Blue Hill, Maine

This vase, made by Jonathan Fisher as a decoration for the family home, is made of wood, turned on a lathe, and painted with a finish that makes it look like glass,

It required the combined skill of a woodworker and that of painter of the trompe d oeil (fool the eye) style.

Jonathan Fisher created this carry sack (or back pack) for members of the Bluehill (spelled as one word at that time) Light Infantry which was a local militia during the War of 1812.

Though the unit never participated in combat, Fisher was able to supplement his family's income by producing and selling these bags to its members.

Many of Jonathan Fisher's creations were made for, or with, his children. This child-sized desk has a concealed drawer and the ornamentation on the back folds down so larger projects could be undertaken.

He clearly had an appreciation for the features that would be important for the children who used the desk.

Hidden (secret) drawer in children's desk

This drop-front desk is an example of fine cabinetry skills.

It has several concealed drawers in the area above the writing surface.

The expression "sleep tight" had its origins in the times when bed frames had a knotted rope grid to support a mattress pad. In order to sleep well it was important to keep the rope grid as tightly stretched as possible.

The legs of the doll figure in this picture were made to wrap around the rope which allowed tightening of the grid and making for a better night's sleep. The cradle could hold the doll for play or until its next use.

This extraordinary clock is built into the wall of the Fisher home and is a masterwork of design and function.

Its placement makes it appear to be a grandfather clock and every portion of it was hand made by Jonathan Fisher. It is also an alarm clock and the dial "tells the time" in the five languages Fisher was able to read and write.

This white wooden box has simple lines and form and is an example of the kinds of boxes he made and sold to add to the family's finances.

This plaster hat form was used by the Fisher family to make hats to wear and sell. The hats were woven of straw.

The male figure in the painting Morning View Blue Hill Village is wearing a hat that appears to have been created using this form.