Lawrence Turnverein

  This German athletic and social club was organized in Lawrence as early as 1857.  It was connected to a well-organized network throughout the United States.  During the Civil War it was relatively inactive because the majority of its members (44 out of 48) enlisted in the Union army.  In 1866 a new Lawrence Turnverein was founded.  Two years later the group bought property on the southeast corner of present day Ninth Street and Rhode Island and built a two-story stone building.  With this, and a lot on Delaware Street close to the river, they hosted a variety of activities.  One purpose was to ensure physical fitness of its members. Cultural education was also provided, including a theater group, men's choir, brass band, dancing classes, women's club, and a library.  It became inactive around 1918 and sold its properties in 1938.

photo by Chris Brockelman, 9th grade, 1999, West Junior High, Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.A.

photo by ChrisBrockelman, 9th grade, 1999, West Junior High, Lawrence, Kansas, U.S.A. 

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