Turner Hall - it's more than just a nice building that local residents take for granted. It's an iconic institution with a storied history.
After Napoleon's armies stormed across Europe, the Germanic peoples of central Europe determined it wouldn't happen again. That idea - that their peoples would be physically fit - was the origin of "Turnhallen." "Turner" is German for "gymnast" and these institutions became centers for physical fitness activities that would be carried forth in America as immigrants settled in the American Midwest.
While Turnhallen were predominantly of German origin, a Turnhalle was built in 1868 by Swiss immigrants in Monroe, at the corner of 13th Street and 17th Avenue. The original Turner Hall was a relatively simple structure with a performance hall doubling as a gym where ancestors of Monroe's current residents practiced gymnastic feats.
It was a frigid winter night in early 1936. Mrs. Preisig and her husband, Emil, a Turn und Schwing instructor, attended a dance. Since even in tolerant Wisconsin, women and children were not welcome in bars, Mrs. Preisig and children went to the car and awaited her husband who would unwind by having a beer with his Swiss pals.
What? A miscommunication between a man and a woman? How could that happen? As Mrs. Preisig shivered in the car, awaiting her husband, she became a bit miffed. She made a solemn wish, "I hope this place burns down."
Only the most dedicated, unreconstructed mystic would hold Mrs. Preisig responsible for the fire during the dance on Labor Day 1936 that burned the Turner Hall to the ground, fortunately, with no casualties. The cause was attributed to something more tangible than her solemn wish, namely, a lightning strike.
Although no rational observer would hold Mrs. Preisig responsible for the blaze, word has it that she long harbored feelings of guilt. She is well advised to take solace in that something of value came of this victimless tragedy. Plans were immediately begun to build the present Turner Hall that was completed and dedicated in 1938. This magnificent structure, styled after a Swiss Emmenthal Chalet, boasts a rich history as venue for concerts, dances, receptions and countless other community events.
Entertainers occupying Turner Hall's stage include Lawrence Welk, Wayne King, and Tiny Hill. Countless old-time dances included The Six Fat Dutchmen, Lawrence Duchow, and Polka King Frankie Yankovic. Local entertainers included the late Billy Lehr and Billy Hartwig, whose tolerant wife, Marilyn, will surely agree, spent a significant portion of his life on stage.
William Jennings Bryan, the silver tongued orator of the Great Plains, once spoke at Turner Hall. My pal and classmate, Frank Dillon, has a picture of himself with John F. Kennedy when he campaigned at Turner Hall during his 1960 Democratic primary race with Hubert Humphrey.
Turner Hall was a busy, booming place during the decades of the 40s and 50s. But society changes, and with it, the sociology and economics of community life. With the advent of television and changing demographics, traditional old-time dances became less frequent. Revenues declined while costs of operating and maintaining the structure increased.
By August 2002, Turner Hall was a mere two days away from being abandoned. Only timely intervention by a group led by Greg and Deb Krauss Smith saved Turner Hall from becoming a sports bar. Saved from oblivion, Turner Hall houses a wealth of artifacts illustrating our regional culture.
The upstairs ballroom and stage, the gym, and bowling alley have been carefully renovated. The decorative painting (Bauermalerei) and actual decorating is the product of the talented Janeen Joy Babler and some capable helpers. The Old World Ratskeller houses original paintings by Monroe's former cheese baron, Carl Marty. There are photos of former gymnasts - ancestors of current residents. Artifacts include original recordings by Martha Bernet and Rudy Burkhalter, the Swiss immigrant who wrote music for Walt Disney and taught many of us on the accordion.
While modernized, Turner Hall retains traditions. Its member organizations include the New World Swiss Club, the Monroe Swiss Singers, and the Foreign Type Cheesemakers Association. Its Swiss heritage programming includes the monthly Squeezebox Night, Fasnacht (Swiss Mardi Gras), Swiss Movie Night, Chriskindlmarkt, the annual Christmas tree-lighting with real candles, and visits from Swiss lecturers, filmmakers, musicians, and authors. Its gymnastic heritage is carried on through classes in Tae Kwon Do taught by Greg Bowles. His charges are now training for national competition. Dances are held on Sundays featuring local entertainers and those from out of town.
Turner Hall's family-friendly atmosphere includes a bowling alley that is an excellent place for league bowling and parties. The Grand Hall is an exquisite venue for banquets and celebrations organized by Wanda Bowles. The Ratskeller Restaurant area, enhanced by comfortable, colorful authentic ambiance, features delightful Swiss cuisine prepared by first-class chefs.
Turner Hall is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that continues to exist through revenues from the above activities and the tireless work of many volunteers. Without the continued dedication of these volunteers along with patronage and support of the community at large, Turner Hall could not continue to exist.
The long-run solution is to augment the endowment fund that will enable Turner Hall to exist in perpetuity. The short run objective is to serve the community through the activities described above. And the immediate need is for a new roof.
Beautiful Turner Hall, the only Turner Hall of Swiss origin in the US, is an iconic symbol of this region's history and culture and must be preserved. All are invited to rediscover Turner Hall at our forthcoming open house, Saturday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After all, it's where old and new worlds meet.
- Monroe resident John Waelti is President of Turner Hall's Board of Directors. He can be reached at jjwaelti1@tds.net.
