Watts De Peyster Fireman's Hall

Watts De Peyster Fireman's Hall is a three-story brick building with a slate roof, four chimneys, and a round turreted tower designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. The structure displays sturdy masonry and architectural details typical of public buildings from that era.

The firehouse was built in 1898 after the village established a volunteer fire department in 1896, with John Watts De Peyster funding the construction. The building served as the primary base for firefighting operations in the community.

Oak leaf decorations carved into stone blocks adorn the exterior, reflecting a traditional European symbol linked to firefighting. These ornamental elements help connect the building to the craft traditions of the late 1800s.

The building now houses Tivoli Village Hall and municipal offices after the fire department relocated to new facilities in 1986. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and design from Broadway.

In 1900, a property dispute led the building's owner to prevent the village board from using the rented facility for their meetings. This incident reveals how public services were sometimes caught in private conflicts during that era.

Location: Tivoli

Inception: 1898

Architectural style: Richardsonian Romanesque

Part of: Hudson River Historic District

Address: 86 Broadway

GPS coordinates: 42.05889,-73.91139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00