National Turnfest, Indianapolis, 1905

Souvenir book for the 29th National Turnfest, held in Indianapolis in 1905.

TURNFESTS

The Socialer Turnverein continued to flourish [during the 1880s]. The gymnastics classes grew under the direction of the leaders Hugo Pantzer (1880), George Vonnegut (1882), and Oscar Sputh (1884). The Eleventh Turnfest of the Indiana District was held under its sponsorship on July 29, 1884, and societies from Indiana and some of the larger Midwestern cities participated. . . .

[In 1905 the National Turnfest took place in Indianapolis.] In this event there were numerous gymnastic teams from the United States as well as a team of twelve from Germany. The Southside Turnverein [a separate Turnverein founded on the south side of the city in 1893] joined hands with the Socialer Turnverein in sponsoring the fest. . . .The principal events were held at the Fair Grounds, and the entire community turned out for the programs.