Then: Chippawa Town Hall

This distinctive building at the south-west corner of Cummington Square was constructed in 1842 by Hugh Fraser and Douglas Stephenson, who originally used it as a general store. Chippawa was incorporated as a village in 1850, and by 1865, the community had purchased the building for use as a town hall. At first, the village council used only the upper floor for its meetings, and also leased the space for dances and other social events.

Over the years, various tenants, who were mostly in the dry goods and grocery business, occupied the main floor. The building was the civic centre of the historic village from 1865 until Chippawa became part of the City of Niagara Falls in 1970.

Now: Peterson Community Workshop

Renovated in 1983, the building is now the home of the Peterson Community Workshop, a not-for-profit organization which features a artisan craft store, art and drama classes, and a variety of local events.

The building's appearance has changed very little apart from some minor roof renovations. The building facade still announces the structure as the Chippawa Town Hall, and a small blue plaque detailing the historical significance of the site can be found on the side of the building facing Portage Road.

Niagara Falls Public Library. 2017. Niagara Falls - Then & Now: A Photographic Journey Through The Years. Chippawa Town Hall/Peterson Community Workshop.

Niagara Falls Then and Now
A collaborative project
Niagara Falls Museums - Niagara Falls Public Library - Dept. of Geography and Tourism Studies,Brock University.
Original newspaper series by Sherman Zavitz, Official Historian for the City of Niagara Falls from 1994 - 2019.

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