A century has come and gone at the North-ampton Liederkranz.

To celebrate, on Aug. 18 the Liederkranz will host an evening of music, ethnic food and talk about what life was like in the villages of Burgenland, Austria, with which it has close ties.

The Joe Weber Orchestra will entertain the crowd with polka favorites. Rock and roll music, a deejay and ethnic food such as bratwurst will also be offered.

"We wanted to get it right in our planning," said club Secretary Matt Fodor.

The Liederkranz was granted permission to close the road in the vicinity of the Ninth Street club, where bands, food and tables will be set up for the crowds.

Initially organized Oct. 20, 1911, the borough-based Liederkranz began with 120 members, most of whom immigrated to the United States and the Borough of Northampton. These families later worked in the cement mills.

The first meeting of the Liederkranz was held in the fall of 1911 at the home of J. Wagner. The club's first president was John Kurda and its first vice president was Stephen Klepeis.

The club was erected in 1914 and underwent an extensive renovation in 1940 when four bowling alleys became part of the new addition.

The club had 390 members in 1940 and later offered a chorus. Its women cooked ethnic meals for years and its upstairs hall hosted many weddings, dances and receptions. To date, banquets and gatherings are held in the lower level adjacent to the bar.

Every October the Liederkranz celebrates its ties with Austria at a flag-raising ceremony and program in front of the club, while the national anthem is played for both Austria and the United States.

The Liederkranz is the unofficial home where Burgenland delegations and its officials and people visit.

Borough residents who visited Burgenland over the years include Tessie Teklits, Robert "Buckeye" Laky and Frank Spitzer.

The club boasts a large active membership and conducts many activities.

In addition to Fodor, club officers currently include Robert "Fuzzy" Harder, president since 1982; Michael Stahl, vice president; Maryann Pany, treasurer and trustees Brian Keller, John O'Connell, Robert Tancin, Bill Najpauer, Greg Berner, Andrew Motsko and Rick Pany.