Many young men and women traveled to America from Hungary in the early 1900s. A large number of them arrived in Northampton, forming the St. Peter and Paul R.C. Sick and Beneficial Society, known by many as the Hungarian Hall, located at Canal Road and Stewart Street.

Now with more than 115 active members and some 700 social members, Hungarian Hall will celebrate its 100th anniversary Oct. 5. A Mass will be held at Queenship of Mary Church, known for decades as Our Lady of Hungary Church, and a festive banquet will follow at the hall.

St. Peter and Paul R.C. Sick and Beneficial Society was founded Oct. 6, 1913 by approximately 120 Hungarian immigrants. The men, many alone in their new adopted country, saw a need for mutual help during times of illness and death. The organization ran its operations from the Our Lady of Hungary church basement under the direction of the Rev. Bernard Sommer. Nicholas Wagner served as the society's first president in 1913.

The church basement continued to be used as the society's home until 1923, when another building was acquired from Cardinal Dougherty of Philadelphia.

In the late 1940s, members living in New York and this area formed into a flourishing group that became an integral part of the Northampton-based society.

May 23, 1942, in the midst of World War II, havoc ensued at the society's hall and quarters. The Lehigh River raged and overflowed the banks, with water reaching the seven-foot-mark above the bowling alleys. Many of the society's records were damaged by the flood.

Andy Filipovits, who has been the organization's president for several decades, said major renovations beginning in 1994 established the Hungarian Hall as one of the most elegant halls in the Lehigh Valley. Upgrades to the hall continued well into the 2000s. Chandeliers in the hall, tile floors with intricate designs, off-white walls with pale blue accents and flower arrangements and linen-covered round tables seating 270 persons, have made Hungarian Hall a favorite for weddings, banquets and other events.

Several flat screen TVs line the walls and the four bowling alleys are state-of-the-art with automated scoring and screens.

A 25 foot by 30 foot addition was built next to the bar, where small birthday parties, Baptism family socials and other events take place. Not to be outdone is the kitchen and its cooks, whipping up ethnic and American dishes.

The society always kept up with modernization for patrons. In 1952, the social rooms underwent a makeover, but the 1955 flood brought much damage to the club. Even with damage, however, the club rose to even greater heights. In the latter part of 1950s new bowling alleys were installed, the building's north wall was repaired and the hall repainted.

Continuing into the 1960s to the 1980s, before more recent changes, the parking lot and the building's exterior were upgraded and painted.