Sears wasn’t always the mega department store and giant catalog sales provider it is today. It began quite humbly in 1886 when railway-station agent Richard Sears found himself “burdened” with a shipment of gold-filled watches, refused by the addressee.

Since they were so inexpensive, Sears decided to buy the watches himself for resale. He advertised by telegraphy up and down the railway line, quickly selling his entire stock. Thrilled by his success, Sears bought more and started his own business.

Soon, watchmaker Alvah C. Roebuck was hired on. By 1893 they offered a wide assortment of articles in a 538-page summary called the Sears, Roebuck Catalogue. This proved the beginning of a highly successful, revolutionary mail-order business, making quality merchandise at affordable prices available to even rural farmers.

©Lori S. Anton