Friends of Suomi Hall

Suomi Hall was originally a one-story, rectangular building with a gabled roof and a projecting porch topped by a pediment. The gable featured decorative lentils, and ornate columns supported the porch. Constructed in 1893 by volunteers from the Finnish Temperance Society, the hall was intended as a gathering and entertainment facility. The temperance movement aimed to draw Finnish fishermen away from taverns and into more social activities. The name "Suomi Hall" comes from the Finnish term for Finland.

Originally located at the southwest corner of Alameda and Columbia Streets, the building included a meeting room, two smoking rooms, a dining room, and a small theater. It served as the center for various activities, including ballad singing, poetry readings, fiddles, musicals, dances, and plays.

In 1910, the Finnish Temperance Society relocated the building to a more central spot along what is now West Marine Drive. The contractors Makela & Wuopio were hired for the move. The hall was enlarged by raising the building so that the first floor became the second floor, and an addition to the east doubled its width, allowing for more elaborate productions. Many plays, musicals, and operettas were staged there, often directed by professionals from the Helsinki stage. The productions featured elaborate sets and costumes, showcasing works by notable playwrights such as Moliere, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Strindberg. The Uniontown community was home to many talented actors, musicians, singers, and directors.