House Built…by the House Wreckers

The Great Price Wrecker 1912

As we often point, out you could buy ANYTHING from an American  catalog in the 20th century, up to and including your own two-story home for $700. Shipped right to you. Complete – Lumber, hardware, paint, heater and plumbing. Ahem – some assembly required.

All you have to do is order, pick it up at your local train depot, and put it together. Batteries and electricity not included…but this is 1912 and electricity is still an option for most Americans.

“The Great Price Wrecker Catalog” was one of a score of catalogs available through  the Harris brothers, aka the Chicago House Wrecking Company. While they sold kit homes, they also sold anything else they could acquire at a discount (from “Sheriffs’, Receivers’ and Factory Sales”, as you’ll note if you zoom in on the colorful cover. That includes boys outfits for 44 cents. (At least I think those are boys.)