Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published in the Winter 2020 issue of Extant, a publication of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Unlisted Philadelphia highlights interesting and significant Philadelphia buildings not yet listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. To learn more about the local designation process and how you can participate in nominating a building to the Philadelphia Register, visit the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia’s website for more information.
BUILDING: Germania Turnverein/Knitter’s Hall
LOCATION: 2530 North 4th Street
ARCHITECT: Unknown
YEAR: 1880
This brawny 19th century clubhouse looms over its Kensington row house neighbors with an oversized history to match its impressive stature. It originally opened as the Germania Turnverein, or Turner’s Hall, a private gymnasium and meeting hall for one of the city’s once-numerous Turner associations. Espousing the motto “a sound mind in a sound body,” Turner’s promoted physical education, national identity, and progressive politics within German immigrant communities.
By the early 1920s the building was known as Knitter’s Hall, the national and local headquarters of one of the most powerful and progressive unions of its era, the American Federation of Full-Fashioned Hosiery Workers. History was made here when hosiery workers partnered with the FDR administration to build the nation’s first federal workers housing project, the Oscar Stonorov-designed Carl Mackley Houses in Juniata Park.
Today the building is home to True Light Pentecostal Church. Despite standing as one of the last surviving Turnverein halls in the city, and despite its nationally significant labor history, the building has not yet been listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
Spectacular!
We must preserve Philadelphia’s architechtural heritage.
Now known as the poorest of American cities, which is pathetic, if we lose our spectacular historical treasures, we are doomed. Philadelphia is too wonderful a place for this to happen.
These structures ARE NOT replaceable.
Please take action.
Jewelers’ Row is another astounding loss.