I've been told that this is a montgomery ward kit home. She said it was an Avalon, whoever after MUCH research the only Avalon we found does not match. We are very eager for any information. All rafters, beams are labeled "rafter" "scaffolding" etc.
This is a two bed, 1 bath untouched home.Picture is of front of home. Thanks for any help.

Ding Ding Ding! Its an Avalon.

Montgomery-Ward offered this model exclusively, although it was manufacturerd by Gordon-VanTine, between 1928 and 1932.

Examples are found in Pontiac and Port Huron, Michigan, and Rockford, Illinois.

Your residence seems almost unaltered from the day it was built. Where is this house located?

http://i53.photobucket.com/alb...ilow/AvalonHouse.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/alb...ikcilow/AvalonFP.jpg

Hi there.... Tyler is my friend that originally posted this for me, the house is mine and it is in Norwalk Connecticut. Strangely, the entire neighborhood was a kit house development all from Montgomery Ward. My house is the ONLY one on the street that has never been touched, there are three others on the street that have had very little modification. The house is quite small and I am considering an addition; i've hired a well known local architect that specializes in small old homes. One of my friends says not to touch the house, others say that the new plans fit entirely with the original design. Thank you so much, do you have any more information on the house or know where i can find literature about it?

Sadly all the records for Wardway Homes are gone but I am finishing up a book on Wardway Homes with Rose Thorton, the "Sears Lady". It will have a history of Wardway Homes and an illustrated index of the 150 model homes they offered between 1909 and 1932.

Wardway Homes were actually manufactured by Gordon-VanTine, an Iowa lumber company whose history I have documented at www.gordonvantine.com.

Being an architect and old homeowner myself I understand the need to update bathroom and kitchens for modern use, and you may have plans for an addition. I'd suggest you leave the front elevation alone but most architects don't have the lack of ego I do. If they start talking about dormers, pushing out the walls, or anything that they say is "sympathetic" or "compliments" the original design of the front facade, do not be afraid to tell them "no".

I have seen some nice historic homes ruined by oversized additions that diminish respect for the orignal home. Builders and architects hate it when clients tell them "see how the house looks now? thats what it should loook like when its done. understand?". Don't be afraid to tell professional designers "no, thats not what i had in mind".

Good luck - its a great house!.