DRAWING BOARD
The Historic Dr. Fisher House
Restored to Former Glory in Edgartown
By Diane Alter, Photos by Charlie Utz
The iconic Dr. Fisher House, a cherished landmark on Martha’s Vineyard, has been meticulously refurbished, rekindling its historic charm and significance. This revitalized gem offers a vivid snapshot of the town’s rich heritage, standing as a proud anchor in the heart of Edgartown on bustling Main Street.
“In December 2023, it was decided it was time to bring the house up to par,” said Nevette Previd, Executive Director of the Vineyard Preservation Trust.
The Trust acquired the Dr. Fisher House in 1975. Initially, the house was renovated to provide office space for local companies and Town departments.
The last time the Federal-style house was beautified was in 1992 when the mansion’s interior was extensively restored and decorated as the first Martha’s Vineyard Designer Showhouse. It has since been used as an elegant location for private parties and wedding receptions, as well as housing the main offices of the Trust.
The fresh upgrades over the last several months include a new heating system, and for the first time, air conditioning. Both are thanks to a grant from Cape Light Compact, a nationally recognized award-winning energy services organization.
Now, the house no longer runs on fossil fuel.
With most of the structural and inner workings of the house done, and the grounds maintained in their pristine manicured state, attention turned to renovating the interior.
John Murphy, owner of Tracker Home Décor, took on the task of revamping the mansion’s hallway and first floor. John and his crew spent a great deal of time sourcing materials and devising a scheme aimed at bringing the mansion back to its once historic and glorious state.
While researching paint colors, furnishings, wallpaper, and window treatments took time, selecting the right materials just came naturally, John explained.
For the hallway, John flipped through plenty of wallpaper designs before deciding on one called Lincoln. “The colors are very Victorian. It is really lovely, and it just felt right.”
The walls and stairs received a fresh coat of paint. The stairs were then carpeted with a mosaic design from Bellbridge. New window treatments were installed in the first floor front rooms.
The two left back rooms, known as the double parlor, are painted in a hue of green pulled from the wallpaper. The walls of the room off to the right–aka the morning room–are bathed in a soft peach coating of paint.
As for furnishing, John reused and refurbished a Chippendale-esque chair.
“There are still some things left to do,” John said. “Phase 1 is done, and we will revisit Phase 2 in the fall. But most of the front hall is done. I am still searching for the perfect gilded mirror. I will know it when I find it.”
This story is not done without delving into the fascinating and inspiring tale of Dr. Fisher himself. His non-fiction narrative unfolds like a captivating novel, intertwining entrepreneurial ingenuity with a distinguished medical career.
Initially, his practice served as the foundation, providing stability in the ever-changing tides of opportunity. However, the young doctor’s ambitions extended far beyond the confines of the medical field.
Venturing into the maritime domain, Dr. Fisher became a stakeholder in several whaling vessels, immersing himself in the rugged world of seafaring commerce. His vision did not end there; he seized ownership of what would later become Edgartown’s iconic town dock, a strategic hub for maritime trade.
Undeterred by the challenges of the industry, Dr. Fisher erected a thriving whale oil refinery in Edgartown, harnessing the bounty of the sea to fuel his burgeoning enterprise. The flickering glow of his spermaceti candles illuminated lighthouses across the nation, casting beams of light that guided ships safely through treacherous waters.
Thanks to an enterprising spirit knowing no bounds, in 1856, Dr. Fisher planted the seeds of financial stability by founding the Martha’s Vineyard National Bank, an enduring institution that weathered the storms of time, evolving into Sovereign Bank.
His ventures took a humble turn with the establishment of a bakery in Edgartown. Here, he supplied hardtack, a dense biscuit renowned for its longevity, to weary sailors traversing distant seas. It was a testament to his versatility and adaptability in the pursuit of success.
His story stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship, where one individual’s ambition and vision reshape the landscape of an entire community.
The Vineyard Preservation Trust has its own impressive story to tell. And at its heart is community.
Over the past four decades, The Vineyard Preservation Trust has evolved from a small non-profit with a sole property in Edgartown to an organization managing twenty significant properties across four towns. Both Island residents and visitors cherish these properties. The Trust now boasts a membership of over 5,000 individuals. The public visits its properties more than one million times annually.
“Keeping the Dr Fisher House in public use and serving the purpose it has always served is our purpose,” Nevette said. “We urge everyone to partake in the many events hosted by The Preservation Trust, as well as the daily walking tours of Edgartown.”
With a steadfast commitment to preservation and community, Vineyard Preservation Trust continues to ensure these many historic treasures remain vibrant, accessible and maintained for future generations to come.