Sanford Hall was built in 1920 and was the only dormitory on campus until 1952. The hall could house 50 girls and 100 persons could eat at the cafeteria. Room and board were fixed at the rate of six dollars per week under the watchful eye of the dean of women Miss Margaret Kelly who was determined to make young ladies out of the students and maintained proper social graces during meals for both men and women. Curfews were set for those living in the dorms and were punishable offenses if late.

In 1938, the hall was dedicated to a notable school teacher from Minnesota who at 83 years of age traveled to Bemidji to speak in 1919 and 1920, Maria Sanford. The building was removed in 2015. A commemorative plaque will be placed in 2018.