Five members of the Somers family have gathered in the parlor of Robert S. and Sarah M. Somers, 1015 Somers Avenue. Mrs. Somers, wearing a floral print dress, is seated in the upholstered wood rocking chair on the right side of the image. The individuals posing for this group portrait are occupied reading books or handling photographs. The reflection in the overmantle mirror reveals the parlor doorway portieres as well as a sixth individual, Robert W. Somers, the photographer. Most of the clothing worn by these individuals is simple, dark and somber but the female on the right is wearing a striking leg-o-mutton shirtwaist in a large scaled check pattern. The parlor walls are covered with a leaf and scrolled pattern paper. A contrasting border is visible just under the picture molding and a glimpse of the paper frieze appears as a reflection in the overmantle's top mirror. Incised and ebonized details ornament the front surface of the fireplace. The mantle shelf is decorated with a three-tiered cast iron clock, a pair of candlesticks trimmed with cut glass prisms, photographs and what appears to be a vase with sterling silver overlay. Potted house plants stand on a table near the window and a photograph album rests on the lower shelf of the parlor center table. A combination bookcase and writing desk unit is slightly visible behind Sarah's rocking chair.
Members of this group include (left to right): Margaret F. Somers, Carrie Somers Benton, Herbert G. (Bert) Somers, Hanna Katherine (Kate) Somers (wife of Herbert) and Sarah Melvina Somers. Robert Welcome Somers is seen reflected in the mirror. Robert S. Somers retired from his wholesale grocery business at Columbus, Ohio and moved to Fremont, Nebraska in 1882. He and his wife established their home at 1015 Jackson Street (later changed to Somers Avenue) and lived in their Italianate style brick home until their deaths in 1909 and 1908 respectively.
