Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Arts & Culture, Building, Government, People, Site

Location

15 N Main St, Hammond, NY 13646, USA

Lat/Long

44.44968, -75.69436

Grant Recipient

Hammond Historical Museum

On February 15, 1915, the village of Hammond, New York was devastated by a large fire that caused losses estimated between $40,000 and $50,000. Among the buildings destroyed were W. Laidlaw’s store and residence, the town hall, and the office of the Hammond Advertiser. In response, town taxpayers voted in April 1915 to raise funds to construct a new town hall and opera house to replace the one lost in the fire.

The town board awarded the construction contract to the Doyle Construction Company of Ogdensburg. Built of brick and described as being of “commodious proportions,” the building featured hardwood floors, an auditorium, electric lighting, and 350 oak chairs purchased for the opera house. Construction was completed by early November 1915.

The new town hall served as a venue for town board meetings and Presbyterian church services, while the adjoining opera house hosted plays, vaudeville performances, and moving pictures. Proceeds from these events were used by the town board to purchase scenery. For many years, the building remained a center of community life, hosting lectures, graduations, shows, and meetings. In 1963, it was extensively remodeled to house the Hammond Public Library and town offices. The library and offices were relocated to a new building in 2022, and as of 2026, local residents are working to restore the historic structure as a performing arts and activities center.