TURN VEREIN (German Gymnastic Association), later Grand United Order of Oddfellows hall, 30-34 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
TURN VEREIN (German Gymnastic Association), later Grand United Order of Oddfellows hall, 30-34 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105497
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
Part of:
Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
Access restrictions:
UnrestrictedOpen access.
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
General notes:
RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2022:__________________________________________________Period: Early VictorianDATES: 1871 Hall and existing two storey facade, 1872 additions, 1874 additions, 1922 attic?;ASSOCIATIONS: Deutsche Turn Verein;DESIGNERS: Koch, J. A. 1871 two storey facade; Kursteiner, Alfred Frederick 1874 additions;BUILDERS: J. Dean 1871; Bennetts, Edward 1874Materials: Stone walls.JOHN BRIGGS, 2011Statement of SignificanceWhat is significant?In 1874, Architect Alfred Fredrick Kursteiner designed additions to the German Gymnastic Association Hall that had been constructed in 1871. The design of the initial hall has been attributed to the architect William George Wolf although records suggest he had not yet arrived in Australia at that time. The building was constructed and occupied by the Turner (sic) Verein German Gymnastic Association; a club that was founded in Collingwood in 1850 and by 1885 had more than 600 members. The club was amongst the earliest established in Melbourne and in 1921 it amalgamated with the Club Tivoli, today known as the Club Tivoli Deutcher Verein Melbourne Inc, or the German Club Tivoli. The building was sold in 1907 to the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows who added the entry canopy and attic storey in 1922. The subject property and the three accompanying properties that together present as a group of heritage buildings are located outside the Capital City Zone although the locality is within the Hoddle Grid. As it now exists the building contributes to the La Trobe Street streetscape as a simple classical styled Victorian building of commercial or public use, having some latter alterations including an attic storey, the entry canopy and Federation styled leadlight windows to the ground floor. The sidewall to the Bell Place laneway and rear of the building presents as a mix of original and altered elements that are not primary to the appreciation of the building’s heritage contribution to the La Trobe Street streetscape.How is it Significant?The former German Gymnastic Association Hall building contributes to the significance of the streetscape historically (Criterion A), as a representative mid Victorian classical assembly building (Criterion D), and aesthetically (Criterion E) to the City of Melbourne as architecturally demonstrative of the period and pattern of its development. (The criterion used are amended from the published Heritage Victoria Criteria for applicability to heritage significance at the local level of the City of Melbourne)Why is it significant?Historical Significance Criterion A The historical importance at the local level of the former Turner Verein German Gymnastic Association is addressed under Criterion A: The historical importance, association with, or relationship to, the City of Melbourne’s history of the place or object. The Building is demonstrative of the period and mixed-use early development of this north-eastern end of La Trobe Street. The subject building contributes to the surviving group of Victorian buildings that, along with the Edwardian neighbour, maintain a heritage presence that has been acknowledged by the longstanding level 2 grading of the streetscape. On a comparative basis if this was an isolated Victorian building in a level 3 streetscape it may not have sufficient visual presence to anchor an appreciation of the historical phase of development, however in the company of the neighbouring Victorian buildings at no’s 36-40 and 48-50 La Trobe Street; constructed (1875 and 1868 respectively) as well as the 1915 Edwardian at no. 42- 46 La Trobe Street, the phase and form of the historical development of the locality is established by the groupRepresentative Significance Criterion DThe subject building is a sound representative of the classical style employed prior to the boom of the 1880s. This aspect of the significance of the property is addressed under Criterion D: The importance of a place or object in exhibiting the principal characteristics or the representative nature of a place or object as a part of a class or type of places or objects. The subject building on a comparative basis in not an outstanding building or a milestone in the architectural development of Melbourne, it is however one that within the context of its heritage streetscape makes an important contribution. Although alterations and additions have been made to the original form, these changes have been conducted with respect and regard for the buildings architectural integrity, the alterations complement its heritage value and have no disruptive affect upon the visual appreciation of the heritage streetscape.Aesthetic Significance Criterion EWhere the heritage value addressed under Criterion D deals with the instructive nature of the appearance and style of the building, at issue here is the matter of visual appreciation. Criterion E: The importance of the place or object in exhibiting good design or aesthetic characteristics and/or in exhibiting a richness, diversity or unusual integration of features. The subject classical Victorian façade to four stories high has a pleasing if unremarkable classical composition that has been undiminished by alterations respectfully conducted. The building exhibits good design and aesthetic appeal..