Chapin Hall was dedicated in October 1901 as a cooperative residence for 70 female students and was operated by the Women`s Educational Aid Association (WEAA). Built at a cost of $30,000, Chapin was one of several residences for WEAA scholarship recipients who did light housework in exchange for reduced room and board. Chapin Hall was named in honor of Julia Anna Chapin Grinnell (1827 - 1907), the sister of Marietta Chapin Pearsons. With her husband, Dr. Daniel K. Pearsons, Mrs. Pearsons financially supported the WEAA from its inception.