The Fisher House, which Reverend Fisher built in 1814 in Blue Hill Maine, is filled with the personal effects of Reverend Fisher, many of which were made by his own hands. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and with the surrounding fields and gardens, is the focal point for the activities of the Jonathan Fisher Memorial.
The Fisher house is located on Route 15 towards the outskirts of Blue Hill Village, approximately half a mile west of Largays grocery store. During the summer months it is often open to the public, and volunteers are available to answer questions about the life and times of Jonathan Fisher.
Jonathan Fisher came to Blue Hill as a Summer Pastor on June 17, 1794. In the following year he was offered the pastorship of the Congregational Church, and ordained in an open field in the village June 17th, 1796. He received as compensation the "ministers lot", consisting of 300 acres of woodland. The town agreed to build him a barn measuring 40x20 feet and $200 in cash. He was also to receive $200 annually, 15 cords of wood per year, and the clearing of five acres of land.
Fisher began building his new home in the summer of 1796 with the help of willing neighbors who frequently offered their services. The house raising took place on September 1, 1796. A substantial addition was made to the original dwelling in 1814. It is this addition that stands today.
The exterior is notable for its off-center chimney, the frieze of planks below the roof, and the jutting entrance hall. Much of the interior woodwork is left unpainted, showing off the rich warmth of the wood, and lovely joinerwork.
The room shown below was Fisher's study. It was here that he sat to study, write, and compose the more than 3,000 sermons (written in a shorthand of his own devising), that he delivered to his flock. . A beautifully constructed wooden clock, made by Jonathan Fisher while living in Dedham, Massachusetts is built into a corner wall cabinet. The hand -painted face bears on it five inscriptions, one in French, one in Hebrew, and one in Greek - all languages that this multi-faceted genius read with ease.
A recent two story addition added to the rear of the building is used as a display room and museum. It holds other examples of Fisher's genius. Many of his tools and paintings are on display, as well as his bookbinding equipment, and other examples of his handmade furniture. Several of his paintings such as the one shown below, A Morning View of Blue Hill Village can also be seen.
