Gordon-Van Tine Economy Homes

The Gordon-Van Tine Company was a prominent mail-order lumber and millwork firm based in Davenport, Iowa, that rose to national prominence during the early 20th century. Beginning around 1907, the company published these comprehensive catalogs to market complete pre-cut house kits, which were delivered by rail directly to the buyer's building site. This innovative approach allowed families to select specific architectural styles—ranging from Craftsman bungalows to Dutch Colonials—and receive all necessary materials, including blueprints, lumber, hardware, and paint, to assemble the home themselves or with local labor.

The designs featured in these catalogs were carefully curated to reflect contemporary tastes while emphasizing efficiency, quality materials, and affordability for the middle-class consumer. By eliminating the middleman, Gordon-Van Tine effectively democratized homeownership, providing durable dwellings that defined the landscape of many American suburbs and small towns during the pre-Depression era. The 2021 publication is a modern reprint of these historical documents, serving as a vital reference for architectural historians and restoration enthusiasts interested in the evolution of American housing and early twentieth-century construction methods.