The Turn Verein Hall at the corner of Gates and Bushwick Avenue as pictured in a 1906 postcard – photo courtesy of Brownstoner
The intersection of Bushwick and Gates Ave. is home to a pair of large prewar apartment houses, a monstrous Verizon facility, and, among these giants, a mysterious little nub of an old building that appears so awkwardly out of place. Though this handsome structure is now used as part of an Evangelical church, Brownstoner contributor “Montrose Morris” (after the architect) dug up an ancient postcard revealing it used to be a wing of a popular German gymnastic club in the early 1900s.
That’s right, the building once housed the Eastern District Turn Verein, the largest local chapter of a nationwide network of fitness/cultural clubs for German tough guys. This was actually the second location of the club, which was originally founded in 1853 at 68 Meserole St. in Williamsburg. Most noteworthy, the first Eastern District Turn Verein served as a safe haven for African-Americans fleeing violent mobs during the 1863 Draft Riots.
John Dereszewski March 21st, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Diego, thanks for providing this fascinating picture and the terrific Brownstoner article. Anyone who has not done so should definitely review the Brownstoner link.
It is interesting to remember that much of the first German emigration to America – and Bushwick – occurred as a direct consequence of the reactionary oppression that followed the failed liberal revolutions of 1848 and 1849. It was especially fascinating to read about the Turner’s active in supporting the Union during the Civil War and defending the Blacks whose lives were threathened during the Draft Riots. This is a sliver of history that needs to be remembered.
Thanks again for bringing this to our attention.