The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-04-06
Another Account.
PORTLAND TuRNvEREIN.
Their Annual Dinner at the Prebie
House Last Evening.

The history of the Portland Turnverein
for the past three years has been one of
phenomenal progress. The association has
grown in that time from membership of 80
to $50. and has become one Of the foremost
among our local organizations.
The success which was scored in their an
nual dinner last evening was just in keeping
with their history There were l13 gentle
men present, and with the exception of three
delegates from Bowdoin College. all were
members of the Turnverein. The ladies'
parlor, as well as the entire suite of rooms on
the lower floor, were utilized by the assem-
blage and for an hour previous to the dinner
they chatted and smoked and played whist
as inclination led them, while all the time
Prof. Grimmer and his orchestra we're play
ing delightful melodies.
At $3.50 the procession formed and marched
to the strains of Boulanger's March to the
banquet hall The tables presented an APP
pearance of more than ordinary beauty. The
guests Of the Association from the Bowdoin
Athletic Association were Henry w. Broch,
S. L. Tagg and Geo. Thwing.
The menu card was specially designed by
Mr.. Fred B. Smith and, characteristic of his
drawings, was work of art The first page
bore representation of pyramid of athletes,
each with a knit or fork in hand, and this
was neatly Iettered The menu, which was
served in a manner beyond criticism by Mr..
Gibson's efficient corps of walters, was as
follows;
Mock Turtle Soup.
Baked whitensh, Madeira Sauce.
French Fried Potatoes.
Banana Pritters, Port Wine Sauce.
Veal Outlets, Dreaded, Tomato Sauce sauce. p..
Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce
Roast Saddle of Mutton, with Currant Jelly.
Lemon Sherbet.
Roast Grouse, Game Sauce.
Mayonnaise Of Lettuce. s.''' 0'''''
Macaroon Cream. Tutti Fruit Ice Cream.
Assorted Cake. Cofee. Fruit.
Cigars.
During the discussion of the menu the
orchestra continued with its selections a
fact which went far toward making the
spread so enjoyable.
At 1918 the President of the Association,
Mr.. Edward t. Tompson, raped for order
and said
Gentlemen and Members Of the Portland
IurnUerein:
Thirty years ago the 23d of February last,
a company of young men, citizens OF Fort
land, met at the office of one OF their num-
ber-Mr George NJ. Howe,--for the purpose
of organizing an association to secure to the
members a scientific gymnastic training, and
it was from this small nucleus that the
Turnverein started. In looking over the
early records Of our association found many
things of interest. found they had habit
of presenting their retiring officers with
gold watches and things of that character.
| found also that instead OF having hall
open at all times, their constitution required
meeting once week, and the members
were not only obliged to pay their assessment
but also to take part in the regular exercises
of the club. Their hall was open once a
month to the public, and exhibitions given.
They also wrestled with the problem which
we have still been unable to solve. Among
their earliest records was one to refer to
committee the matter Of new buildidg, and
asked them to report method OF raising
funds for the same. and that committee Is
still out; and we are in the same condition.
| believe, today From this time on the as
sociation had steady growth until In 1861.
when the war broke out, it received a seri-
GUS setback, for the records show that
members, and large numbers OF them, went
to the South to fight for their country.
But now again through the efforts OF GER
tain progressive members it has been put up
on basis which ensures its prosperity and
which has built up its membership TO 325.
And now, gentlemen, the pleasant duty falls
upon me to introduce Mr.. A. L. Laughlin as
presiding officer of the meeting. lApplause.J
Mr.. Laughlin, in few brief remarks, in
troduced Hon. Wilbur f. Lunt, who said /:
| Comrades and Members Of the Turnperein:
1t gives me pleasure to meet you here to-
| night, and to make some illusions, as re-
| requested of the desirability OF the business
| men of our city taking interest in athletic
| exercises. Our business men in order to keep
| their minds in awell-balanced condition must
| keep the body toned up and 1t can cnly be done
| by means of physical exercise. The engine
| that drives the brain should be kept in good
| condition shat engine is the stomach and the
| body and it follows that ii we would keep
| that in good condition we should give to all
| parts of the body the requisite.exercise.ss
VIM. II. Looney, ESQ.,, was next intro
duced. He said
| Mr.. Chairman and FellolC Members:
With all that has been said in regard to
| the principles upon which this association is
| based and the desirability OF an Institution
/ of this kind heartily agree. For not only
| is 1t of physical advantage to the members,
but it also affects the welfare OF the State
| for it is here that the real strength and pow
er of the State lies in strong bodies and
| good minds, and an association Of this kind
| In my Judgment ought to be literally patron
lied and encouraged. 1t is manifest to al
| of us that our present gymnasium is not ade
quate to the necessities which arise, and thai
our increase of membership demands that
we should have larger and more commodi
GUS quarters, and / believe that these aspira
tions will before long be realized.
Messrs. S. S. Fogg, of the Bowdoin Asso
station; City Physician King and Instructor
Doldt. spoke briefly. Mr.. Doldt receiving
round of hearty cheers. Letters Of rege'
from Hon. Ii. b. Cleaves, Mayor Chapman