Cedar Hill was erected in 1929 by Dr. Walter Agnew Thomison and local businessmen as Dayton's first hospital. It was leased by Bryan University from 1932-38 and used as a women's dormitory, college dining hall, and kitchen. From 1938-46, it was owned and operated as a tourist home by Scopes Trial juror Jess Goodrich and his wife, Rose. In 1967-84 Bryan College owned the building and used it first for married students and then as a women's dormitory.