It’s not just it’s noteworthy shape or striking facade that makes the clocktower stand out. The clocktower building is a celebration of over 150 years of local history, and interestingly, is the only known pendulum clock of its kind still in original condition.

Early Chatham Village

While the written history of the village of Chatham dates back to roughly 1811, this story begins a bit later. The firefighting capabilities of the area were described as “insignificant” prior to 1858, in an article printed in the Hudson Gazette in 1900.

The need for a fire company was obvious. Chatham Village was growing, with structures going up on both sides of Main Street. As was the case in any town with a majority of wood-framed buildings, fires were a constant threat and one blaze could have devastating results for an entire area.

Fighting fires and building with brick

In 1858, the Ocean Engine and Hose Company No. 1 of Chatham, New York was organized, incorporating the next year. A small company of 6 members swelled to more than 50, becoming known locally as a highly effective organization.

Two notable things took place in 1869. Firstly, the area known as Chatham Four Corners was incorporated as Chatham Village, having been voted on with an affirmative majority, on March 8. The name “Chatham” was suggested, but at the time, the area now known as Old Chatham was called simply, Chatham. And so the official name became Chatham Village.

The second item of note was a fire, and a large one at that. The Great Fire of 1869 proved disastrous for the village, breaking out in a foundry and machine shop on the second floor of 1 Main Street. Despite the valiant efforts of Ocean Engine and Hose Company and neighboring fire companies which sent aid, the fire burned through the night of April 5 and into the next day. In total, seven families lost their homes and a dozen businesses suffered heavy damage.

Despite this tragic setback, Chatham rebuilt; it was during the period following the fire that many of the brick buildings we see today were erected.

Among those is the clocktower at 1 Main Street, Chatham New York.

In 1872, the current three story brick Italianate-style clocktower structure was built by William Woodbridge. Woodbridge had worked with local banks, and served as the first village president, serving from 1869-1873. He sold the building to the village for $5,500*, and it became the home of the village offices and police court, with Ocean Engine and Hose Company No. 1 settling into the first level.

* $5,500 may not seem like much by today’s standards, but adjusting for inflation using the CPI Inflation Calculator, $5,500 in 1872 is equal to $151,588.48 in 2024, which is still a moderate investment for modern real estate, but is not as comically low as the number originally appears.

The modern rounded window on the narrow front (first floor) of the building was once a rounded door from which the early village fire engine would enter and exit; the door is clearly visible in the 1907 postcard image above.

Chatham’s pendulum clock

The clock is original, dating back to 1872, and is the last of its kind in original working order. Within the clocktower, the clock is labeled with “E. Howard & Co. Boston, Mass”.

Accessing the internal workings of the clock is no mean feat, involving narrow ladders and several trapdoors. Stephen Piazza painstakingly maintains the clock and bell, hand cranking each individually twice weekly, and keeping the clock calibrated to the correct time.

Below, enjoy a rare peek from within the clocktower, courtesy of Growing Up In Chatham New York on Facebook.

The clocktower in the modern era

Over the 152 years that the clocktower building has been standing, it has served as a town hall, village police court, firehouse, and grain mill, plus has been home to numerous small businesses and professionals.

Chatham Village Historical Society exists to honor and preserve the rich history of our village, but we would be remiss if we did not also note history in the making. Everything happening in the village continues to weave the tapestry that is the story of Chatham Village and community.

We had the opportunity to catch up with the current inhabitants of the clocktower building.

Red Mannequin

On the ground level of 1 Main Street is Red Mannequin, impeccably curated by owner Judy Hartford. In her words, “I have carefully and personally chosen collections of clothing, accessories and gifts designed by creative artisans with sharp minds and loving hands.”

Red Mannequin specializes in high quality, handmade clothing and accessories with personality. The boutique’s ads often include the word “unexpected,” and it truly is – the shop is a treasure trove of unique and beautiful pieces sure to surprise and delight.

Visit Red Mannequin at redmannequin.com for more information and store hours.

Rayographix Printing Lab

On the second story is Rayographix Printing Lab, providing a unique approach to digital printing. Owner Ray Henders specializes in all stages of digital capture and printing, from digitizing and retouching through printing and delivery.

Working especially with artists to produce high quality fine art prints, Rayographix brings 20 years of experience in hi-resolution scanning and digital capture of original artwork, retouching and color correction, and large format printing (up to 64″ wide).

Rayographix is available by appointment only; learn more and contact Rayographix Fine Art Printing and Photography via rayographix.com.

Amanda Boyd

On the third story is the studio of Amanda Boyd, trained opera singer and soprano. Celebrated as “one of the finest voices of her generation,” Amanda has been living, performing, and teaching in the Chatham area for 20 years.

In addition to performances in countless operatic productions and concerts, Amanda teaches private lessons and rehearses in her studio on the top floor of the clocktower building, where she has kept a space for the last 7 years. Her students range in age from roughly 9-90, and practice all vocal styles. Amanda works with established and aspiring singers and actors from across Columbia and Greene counties, local school districts, and more.

Learn more about Amanda Boyd or contact her at amandaboyd.com.

Enjoy the beauty of the clocktower and support Chatham Village Historical Society

Chatham Village Historical Society offers a selection of curated designs, created especially for the community. Each item is printed to ship at the time of order, so your selections are always available and there is no waste.

We’ve just debuted the collection here on the website, accessible via the SHOP tab in the main menu above. One of our favorites is a sturdy cotton canvas tote bag featuring hand drawn digital artwork of the clocktower in a design reminiscent of a classic postcard.

All proceeds from the sale of Chatham Village Historical Society merchandise go towards the care and keeping of the historic Blinn-Pulver Farmhouse and the CVHS collection of artifacts, documents, and buildings housed on the property.

Thank you for reading – we hope you enjoyed this walk through the history of Chatham’s Main Street clocktower!

– Ilana, on behalf of Chatham Village Historical Society

Resources:

• Columbia County At The End of the Century, Hudson Gazette, Hudson, New York 1900 [Chatham – 1900] – https://www.greenerpasture.com/Places/ShowNews/41639
• An Archival History Article About Chatham, New York – https://villageofchatham.com/community/about-our-village/archival-history-article-chatham-new-york/
• Images Of America: Around the Village of Chatham by Gail Blass Wolczanski
• Stopping by: Chatham, a gem of a village in Columbia County – https://www.timesunion.com/living/article/chatham-village-travel-visiting-18359231.php
• Ralph Gardner Jr.: The town timekeeper keeps Chatham’s clock ticking. It’s a steep climb and a heavy lift – https://www.berkshireeagle.com/opinion/columnists/ralph-gardner-jr-town-timekeeper-hands-full-chatham-19th-century-clock-ticking/