A Neglected Sears Verona

The Sears Verona was a "high class" Dutch Colonial Revival, according to the company. In the Chicago area, you can find Veronas in affluent areas that experienced rapid growth during the 1920's, including Evanston, Oak Park, River Forest, and Wilmette. 

In December, a Sears Verona in Lombard was listed for sale. It has suffered years of neglect.  Both the inside and out are badly in need of attention. 

Having said that, the house's charm manages to peek through.  It still retains many of the original features.

Special thanks to Jean Crockett of the Lombard Historical Society for taking these photos.

325 W. Grove St., Lombard. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Sears Verona from the 1923 Modern Homes catalog.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The rear balcony on the second floor is original. Photo from Realtor site.

Original front door and sidelights. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The Colonial door as shown in the Sears Building Materials catalog.

The Verona had upscale features like large room sizes, a formal reception hall, a first floor powder room, a breakfast alcove, and two ground floor porches.

Window seat in the living room. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Living room fireplace. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The fireplace of the Sears Verona, as shown in the 1923 catalog. 

The upper cabinets appear to be original. The decorative molding above the windows is found in many Sears houses of the time. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The Kitchen De Luxe outfit came standard with the Verona. It was the upgraded Sears kitchen package.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The Chicago design door hardware is seen on the kitchen door.

First floor powder room. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The second floor had four decent-sized bedrooms, a sunny stair landing, and a rear balcony.

Landing at the top of the stairs and the door to the balcony. Photo from Realtor site.

Built in drawers (where towels were to be kept), original doors, and door hardware. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

The Colonial design door hardware.

The master bedroom which was a little larger than 13' x 14'. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Master bedroom wardrobe. This was standard in the upscale Verona model. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Spooky stairs to the attic. Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

Photo courtesy of Jean Cooper.

This Verona was built in 1925 by Arthur W. Marshall, a developer. Marshall took out a mortgage from Sears Roebuck for $9200.

According to Jean, the Verona was purchased by an individual who hopes to restore the house rather than tear it down. It's a relief to hear that the buyer will honor the house's heritage.