The Milwaukee Turners, an outgrowth of the German Turner movement, was founded in
July 1853, as the “Socialer Turnverein.” The organization in its early years was
composed almost entirely of German immigrants, who left their homeland after the
failures of the Revolution of 1848. The social and political beliefs of these early
refugees were incorporated into the Turners organization, and gave the society a
liberal character, especially in reference to the rights of freedom of conscience
and free political association. Traditionally the membership rolls have included
many of Milwaukee's progressive civic and political leaders.
The Milwaukee Turners, as a social club, have offered their members a wide variety of
activities including gymnastics, literary contests, drama, and numerous social
events, such as picnics and band concerts.
In more recent years, the organization's structure was set up so that the Milwaukee
Turner Foundation owned the property and operated the gymnasium, while the Fourth
Street Corporation managed the bar and restaurant and subsidized the Foundation's
gymnastics programs and building operations and maintenance.
