A portrait studio image (tintype) of John Calvin Stevens and three associates, likely members of Stevens' firm shortly after he branched out on his own. Stevens, pictured third from the left, is accompanied by Charles E.B. King, William Lowell and an unknown fellow architect. The four young men are holding tools of their trade, including t-squares.

Stevens left the firm of his mentor, Francis Fassett, around 1885. Stevens' firm was located at the First National Bank building, located at 57 Exchange Street in Portland.