After Napoleon's armies stormed across Europe, the Germanic peoples of central Europe determined it wouldn't happen again. That idea - that their peoples would be physically fit - was the origin of "Turnhallen." "Turner" is German for "gymnast" and these institutions became centers for physical fitness activities that would be carried forth in America as immigrants settled in the American Midwest.
While Turnhallen were predominantly of German origin, a Turnhalle was built in 1868 by Swiss immigrants in Monroe, at the corner of 13th Street and 17th Avenue. The original Turner Hall was a relatively simple structure with a performance hall doubling as a gym where ancestors of Monroe's current residents practiced gymnastic feats.
It was a frigid winter night in early 1936. Mrs. Preisig and her husband, Emil, a Turn und Schwing instructor, attended a dance. Since even in tolerant Wisconsin, women and children were not welcome in bars, Mrs. Preisig and children went to the car and awaited her husband who would unwind by having a beer with his Swiss pals.
What? A miscommunication between a man and a woman? How could that happen? As Mrs. Preisig shivered in the car, awaiting her husband, she became a bit miffed. She made a solemn wish, "I hope this place burns down."
Only the most dedicated, unreconstructed mystic would hold Mrs. Preisig responsible for the fire during the dance on Labor Day 1936 that burned the Turner Hall to the ground, fortunately, with no casualties. The cause was attributed to something more tangible than her solemn wish, namely, a lightning strike.
Although no rational observer would hold Mrs. Preisig responsible for the blaze, word has it that she long harbored feelings of guilt. She is well advised to take solace in that something of value came of this victimless tragedy. Plans were immediately begun to build the present Turner Hall that was completed and dedicated in 1938. This magnificent structure, styled after a Swiss Emmenthal Chalet, boasts a rich history as venue for concerts, dances, receptions and countless other community events.
Entertainers occupying Turner Hall's stage include Lawrence Welk, Wayne King, and Tiny Hill. Countless old-time dances included The Six Fat Dutchmen, Lawrence Duchow, and Polka King Frankie Yankovic. Local entertainers included the late Billy Lehr and Billy Hartwig, whose tolerant wife, Marilyn, will surely agree, spent a significant portion of his life on stage.
William Jennings Bryan, the silver tongued orator of the Great Plains, once spoke at Turner Hall. My pal and classmate, Frank Dillon, has a picture of himself with John F. Kennedy when he campaigned at Turner Hall during his 1960 Democratic primary race with Hubert Humphrey.
Turner Hall was a busy, booming place during the decades of the 40s and 50s. But society changes, and with it, the sociology and economics of community life. With the advent of television and changing demographics, traditional old-time dances became less frequent. Revenues declined while costs of operating and maintaining the structure increased.
By August 2002, Turner Hall was a mere two days away from being abandoned. Only timely intervention by a group led by Greg and Deb Krauss Smith saved Turner Hall from becoming a sports bar. Saved from oblivion, Turner Hall houses a wealth of artifacts illustrating our regional culture.
The upstairs ballroom and stage, the gym, and bowling alley have been carefully renovated. The decorative painting (Bauermalerei) and actual decorating is the product of the talented Janeen Joy Babler and some capable helpers. The Old World Ratskeller houses original paintings by Monroe's former cheese baron, Carl Marty. There are photos of former gymnasts - ancestors of current residents. Artifacts include original recordings by Martha Bernet and Rudy Burkhalter, the Swiss immigrant who wrote music for Walt Disney and taught many of us on the accordion.
While modernized, Turner Hall retains traditions. Its member organizations include the New World Swiss Club, the Monroe Swiss Singers, and the Foreign Type Cheesemakers Association. Its Swiss heritage programming includes the monthly Squeezebox Night, Fasnacht (Swiss Mardi Gras), Swiss Movie Night, Chriskindlmarkt, the annual Christmas tree-lighting with real candles, and visits from Swiss lecturers, filmmakers, musicians, and authors. Its gymnastic heritage is carried on through classes in Tae Kwon Do taught by Greg Bowles. His charges are now training for national competition. Dances are held on Sundays featuring local entertainers and those from out of town.
Turner Hall's family-friendly atmosphere includes a bowling alley that is an excellent place for league bowling and parties. The Grand Hall is an exquisite venue for banquets and celebrations organized by Wanda Bowles. The Ratskeller Restaurant area, enhanced by comfortable, colorful authentic ambiance, features delightful Swiss cuisine prepared by first-class chefs.
Turner Hall is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that continues to exist through revenues from the above activities and the tireless work of many volunteers. Without the continued dedication of these volunteers along with patronage and support of the community at large, Turner Hall could not continue to exist.
The long-run solution is to augment the endowment fund that will enable Turner Hall to exist in perpetuity. The short run objective is to serve the community through the activities described above. And the immediate need is for a new roof.
Beautiful Turner Hall, the only Turner Hall of Swiss origin in the US, is an iconic symbol of this region's history and culture and must be preserved. All are invited to rediscover Turner Hall at our forthcoming open house, Saturday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After all, it's where old and new worlds meet.
- Monroe resident John Waelti is President of Turner Hall's Board of Directors. He can be reached at jjwaelti1@tds.net.
