The
Society's function is to discover and collect that which
illustrates and explores the history of Fitzwilliam NH. We provide
for the preservation and accessibility of such material to our
members and the general public.
We welcome people to become involved, visit the Amos J. Blake
House Museum, and to take part in future programs and
exhibits.
Built
in 1837 on the Common, next to the historic (1796) Fitzwilliam Inn,
the house in later years became the residence and law office of
Amos J. Blake, community leader, town official and state
legislator. There are thirteen rooms to view, each with many items
from early Fitzwilliam homes that recall the day-to-day life in an
old New Hampshire village. The Blake House
was built 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 1925. 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.
UPDATES!
Our
Annual Strawberry Festival is June 26th! Click here for
more info
35th Annual Antiques Show is July 17th! Click here for
more info
Dolls, Dollhouses and Miniatures Exhibit in the Calendar
section
The latest HSCC newsletter has been added
Great article, “Electric Power Comes to Fitzwilliam” by Jennifer L.
Adams, added in the Archives
Genealogy, Calendar and Past Programs & Events have been
updated
Don’t
forget.... If
you have any photos of Fitzwilliam that you’d like to share with us
for our visitor submission section, please contact us!
fitzhs@peoplepc.com
Amos J. Blake 1836 -
1925
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.
The
Amos J. Blake House is located at 66 Route 119, Fitzwilliam, NH
03447.
Our Mailing Address is PO Box 87, Fitzwilliam, NH
03447.
Please
note that all requests and correspondence are being handled by
email or snail mail.
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