CLOSURE: Central Library will be closed Tuesday, July 21, through Saturday, July 25, while emergency repairs are made to the building’s cooling system. We expect to reopen Monday, July 27. Click for more details on holds, program schedules, and returns during the closure. 

Notice of Public Meeting: Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees | July 27 | 5:30 pm | Central Library/Van Deusen Room. The packet of information for the meeting can be found on the library’s website. 

KPL TV

Mail Order Homes: Catalog and Kit Homes of Michigan

Andrew and Wendy Mutch

Mail Order Homes: The Catalog and Kit Homes of Michigan

Kit houses were a type of housing that was largely developed in the state of Michigan throughout the first half of the 20th century. Michigan was home to the Aladdin Company, the first and longest-lived manufacturer of kit houses in North America, who had sales “in every part of the world, from Saskatchewan to Tahiti.” Lewis and Sterling, two other major manufacturers of kit houses, were also based in Michigan. Homeowners Andrew and Wendy Mutch talk about the history of catalog and kit houses and the role that Michigan played in the industry. Their presentation included ways to identify kit homes, a variety of vintage promotional materials, and a photographic tour of various models found in Michigan and throughout the United States.

Recorded 11/02/2015

Presented Monday, November 2, 2015, at Kalamazoo Public Library.

Categories: Michigan History

Tags: architecture; history; michigan