The Versailles Community Hall has been celebrating its 100th year in existence throughout the summer and fall. On Saturday it will house another of its many dance nights in continuation of its anniversary.

In an age and area where many things of the 20th century are being torn down, falling down, reclaimed by the earth or being replaced by newer modern structures, there is one building standing near the bank of the Cattaraugus Creek that has stood the test of 100 years. The Versailles Community Hall in Versailles has not only been maintained — it has gotten a few facelifts over the years allowing it to continue to thrive for the citizens of the small western New York community.

The Versailles Community Hall has been celebrating its 100th year in existence throughout the summer and fall, and this Saturday it will house another of its many dance nights in continuance of its anniversary. There will be live music by folk duo Beard and the Bird, rap artist Just Kyle, hometown country group Uncle Ben’s Remedy, and local blues favorites Thunderbirds. Food and legal beverages will be available for purchase. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Many of the records related to its early days have been lost but according to local historian Steve Stockwell, the Versailles Community Hall was built on the grounds of the former White Horse Inn which had burned around 1905. It was erected across the street from the General Store, which had been in continuous operation until just a few years ago.

The town itself dates to 1837, as an outgrowth of the Perrysburg Community (formed in 1814 and named after Commodore Oliver Hazzard Perry) and housed a tannery and gristmill to accommodate the area’s growing population. Local community members who have tried to re-compile its tenure have indicated the site of the hall was a public school, a post office, and was perhaps used as a stop on the underground railroad.

During World War II the building served as a civil defense location, housing food and medical supplies should the U.S. be attacked. Over the years the upstairs main hall had served as a recreation area for wedding receptions, graduation parties, skaters, dancers, basketball games and most recently chess matches and a cornhole league. For years monthly square dances had been held in the space hosted by the Paul Zittel Band.

In the past decade many improvements and renovations have been made possible by the community’s support of these occasional gatherings. Newer, more energy-efficient windows have been installed, the exterior has been updated, and most recently a new coat of paint has freshened the walls of the main meeting hall.

A larger stage was constructed in 2023 to accommodate larger musical acts coming through the area to perform. One such group is Uncle Ben’s Remedy, who makes their headquarters the basement of the Community Hall. Three of the founding members of Uncle Ben’s Remedy hail from Versailles and the band’s front man Ben Westlund maintains the community as his current residence. “For me it is more than a building,” Westlund said. “It is a monument to what this community is all about. Gathering to celebrate, work, and mourn makes us stronger as people! It was built to allow these gatherings and still stands for this purpose.”

Tickets are available at the door for $10. For more information visit the Versailles Community Association’s facebook page or go to https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ADGdDcSTT/