The Disappearing Sears Dundees

The Sears Dundee was a small, affordable bungalow that was sold 1920-1930. As was the Sears approach, the architects tried to add style with an ornamental porch, decorative railings, and brick porch piers. The charming little trellis on the side was also included.

The Sears Dundee from the 1928 Modern Homes catalog. In the early years, the Dundee did not have a bathroom, but by 1928 it was included as more square footage was added to the house.

The later floor plan with the bathroom.

We don't have many Dundees in the Chicago area, and there are not many to be found nationwide either. Clearly the house was a strong seller since Sears offered it for 10 years. I suspect that the little bungalows are disappearing over time and are being replaced by larger homes.

807 Iowa Ave., Aurora. This Dundee was built in the summer of 1926 and was financed by Sears Roebuck. The house still has the non-functional third brick pier. Another feature that indicates a Dundee is the horizontal attic windows on the sides of the house. Photo from Realtor site.

 

Rear view of the Dundee. If the house has not been added onto, this arrangement of door-window-window is another unique identifier. Photo from Realtor site.

5109 W. 155th St., Oak Forest. This Dundee still has the ornamental porch.

631 Keep, Elgin. This Dundee was built in 1927 and was financed by Sears Roebuck. Photo from Realtor site.

Photo from Realtor site.

657 Harmony Lane, Glenview.  Ouch!  Photo from Realtor site.

Google Streetview shows the Dundee in Glenview a few years ago when it had the original scalloping detail on the porch.