Thursday, January 2, 2020

Turn Verein in Fond du Lac

The Turn Verein was once a very large German organization, all over the country. Fond du Lac had its own membership, with a Turner Hall located on Portland St.  Founded in Fond du Lac in 1855, the organization published a booklet for their 50th Anniversary in 1905.

The organization promoted physical health and held sports competitions.

What follows are photos from the anniversary booklet, as well as other information.  Much of the booklet is written in both English and German, but the history of the organization is strictly in German, and I am looking for someone who could translate this section.

Turner Hall, Fond du Lac    on Portland St. N. of Division
Title Page of 50th Anniversary Booklet




In July 1896, a Turnfest (state competition) was held in Fond du Lac, and the Fond du Lac Group took first place.  A photo of the team can be seen hanging on the walls of the Thornton Research Library.

What follows is a history of the Fond du Lac Turn Verein, but it needs translation!  Help!