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBuilding Identification Form source 77, page 45;.Victorian Heritage InventoryOriginal use: gymnastic and general purpose hall for German Gymnastic Society. Turn Verein Society till 1907. 1905 - one- and two-storey building (Oddfellows Hall)..LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEXRecords - halls in La Trobe St14669 VIC Halls 1874 12 28 Announcement that the Deutsche Turn Verein is presently engaged in extending its LaTrobe St. premises Additions, at the cost of £1700. Argus, 28.12.74, p 514670 Kursteiner, Alfred Frederick; VIC Halls 1874 9 1 -ALE (ALF?) KURSTEINER calls tenders for additions to the German Gynmastic Association, LaTrobe St. Argus, 1.9.74, p 377007 German Gymnasium Trustees Melbourne VIC Halls; alterations Bennett, E - 58 Kerr St Fitzroy 1872 08 26 4967-MCC registration no 4967 [Burchett Index]. Fee 2.2.0large room at back of hall, Latrobe - off Stephen (Exhibition) at rear present building77014 German Turn Verin Melbourne VIC Halls; alterations Bennetts, Edward 1874 09 10 6060-MCC registration no 6060 [Burchett Index]. Fee 2.2.0 additions to hall, Latrobe (71).CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS INDEXhttps://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/60672/images/44777_349574-00812?lang=en-AU1922July 21 4311 £10,000 Alterations to hall and officesNov 8 4609 £10,000 Alterations to hall and offices1923, £100 erection of bioscope box at hall...1955 Oct 29535 £24000 additions.JOHN BRIGGS ARCHITECT PTY LTD,, 2011HERITAGE REVIEW OF NORTHEAST LA TROBE STREET, 2011John Briggs Architect Pty Ltd, (on web as part of (From F U T U R E M E L B O U R N E ( P L A N N I N G )C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T Agenda Item 5.6, PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENTS C193 AND C194 HERITAGE CONTROLS FOR 30-50 LA TROBE STREET, MELBOURNE - no references were found for the following research.)Former Turn Verein German Gymnastic Association, now the SEFTON building. 30 to 34 La Trobe Street, MelbourneHistorical associations with persons or eventsCreation or major developmentdate:The hall and four rooms constructed in brick and stone 1871.1874 additions of a further six rooms and, presumably, the rendered facade.Attic storey and entry canopy added 1922Architect: Kursteiner, Alfred FrederickBuilders: Not knownMajor owners or occupiers:Turner Verein German Gymnastic Association (1872-1906), sold to, and occupied by Grand United Order of Odd Fellows (G.U.O.O.F.) (1907-1945), G.U.O.O.F. andvarious other Unions, Associations and tenants (1946). Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (1969-?).Description and HistoryThe classically styled Victorian is four storeys, including an attic level and half basement, and is constructed in brick and stone with a rendered facade to La Trobe Street. The classically decorated rendered facade is comprised of two stories of applied trabeated structural order of squared pilasters with simple Doric capitals supporting simply expressed entablatures and cornices. The ground floor is elevated by a half basement and is accessed by a flight of stairs at the entry. The cornice to the third level has dentils whilst that to the second level, or ground floor, is without. The wall area beyond the trabeation including the corners and attic level are expressed with deep bevelled joints representative of ashlar coursing. Projecting string courses express the ground floor as the plinth to the façade and also crown the attic floor. At ground floor is the central entry and two horizontally formatted rectangular windows that have federation styled leadlight glazing and joinery. At ground level the entry is sheltered by a suspended awning introduced c1922 at which time it is possible the attic storey was added. Within the trabeation of the second and third levels the wall area is smooth render. Window openings are arched with architraves springing from string courses embellished with floral bosses. The central highlight window above the entry is recessed into the wall plane and has a full architrave. Between the windows, the wall areas of the two levels are of primary decorative expression and have raised panels embellished with patterns impressed into the render with a template of wrought iron. Along the side wall to Bell Place at third level is a projecting string course however the side and rear of the building are generally utilitarian in expression, altered over time and today present without a coherent visual appeal.Historically the subject land was a vacant allotment until the construction of the first Hall of the Turner Verein Association. The section of La Trobe Street in which the subject property is situated was developed initially in the same period and the buildings surviving today appear to have been the first significant buildings constructed on the land. The property, re-numbered in 1896 as no. 36-40 La Latrobe Street was recorded as vacant until the construction of a brick house and livery and bait stables on that site in 1875-76 for Joseph H Burton. The property was then rated as stables until 1890 when a tender was accepted for the erection of livery stables concluded to be the existing building. The property at no. 42-44 remained vacant until 1915 and that numbered 46 was listed as a timber yard and iron workshop in 1868 followed by occupancy by Frederick Goernemonn Coachbuilder through to 1915 when the pair of shops where built. The property now no. 48-50 was recorded as Burton Jos. H. Coachbuilder in 1868 when the building now on the land was constructed. With the 1915 building accommodating manufactures of baby carriages and Chinese furniture manufactures the area remained predominantly of light industry through until the mid 20th Century. The group of buildings developed from the mid Victorian period, supported by the late Edwardian altered pair of shops, present as a cohesive section of the La Trobe Street streetscape with a predominant heritage character..CONTEXT (WITH GJM HERITAGE) 2020, HODDLE GRID HERITAGE REVIEWTurnverein Hall, later Grand United Order of Oddfellows Hall30-34 La Trobe Street(1871-1874)· Historically significant for its association with German migrants, who created cultural institutions for interaction and topromotion of their culture.