Sears Roebuck

B.W.A. Historical Marker Series, no. 34: Sears house.

In this series, which will post on occasional Wednesdays, I populate the landscape of Wilson County with imaginary “historical markers” commemorating people, places, and events significant to African-American history or culture.

We been here.

SEARS HOUSE

Mail-order kit house sold by Sears, Roebuck & Co. from 1908 to 1940. This house, built about 1934, is the only known Sears house in East Wilson. The Barrington model was two stories, with six rooms and one bathroom and shingle siding.

Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, October 2025.

A Sears catalog house in East Wilson?

408 North Reid Street.

Reader Mela Sims identified the house at 408 North Reid Street as a Sears Honor Bilt catalog home (or facsimile) — the Barrington Model — which explains the dwelling’s unique lines among others in the neighborhood.

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“The Barrington retains the dignity of an old English home and has the practical interior of modern American architecture. Whether you consider economy, beauty or convenience as of first importance, The Barrington home assuredly meets these and every point of merit with satisfaction. Exterior features at once stamp the mark of quality. The well balanced projection at the front forms the entrance, leading to it is a tapestry brick terrace, which is equipped with a porch seat. Sided with wide shingles and exposed fireplace chimney.”

Thank you, Mela! Catalog page courtesy of antique-home.com. Photo by Lisa Y. Henderson, 2016.