The gymnastics room in Turner Hall, Milwaukee, ca. 1900. The Turner (gymnastics) movement started in Prussia during the French occupation in the early 19th century. Turnvereine (gymnastics societies) were not just athletic organizations; they had a liberal political agenda as well. They were suppressed after the Revolution of 1848, and many of their members came to the U.S., where they formed similar clubs. Turnvereine were widespread in immigrant communities and continue to exist today.

Return to story