Hibernian Hall celebrates 100 years

The historic Hibernian Hall in Roxbury’s Dudley Square – which hosts performances, meetings, lectures, and other gatherings – celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Throughout the years, the bustle of life has continued at Hibernian Hall even as Dudley Square stood neglected and isolated while the rest of the city sizzled with development. On Nov. 3, Pelaiah Auset performed at the hall’s anniversary celebration.

After dark, when throngs of commuters have left Dudley Square, the lights still burn brightly at Hibernian Hall. Supporters of the establishment say it will continue to serve as a gathering place for further generations of African-Americans, Somalis, and Salvadorans.Pictured: Pelaiah Auset performed at Hibernian Hall in Roxbury’s Dudley Square on Nov. 3.

The four-story hall stands on a strip of Dudley Square, at a gateway to downtown and in the commercial heart of Boston’s African-American community.Pictured: An audience watched the stage performances on Nov. 3.

Jennifer Jean, seated, and her brother Steve, set up before celebrating the hall’s 100-year anniversary event with artistic director Dillon Bustin.

Artistic director Dillon Bustin looked through the contents of the 100-year-old time capsule with Richard Johnson of Studio TV.

In 1913, after years of organizing and fund-raising, the Ancient Order of Hibernians opened the building as one of five Irish dance halls in Roxbury.Inside a 100-year time capsule capturing the building’s history were copies of the Boston American, The Boston Post, and The Pilot from 1913.

The Hibernians wanted “a suitable building for the purpose of meetings, lectures, concerts, and gatherings,’’ according to a synopsis of the building’s history, stored in a metal time capsule that was unveiled earlier this year to mark the hall’s centennial.Pictured: Editions of the Boston American, The Boston Post, and The Pilot from 1913.

Among the items stowed inside the box were newspapers from May 31, 1913, piles of cards to stockholders, old coins, and a written account of how the hall was founded. “Future generations will reap the benefits of the labors of the present,’’ the account reads.

A detailed shot of an invitation for laying of the corner stone of Hibernian Hall on May 30, 1913.

In the early years, people came to the hall in droves — in crisp dark suits and tight, colorful dresses. They spilled into the enormous ballroom under its bright lights as big bands played.Pictured: Coins from 1909 to 1913.

Through the years, Hibernian Hall has been the site of jobs training, a weekly jazz hub, community meetings, and theatrical readings.Emcee Austin James, a teacher at Boston public schools and a actor and host, spoke with the audience at Hibernian Hall’s 100-year anniversary celebration.