Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 21

Repository:

German Society of Pennsylvania: Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library

Extent:

0.06 linear feet (1 volume)

Language:

German

Preferred Citation:

Bären-Bund des Philadelphia Turnbezirks minute book, Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library, German Society of Pennsylvania

Date:

1891-1915 (inclusive)

Creator:

Bären-Bund des Philadelphia Turnbezirks . (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Form:

Constitutions, Financial records, Manuscripts, German--19th century, Manuscripts, German--20th century, and Minute books

Abstract:

Handwritten minute book of the Bären-Bund des Philadelphia Turnbezirks, from the founding, 23 March 1891, to 19 April 1915. The Bären-Bund was an alliance of senior gymnast squads, or Bären-Riege, of gymnastics clubs (Turnvereine) in the Philadelphia Turner district. The minutes include financial records and a copy of the constitution that was adopted upon the founding.

An alliance of senior gymnast squads, or Bären-Riege, of gymnastics clubs (Turnvereine) in the Philadelphia Turner district, founded on 23 March 1891 in the hall of the Southwark Turn- und Sonntagsschul Verein at 1127-29-31-33 Wharton Street, in South Philadelphia. The purpose of the club was to support the practice of gymnastics in Philadelphia, especially by the Bären-Riege and their clubs; and to sponsor joint gymnast events.

Handwritten minute book of the Bären-Bund des Philadelphia Turnbezirks, a union or association (Bund) of senior gymnast squads, or Bären-Riege, of Turner, or gymnastics clubs (Turnvereine) in the Philadelphia Turner district. The minutes cover the period from the association's founding on 23 March 1891 to 19 April 1915. The book begins with a copy of the constitution that was adopted upon the founding; and includes financial records. A small cut-out drawing of a bear is tipped in at the head of the title page. The Turner clubs that belonged to the association included the Southwark Turn und Sonntags Schul Verein; the Philadelphia Turngemeinde; other Philadelphia clubs including Roxborough, Kensington, Germania, Columbia, and West Philadelphia; the Riverside and Camden clubs in New Jersey; and the club of Wilmington, Delaware. The minute book reflects the rotation of the leadership of the association to the various localities of its member clubs. The officers of the club were known as bears of various types: first and second Brummbär (apparently: president and vice-president), Kratzbär (secretary), Tanzbär, and Beutelbär (treasurer). The binding of the book is in fragile condition; the title leaf and next leaf are detached.