Peabody Hall before the Fire

Completed in 1855, the building was originally named “Seminary Hall”. It was renamed in 1905 after Helen Peabody, founder of the Western Seminary. Through 1853 the Board of Trustees was occupied with plans for the building. The building was erected according to the plans of the architect W. H. Bayless. On March 4, 1854 a contract was made with construction firm Morrison and Blair for the erection of the building.