On Thursday, June 8, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Commission for Historic Preservation had nominated 16 sites for the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, including the St. James Firehouse and its garage.
Located in the historic district and hamlet of the same name, the St. James Fire Station was designed and built by Lawrence Smith Butler in 1923.
It has since served as the fire station for the Volunteer Department and subsequently the St James Fire District.
“The firehouse’s original design and subsequent extensions demonstrate a remarkably cohesive Arts and Crafts influence, paying homage to the Beaux-Arts style in the balance and symmetry of the structure,” reads the nomination announcement.
The governor’s office announced nominations to include the firehouse’s “Colonial Revival-style” garage, which was added to the site in 1972 as storage and office space.
In its 100 years of existence, the St. James Fire Station has provided not only fire protection but also a space for the community to gather.
During the first decade of the voluntary sector’s existence, the annual week-long carnival helped raise funds for the sector and strengthen community bonds.
In the early 1930s, the department built a drum and horn band from scratch, and founder Professor Psota taught firefighters how to march and play the instrument, and has been hailed as “one of the department’s greatest contributions to the community.”
Additionally, the division’s Wildcat racing team has won the New York State Championship four times and thousands of trophies over the years.
Today, the volunteer department has 100 members and continues to host community events.
For a full list of nominated historic sites, click here.
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