History of the Amos J. Blake House

The Amos J. Blake House

The Blake House was built in 1837 by Levi Haskell as a commercial building. There was a separate door at each corner for two stores and a door in the center, as now, for Haskell and his new bride to reach their living quarters on the second floor. He rented storage space in the basement and the attic for wooden boxes. Later, rooms were rented out on the third floor.

The building had a number of owners, each using it for their own businesses, until 1865 when Amos J. Blake purchased it. He lived there until his death in 1928. His son Leroy also lived there until his death in 1965. Leroy's cousin, Ida Mae Northup, gave the house to the Fitzwilliam Historical Society in 1966, with the stipulation that the Blake name somehow be used permanently in the name of the museum.

Amos J. Blake

Amos Jewett Blake was a prominent citizen of Fitzwilliam NH. He was a community leader, town official and a state legislator. He was also the town moderator. A lawyer, his office was set up in the front room of the museum, which looks nearly identical today as it did when he practiced law. His oak desk, safe and bookcase with his law books are all part of this room.

Amos' son Leroy Blake used this office for his insurance business for 37 years following his father's death.