Picture Somers - Then And Now

SOMERS, CT — Once again we open up the amazing photo book, Images of America: Somers, compiled in 2001 by Jeanne Kenyon DeBell for the Somers Historical Society. Today's foray finds us on page 78, at the old Homer Store at the junction of Main and Maple streets in Somersville.

George Homer bought the corner lot and built the store in 1901. This photo, taken in 1913, shows a pair of delivery wagons used by the business, and also shows trolley tracks passing in front of the building on Main Street. Ice cream was made in the basement of the building.

The awning-covered facade on Maple Street is no longer used as an entry point; access is gained via the 102 Main Street entryway.

A number of businesses have occupied the premises over the years, EXIT Above and Beyond Realty being the last tenant in the westernmost section of the building before moving to Enfield about two years ago. The main portion of the structure was home to T Maria's Restaurant for five years, before it closed in early December.

Here is a contemporary picture of the property, taken by me about a half-hour before publication.

Do you have a photo of an old Somers business which no longer exists, to which you own the rights and which we could feature in this column? Email tim.jensen@patch.com.

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