Picture Somers - Then And Now

SOMERS, CT — Today we delve into an outstanding photo book entitled Images of America; Somers, compiled in 2001 by the Somers Historical Society. Our initial peek inside the book takes us to a 5,314 square foot building on Route 190, constructed in 1890.

The two-family home was built for Henry Root Kibbe (1825-1909), the wealthiest individual in town who had made a fortune in the notions business in Philadelphia. Situated on just under an acre of land at 744 Main Street, the entire structure contains 17 rooms.

For many years beginning in the 1960s, William F. Richards, and later Donna and Jonathan Davies, provided pet grooming and boarding services at the facility, operating as Red House Kennels. According to Somers property records, Wendy Legault bought the property in July 2013, and currently runs Dream Dogs Pet Lodging.

Here is a contemporary photo of the building, taken by me last week.

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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