September 17, 2019

The Sears Berwyn Combines Comfort and Economy

4537 Central, Western Springs. Photo from Realtor site.


Sears Berwyn.


The Sears Berwyn was one of the top five most popular kit house models in Illinois. You will find at least one in most communities.

The architect of the Berwyn was David S. Betcone. He said of the Berwyn: "To relieve the monotony of the ordinary rectangular plan we placed an offset along the front wall of this home. Under this front gable a small entrance porch gives the front door necessary protection. The openings on this porch have semicircle arches at the top which add to its attractiveness."


That fireplace chimney is not original to the house. You can also see an addition off the right side. Photo from Realtor site.


The floors are oak. I love this room! Photo from Realtor site.


As delivered, the Berwyn had a plaster arch between the living room and dining room but the customer could opt to leave it open. Photo from Realtor site.


Photo from Realtor site.


Photo from Realtor site.


The dining room buffet was relocated. Photo from Realtor site.


Here's the rear addition. Photo from Realtor site.


This Sears Berwyn in Western Springs was built about 1929. The original owners were Edward and Vera Dickenson. The house cost about $7,000 to construct. Edward worked as a printer.

The Dickensons lived in the house until Vera's death in 1977.




1 comment:

Autobug2 said...

Always wanted an original Sears kit home, as close as possible to how it was originally built. I've seen many styles; some I didn't realize were Sears homes! I'm a family of one, so a house like this Berwyn would be perfect for me.

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