The first wave of settlers in the Genesee Country had been colonists, living under a king who ruled by hereditary right. Now the Genesee Country settler had a president who was elected by representatives of the people, and who ruled without any royal trappings. The new constitutional government was by definition "of the people," and public policy was shaped by public opinion, as expressed through elected representatives. The fact that a single citizen now could play a role in the nation's decision-making process changed the political attitude of most Americans. This new sense of civic responsibility was reflected in the rapidity with which town governments were formed in the Genesee Country.

The first town meetings took place in private homes, taverns and inns, schoolhouses or barns. At the annual meeting, usually held the first week in April, town officials were elected, among them supervisors, assessors, fence viewers and pathmasters. Issues of public concern — schools, roads, bridges and taxes — were discussed at regularly scheduled meetings and were voted upon by eligible tax-paying voters.

As soon as the town's resources permitted and the necessary vote was taken, a town hall was built. The new addition to the community quickly became not only the seat of local government, but a center for a multitude of community activities. Many things to many people, the town hall has remained a symbol of the new nation's democratic spirit.

The Town Hall on the village square is an adaptation of William Hamilton's 1822 inn from South Lima, N.Y., as it was enlarged for public purposes. A tower and clock from a Buffalo church were added when the landmark was reconstructed at the Genesee Country Village in 1980. The Town Hall, like its early counterparts across the country, provides the setting for many of the village activities.