The Last Two Sears Arlingtons?

The Sears Arlington was a popular model for Sears, sold for over a decade from 1911 to 1922. There are only two Arlingtons still extant in the Chicago area--one in Wilmette and one in Downers Grove. 

Sears Arlington in Wilmette

1506 Lake Ave, Wilmette. Too many trees!

Sears Arlington from the 1919 Modern Homes catalog.

The Arlington was 25 1/2' wide with a wraparound porch. It featured three bedrooms, a reception hall, maid's quarters, and a pantry (today often transformed into a powder room).

The Sears Arlington in Wilmette was built sometime between 1912 and 1914. The original owners were newlyweds Ralph and Louise Boozer. Ralph worked as an electrician. They moved elsewhere in Wilmette by 1922.

This Arlington is not authenticated, and it's hard to get a close look at the house because of all the trees and the enclosed porch. I'm calling it a Sears Arlington... for the moment.

Sears Arlington in Downers Grove

4817 Linscott, Downers Grove. More trees!

The Arlington in Downers Grove, from a 1970's architectural survey. By that time, the house had already undergone almost complete enclosure of the first floor. You can still discern it's an Arlington. 

The reception hall. It must have been very sunny before the porch was enclosed. That's an original Sears front door and newel post on the staircase. Photo from Realtor site.

Photo from Realtor site.

Photo from Realtor site.

There used to be a window seat, according to the floor plan. Photo from Realtor site.

The Arlington in Downers Grove was built between 1912 and 1916. The original owners were Bruno and Florence Balczynski. Bruno worked as an accountant.