Overview

German-American settlers in Sacramento, CA, were some of the first in the State of California to open a Turnverein bund in 1854. The Turnverein was a social group that advocated preservation of aspects of German culture (especially language) and the practice of gymnastics for physical fitness. The movement took off after the failed 1848 Revolution in Germany triggered mass immigration to the US, particularly to the States of IA, TX, IN, NY, OH, WI, and PA. It built in popularity during the period 1850-1900, reaching its zenith at the end of the 19th century. Anti-German attitudes in the US during both World Wars, undermined the influence of German social organizations, including the Turnverein.

Building History

In 1859, the Sacramento Turnverein's three-man building committee--J. Rueff, F. Ebner, and C. Weil--solicited contractor bids "...for the erection of their new Hall...." Contractors could study the plans drawn up by architect A.F. Eisen (1824-1873) at his office. (See "To Contractors and Builders," (classified advertisement),Sacramento Daily Union, vol. 17, no. 2510, 04/13/1859, p. 4.)

PCAD id: 20576