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Turner Hall | New Ulm


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Landmark: Turner Hall
City: New Ulm
Country: USA Minnesota
Continent: North America

Turner Hall, New Ulm, USA Minnesota, North America

Overview

Turner Hall stands deeply significant in New Ulm Minnesota as a cultural landmark reflecting rich heritage of German-Americans that profoundly shapes city identity.

Its history and quirky architecture eerily illustrate immigrant experience while perseverance of old-world traditions somehow prevails across multiple generations slowly.

German immigrants settled in area in 1856 and founded New Ulm Turnverein preserving culture and promoting physical fitness via gymnastics enthusiastically.

Turner Hall's original building constructed in 1857 was quite a humble log structure hosting gymnastics socials and various community shindigs.

This initial hall was destroyed during Dakota War of 1862 amidst significant conflict between Native American tribes and region settlers violently.

Turner Hall's current building was finished in 1873 having been designed by rather obscure architect Julius Berndt after war ended.

Structure retains core historical character after being renovated and expanded vigorously over years somehow rather remarkably still.

Turner Hall's design bears strong resemblance to Rundbogenstil and Romanesque Revival styles popularized among 19th-century German immigrants quite extensively overseas.

Rounded arches and decorative brickwork get emphasized heavily in these styles reflecting cultural origins through solid masonry quite vividly.

Rathskeller situated downstairs stands out somewhat remarkably.

Tavern area murals were painted skillfully in 1873 by obscure Italian artist Guido Methua with vivid colors on walls largely.

Murals showcase blissful vistas mostly from Italy and Switzerland amidst fragments of European landscapes celebrating heritage very fondly.

Murals were shrouded in obscurity for decades amidst fervent anti-German sentiment during World War I but painstakingly refurbished in 1999 revealing original vibrant hues.

Robust brick construction characterizes building exterior with decorative stone trims and rounded arch windows exhibiting balanced symmetry typical of German influences.

Elements like hefty timber beams and antique lighting fixtures surround visitors with nostalgia for a storied bygone era in this venerable hall.

Turner Hall has long stood tall as hub for New Ulm's German-American community serving variously as gymnasium and meeting place for cultural events and social activism there.

Numerous Turnfests have been hosted highlighting ongoing importance of physical fitness and cultural heritage preservation among Turner societies nationally.

Turner Hall played a pivotal role in civic activism fervor rising rapidly during World War I amidst great social upheaval.

Over 10,000 people gathered at a massive rally hosted in 1917 protesting U.

S.

involvement in the war reflecting strong pacifist sentiments among German-Americans.

Hall fosters vibrant community life in New Ulm hosting monthly New Ulm Turnverein meetings and serving as venue for sundry cultural celebrations and weddings very regularly.

Rathskeller restaurant stays pretty popular spot for grub in historic ambience offering rather authentic eats.

A significant effort preserving cultural heritage embodied by Turner Hall was marked by 1999 restoration project that uncovered revitalized Rathskeller murals.

Since then building has retained historic charm quite remarkably while slowly adapting for entirely new modern purposes somehow.

Turner Hall stands out nationally as a singular surviving exemplar of its type on National Register of Historic Places very importantly.

Rathskeller restaurant operates Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM till 8:00 PM.On Friday and Saturday it stays open till 9:00 PM.Sundays see it closing rather early at 7:00 PM.You can find it at 102 South State Street in New Ulm.Visitors can call (507) 354-4916 for info.

Scheduling of events happens irregularly nowadays.

Turner Hall hosts sundry social events and rambunctious cultural celebrations alongside community meetings including monthly Turnverein gatherings fairly regularly.

Turner Hall in New Ulm stands as living testament deeply rooted in city's German-American heritage and unyielding community fervor somehow.

Its architecture and art evoke bygone era of fervent cultural pride and ferocious social activism in somewhat neglected public spaces.

Turner Hall becomes a must-see landmark in quaint New Ulm courtesy of its quirky blend of rich history and warm hospitality.



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