Turner Hall capital campaign moves ahead

$350K committed to landmark's

renovation

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- More than $350,000 has been committed to the Turner Hall capital campaign project but more than $1 million more is needed.

The news was revealed Saturday as the New Ulm Turnverein celebrated its 148th anniversary with Stiftungfest and an annual meeting at Turner Hall, 102 S. State.

In order to make the building usable in the future, a five-year, $1.6 million improvement campaign is underway.

Plans call for a southwest entrance renovation with red brick to match the existing building. An elevator would be accessible to all Turner Hall floors.

New, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a sprinkler system, storage space and an office would help accommodate increased demand for banquet and reception facilities.

Pledges and gifts are sought for the campaign project over a five-year period for the non-profit corporation. Additional fund-raising events are underway.

Capital Campaign Committee member Dan Beranek said Turner Hall remains important to the community. Last year, it hosted 250 functions for several hundred thousand people.

"Along with the brewery and our natural beauty, Turner Hall is still important," Beranek said. "Keep drinking Schell's and Grain Belt. They committed $50,000 to the capital project. It can be done. We've done many projects in recent years in New Ulm."

Capital Committee member Richard Salvati said building improvements are long overdue. He invited any doubters to tour the building.

Judy Fluegge reported that the Turner Hall gymnastics program had 249 children enrolled in 11 classes taught by eight instructors.

Yvonne "Porky" Reinarts was honored for 22 years of kitchen staff service, and Lois Fritsche, Marie Reim and Peggy Vogel were honored for 50 years of Turner Ladies service. The Turner Ladies pledged $100,000 to the capital campaign. They added bingo and other fund-raisers to the project.

New Ulm Certified Public Accountant Jim Schuetzle said the Turnverein showed a revenue increase of $3,000 last year, due mostly to increased fund-raising activities, but had a net loss of $36,470.

Schuetzle said the net loss reiterated the need for a successful capital campaign.

In 1856, a group of Cincinnati Turners, led by William Pfaender, were looking for a place to continue their physical, social and intellectual interests. They negotiated a merger with the original German settlers, and both groups became known as the German Land Association.

The organization was founded on Nov. 11, 1856. A building to hold meetings and conduct physical education classes throughout the year was erected at the site of the present Turner Hall.

A series of German plays were presented in the new hall, which became the social, political and educational center of the community. The building was destroyed on Aug. 23, 1862, during the U.S.-Dakota War.

A second brick building was completed in February 1866. An 1873 addition, still used today, added accommodations. A large theater, fully-equipped stage and gym were added in 1901.

Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey held a campaign rally at Turner Hall in 1952. Much of the building was destroyed by fire shortly after his speech. The present two-story addition with a second-floor gym and lower level dining hall was dedicated on Feb. 21, 1954.

The building was more recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.