ID Block 4

Newspapers: A search on newspapers.com or other newspaper archives can yield some enticing clues to the location of a kit house. Newspapers in the early decades of the twentieth century featured society columns and business news that might announce the construction of a housing development by a local builder or a house by a citizen. Use the search term “ready cut,” as the terms “kit” and “catalog” house were not prevalent at the time. Most catalog companies had national sales offices in select cities but also contracted with local real estate offices to market their homes. Look for real estate broker ads for kit houses.