The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-12-29
Mr.. SAUR HONORED
Turner's Prepare a Diploma
for Long Membership.
FIFTY YEARS IN THE UNION
Columbia Turnverein viii Make the
Christmas Celebration Tomorrow
Night of Special Significance in
Tribute to COmrade Who Marched
in Lincoln Body Guard.

Christmas celebration at the Columbia
Turnverein Hall tomorrow night will
have special significance in the fact
that a diploma of honor viii be presented
TO Rudolph Saur. who viii celebrate to-
morrow the fiftieth anniversary of his
membership Of the North American Gym
nastic Union, which Includes the turn
verein. located in the Northern States
Extensive preparations have been made
for this occasion, the event being con-
sidered by the local turner's as a red
letter day in the history of gymnastics
as advocated by the Turnerbund The
diploma was specially engraved at ma
| tional headquarters at Indianapolis and
is masterpiece of the designers and
engraver's art.
Address by Prof. SpamhOOfd.
The presentation address will be made
by Prof. Spanhoofd, supervisor Of the
foreign languages department Of the
public schools. Mr.. Saur is one of the
pioneers of turner In this city, and ef-
forts will be made tomorrow 60 recruit
the other old members OF the Columbia
Turnverein into a pioneer section
Mr.. Saur. who has led a daily life as
laid down by the principles OF the
Turnerschaft is hale and hearty old
gentleman. He is an honorary member
of the local society, as well as 'honorary
president of the German United Societies.
honorary president Of the Germania Maen-
nerchor honorary member OF the Eighth
Battalion and its chaplain. and "A member
of the Washington Saengerbund and
Arfr oil q.
represented al the presentation.
Mr.. Saur left the Fatherland in 1873
and Went to Philadelphia. where in 1s52
he became a member Of the Philadelphia
Turn Gemeinde- He was a great adInirer
Of the founder OF the turn idea. Water
jain, and had fully resolved "a give his
body and mind the untold benefits OF a
turner training
In 1860 he came 10 this city. where he
Joined the Social Democratic Turnverein.
which had its headquarters 81 Four-and-
a-haf street and Maine avenue. when
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as
President Of the United States on March
I. 1861. the Turner's formed his body
guard on his visit 70 the Capitol and back
again 10 the White House
Marched with Body Guard.
Mr. Saur was one Of the members
marching IN that line and Keeping step
TO the beat Of the drum. which now is
| in possession Of the local society as
precious souvenir. When the war broke
out the Turner'S. forming the Eighth
battalion Of the defenders OF the Va
tional Capital. SUSTAINED the first two
deaths in an outpost skirmish on the
Big Falls Business being In bad shape
after the war. the turUverein lost some
OF its members and activity, but. raliying
again. they founded on June -. lS57. the
Columbia Turnverein.
Turner Saur has been a member of the
local society since then. and has never
faltered in his loyalty and allegiance 20
Turner principles. on September - last
Mr.. Saur celebrated his birthday ami
versary. and is to-day mentally ana
physically as quick and strong as many
Of his younger colleagues Mr. Saur has
also written lyrics and ballads, and his
verses have received high Endorsement.
Other numbers on the Christmas pro-
gramme will he Rotations and instru-
mental solos; exhibition exercises by the
turner section. including horizontal and
parallel bar. a large Christmas tree
will add to the joyfulness Of the oc-
casion.