August 24, 2021

The Sears Somers--an Attractive and Inexpensive Bungalow

1050 Chestnut, Deerfield.


The Sears Somers from the 1926 Modern Homes catalog.


The Sears Somers was officially sold from 1926-1931; however, we have found some in the Chicago area that were built in 1924 and 1925. This Somers in Deerfield was built in the summer of 1926. 

The Somers can normally be identified by the triple window in front, the stickwork in both gables (removed on the Deerfield house), and a bay window in the dining room.

The bay window on the Somers is not the one shown in the catalog illustration, but a squared-off one. This alternate design was an option. Capture from Google Streetview.


The porch pillars have a rectangular inset. Photo from Realtor site.



Closeup of the porch pillars.


Photo from Realtor site.


The Somers was a five-room bungalow (plus a bathroom).


The living room in the Somers is just over 17 feet wide. The triple windows provide good light. The house has an original Sears front door, and there is a coat closet across from the front door. Photo from Realtor site.


A clear view of the dining room bumpout. Photo from Realtor site.



Photo from Realtor site.


The galley kitchen has not been expanded. The sink was on the inner wall originally. Photo from Realtor site.


The back door is original. Photo from Realtor site.


The Somers has two bedrooms. Photo from Realtor site.


Photo from Realtor site.


Photo from Realtor site.


The Somers in Deerfield has had no additions. Photo from Realtor site.


Cora M. Benz received financing for $5,100 from Sears Roebuck in May 1926 to build the Somers. The Benz family never lived in the house, and it was built as an investment. 



3 comments:

Judith Chabot said...

I really like the examples we've seen of the Somers! I think that bumpout or bay really gives it a more spacious feel... and I think that the bay gives more of that feel, than the bumpout.
Judith
SearsHouseSeeker

Architectural Observer said...

For a small house, the Somers has a lot of dignity! The hefty square columns and massive open span between them give the house a stature not often seen in houses of this size. The subtle updates to the house were done well; they work with the inherent character of the house rather than fighting against it as so many alterations seem to do. I like this house a lot. And I love the wood floor (maple?) in the kitchen.

Sears Homes of Chicagoland said...

If the kitchen floors are original, they are maple (came standard).

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