International Origins

The Turnverein (meaning a union for practicing gymnastics) movement originated in Germany in 1811 as one nationalistic response to the War of Liberation against Napoleon, fostering rigorous exercise among boys and young men to produce a healthy body and to enable the citizenry to protect the nation. The idea of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, the movement evolved to embrace democratic principles. Suffering repression in its early decades, it eventually became absorbed within the State. It was the Turnverein movement was responsible for the development of much gymnastic equipment in use today.

United States Origins

Three students of Jahn came to the U.S. in the 1820s and began to develop physical training programs in Massachusetts. Dr. Karl Beck established a Boys School in Northampton, also creating a gymnasium and writing an English language version of the Manual of Jahn's Turnerism. Dr. Karl Follen introduced gymnastics at Harvard. Dr. Franz Lieber established a swimming school in Boston and conducted physical training in the gymnasium established by Follen. By the late 1840s, other German immigrants to the United States were establishing Turn Verein societies in cities and towns where they settled. In addition to gymnastics, they fostered many athletic activities, eventually including ninepin bowling, which led to its ubiquitous presence throughout the country. They also embraced theater and music, general social interaction and civic involvement.

All of the societies in the United States are organized within the American Turners (formerly The American Turnerbund). Individual societies participate in regional Tournaments of American Turners and in an annual National Tournament. In a 1938 pamphlet describing the movement, the author states: “It is the principal duty of our Societies to provide courses in physical training for youth and adults, and also to promote their intellectual growth and moral character through special schools, instructive lectures and stimulative debates.” Elsewhere: “Believing in the United States as a democracy in a republic, established upon the principles of freedom and equality, dedicated to justice and humanity, we recognize in the harmonious education of body and mind the most important factor to preserve and perfect such a democracy.” The Turners believed that behavior should be based on reason and knowledge. They were adamant that religion and government should be absolutely separate. Of course, reflecting changing social expectations, the Turners also evolved to include girls and women and people of other ethnic groups and colors.

Lawrence Turn Verein

In Lawrence there were actually three Turn Vereins, one begun in 1853 by Fritz Matthes and Wilhelm Patschkel in the cellar of a house on Union St. Unfortunately, this first effort could not be sustained. Another group came to Lawrence from New York State in 1859 and launched another short-lived program at the corner of Jackson and Common Streets. Finally, through the efforts of Fritz Matthes, a permanent Turn Verein was organized on April 14, 1866. The Lawrence Evening Tribune, on April 17, 1941, stated: “The principal purpose for the existence of the American Turners always has been and is now the development of physically and mentally fit citizens willing and able to support a democracy within a republic.“

Turn Hall, Lawrence, MA - click on picture for hi-resolution image

Beginning with a leased athletic field, the Turners erected a small structure that was replaced in 1868 by the first Turn Hall, followed in 1872 by a larger facility. Click here for hi-res picture of the first Turn Hall. Unfortunately, the building was short-lived, burning on November 23, 1894. This did not deter the members, however. They constructed a make-shift roof over the cellar and continued their classes, competitions and other activities until the impressive new red brick building was erected. The dedication of the building occurred in June of 1896.

Consistent with their mission, the members conducted athletic programs, specializing in gymnastics. Later they also developed music programs and a Dramatic Society, art and dancing classes. Its educational functions emphasized the importance of a healthy life style to promote happiness and good citizenship. Although developed as a German organization, participants from other ethnic groups were welcome in individual or team sports and in the various classes.

The Lawrence society was prominent in the national organization. Members Julius Laffert and Bruno A. Pietuchoff sat on the executive board of The American Turners for many years. Lawrence's Turn Verein was executive of the district from 1942 to 1952, with Julius Laffert as Chair, followed by John Miller. The national Turner Convention was held in Lawrence in 1948, only the second time it had been held in New England. Athletes from the local Turn Verein also performed well in national tournaments throughout the country.

The changes in Lawrence resulting from the departure of most of the textile mills, Urban Redevelopment, and the consequent exodus of many long time residents took their toll on participation in Turn Verein. The last time Turn Verein was referenced was in the Lawrence City Directories in 1975.

Description of the Hall

We were saddened to learn of the fire on Sunday, January 13, 2008, which destroyed the 101 year old Turn Verein building. The German Turn Verein society, dedicated to physical training, has its local roots in the earliest years of the establishment of Lawrence.

Turn Hall, Lawrence - click for a high-resolution image

Turn Hall was a magnificent building, particularly inside. Because of the diversity of activities and events it had to embrace, the building featured a gymnasium that could accommodate gymnastics, volleyball and other sports. There was an ornately crafted bar with openings looking down on two ninepin bowling alleys. A dance hall was included on the third floor. It featured a stage for performances. In addition to performances by Turners, the Garrett Players performed there as well. The room was decorated with numerous murals.

Ann Marie (Kopacz) Meile and her family actually lived in the building from 1959 to 1963 and later next door. In her oral history she describes the interior and the events that occurred there. Shortly we will feature excerpts from her oral history.

Memories of the Turn Verein Hall

The following are memories of the Turn Verein Hall, either drawn from the collections of the Lawrence History Center, or contributed by the community for this exhibit:

Turn Hall ...today

The following pictures show Turn Hall as it stands today. It's sad to see a building with such a glorious past, which provided so many great memories for so many people now destroyed by fire. But, we can be thankful that some of these memories have been captured and saved for posterity. Please contact the Lawrence History Center at research@lawrencehistory.org if you have memories you'd like to share.