D.M Hamilton Steamer Company No. 2

The D.M Hamilton Steamer Company No. 2 is a fire house that first opened in 1872 on 47 South River Street Coxsackie, New York. Since then the company still exists but has moved out of the downtown area onto Mansion street. The purchase of a steamer for the town was approved in 1871 and led to the formation of the company. The name D.M Hamilton comes from the village's highest tax payer. In recent years the building has been used for several different purposes but still remains an important piece of Coxsackie history. 

The D.M. Hamilton Steamer Company No. 2 was opened in 1872 on 47 South River street as a fire house. Downtown Coxsackie was in desperate need of a fire company after many different fires had affected its buildings. In 1871 a 3,500 dollar levy was approved for the purchase of a steamer for the town. This steamer needed a fire company to man it which was originally called The Kuxakee Engine Company No. 2. But at their first meeting in early 1872 the name was changed to D.M Hamilton to pay homage to the village's largest tax payer. In July of 1872 voters approved another levy, this time for a fire house to hold the men and the steamer. The building was finished in the same year. 

     Downtown Coxsackie was very vulnerable to fires due to the lack of a firehouse in that area. A fire in 1860 wiped most of the downtown section of Coxsackie out. With it being as close as it was to the Hudson River floods could also be common and dangerous, having a fire company can assist with that problem as well. In 1865 the people of Coxsackie voted to purchase new fire fighting equipment, a new fire company was also formed called The Kuxakee Engine Company No. 2 but was disbanded in 1871. In February of 1871 after the meeting of the fireman a levy of 3,500 dollars was approved to purchase a button steam engine. 1872 sought the construction of the actual fire house. In July voters approved a 2,200 dollar levy for the building and construction was completed later in the year. An addition was also put on the building to provide space for a village jail and police officers. This addition consisted of 2 cells with bunks which contained no bedding. Years after this the add on was used as a kitchen and lounge room for the firemen. 

     D.M Hamilton is no longer serving the town as a fire house. Over the recent years the company has moved up the hill onto Mansion Street. But the building is still conserved as a historic landmark of Coxsackie. Since it’s closing the building has been used for multiple different purposes, including an office space for computers and an art studio. In 2017 the building was put up for sale for 350 thousand dollars and offered luxuries like central air conditioning and mahogany windows. The upstairs of the building is now a one bedroom loft with a kitchen and bathroom. This historic building also offers a year round view of the Hudson River. Although the building has gone through several renovations and changes it still remains an important piece of Coxsackie history and is preserved as is. On the outside of the door remains a photo of the firehouse during its use. 

Rausch, Michael . D.M Hamilton Steamer Company No. 2 . Coxsackie 150th Anniversary .

Hannacroix New York , Hillcrest Press . Coxsackie On The Hudson 1976. September 1st 1976.