History Bits #1

The First Gymnastics Patch

The patch shown above is taken from the Jahn block on the cover of Roots (See block on the left). It consists of a series of dates (9, 919, 1519 and 1811) and a single word, “Turnkunst,” meaning “German Gymnastic Art” (Sound familiar?) The patch was worn by followers of Jahn who were attracted to a field in Berlin known as the “Hasenheide” (rabbit field) a portion of which was converted into a playground. In 1811, the last date listed on the patch, F. L. Jahn, known as the “Turnvater” (“Father of Gymnastics”) began to construct a number of towers, see saws, jumping pits and other apparatus for the playground. An artist’s depiction of the playground is found on p. 38 of Roots. Jahn invented the parallel bars and erected other apparatus to attract local youth. His purpose was to rekindle German pride in the wake of Napoleon’s defeat of the German principalities in 1806. Gymnastics or ”Turnen” was simply a means to that end.

9 AD - Refers to Arminius’ defeat of three Roman legions in what became central Germany (Teutoberger forest region). Martin Luther referred to him as “Hermann the German.” Jahn used the exploits of Hermann to inspire the youth visiting his Hasenheide playground. A huge statue of Herrmann stands in New Ulm, MN erected by followers of Jahn, Turners all, who immigrated to the United States after 1848. 919 AD - The second date on the patch commemorated what Jahn thought to be the “Birthplace of a Nation,” that is, Germany. The Saxon Duke Heinrich is justly called the real founder of the German Empire and thus a hero in Jahn’s eyes. In 919 AD, in Quedlinburg, a general assembly of princes elected Heinrich Monarch of Germany. The latter’s son, Otto I, was the first German king to receive the blessings of the pope. Germanic lands were described as “The Holy Roman Empire” due to the ties with Rome. 1519 AD - Marks the death of Maximillian I, Holy Roman Emperor (King of Germany). His grandson, Charles the First of Spain, succeeded him by virtue of election by the “Diet of Worms.” (Don’t take this literally! It was a legislative assembly of princes who met in Worms, GER to ratify the election. Jahn saw this date as the beginning of a consolidation of the principalities and hoped that Germany would eventually adopt a constitution and become a democracy.

Arminius aka “Hermann the German”

Jahn’s Original parallel bars showing underground anchors.
 

References:

Friedrich Ludwig Jahn and His Time by Horst Ueberhorst
Heinz Moos Publishers Baltimore, MD, 1978.

Gymmedia.com Excellent German web site.

The Work of the Turner Societies The American Gymnastic Union, 1919

Geschichte der Turnkunst by Rudolph Gasch Göschen Verlag Leipzig GER, 1910
(A gymnastics encyclopedia in two volumes.)

Note: “History Bits” was a vision of Linda and Bill Hines of Superior WI. Linda suggested that I clarify some of the symbolism in Roots and this first edition is offered for that purpose. Those desiring other information about gymnastics history may contact me at gymroots@infionline.net. ABF

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