blog : fineartistmade
The Brick House II
August 11, 2026
We are currently restoring more windows from the historic Federal home built in 1822 by Ellis B. Usher in Hollis, Maine. As we have already written two blogs about home, the most recent, "The Brick House" in June of 2025, we thought this time we'd let our client do the talking.
The Thomas Vose Homestead (Part 4)
July 31, 2026
In 1799 at a time when the town road was just a bridle path and towering old growth pines dominated the landscape, Thomas Vose embarked on an ambitious project. Starting with a basement built of fieldstone courtesy of the last ice age; the building was expertly erected by experienced masons four layers thick.
The Thomas Vose Homestead (Part 3
July 30, 2026
The first United States census was conducted in 1790. There were eleven head-of-households recorded; Joseph Porter, John Johnson, Samuel Jones, Daniel Somes, Job Johnson, Widow Fausett, Jacob Boyden, William Bugby, Donald McDonald, John Brewer and Samuel Leshure, with a total population of 54
The Thomas Vose Homestead (Part 2)
July 29, 2026
With the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783 the Massachusetts General Court reconstituted the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands. By encouraging the settlement of the frontier wilderness of Maine, the court hoped to generate revenues to counter the financial chaos left by the war.
The Thomas Vose Homestead (Part 1)
July 28, 2026
In the heart of Robbinston, Maine, on the town road, there stands a shabby yet proud old building, locals affectionately refer to as “the brick house.” It sits on a knoll, high on the west bank of the St, Croix River with commanding views and the Passamaquoddy bay.
WHEN WAS THE HOLMES COTTAGE BUILT?
July 17, 2025
Some years ago, we were privileged to restore all the original windows in the historic Dr Holmes Cottage in Calais. At the time we did extensive research resulting in several blogs. We also learned there were questions about when the cottage was built.
THE BRICK HOUSE
June 21, 2025
Back in 2022 we did a story about the restoration of a few precious sashes from an 1822 home in Hollis Maine. This Spring we’ve been working on another much larger batch from that same historic home. It seemed like a good moment for a reprise.
DIVING INTO HISTORY - LETTERS
December 4, 2022
During the course of our restoration research, we somewhat serendipitously came across two letters related to the Richardson family. Thanks to Pam Beverage of the genealogy and family history website, Heirlooms Reunited, our client was able to purchase these items and in one case return it to its former home.
DIVING INTO HISTORY (PART 5)
December 3, 2022
In January of 1830, the Richardson family saw the birth of a daughter, Francis E. (Fanny), followed 2 years later, by another, Eleanor Miller. Sadly, and inexplicably just a year after that, Eleanor as well as her 36-year-old mother, Mary, both passed away. Erastus would remain a widower until 1845, when he married 45-year-old, Mary (Polly) Shumway, “a maid,” from his old home town.
DIVING INTO HISTORY (PART 4)
November 11, 2022
Two years later, as a member of the Committee of the First Congregational Society (the Unitarian Church), Erastus would find himself embroiled in a controversy that had been festering in Eastport for all of ten years.
fineartistmade blog
A journal about home design, gardening, art & all things Maine. Read more...
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