On Campus
Annenberg Hall at 100
A Century of Stories, Symbols and Legacy
For 100 years, Annenberg Hall, originally named Memorial Hall, has stood as the centerpiece of The Peddie School campus, a symbol of tradition and progress. As we celebrate its centennial, we delve into nine defining moments, legends and enduring symbols that have made Annenberg Hall the cornerstone of the Peddie experience.
1. Architectural Grandeur
The building’s exterior is a striking example of classical architecture, resembling a Roman temple with its four grand Corinthian columns beneath a stately pediment. The frieze prominently displays the school’s Latin motto: Finimus Pariter Renovamusque Labores — “We Finish Our Labors to Begin Them Anew.” Or, as it’s practically understood: Every day is another chance at the best day ever.
2. The Walter Annenberg Legacy
In 1992, Memorial Hall was renamed Annenberg Hall to recognize the significant contributions of Walter H. Annenberg ’27, a distinguished Peddie alumnus and one of America’s foremost philanthropists. His generosity helped shape Peddie into the institution it is today, and his legacy is permanently enshrined in the building that now bears his name.
3. A Monument to Sacrifice
Originally named Memorial Hall, this iconic building was dedicated in 1925 to honor the 502 Peddie students who served in World War I. It was the largest building project in Peddie’s history at the time, led by Headmaster Roger Swetland. A dedicatory tablet still hangs in the lobby, while the Ayer Memorial Chapel now honors veterans of all wars.
4. The Mysterious Car Caper
Peddie’s history is rich with legends, and one of the most intriguing involves Annenberg Hall. Sometime between the early 1960s and mid-1970s, a car was allegedly hoisted onto the roof of the building. The details remain elusive, but the story is a favorite among alumni, adding a mischievous chapter to the building’s storied past.
5. The Bell of Tradition
Standing in the lobby is the Wilson Hall Bell, rescued by students who surprised Headmaster Ed Potter in 1978 by retrieving it shortly before the building’s demolition. For more than a century, this iconic structure had been the face of Peddie. Today, the Bell serves as a popular meeting spot.
6. Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post Impressionism
In 1989, Walter Annenberg curated high-quality photographic reproductions of iconic works by Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas and others from his personal collection for Peddie. These reproductions, chosen for their resonance with young minds, are displayed throughout Memorial Hall and the Peddie Arts Center, ensuring that students encounter great art every day.
7. The Heart of Knowledge
Annenberg Hall houses the Walter H. Annenberg ’27 Library. With its impressive 33,000-volume collection, the library is a favorite spot for both serious study sessions and relaxing breaks.
8. The Gateway to Peddie
Annenberg Hall is the first building many prospective students and their families encounter. The admission department, located within its walls, is where campus tours begin and interviews occur.
9. A Living Legacy
Today, Annenberg Hall continues to be a vibrant part of campus life, housing administrative offices, classrooms, the admission department and the technology department. It is a building that has adapted to the needs of each new generation while maintaining its historic charm, standing not just as a monument to the past but as a dynamic space that continues to shape the lives of those who pass through its grand columns.
