On the occasion of the laying of the cornerstone of this building on August 29, 1929, the Premier of the Province, the Honourable Edgar N. Rhodes, paid tribute to the anonymous donor whose gift of $200,000 had made possible its construction. He also acknowledged the provision by Dalhousie University of the site and a commitment to provide heat for the building in perpetuity. The building was designed by Andrew Cobb and constructed by Messrs. Falconer and MacDonald. The formal opening took place on January 14, 1931. On this occasion it was announced that the donor was Mr. W.H. Chase of Wolfville. The Honourable G.S. Harrington, by then the Premier of the Province, and others thanked Mr. Chase for what was described as the finest individual gift ever made to the province.

• Dalhousie University