Memory from:Paul Roeger, Bel Air Maryland
It was really strange to hear about the fire that destroyed one of my childhood haunts. I live in Maryland and I had just purchased an old program of the Turn Hall Follies from 1937 the week before on eBay.
My father & uncle were members of the Turn Verein and Turner Tigers in the 1950's and 60's. My cousins and I spent many a Saturday afternoon there playing in the gyms with all the equipment, including fencing swords (naughty, naughty), bowling, and having a great time outdoors among the giant chestnut trees behind the hall. For a little boy, the Turn Hall was an overwhelming experience. It was so, so big with many floors and rooms. The Turn Hall had many activities for youth, but one of my clearest memories was the Easter egg hunt and party at which I was picked "king of the bunny rabbits" and won a 3 foot tall stuffed rabbit, dressed in a tux and top hat.
As a collector, I'd sure like to know what happed to the carved mascot of the Turner Tigers (see your photos). When I was was real young, it scared the heck out of me.