning meal can be served. The kitchen range and built-in cabinets close by make the labor easy for the lady of the house or maid.”
“The Cinderella”
http://64.66.180.31/archive/sears/p90int.html
had a special closet off the dining room with roll-away beds, thus changing a 1 bedroom house into a 2 bedroom. Note the copy reads:
“They can be put away and taken out at night time by any girl or woman without the least exertion”.
Hence “Cinderella”.
This is a very cool site to check out & it gives all kinds of insight into what people were looking for in homes early in the century. You can also note the changes in houses between 1908 & WWII.
