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In the early 20th century, the 10,000-plus page Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog<\/a> served as the original all-in-one marketplace\u2014featuring clothes, toys, and even complete mail-order house kits<\/a>. <\/p>\n These mail-order homes were shipped directly by train, and considered “modern” at the time. They included everything a homeowner would need to build their own sanctuary: precut wood, nails, paint, and more. And for an extra fee, the Sears catalog homes even included a highly sought-after convenience of the time, an indoor bathroom.<\/p>\n The idea was to offer families an accessible, affordable way to modern living. Though, today, only a small number of these homes remain standing, with surviving models now belonging<\/a> to a niche housing club.<\/p>\n