The Tracy Memorial Village Hall was dedicated on May 23, 1913, in memory of Albert E. Tracy. It was a gift to all Village of Chatham residents from Mr. Tracy’s mother, Mrs. Delia E. Tracy, and his wife, Mrs. Margaret T. Tracy.
Albert E. Tracy, a Chatham native, attended local schools and Hartwick Seminary in preparation for college, a dream he was unable to fulfill due to ill health. Despite this, he led an accomplished life, serving as a Captain of the Cleveland and Thurman Marching Club during the first Cleveland presidential campaign. He later worked as a clerk in the local post office and in the law office of George McClellan, preparing for the significant inheritance he anticipated. Albert devoted his life to his family, his home on Kline Kill Road, and his passion for fine horses before his passing on August 10, 1910.
The hall was constructed by the Tomngton Building Company at an estimated cost of $40,000. Designed by Horace W. Peaslee, a Columbia County native based in Washington, DC, the building reflected both functionality and elegance. At its dedication, Attorney John C. Dardess presented the keys and deed to Mayor William B. Daley, ensuring the hall was debt-free and insured for its initial years.
At the time of construction, the building was described as follows: A large public lobby on the ground floor; police court; office of the police justice; detention room for prisoners and witnesses; meeting room for the village trustees; a public waiting room; office for the village clerk; a large room on the second floor for the firemen with smaller rooms for the General Logan Post of the Grand Army of the Republic; a shower bath for firemen; hardwood floors; mahogany doors and staircase; a steam outfit for heat; concrete sidewalks; electroliers of handsome design; lavatories on both floors; sixty-five pieces of mahogany furniture for the firemen and twenty-five pieces for the GAR. The basement was to have several rooms to be used as needed and a large fireproof vault for the safe storage of village records and the records of the Health Department.
Today, the Tracy Memorial Village Hall continues to serve as a hub of local governance and community support. It houses the Village administration offices, the Chatham Police Department, the Chatham Town Court, and the Chatham Area Silent Food Pantry.
This historic landmark remains a symbol of Chatham’s rich heritage and enduring community spirit.
