Decoto Town Hall

From 1901 to 1902, Decoto had a town hall, at least something that was given that name. The first reference to a Decoto Town Hall was in May 1901, in a short newspaper article on a social dance that was given to say farewell to Miss Grace Peterson, who was leaving town to move to San Francisco to work in a hospital. Another newspaper reference talks about another dance put on by "four Portuguese young men of Alviso", where 40 couples were "in attendance and a jolly good time was experienced by all". Alviso is about where Beard Road meets Fremont Blvd.

Another farewell dance was given in February 1902 for Peter Decoto, who was heading for Alaska. The newspaper said that "a large number of young people, as well as a sprinkling of their elders, made up the merry party." The hall was also used for a 4th of July celebration in 1902, with "grand ball, which was held in the Town Hall." The last reference to Decoto Town Hall was in October, 1902 when the Union Labor Party held a meeting there.

The only description of the Decoto Town Hall was one that said "for the edification of readers, it maybe stated that the hall is a hayloft. It is quite good enough to Decoto at the present." In those days, a hayloft is probably one of the largest buildings in town with open space, enough for a gathering.

It is know known where the Decoto Town Hall was located. There were a number of hay warehouses owned by Salz and Company. It could have been one of those.

In late 1902, purpose build hall was put up by Silva and this became the center of the social life of Decoto.