History
Today's Wonder Ballroom was built by The Ancient Order of Hibernians, a group committed to immigration reform, civil rights for those of Irish descent and the preservation of the old Irish culture. Designed by the architecture firm of Jacobberger & Smith, the hall was completed on schedule and the first meeting was held in the new building on September 10, 1914. By 1916 membership in the organization reached its peak at 490 members. Although membership tapered off during the next decade, the building remained an active meeting place. During the 1920s when the KKK backed efforts to ban all private and parochial schools in the state, the Hibernians came to the rescue and helped defeat the efforts. By 1935 Hibernian membership dwindled to only 30 members and in 1936 the building was turned over to the Catholic Church, which used the building to operate the Catholic Youth Organization. Sporting events were the main attractions for the building and the Portland Boxing School also used the
Specialties
Live Music and Concerts