Turner Hall (Milwaukee) facts for kids
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Turner Hall
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1034 N. 4th St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1882 |
| Architect | Henry C. Koch |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival, Rundbogenstil |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000041 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1977 |
| Designated NHL | November 15, 1996 |
Turner Hall is a historic building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. You can find it at 1034 North 4th Street. Its name comes from the German word "Turnen," which means gymnastics or physical fitness. This building is very important because of its connection to the American Turners. This was a group of German-Americans who loved sports, culture, and discussing ideas.
The Milwaukee Turners group started in 1853. One of its early leaders was Victor L. Berger, who later became a Socialist Congressman. Turner Hall is one of the biggest and most special buildings left from the Turner movement. Because of its history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1996. Today, people use it for concerts, meetings, and other events.
Contents
What is Turner Hall?
The Turner Movement's Start
The Turner movement began in Germany in 1811. A man named Friedrich Ludwig Jahn started it as a gymnastics club called Turnverein. The idea was to help people develop both their minds and bodies. This was partly a reaction to French control during the Napoleonic Wars.
After some failed revolutions in Germany in 1848, many Germans moved to America. Some of them brought the Turner ideas with them. A Turner group started in Milwaukee in 1853. It was first called the Sozializer Turnveirein Milwaukee, then later Turnverein Milwaukee. Their main beliefs were "Free speech, free press, free assembly." They wanted everyone to be able to think freely and live by their own beliefs.
Building a New Home
The Turner Society in Milwaukee grew very quickly. By the 1880s, they needed a bigger place to meet. The famous architect Henry C. Koch designed the new building. It was finished in 1882, and more parts were added in 1899.
Inside, Turner Hall shows off the group's beliefs. There are unique murals painted by German immigrant artists. These artworks show the Turner movement's ideas. The stained glass windows also have sayings about the Turners' forward-thinking political views.
Turner Hall's Look and Feel
Turner Hall is in downtown Milwaukee's Westown area. It's a four-story building made of brick. It has a fancy, old-fashioned style called High Victorian. The front of the building is very detailed. It has parts that stick out near the corners and a main entrance that is set back. A five-story tower with a pyramid top rises from the middle.
Inside, you'll find a large ballroom with a balcony. There's also a restaurant, a beer hall, and many meeting rooms. In the basement, there's a modern gymnasium.
Saving a Landmark
In 1994, the Governor of Wisconsin said Turner Hall was one of the "Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites" in the state. This meant it was at risk of being lost. But in 1996, it was officially named a National Historic Landmark. This helped protect it.
In 2000, the Milwaukee Turners created the Turner Ballroom Preservation Trust. This group works to fix up and take care of the building. Today, Turner Hall hosts many different concerts. The Turner Hall Ballroom even won "Venue of the Year" at the 2010 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) awards!
Images for kids
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Turner Hall in Milwaukee
