A Portrait of Herbert C. Fisher by the Goodridge Brothers

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Married on April 20, 1918, Grace Thompson and Herbert C. Fisher’s farm and home were located on the northwest corner of Mackinaw and Tittabawassee Roads in Kochville Township. Herbert’s obituary noted he was born “May 21, 1887, in Kochville Township, where he resided his entire life. He married Grace Thompson in Saginaw.”*

Farming was central to their lives – Herbert’s father’s farm was a little over a mile north of their home, and his maternal grandparents’ farm was on the other side of the section. About the time of their marriage, author James C. Mills described their home township:

“It [Kochville] comprises only nineteen and one-half sections. But what it lacks in area is made up by the fertility of the soil and industry of its inhabitants. As a district devoted wholly to agriculture, with city markets close by, it has built no villages, although the hamlet of Lawndale, a railroad station on the Pere Marquette Railroad, in section 31, and that of Kochville in section 34, may some day be so designated. The farmers generally display an enterprising spirit, inclined to public improvements and the intensive cultivation of their lands.” (James C. Mills: A History of Saginaw County Michigan, 1918.)

Map of Kochville Township showing the Krapohl Farm, which later became the Fisher Farm. (Standard Atlas of Saginaw County, Michigan, 1916. — Map of Kochville Township showing the Krapohl Farm, which later became the Fisher Farm. (*Standard Atlas of Saginaw County, Michigan*, 1916.

While the operation of their farm was their main task in life, the Fishers were also active in their community and were dedicated to numerous local organizations. Mrs. Fisher had been a teacher in rural schools, while both of their obituaries recorded their life-long involvement in the Grange, Gleaners and the Farm Bureau. Mrs. Fisher was quoted in an advertisement for the Farm Bureau:

“Here is what Mrs. H.C. Fisher, 5573 Mackinaw Road, has to say about the Farm Bureau: ‘The Farm Bureau Organization is the voice of Agriculture, its strength on National State, County and local level depends on our Membership participation. Join the Farm Bureau and become an active member of a Local Community Group.’ Mrs. Fisher is chairman of the Community Club Committee.” (The Saginaw News, December 7, 1955.)

For a little more information about the history of the Farm Bureau in Michigan: https://www.michfb.com/about/our-history

Herbert Fisher passed Away in 1965, and Grace Fisher in 1970.

Goodridge Bros. studio portrait of Herbert C. Fisher, circa 1918.

Which brings us to the Goodridge Brothers’ portrait that accompanies this post. Capturing Herbert C. Fisher—we believe shortly before his 1918 marriage to Grace Thompson—the studio portrait is an elegant and carefully composed image; however, it provides few or no clues to Mr. Fisher’s occupation. That said, his cufflinks and the badge-like pin he wears on his jacket lapel are intriguing—might they be related to one of the organizations to which he belonged?

Although we don’t know the exact reason that he chose the Goodridge Brothers to take his portrait—other than they did great work—we do know that other members of his family had made the trek from Kochville to Saginaw to have their portraits taken by the Goodridge Brothers.

*The Saginaw News, October 8, 1965.

The Recipe: Grace Thompson Fisher’s Fairy Butter

Cream required amount of butter and add whatever confectioner’s sugar it will take up. Beat until light and creamy. – Mrs. Grace Thompson Fisher – Kochville Methodist Church Jubilee Cookbook, c. 1926.

Fairy Butter – in case you haven’t encountered any lately – is an airy, enriched butter used on scones and other desert-like items. Fairy Butter has a rich history – and is rich. Grace Thompson Fisher’s interpretation is a somewhat simplified version of a classic fairy butter. Normally, the spread incorporates the yolks of a hardboiled egg and some form of flower water. A simple online search reveals a plethora of resources recounting the story of fairy butter – many accompanied by recipes. We will direct you to the Colonial Williamsburg website for a richer, more robust version of Fairy Butter.

CTK Interpretation of Mrs. Herbert C. Fisher’s Fairy Butter: