This Article on Illinois Turner Camp was submitted by Roy Fenton.
For a downloadable, printable PDF version of this click here.
Dear Fellow Turner,
Turner Camp has had a remarkable and storied history. Henry Glaser and Larry Marthaler have put into print many of the historical stories of camp in an effort to preserve it history. There is an effort now to develop a History of Illinois Turner Camp. With the coming of the 100th Anniversary of Illinois Turner Camp it would be nice to have a brief history of the camp. Please list the year and any persons involved in this history. It will be compiled and a copy given to the Illinois District and any interested persons.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - In an effort to accomplish this monumental task, a number of people have been extraordinarily helpful. This could not be accomplished without information from the Turners, especially: Bill Boegerhoff; Rosie Bressler; Warren Elste; Royden Fenton Sr; Bill Garand; Jim Haderlein; Barb Hugi; Roy Hugi; Annie Lingner; Sue Koenig; Glen Mittlacher; Russ Reuter; Arlene Saltzman; Ashley Stevenson; Ann Trankle; Clare Zweifel; the books by: Henry Glaser, “The Early Days”; and Larry Marthaler’s “Grandview at Illinois Turner Camp” and the video tape by Jim Becker. Thanks also to those who gave information, but were not mentioned.
Which of the following is true?
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Fox River Grove was established.
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Marge Garand was born.
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The opening of Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs baseball field.
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Illinois Turner Camp was established.
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All of the above
Question submitted by Bill Garand – answer at end of history
ILLINOIS TURNER CAMP HISTORY
Founded – 1914
Who – Alfred Wilde
Where – Cary, Illinois (on the Fox River)
Moved – Across river ½ mile west
On Founder’s Day, flowers are placed upon the Alfred Wild (e) Memorial grave stone at ITC.
The Turnergurmeindt Movement was very important in, not only the history of Illinois Turner Camp, but also in the history of Physical Education in the school system in the United States.
Father Frederick Ludwig Jahn founded the Physical Education Movement in Germany in 1811. Disciples of Father Jahn, Dr. karl Follen, Dr. Franz leiber and Dr. Karl Beck brought the Physical Education Movement to the United States in the 1800’s. It then flourished and moved into the school system as the first Physical Education programs in the schools.
The Turnvereins were developed throughout the Eastern United States, starting in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1848. Cities like New York and Chicago leading the way. Aurora, Ill; Sheboygan Wi; Moline, Il; Davenport, Ia; St. Louis, Mo; Cleveland, Oh; Milwaukee, Wi; South Bend, In; Concordia, NY; Louisville, Ky; Philadelphia, Pa; Buffalo, Ny; 1850 Club of NY Turners and many other cities developed programs also.
One of the main orders of business in early turnvereins was the establishment of the Normal College in Indianapolis, In. It opened in 1870 and trained many of the early Physical Education teachers in the United States.
The Turner Society was a closely knit family group and activity centered around the Turner Hall for gymnastic instruction and social life. Many societies conducted their gym classes in German.
1910’s
Alfred Wild(e) brought Turner boys from Eiche to a campsite near Cary, Illinois in 1914. The campsite was on the Dunbar Cattle Ranch. Wilde brought them by train to Fox River Grove. They then hiked to the campsite.
In 1919 the Illinois District bought 36 acres of farmland on the opposite side and downstream (West) from the first site.
Original societies were: Aurora Frisch Auf (Aurora), Aurora Turners (Chicago), Avondale, Central, Chicago Turn Gemeinde, Eiche, Elgin, Vorwaerts, Grand Crossing, Helvetia, Lincoln, Schweizer and Socialiar Turners.
The only permanent building was the Dining Room. The kitchen was floated downstream on boats and rafts.
Tents were erected for sleeping purposes.
The first tent purchased was by George Sonnenleiter.
1920’s
In 1925, farmland to the east was purchased.
In 1926, 40 more acres were purchased across the road.
Four more acres were purchased along the river front. It is now called the Gold Coast.
Today we have 102 acres.
Volleyball was played when the Kern’s subdivision was purchased on the Funk property.
There was a disagreement between the cottage owners and Funk and he planted trees on the courts.
The court was moved to just below the Swiss bathroom and volleyball is still played there on occasion today.
Some of the original cottages were sold for $250.00.
Swiss Village was the center of Turner Camp at that time. The Mittlachers and the Zweifels were some of the present day Turners that were active and grew up in the Swiss Village.The dormitories, playhouse and athletic fields were in the area around Mosquito Hollow and the creek.
When turners arrived on the weekends from Chicago, they were usually greeted the singing of traditional Swiss and German songs being sung around a campfire and kerosene lanterns.
There were tents in the Swiss Village. They eventually built platforms and placed the tents on top. The original size was 12’ by 14’ because this was the size of World War I Army tents.
In 1924 Josie Lange had pneumonia and was not allowed in a tent. A cottage was purchased from the Fair (Sears ?) Store and set up. This is cottage #88, owned by the Meyer’s and now the Haderlin’s.
The main parking lot was where the playhouse is today.
The Dining (kitchen) room was dismantled and floated downstream and moved to it’s present site. The letters “FFST” (Frisch – fresh; Frei – free; Stark – strong; Treu – true) were built in stain glass and placed under the peak of the front roof. The dining room was added at this time. Water for the dining room came from a cistern across the road.
All meals were served in the Dining Room during the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.
The base of the hill at the main entrance was dug out, with the dirt being used to leveling the foundation for the Dining Room and Rathskellar.
The excavated area was then developed into a parking lot.
Rathskellar was finished in 1928.
Baren Hohle was built.
1930’s
The “Gut Heil” entrance arch was purchased from Louie’s Dance Hall in Fox River Grove and moved to the present entrance to camp. The “Gut Heil” was changed to Turner Camp during the war. Louis Cernocke wass “Da Man” in Fox River Grove that sold camp the arch. He was also a distributor Al Capone and Capone frequented his Dancehall.
The entrance was redesigned in 1958 and changed to its present state.
A tree planting program across the road was developed.
Evergreens were brought over and placed at the entrance.
Cottage #37 was moved and the Swiss Parking lot was developed below the Playhouse.
Ladies Clubhouse was built.
Activities for both dorm and cottage kids involved gymnastics; swimming; singing, handicrafts, canoeing, hiking, climbing ropes, softball and volleyball.
A campfire was held weekly and Wilhelm Sturm entertained with his guitar ad traditional songs.
The Henry Glasers’ had a Pajama Party at the Ladies Club House. Admission was $14.00.
Mrs. Bill Reiger donated the mattress covers for the beds.
The Ladies Club House porch was built in 1939/40 by C. Bleidistel.
Matron of the Ladies Club house was Mrs. Knoke from 1932 until 1945.
Senior Women sunbathed nude across road. Josephine Lange and Mrs Kaufman were spied upon by: Warren Elste; Bill Reiger; Bob Nuerenburg; Otto Werner and the O’Connor boys. When they were caught by the head counselor they were not allowed to swim.
They crossed the road and built a dam at the creek to swim in the pool that was formed.
The roadway was created to the Private cottages so that they could easily get to their cottages.
An agreement was made between the 11 cottages on the Gold Coast and the Illinois District Council. In exchange for providing water for the beach, water was also piped to the 11 cottages from a cistern constructed in the large parking lot. When the “A Field was enlarged, fill was thrown in front of the cistern and it was reduced to a trickle. Those cottages were then hooked into the camp system.
The diving platform was built on land. It was carried to the water and when it was neck deep it was “bounced” to a depth of approximately 8 feet. Then 15 bigger boys climbed on to the platform and jumped up and down until the legs were deep enough to make it solid.
The first final show was held in the dining room.
1940’s
Cottage #151 – Burned – fire put out by bucket brigade from government pump
The Sugar Bowl was named because of the sugar bowl shape and there was one volleyball court built in it.
Cottages were numbered as they were built. This is why cottages are not logically placed in order.
Harold Milak was the disc jockey on Saturday nights at the Raths.
Canoeing was a popular activity in the camp program. Quality instruction was given by the counselors, both from canoeing skills and safety. Camp owned two wara canoes, one 27’ and the other 24’.
Meta Elste, Wilma Landry and Rosie Singer (Bressler) dominated girls gymnastics.
Bill Rothsheim, Emil Price and Emil Feuerstein dominated the Men’s gymnastics.
Ice and Hicks Gas (propane) started being delivered in the 1940’s to all cottages.
Mrs Secker ran the Candy Store.
Mrs E. Beeftink & Mrs O’Brien cooked in the Dining Room. The Ddining Room was open for three meals a day, seven days a week.
During the 40’s & 50’s the bar in the Rathskellar was open on the “Honor System” during the week, with the cash register open to pay for drinks.
Mail was delivered to mailboxes in the dining room.
1950’s
The main road to the big parking lot was completely redone; raised at the Playhouse and lowered at the Ladies Clubhouse.
Electricity put into cottages (1951 or 1954) – Nat Pitzele secured three bids for the electricity.
The Gold Coast was one of the first areas of installation and their electricity came from Venetian Gardens. This was accomplished in 1951.
Electricity was made available for all cottages in 1954.
Nat Pitzele was the chairman and crew was: Royden Fenton Sr; Ralph Markus
Candy Store was run by the Max Zimmers and Ernest Dietes.
The milk man and bread man drove up the grass on Flagpole Hill to deliver their products.
Church services on Flag Pole Hill – cross assembled by youth
Ice delivered from ice house in big parking lot to all cottages in the 1950’s.
Newspapers delivered daily to cottages.
Rosie Singer Bressler, Meta Elste and Wilma Landry continued to dominate Women’s gymnastics.
Royden Fenton Sr would fly over Flag Pole Hill and wave wings to say hello to Turners on hill.
Royden Fenton Sr landing sea plane on Fox River
Rosie Singer worked in Candy Store
A friendly rivalry developed between ITC and Camp Algonquin. Activities, including volleyball and softball were contested, with ITC naturally winning most.
Dick Becker, Ron Borck, Kurt Irmischer and Ned Duke dominated many of the gymnastic competitions for boys.
Nancy Landry and Edith Horschke dominated many of the Girl’s gymnastic competitions.
The Big 4 + 1 were the center of many Junior activities (Ron Borck; Kent Marthaler; Hal Pehlke; Werner Harding; + 1 was Jay Madala
Building ski jump and jumping at beach on Fox River tandem jumping with Kurt Irmischer-Jay Madala-Kent Marthaler-Royden Fenton Jr -- Royden Fenton Jr Jumping with Ned Duke on his back at the 1956 Water Show.
Bill Garand, Jay Madala and Kent Marthaler got lumber to build the ski jumps from the “midnight lumber sales” with Warren Dalbke’s station wagon.
Athletic rivalries with dorm turners in athletic competitions
Panty Raids at Girl’s Dorms and getting caught by Buck Cazel and Don Ulhrich (counselors) Punishment was being lined up at dormitory wall and being used as targets for counselors with crab apples.
Tap dancing to “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and being told that we WOULD do it by Buc Cazel.
Skinny dipping at the beach and being caught by Junior Girls with flashlights
Use of Junior House – dances-ping pong socializing-getting caught decorating with flags from greens at the Cary Country Club.
In 1954 the Sugar Bowl was redesigned by Al Graf Sr with the help of the District Actives. It was dug out and expanded to three courts. Gus Elste, in typical Turner tradition, filled Ballantine beer cans with concrete and they were put into the corners of each court to preserve the measurements correctly from year to year.
Gus Elste was instrumental in many of the building and grounds activities within the camp.
Coupon books were established and used as start up money for the Raths and Restaurant. Original books were $20.00.
Canoeing was very popular, with trips to Fox River Grove and overnight trips to Arrowhead Island.
There were strong rivalries between the “camp kids” and “dorm kids” We had many athletic competitions between the groups, with softball games being the most highly contested.
The Dormitory program was exceptionally strong during this era. As many as 40 boys and 20 to 30 girls attended weekly. Without running water and only a pump from the well meant cold face washing. All meals were served in the dining hall. Some of the counselors were: Herb Vogel; Rich Schnell; Bob Kahn; Thom Franklin; Ralph Hash.
One of the highlights of the weeks was the hike to Fox River Grove to the movies. All children hiked, with supervision, to the movie theater in Fox River Grove and then hike home after the movie. At times, dorm children were driven back by school bus.
In 1959 the Final Shows were moved to the Sugar Bowl.
In 1958 back parking lot (at the site of the pool)was established and the road from that parking lot connecting the road around the Sugar Pool.
The road up Flagpole Hill was developed.
Firearms were deemed illegal.
Square Dancing was participated in frequently on Saturday evenings in the Rathskellar. George Sonnenleiter was the caller for these dances.
The older teenage group began a tradition, which continues today, by having dinner at a local restaurant on Labor Day weekend. This tradition has continued for over 50 years.
Nude sunbathing near present pool area next to farm.
Early operators of the Candy Store were the Max Zimmers and the Ernst Dietes.
Harold Milak was the Saturday night disc jockey in the Raths.
Dorm rates were: $12.00 for members and $14.00 for non members per week.
Cottage rents were: 1 room (27): $30.00; 1 ½ room(45): $45.00; 1 ½ room(30): $46.00; 1 1/3 room (21): $61.00; 6 ½ room/service porch(6): $52.50; 1 room/screened porch (9); $36.50; Riverfront cottages (31): #75.00; tent (1): $7.50;
In 1952 the Women’s Auxiliary protested to the Illinois District that leases say that upon the death of a cottage owner, his widow must within 6 months join a Turner Society or she cannot keep her camp cottage. The camp will take ownership of the cottage. The protest said that some widows could not financially join a society or the society are not taking women members and these women must be protected.
1952 it was recognized then that widow members could own cottages.
Recommendation to put in back parking lot.
The piers, designed by Al Graf Jr., were built.
If rent was paid on time there was a 5% discount.
Cottage Owner’s Association was formed in 1957.
Building and Grounds became active in repairs and maintenance.
Ways & Means Committee dealt with finances.
The Labor Day tradition of dinner with the teenage group started in 1955 and continues today.
Frank Leinhauppel was the camp photographer for 30 years.
One of the many highlights of summer was the annual fireworks display held on the athletic field. This was discontinued after many years because of safety and liability issues.
The Sadie Hawkins day tradition began and is continued in todays activity program.
The Junior House was a “booming” area for teenagers. Sock hops, ping pong, music, “stuffing” John Humm in the closet were some of the popular activities. The house was decorated by golf flags from the Cary Country Club. Mrs Hugi was one of the Juniors sponsors.
There was an intense athletic rivalry between the “Old Men” (Gus Horschke-Bill Alles Sr-Glen Mittlacher-John Madala-RayAchtner-etc and the Junior Boys (Ron Borck-Kurt Irmischer-Jay Madala- Bill Garand-Royden Fenton Jr-Kent Marthalaer-Russ Reuter). These games extended to: Volleyball and Softball games at regular intervals during the camping season.
1960’s
Jerry Naegle was the disc jockey at Rathskellar.
Ann Trankle was the Turner Camp bookkeeper in the 1960’s.
Bonnie Horschke was elected Miss American Turner Queen in 1963.
The 19 acres across the road were purchased by “good turner” Margaret Greiner (Kling). At the time of her death it was returned to the National Endowment Fund because the Illinois District did not have the proper tax code to satisfy Margaret’s heirs.
At the Dec. 1962 meeting of the Women’s Auxiliary, the camp was informed that “the District is much concerned that the group of boys 18-21 years of age are damaging so much camp property that they need to be disciplined. They called themselves the “Jets”.
It was moved that if the National Turnfest was to be held at ITC, a Track needed to be built and the hill cut back to accommodate this facility. The track was 1/5 mile long.
In 1964 the Invitational Turnfest was held at ITC.
Warren Dalbke, President of Illinois District, sent a letter to the Women’s Auxillary detailing a shelter for recreation and competition-100 feet long and 45 feet wide along side the track and a children’s playground area.
“A” field plans for enlargement were designed and put into effect. The “A” Field was completed in 1963.
Cottage 71b was moved from the top of Flagpole Hill, to next to 71, so that the hill could be cut back for the enlarging of the new “A” Field.
In June of 1964, the 50th Anniversary was celebrated.
Larry Flavin ran the bar in the Rathskellar and Marie Flavin ran the kitchen.
Warren Dalbke granted permission for water lines to be laid from the main pump to the east side of Flag Pole Hill and to behind cottage # 65. Ron Borck laid these lines.
The District wanted to expand its availability to the youth beyond cottage owners and started busing turners (mostly from Aurora) to camp so that they could participate in the programs. A concentrated effort was made to make camp available to all turners. Many turners never had the opportunity to visit the “jewel in the crown.”
John Litza and Steve Hussar b uilt a retaining wall that saved the “A” Field from falling back to the running track.
On August 31st, 1960, Gary Elste was killed by a motor boat on the Fox river. A Memorial Fund was started in memory of Gary to build a swimming pool.
Memorial Swimming Pool Committee was appointed by Camp Committee and Illinois District Council.
A new shelter was built on the “A” Field.
Cottage #150 was moved to make room for the enlarged “A” Field.
Cottage #156 was moved to enlarge the parking lot.
19 acres across the road was sold to help pay for the purchase of the golf course.
Illinois District and Camp Committee offered 20 acres for sale in May of 1969.
Northwest Turners annual picnic had 371 Turners at the main dinner in May of 1969.
On June 13th, 1966 the Chicago White Sox invited the Turners to put on a program.
In 1969, Warren Dalbke reported that ITC now has a 9 hole golf course.
The Andrew Doyle Memorial was put in at the front gate.
In the early 1960’s the Beer Garden was built at the Rathskllar. It was rebuilt in the 1990’s.
1970’s
The government well is contaminated (washing cars, etc) and closed down by the county.
In 1972 the Aurora Turners were invited to become part of the Illinois District.
Each society was asked to have some type of program on Drug Abuse.
Tennis Courts area was cleared in 1974 and courts were completed in 1976. George Knoll-Emil Feuerstein- Woody Vockroth-Ed Colton-Ron Borck were instrumental in this project.
Evergreens from across the road were brought over and placed around the tennis courts for shade.
Evergreens were also brought over and used to shade the playground area.
The beach was not used because of the accident and the beach house, which stored canoes and was used by dormitory campers for a bathing suit changing area was destroyed.
The organ was carried downstairs to the Raths and Dorothy Janssens played and led singing.
Invitational Turnfests ran for four years.
Domestic pets, other than dogs, were allowed to be in cottages.
Dog kennels were moved adjacent to future tennis courts.
The Rathskellar was slightly flooded because of creek flooding due to a 4 inch rain and the big culvert was built under the bridge to enclose the creek.
News bulletin initiated in 1974.
Swimming pool was constructed and opened in 1979.
1980’s
Swimming Pool was completed and dcedicated in 1980.
1st Pool Director was Sue Koenig.
American Turners National Gym Camp was held at the Turner Camp facility. Profits were divided between the Swimming Pool Fund and the Tennis Committee. Ed Colton and Bud Marquette were the organizers of this program.
The camp ran for five years.
The Health Department closed the Dining Hall due to a few campers possibly developing a type of food poisoning. This was the weekend of the mini-turnfest so food was catered. The Raths remained opened and the turnfest turned out to be a huge success.
The TNT athletes were shuttled to Fox River Grove the following week for their meals.
Gymnasts stayed in the dormitories across the road along with regular dorm turners.
Campers and TNT (Turner National Team) members were moved from the dorms across the road to the dorms in the playhouse. This was done for a more efficient supervision situation. Showers were built in the playhouse and ½ the playhouse was rebuilt as dormitories.
Gymnasts and dormitory Turners were fed in the dining room until the county health department shut down the kitchen facility. Meals were then catered in.
“A” Field shelter was rebuilt.
Illinois Turner Camp participated in the Algonquin Founders Day Parade.
Major repairs to swimming pool and tennis courts.
Herman Zweifel donated monies for the renovation of the office building.
Pool director responsibilities dept under management and not youth committee because of the responsibility involved.
Pool patio enlarged and a shelter in the concession area in memory of Al and Dorothy Hain by the Hain family was constructed.
After numerous Turner boats had their Shear Pins sheared off, the concrete diving board foundation was removed from the river at the “old beach”.
District Baers went on a trip to Nashville, Tenn to see the Grand Ole Opry, Churchill Downs and the Louisville Turnervein.
The Baaers also went on a trip to Adolph Winters Farm in Wisconsin which became an annual event of games and Gemutlicheik.
Bob Fredrickson built the last cottage (288) at ITC. It is now owned by Jim Roth.
In 1988 the TNT (Teaching Necessary Technique) was established at ITC. Jerry Jacquin was the president of this organization.
Bill Garand, President of the Camp Committee was instrumental in the establishment of this program.
In 1989 Jerry Jacquin ran a mini turnfest at ITC. Meals were catered in and car[pools were used to transport athletes to meals and competitions.
The state of Illinois changed the designation of ITC from a Youth Camp to Camp ground.
In 1989, the 75th Anniversary of ITC was celebrated.
Joan Alles and Judy Reuter showed movies to the camp children in the Dining Room.
Rock Concert was initiated a Friday night shows in 1980.
During the 1989 Founder’s Day Parade the entire camp participated in the parade. In fact, there were not any spectators along the road because everyone was participating. A group from the Cary-Grove High School band followed National President Ed Colton and District President Bill Garand carrying the National and District Flags.
1990’s
Candy store was run by Wilma Landry-Marge Garand-Vera Fenton
Kerns Subdivision Road Association issues started. Private cottages wanted to establish their rights to use the platted road. The district council had an injunction to stop all road construction. An agreement about the road was made between the District Council and Private Cottage Owners. The Concerned Cottage Owners intervened with a lawsuit to have the private road vacated. The issue went to trial and the Private Cottage Owners prevailed.
The road was repaved in the 1990’s.
John Litza and Kim Hussar built the retaining wall to keep Flag Pole Hill from being washed down during rains onto the “A” Field.
TNT (Teaching Necessary Techniques) was still being run at camp.
New exhaust system placed in Dining Room built by Jerry Kennelly.
Improved the safety of the chemicals at the pool.
The playground was built near the pool by Dick Becker and Pat Boyle.
The Pool Room/Adult Room was built (it secured the beer and pop storage) –started by Barb Hugi.
Turner Camp was run by committee: Instrumental in the continuing growth of camp were: Barb Gephardt (Marthaler)
The Rathskellar was cleaned every Saturday morning by: George Gephardt; Roy; Tom Cazel; Rudy Dian.
Doug Anderson laid 500 sq ft of tile in the Dining Hall Kitchen.
The “Turner Crawl” was initiated and continues today.
2000’s
New standards were purchased for the volleyball courts.
The Swimming Pool was refurbished and maintained through the leadership of Cory Litza and the swimming pool Committee.
Donna Litza, Jack Bucaro, Steve Paupa, Cheryl Mittlacher, , and their committees developed dining programs (Swimming Pool Refurbishing Party – Bistro Dinners) for the benefit of the swimming pool.
Tennis Courts were refurbished thanks to the thoughtfulness of the Illinois District Board and the Illinois Turner Camp Committee in 2006-07.
Pickle ball was added to the gym program in 2007.
Candy store was run by Bill & Meta Garand.
Candy Store run by Litza’s and Dahms.
New shelters placed in pool areas that covered the baby pool and picnic tables.
Women’s Auxiliary organized bus trips to the casino boats on the Mississippi River.
The Illinois District approved funds to buy new standards for the volleyball courts at the Sugar Bowl in 2007.
Bill Alles Jr, Jerry Jacquin Jr, Rick Trankle and Kurk Lingner provided the workforce to level and redesign the three courts in 2007.
We now have 136 acres.
Shed built behind Rathskellar.
2007 was the first talent show
2007 was the year of the weather. During August, storms hit that raised the river to its highest levels. Piers were under water. The 1st beach and the old beach were almost connected from the Reiger’s area to the Gebhardt’s area. The camp, except for the Dining Room/Rathskellar and Gold Coast, did not have electricity for 55 hours. We were without water until a generator was utilized at the main water powers source.
2009 was spent for the most part without a swimming pool. The pool was refurbished in 2008 and the paint flaked. The company that refurbished the pool took most of the summer to repair the pool. The Camp Staff is to be commended for continuing the great Turner Camp Program without the use of the pool. Through their insight and dedication a program was effectively run throughout the summer.
The District Baers spent 2007-08-09 refinishing the Barenhole. Thanks to their enthusiasm and dedication, the Barenhole is now a lively (sometimes too lively) and functional part of the camp.
Grandpa Ron Borck read to the Tiny Tots each week during the camp program.
SPECIAL LEADERSHIP
Alfred Wilde – founder of Illinois Turner Camp
Andrew Doyle -
Warren Dalbke - rock of ITC for 40 years
Al Graf Jr. - founder of All Turner Picnic
Bill Meyer – National President
Jerry Jacquin – National President
Ed Colton – National President
Barb Gephardt (Marthaler) – Rathskellar dinners
ITC OLYMPIANS
Meta Elste – 1948 & 1952 - Gymnastics
Bill Rothzheim - 1948 & 1952 - Gymnastics
Racine Thompson – 1936 - official
Dorothy Schiller – 1936 – Swimming
Jackie Klein – 1956 – Gymnastics
Fran Easton – alternate to swimming team
Mike Valentine – alternate to swimming team
ITC HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
This category is not directly tied to ITC, however our careers and successes have been directly tied to the Turner movement. Rudy Komm, instructor at Eiche; Buc Cazel & Don Uhlrich, counselors during my teenage years, and ITC programs were exceptionally influential in my development as a coach and administrator. The Turner philosophy directly added to my education and success. Herb Vogel, Mike Valentine and Whitey Bressler directly influenced many of the turner athletes toward lofty goals within the field of athletics.
Madeline “Tiny” Cazel (Wagner)– National Turners Hall of Fame – Track & Field
Emil Feurstein – Roseland/Pullman Hall of Fame - gymnastics
Ernie Wickstrom – Northern Illinois University Football Hall of Fame - football
Royden Fenton Jr –Arizona State Coaches Association Hall of Fame - coaching
Arizona Track & Field Coaches Hall of Fame - coaching
Arizona Athletic Directors Hall of Fame-athletic administration
Roseland/Pullman Hall of Fame – coaching
National High School Coaching Hall of Fame
Jerry Jacquin – Indiana State Coaches Hall of Fame – gymnastics coaching
UNITED STATES MILITARY VETERANS
American Turners were very influential in the military throughout U.S. history. During the Civil War, 75% of all turners served in the military. In Missouri, Turners captured Camp Jackson and helped save Missouri for the Union.
President Lincoln was guarded by Turner bodyguards whenever he spoke. They also formed his body guard at his inauguration in 1861.
Al Hain – Merrill’s Mauraders - Burma
George Neurenberg – Omaha Beach (D Day)
Fred Hastner-
Robert Meier- World War II - Lincoln Turners
Emil Meier - Veterans
Carl Becker –
Bud Gorman – killed in WW II
Richard Drete – killed in WW II
CONSTRUCTION:
Stone Masonry - Karl Wurster - Baren Hohle – Cottage’s – 105-97
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
One of Turner’s Camps finest competitions has been the volleyball tournament. Started in 1954 it has become one of the events looked forward to every year. It started out as a six man tournament, developed in popularity and added a women’s tournament. In 1964 Russ Reuter and Kent Marthaler redesigned it into a three persons invitational men’s and women’s tournament. They had teams from throughout the United States entered. It ran for 21 years. The proceeds from the tournament purchased the chaisse lounges for the swimming pool. In 1985 it again was redesigned by Jim Haderlin and his brothers into a four-person format with a competitive division and a recreation division.
1960 – Bullfrogs – Kurt Irmischer-Bill Garand-Bill Alles Jr-Royden Fenton Jr-
Bill Horschke-Russ Reuter-Jay Madala-Kent Marthaler
1961 – Old Men – Bill Alles Sr-Gus Horschke-John Madala-Ray
Achtner-Glenn Mittlacher-Jim Sonnenleiter
1962 – Toad Stabbers – Bob Koenig-Jim Wolf-Neil Price-Bill Alles Sr-
Charles Green
1974 – Bullfrogs – Kurt Irmischer-Bill Garand-Bill Alles Jr-Royden Fenton Jr-
Bill Horschke-Russ Reuter-Ron Borck-Kent Marthaler
1994 – Lincoln Turners – Bryce Burkman-Mike Breunig-Keith Thomas-
Cliff Paulus
1995 – Lincoln Turners – Keith Thomas-Bryce Burkman-Mike Breunig-
Cliff Paulus
1996 – Lincoln Turners – Augie Thomas-Gerhard Ziss-Jim Thompson-
Greg Bradley
1997 – Haderlein Family – Jim Haderlein-Bill Haderlein-Bob Haderlein –
Mike Deron
1998 – Lincoln Turners – Gerhard Ziss-Keith Thomas-Cliff Paulus-
Greg Bradley
1999 – No winner – play stopped because of Jim Thompson’s death
2000 – Lincoln Turners – Gerhard Ziss-Keith Thomas-Cliff Paulus-
Greg Bradley
2001 – Lincoln Turners – Gerhard Ziss-Keith Thomas-Cliff Paulus-
Greg Bradley
2002 – Lincoln Turners – Keith Thomas-Greg Bradley-Cliff Paulus-
Gerhard Ziss
2003 – Lincoln Turners – Keith Thomas-Greg Bradley-Cliff Paulus-
Gerhard Ziss
2004 - Alles Family – Bill Alles Jr-Kris Alles-Keri Alles- Dave Scott
2005 – Lincoln Turners - Keith Thomas-Greg Bradley-Spencer Staton-
Bradley Paulus
2006 – Alles Family – Bill Alles Jr, Kris Alles-Keri Alles-Janine Kusch,
– Matt Pagel
2007 - Alles Family – Bill Alles Jr-Kris Alles- Dave Scott – Matt Pagel
AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Swimming started on the first beach, located below the present
Reiger (?) cottage. Some original equipment is still located there.
The beach was moved to just below the current George Gebhardt cottage and it stayed there until the 1940’s. The state closed the beach because of sanitary issues caused by the river channel carrying debris into the cove by the beach.
It was then moved to just below the current Kennelley’s cottages. A brick retaining wall was built, sand brought in and piers and a diving board built.
A boat house, used to store canoes and for dormitory campers to use as a changing room, was built in the 1940’s
During the 1960’s a devastating accident occurred on the river and at that time a fund was started to build a swimming pool. Kent Marthaler was asked to prepare a feasibility study. John Litza, laid block and masonry, Bill Garand built scaffolds and John Reuter did the electrical engineering. Construction was started in 1978, opened in 1979 and was dedicated in 1980.
WATER SHOW
The Water Show was held at the beach until 1980, when it was moved to the swimming pool. Floats were built on boats by the different societies and floated in front of judges on the beach.
One of the highlights of the Water Show was the canoe races between the two War Canoes. The longer one always won.
Another tradition was the greased watermelon scramble. It seemed that Kurt Irmischer’s team always seemed to get the watermelon to shore first (usually broken into pieces).
Jerry Naegle brought teammates from Chicago and performed comedy diving acts at the beach.
A highlight was ski jumping done by the juniors.
A “Venetian Night” was a highlight of the show, with each society and turner group providing a decorated boat that paraded by the beach.
1950 – Sr Queen
Jr Queen – Nancy Fenton
1952 – King Prince
Queen Princess –
1955 King – Jay Madala
Queen – Georgianne Roschman
1956 – King – Kent Marthaler
Queen – Elaine Garand
1957 – King – Royden Fenton Jr Prince – Scott Ackner
Queen – Diane Peininger Princess - Barbara Allis
1958 – King – Bill Alles Jr
Queen – Martha Zeisler
1959 – King -Bill Garand
Queen – Barbara Zweifel
1961 - There were over 300 spectators and 75 participants
1980 –
King – Ken Meyer
Queen – Annie Koenig
1995 –
King
Queen – Tamara Borck
1998 –
King – Scott Dussman
Queen -
2000 -
King – Dan Bialk
Queen – Leslie Fenton
2002 –
King - Dan Graham
Queen – Ashley Stevenson
2003 –
King –
Queen – Robin Constantino
2004 -
King – Sean Litza
Queen – Jenni Kohler
2005 -
King – Bobby Gloppe
Queen – Katie Kaczmarski
2006 -
King – Kevin Kaczmarski Prince – Kevin Kazmarski
Queen – Erin Lau Princess Kelsay Boress
2007 – I’m In The Army Now - Ashley Stevenson - Director
King – DJ Trunnnell Prince – Trevor Dorn
Queen – Erin Graham Princess – Coty Malisoff
2008 –
2009 – Water Show canceled because of pool not opening yet.
FINAL SHOW
SWIMMING MEETS
The swimming meet is one of Turner Camps long standing competitions. It started in 1944 in the Fox River. Most of us remember Racine Thompson serving as the honorary starter every year. The races were held starting by standing in the water and beginning the races on the starter’s gun. When the piers were developed, the races were from pier to pier, a length of 25 yards. The first race was always the innertube race and the culmination of the event was the 1 Mile Swim, which was shortened to the ½ mile swim, starting at the “T” Channel.
DIVING
Ginny Binz dominated all diving in the early years.
Jerry Naegle dominated men’s diving in the 1960’s.
1 Mile Swim
Mike Valentine and Dorothy Schiller dominated all swimming during the 1930’s and 40’s.
Frank Havelcheck, Gus Horschke, Bill Alles Sr, Ed Elste, Richard Diete Ann Radke and the Schilling sisters dominated swimming in the late forty’s and early 50’s.
Racine Thompson was the starter for 40 years.
½ Mile Swim Winners
1953 – Audrey Madala
1954 – Royden Fenton Jr
1955 – Royden Fenton Jr
1956 - Royden Fenton Jr
1957 - Royden Fenton Jr
1958 - Bob Easton
1960 - Gary Elste
1961 - Ray Easton
1962 - Ray Easton
1963 - Tom Laskie
1964 - Tom Laskie
1965 - B. Augustin
CANOEING – canoeing was always an integral part of the ITC program. Instruction
was given by the counselors on canoeing skills, along with water safety. Day trips were taken up river to the Fox River Grove picnic area. When sufficient skills were developed, overnight trips were taken to Arrowhead Island, 12 miles up river from ITC.
The original Starved Rock canoe trip was in 1940 and there were nine canoeists
who used the ITC War Canoe.
1957 – Starved Rock – a group of ITC Juniors spent three days canoeing from Turner Camp to Starved Rock o the Fox and Illinois Rivers.. We portaged 14 dams, joined the Illinois River at Ottawa, navigated the locks on the Illinois River and crossed the Illinois to the park. We used two to-man canoes and the ITC War Canoe.
Russ Reuter-Royden Fenton Jr-Ron Borck-Kurt Irmischer-Bob Easton
Kent Marthaler-Ted Duke-John Humm
1958 – Starved Rock – similar group, plus 4 more, canoed to Starved Rock again. Time this we spent four days on our trip. Each year, a group led by Jay Madala drove to the park and transported us back.
Russ Reuter-Royden Fenton Jr-Ron Borck-Kurt Irmischer-
Kent Marthaler-Ned Duke-Bill Alles Jr-Bill Garand-Jim Sonnenleiter- John
Bittenbinder- Ron Hoffman-Chuck Elste-Bob Easton-Ned Duke
DORMITORY LIVING
A series of dormitories was built for Turners who did not have cottages and wanted the Turner experience. Many parents who owned cottages chose to give their children the wonderful opportunity of dormitory living also. Originally the dormitories were located below the Children’s Playhouse. As camp grew the dormitories were moved across the road, south of the main camp and new buildings were built.
Children’s Dormitory:
Two boy’s dormitories and one girl’s dormitory were moved across the road.
Season was generally from early June to late August. During the 1960’s the
dormitory program was changed to two weeks. The dormitory program ended in 1980’s.
Campers spent 24 hours per day with constant supervision in the dormitory
program.
Junior Boy’s Dormitory:
Junior Girl’s Dormitory:
Senior Boy’s Dormitory:
Senior Girl’s Dormitory:
Daily Program:
Wash face and brush teeth in trough below dorm. 7:00 – 7:30
Marching to dining room for all three meals. 7:30
Calisthenics and gymnastics at “A” Field 9:00
Swimming 11:00
Rest period after lunch 12:30 – 1:30
Playhouse for singing/arts and crafts 1:30
Free swim 3:00 to dinner
COUNSELORS/CAMP & WATERFRONT DIRECTORS
1928 – Physical Instructor – Arthur Buehler
Waterfront Instructor – Frank Warga
1929 – Physical Instructor – Emil Preiss
Lifeguard/Waterfront Counselor – Rudy Schmidt
1934-36 – Head Counselor – Rudy Komm
1938 – Waterfront Director – Mr Warga
1939 – Waterfront Director – Bob Goecke
1940 – Head Girl’s Counselor – Dorothy Holabek
Head Boy’s Counselor – Adolph Winter
1941 – Head Girl’s Counselor
Head Boy’s Counselor – Mr Edmunds
1943 – Gym Instructor – Carl Klaps
1945-50 - Waterfront Director – Mike Valentine
1948 - Waterfront Director – Whitey Bressler
1949 – Camp Director – Mike Valentine
Waterfront Director – Whitey Bressler
1950 – Head Counselor – Mike Valentine
Waterfront Director – Whitey Bressler
1952 - Head Counselor – Herb Vogel
Waterfront Director – Ralph “Whitey” Bressler
1953 – Head Counselor – Herb Vogel
1954 - Head Counselor – Rich Schnell Asst. Larry Marthaler
Lifeguard – Ron Sonnenleiter
1955 – Head Counselor: Tom Franklin
Waterfront Director: Bobby Kahns
1956 - Head Counselor: Ralph Hash
1958 – Head Counselor: Don Morris Asst. Russ Reuter
Women’s Counselor: Monica Zach
Waterfront Director: Edie Horschke
1959 – Head Counselor: Ron Borck
1960 - Head Counselor: Gene Mitchell
1961 – Head Counselor: Gene Mitchell; Waterfront Director: Keith
Spaulding; Boys Counselor: Dick Becker; Girls Counselor: Jackie
Monka; Claudia Keefer; Kathy Stoneburner
1964 – Head Counselor: Jim Becker
1965 – Head Counselor – Mr. Helmke
1966 – Head Counselor – Mr. Helmke
1967 – Head Counselor – Roger Fredrickson
1970 - Camp Director: Robert Hennecke; Sr Boy’s Counselor: Tom Webb
Jr Boy’s Counselor: Tom Southwick; Lifeguard: Tim Zbinden
Hd Girl’s Counselor: Elizabeth Peters: Jr Girl’s Counselor: Jean
Reiger; Barbara Koninig
1971 – Camp Director: Hans Herrmann; Sr Girl’s Counselor: Cheryl Weber;
Sr Boy’s Counselor: Gene Sanders; Waterfront Dir: Kurt Meyer
1972 - Camp Director – Hans Herman
1973 – Camp Director – Hans Herman
1974 – Camp Director – Hans Herman
1975 – Camp Director – Hans Herman
1976 – Camp Director – Hans Herman; Waterfront Dir:
1977 – Camp Director – Sandy Wolf; Waterfront Dir: Sue Koenig
1978 – Camp Director – Susie Bressler; Waterfront Dir: Sue Koenig
1979 – Camp Director – Susie Bressler; Water Front Dir: Sue Koenig
1980 – Camp Director – Susie Bressler; Pool Dir: Sue Koenig
1981 – Camp Director – Frieda Schaefgen; Pool Dir; Kathy Richter
1982 – Camp Director – Frieda Schaefgen; Pool Dir: Heidi Meyer
1983 - Camp Director – Frieda Schaefgen; Pool Dir; Kathie Gebhardt
1984 – Camp Director – Frieda Schaefgen; Pool Dir: Kathie Gebharadt
1985 – Camp Director – Annie Koenig; Pool Dir: Barb Zweifel
1986 – Camp Director – Todd Borck; Pool Dir; Annie Koenig
1987 - Camp Director – Todd Borck; Pool Director; Annie Koenig
1988 – Camp Director – Jodi Hussar; Pool Director; Annie Koenik
1989 – Camp Director – Jodi Hussar; Pool Director; Tiffany Borck
1990 - Camp Director – Jodi Hussar
Pool Director – Tamara Borck
1991 – Camp Director – Jodi Hussar
Pool Director – Tiffany Borck
1992 - Camp Director – Jenny Makris; Pool Dir: Jodi Hussar
1993 - Camp Dirrector – Jenny Makris; Pool Dir: Paula Schaefgren
1994 - Camp Director – Jenny Makris; Pool Director; Marlena Naegele
1995 – Camp Director – Kristen Koehler; Pool Director; Marlena Naegele
1996 – Camp Director – Laura Oroni; Pool Director: Marlena Naegele
1997 – Camp Director – Laura Oroni; Pool Director: Greg Blasgen
1998 - Camp Director – Laura Oroni; Head Pool Dir: Emily Warren
1999 – Camp Director Laura Oroni; Head Pool Dir: Emily Warren
2000 – Camp Director – Laura Oroni; Head Pool Dir: Kate Graham
2001- Camp Director – Laura Oroni
2002 - Camp Director: Laura Kohler; Head Pool Dir: Mike O’Brien
2003 – Camp Director: Kate Graham; Head Pool Dir: Laura Kohler
2004 – Camp Director: Stephanie Reuter; Head Pool Dir: Laura Kohler
2005 – Camp Director: Pat O’Brien; Head Pool Dir: Ashley Stevenson
2006 – Camp Director: Jenni Kohler; Head Pool Dir: Ashley Stevenson
2007 – Camp Director: Ashley Stevenson Head Pool Dir: AshleyStevenson
2008 - Camp Director – Bryon Stevenson, Head Pool Dir: Ashley Stevenson
2009 – Camp Director-Bryon Stevenson; Head Pool Dir: Ashley Stevenson
ALFRED WILDE CAMPER OF THE YEAR
1965 – Linda Garand
1981 – Todd Borck
1985 – Tamara Borck
1986 - Tamara Borck
1987 - Tamara Borck
1985 - Nicole Puls
1986 - Nicole Puls
ILLINOIS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Illinois Turner Camp is under the jurisdiction of the Illinois District Council.
PRESIDENTS
1948-50 – Theodore Gross 1985-87 – Jerry Jacquin
1951-53 – Robert Herman 1988 - Barbara Hugi
1954-57 – Herbert Vogel 1989-91 – Bill Garand
1958-60 – Andrew Doyle 1992- Craig Sniezek
1961-63 – Warren Dalbke 1993-95 - Warren Dalbke
1964-66 – Richard Schnell (Eiche) 1996-97 – Bill Boegerhoff
1967- Richard Trankle 1999-2001 – Cheryl Bothfeld
1968-70 – Ed Elste 2002-04 - Craig Sniezek
1971-74 – Herman Zweifel 2005-07 - Cheryl Bothfeld
1976-84 – Warren Dalbke 2008-10 – Sue Knicely
CAMP COMMITTEE
The operation of the camp and activities is under the jurisdiction of the Camp Committee. It has a set of officers and committees to govern the daily functioning of the camp.
PRESIDENTS
Same as Illinois District President
WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
It was called the Women’s Auxiliary to American Turners of the Illinois District.
A group of women served an exceptionally important role as a support group for the Turner organization.
Meetings always began with the Pledge of Allegiance and ended with the singing of God Bless America.
Meetings were held at ITC at the Ladies Club House during the summer and rotated between the various societies during the rest of the year.
Racine Thompson was the insurance agent for the Ladies Club House.
1952 the Camp Committee requested the auxiliary work in the dining room.
Regular meetings had between 60 and 70 attendees, with over 100 attending during the summer in the 50’s.
The meeting of April 8, 1968 included this information. The attendance of 45 women was rather low because of the unsettled conditions in the city because of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. It was reported that Turner Andrew Doyle had died, followed by his mother 8 days later.
Outside stairway in Girl’s Junior Dorm was built by Bill Reiger.
Women’s Auxiliary planned a program to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ITC.
The Women’s Auxiliary organized many functionf for the camp, one of which was an annual bus trip to casino’s on the Mississippi River
PRESIDENTS
1930-33 - Virginia Friese 1962-63 – Mrs Margaret Carlson
1933 - Mrs E. Fenske 1964-65 – Louise Ellinger
1934-36 - Mrs Senn 1965-67 – Mildred Pehlke
1936-40 – Mrs Graf 1968 – Ella Werner
1940-42 – Alice Gross 1969-71 – Louise Rayner
1942-43 – Mrs Stuker 1972-73 – Ruth Boysen
1944-45 – Mrs Kaufman 1976-80 – Ruth Boysen
1946-47 – Mrs Ann Beyer 1982 – Margaret Kling
1948-49 – Mrs Rose O’Connor Late 1990’s
1949 – Alvina Friese Margaret Carlson
1950-51 – Mrs Greenberg Ruth Boysen
1952-53 – Mrs Helen Bromstrop Barb Hugi
1954-55 – Mrs Tillie Kaecke Sharon Hirth
1956-57 – Mrs Mildred Komm 1999-2004 – Arlene Saltzman
1958-59 – Mrs Marie Zimay 2005 – Geri Malone
1959-61 – Mrs Lena Weber 2006-08 – Barb Hugi
COTTAGE OWNER’S ASSOCIATION
The cottage owners
PRESIDENTS
1990-94 – Jack Owens
1995-2002 – Karen Makris
2002-2004 – Craig Sniezek
2004-2008 – Russ Reuter
2009 – present – Tim Zinbinden
CARETAKERS
Henry Alsholz – 1920’s/30’s
Pete Bormacher – 1930’s/40’s
Otto Stender 1945-58
Jack Kolb 1959-68
Jerry Sleeman – 1969-74
Ed Colton 1975-95
Jack Bucaro – 1995-present
TURNER CAMP SONGS
If You Want To Be a Turner
If you want to be a Turner, just come along with me,
By the bright shining light, by the light of the moon.
If you want to be a Turner, just come along with me,
By the bright shining light of the moon.
We’re Hikers, We’re Campers
We’re hikers, we’re campers, we’re a long way from home,
If the neighbors don’t like us, they can leave us alone.
We eat when we’re hungry, we drink when we’re dry,
If the “skeeters” don’t get us, we’ll live until we die.
As we go marching, as the band begins to P L A Y,
You can hear us shouting, the Turners of Turner Camp are on their way.
Sarah-Sarah
Sarah, Sarah, sitting in her old Chevrolet,
All day long she sits and shifts, sits and shifts and shifts and sits,
Sarah, Sarah, sitting in her old Chevrolet
Push the Damper In-Pull the Damper Out
Oh, you push the damper in and pull the damper out,
And the smoke goes up the chimney just the same, just the same.
Lower you voices each time you sing a verse until the last time. Then you just go through the motions until “just the same” and then you sing “just the same” loudly.
The Cannibal King
The cannibal king with the big nose ring
The Swiss Navy
Kukabera Sits on the Old Gum Tree
Kukabera sits on the old gum tree, merry, merry king of the bush is he.
Answer to trivia question - e
