Web 2.0 Library Spotlight:
Lawrence History Center's Online,
Interactive Exhibit

A Sound Mind in a Sound Body - Turn Verein Hall, Lawrence, MA
By Barbara Brown, Director, Lawrence History Center, <http://www.lawrencehistory.org>

"My older brothers (Billy and Charlie) used to set pins in the bowling alley downstairs while I busily dug coke bottle caps out of the coke machine (that's what little kids do!)"

Sometimes clouds really do have silver linings. In January 2008, Lawrence witnessed a sad disaster - the burning of the Turn Verein Hall on Park Street. This Lawrence German immigrant institution had existed for well over 100 years. The fire brought an end to the building but not the history. In fact, as a result of the tragedy, memories were revived and enhanced with personal images.

Photo M. Russell 2008

When the fire happened, we posted an on-line exhibit : wrote about the history of the Turn Verein organization, its beginnings in Germany; its development in the US, and eventually the establishment of the Turners in Lawrence. We attached photos to the text. We even digitized the oral history of a woman whose family lived in the Turn Hall as care takers.

Joan Kelley, the LHC Oral Historian writes:

"The workmanship in that building was magnificent. Fortunately we have Ann Marie Meile's oral history. Her parents ran the bar, and at one point the growing family lived in the building. The children even put the baby on the dumbwaiter at one point! Ann Marie's mother lives next door now."

What was different about this site? We asked for web site readers to send us their stories and photographs. We expanded the story of the Lawrence Turn Verein and personalized it with their photographs and memories. Additionally, having this information on our web site has increased the hits on the site ten-fold.

The Turnverein, which means a union for practicing gymnastics, movement originated in Germany in 1811, fostering rigorous exercise among boys and young men. The Turnverein movement was responsible for the development of much gymnastic equipment which is in use today.

Turn Hall Float ,1962

By the late 1840s, German immigrants to the United States were establishing Turn Verein societies in cities and towns where they settled. They also fostered many athletic activities, including ninepin bowling, which led to its ubiquitous presence throughout the country, 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).

The Turners, believing behavior should be based on reason and knowledge, were adamant that religion and government should be absolutely separate. Eventually the Turners also included girls, women and people of other ethnic groups and colors.

Gymnastic Exhibition on stage, c 1952
Marie DeLuca Parker, photo

In 1872, a larger facility replaced a smaller one built in 1868. Unfortunately, the building was short-lived, burning on November 23, 1894. This did not deter the members. A new impressive red brick building was dedicated in June of 1896. This is the one destroyed in 2008.

Third Turn Hall Building          Second Turn Hall Building
Lawrence History Center photos

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.

Marie DeLuca Parker photo
Lawrence History Center Collection

"Gymnastically, I was so young, that I never got to use much of the equipment other than the rings, trapeze and the ladder - you know - the one that pulled out of the wall. We'd walk up the rungs, standing erect and then turn around and slide down the side. Great fun! But - in an exhibition, when the boys' class formed a big human pyramid, my father had me climb to the top and hang by my knees from the extended arms of the two boys on top! It must have been all that practice doing knee hangs in the bar!"

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.

Wedding celebration, 1973
Reinhold photo

The Lawrence society was prominent in the national organization. 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.

"My father & uncle were members of the Turn Verein and Turner Tigers in the 1950's and 60's. My cousins and I spent many a Saturday afternoon there playing in the gyms with all the equipment, including fencing swords (naughty, naughty), bowling, and having a great time outdoors among the giant chestnut trees behind the hall. For a little boy, the Turn Hall was an overwhelming experience. As a collector, I'd sure like to know what happed to the carved mascot of the Turner Tigers (see your photos). When I was real young, it scared the heck out of me."

As a result of posting an online, interactive exhibit we were able to share our Turn Hall collection; add information on the history and people in the Turn Hall movement in Lawrence, connect with Lawrencians across the country and - we even got a Turn Hall 100th Anniversary ashtray!