· Significant as representative of classically-styled public architecture.· Aesthetically significant for its intact, classically-styled, rendered façade. · Significant for its association with the German social/ gymnastics club (Deutscher TurnvereinSociety), and Grand United Order of Oddfellows..NEWSPAPERS:`The Argus': Friday 15 December 1871 description of bluestone hall etc`The style of the front elevation will be plain Italian, and will be a great ornament to the neighbourhood when finished ; below the level of the hall are the kitchen and cellarage. The architect is Mr. J, A. Koch, and the contractor Mr. J. Dean, The Turn Verein is a social club, having its library and a liberal supply of the leading German and English newspapers, ...for debating and discussion, systematic gymnastic exercise, and periodical balls and concerts. It was under this society that the memorable German festivals, held in Cremorne garden in November, 1862, and December, 1863, were brought to such successful issue. As showing what steady perseverance..'.`The Argus': Thursday 30 April 1885THE MELBOURNE TURN VEREIN.The Melbourne Deutscher Turn Verein is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary The society has had a history of some interest The German Gymnastic Association (Melbourne Deutscher Turn Verein) was founded in the year 1860, in the coffee room of the Spanish Hotel, Elizabeth street, by 24 gentlemen, of whom Mr F Gelbrecht was the president. The objects of the society were the physical development of the body, and culture of the mind by literature, music, and social entertainments. The then existing German Leidertafel, 'Harmonía,' amalgamated with the Turn Verein, and the number of members amounted to 64 at the end of the first month At first the instructions in gymnastics were given by Mr Hamel. When the society was fairly started he relinquished this post to Mr Metzger, who was elected an honorary member in recognition of his services after the first Turn and Gesangfest (gymnastic and musical festival), held in the Cremorne gardens on the 24th of November, 1862. This festival, under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency the Governor, Sir Henry Barkly, brought the Turn Verein prominently before the public. The second festival was given under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency the Governor, Sir Charles Darling, on the 28lh and 29th December 1863. The first day was taken up by gymnastics and a concert in the Cremorne gardens, and the second day a concert, banquet, and ball in the Exhibition building William street (where the Mint now stands) In 1864 the Turn Verein became located in Lonsdale street east, in the building formerly known as the Olympic Theatre, but two years later (28th November, 1866), this building was burnt down. The society lost everything, and the insurance did not cover the loss by about £400 By this fire the progress of the society was severely impeded and the list of members became smaller year by year, the funds in hand amounted to £330, and their seemed to be no chance of renting a hall that would do for a gymnasium. The meetings were held in the Excelsior Hotel, Bourke street. The number of members dwindled down to 51, but the staunch friends of the cause bought a building allotment, 40 x 165, in Latrobe street east, the present site of the Turn Verein, and by mortgage raised £900, by which the main hall of the present building was erected This hall was opened on 19th December, 1871, by a concert and ball. The president, in his opening speech, alluded to the past history of the society, and said that the Turn Verein had been the means of showing to the fellow colonists some of the characteristics of German life, which would be in the memory of those who had visited the gymnastic and musical festivals, the annual picnics on New Year's Day, or the entertainments at their hall in Russell street, and afterwards in the Olympic Theatre, also the torchlight procession in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh, all of which had received the praise of the press, and had secured many English friends to the Turn. When the Turn Verein had an abode of its own the society grew quickly in favour again Many old members came back, and a great number of English colonists joined. In 1872 an addition was made to the hall, and in 1874 the front part of the building was erected and finished. In 1876 the third gymnastic and musical festival was given in the Town- hall, under the patronage and in the presence of the Governor, Sir George Bowen, at which the Metropolitan and Melbourne Liedertafels joined with the Liedertafel of the turn Vereln in one chorus. The society is founded on a basis similar to that of the Turn Vereins in Germany, of which there are said to be 2,655, with 243,677 members. This year being the 25th anniversary of the union of the Turn Vereins in Germany, it will be celebrated by a festival in Dresden from the 11th to the 22nd July About 20,000 gymnasts are said to take part in these displays, including competitors from England, America and other countries, although
Related material link:
Names:
Topics:
Places:
Form/Genre:
Record types:
Research and reports
Record number:
1249575
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105497 | 1 JPEG : 420 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |