the hall was built in 1891 to a design by minnesota architect leroy s. buffington. the building was a gift of john sargent pillsbury, who was born in sutton before achieving business and political success in minnesota. sutton had previously held its town meetings in private homes (from incorporation in 1749 until the 1790s), alternating in two privately erected meetinghouses until the 1830s, and then a variety of locations prior to construction of this hall. it has served as the center of town government since.