It was only a few short months ago that the Russian Citizens Club in Coaldale seemed to be on its last legs.

Membership was down, fewer people patronized the bar, and operational costs were on the rise, factors which would surely seal its fate.Things were so bad that the club, located at 169 First St., planned to permanently close Dec. 31, and the building was for sale.Fast forward to the present, where the club has experienced a rebirth thanks to donations, recreational activities and an overall uptick in business.Things have improved so much that the club will hold a 100th anniversary from 7-10 this evening, according to Lisa Hiles, recording secretary."We're gonna give it a go," Hiles said. "Thanks to the Times News (article), people are kind of coming out of the woodwork."Hiles said the anniversary celebration will feature food, drink specials, a raffle, giveaways and entertainment. There is no cover charge, and patrons do not need to be a member to attend.That the club will remain open is welcome news to Hiles, who said it is near and dear to her heart."My dad and grandfather ran it forever, probably the last 50 years," she said. "It was always the main topic of conversation in our house."Hiles said the article really did the club justice, as well as some promotions she mailed to members who moved away from the area."And people have started to come back; they're making donations to help us through," she said. "We had a great outpouring of people."Hiles added, "it's really been very surprising.""We had thought the place had no choice but to close," she said. "It's such a big place to heat."Hiles said all appears well."We've had a lot of calls, and people are coming back on a daily basis," she said. "We're hoping we can continue running the place."If the weekdays are any indication, it appears as though Hiles' wish will be granted.Hiles said the club has been "thriving" thanks to shuffleboard night (Tuesdays), pool night (Wednesdays) and dart night (Thursdays)."All of these people would have nowhere to go," she said. "The place is bustling."The Russian Citizens Club in Coaldale is actually 101 years old this year.According to its bylaws, the club was founded on March 19, 1913, and incorporated on July 2, 1913, as the "Russian Greek Catholic Citizens Club of Coaldale, Pa."It was immediately affiliated with St. Mary's Orthodox Church.The present site is the club's third location. All were on First Street in Coaldale.The existing building was built in the early 1950s.