The hall was built 1879–81 as a gift to the town from children of Congressman Oakes Ames.

It was originally intended for use as a Town Hall but in practice has mainly served as a meeting space for private groups.

Its first floor is constructed of native, pinkish-gray North Easton granite with Longmeadown brownstone trim.

The front's third-floor, dormer window is wreathed with sculpted foliage, and displays the initials O.

This arrangement proved impractical due to inadequate stairway access to the hall.