Turnverein Apartments

The Turnverein Apartments are located in a building originally built for supporting the activities of German immigrants in Indianapolis who belonged to the Turners Society. The Turners, named for the German word for gymnast, advocated physical fitness and the preservation of German culture. This society still exists today, though many of the member chapters disappeared or renamed during World War I and II because of the suspicion directed towards German immigrants. Above the main entrance of the building can still be seen the title "Turnverein", though other German wording on the building was removed during World War I.

In the center of the building was a large open gymnasium area with a proscenium stage for performances. The facilities also included a swimming pool with dressing rooms and showers, club rooms, parlors, a ballroom and a roof garden The building's ballroom and gymnasium were converted into a full-sized penthouse and 50 apartments in 1980.The building was placed on the national register of historical places in 1983.

The German immigrants who joined the 32nd Indiana regiment (1st German) from the Civil War would have lived in the neighborhoods surrounding this building and the other Turner Halls in near southside neighborhood of Indianapolis. This facility was built in 1916, though earlier versions of gathering places for the Turners were used in the neighborhood prior to completion. The connection to German culture that is fostered by the Turners was also evident in the 1st German regiment. In the accounts of battles during the Civil War the bravery of the German regiments was noted, and also their commitment to cleanliness. This resulted in a lower death rate due to disease and infections. The physical fitness of the regiment was also noted.

The Turner Halls (aka Turnverein) were also used to host community activities and wedding receptions. Gymnastics classes were held at "Turning Schools" to teach young people physical fitness. The Turners were some of the original advocates for physical education in the schools. Because of their core values of liberty and equality, Turners were firmly opposed to slavery and were some of the first to volunteer for the Union Army. About two-thirds of all the Turners in America signed up to be more precise. The military training and discipline they possessed provided leadership for the Army. Some Turners even stood guard during President Abraham Lincoln's inauguration and then later they made up part of the Honor Guard at his funeral.

During World War I and II anyone of German descent or German affiliation was suspected of treason. Even though the Turners supported the American military, they still found the need to change their group name to the American Turners to avoid association with the Nazi party. Turners still exist predominantly in cities with large numbers of German immigrants such as Smithon, (Illinois), St. Louis (Missouri), and Milwaukee (Wisconsin) to name a few.

American Turners Local Societies, 1866-2006, Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives. Accessed November 28th, 2022. https://special.ulib.iupui.edu/collections/german-american/mss038.

Browne, Tiffany Benedict. Then & Now: Independent Turnverein, 902 N. Meridian, Historic Indianapolis. March 31st, 2016. Accessed November 28th, 2022. https://historicindianapolis.com/then-now-independent-turnverein-9th-meridian/.

Where History and Elegance Meet, The Turnerverein - Downtown Indianapolis. Accessed November 29th, 2022. https://turnvereinapts.com/.

What is a Turnverein? How do Turners fit into American History?, German Girl in America. February 3rd, 2021. Accessed November 29th, 2022. https://germangirlinamerica.com/what-is-a-turnverein-who-are-the-turners/.