Harlem Turnverein
The town of Harlem, which was incorporated in 1884, included today’s Forest Park and areas of River Forest. The Harlem Post was a local German weekly newspaper for Harlem’s German population. Its first edition was published on Sept. 12, 1895.
The March 5th, 1896 edition contained the following news about the Harlem Turnverein (Gymnastics Club):
“During the Turnverein’s last meeting, Mr. Geo. Westphal and Mr. L. Vogel were inducted as members. On Wednesday, March 11, the Turnverein will once again have one of its relaxed and intellectual meetings. Gymnast F. Berliner will give a talk about Practical Socialism. Following the talk, there will be a great dance party. Club members, their families, and their friends are invited. The program starts at 8:00 p.m. sharp. No cover.”
Translated by Uli Leib
Note:
Turnverein (from German turnen, “to practice gymnastics,” and Verein, “club, union”) was founded by the German teacher Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, later known as the father of gymnastics, in Berlin in 1811. The early Turnvereins were centers for cultivation of health and fitness through gymnastic exercise.
Turnvereins were subsequently established by German expatriates in other countries, including the United States. Some emphasized social and communal unity in addition to gymnastics.
Image of men in formation:
Pictured are the men of the Turnverein of Forest Park in 1897. The photo was shared in the 1950s with the Review by Commissioner Loui Prehn, who was too young at the time to participate in heavy gymnastics, but was a member of the group.
Image of logo:
The Harlem Turnverein logo was printed in the Harlem Post with the news story. The phrase “Gut Heil” translates to “Good Health,” which was the slogan of the physical fitness movement brought by Geman immigrants that encouraged physical education and gymnastics in the 19th Century.