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[The exhibition at the Gymnasium]

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☞The exhibition at the Gymnasium in South 4th street, last evening, was attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen, who were highly gratified by the entertainment provided for them. The exercises were opened by a short address from one of the members, explanatory of the position and objects of the Association, after which came the class exercise by the members with dumb bells, clubs, &c. The members of the Turnverein of this city followed with a variety of feats and performances on the single bar, which elicited much applause. They also participated in the exercises upon the parallel bars, and in vaulting—their services, which were gratuitously rendered, contributing much to the interest of the occasion. The remainder of the evening was occupied in the performance of sundry feats of strength and agility—in climbing the polls and ladders, and on the rings by the Messrs. Brady, and Mr. Grant,1 of New York, on the parallel and single bars and rings, vaulting and summersaults, by Messrs. Ratz2 and Bogart,3 of New York, Mr. Pierce of this City, Mr. Vanbleck of California, and others, whose names we did not learn. The last named four gentlemen are admitted to rank, among the best Gymnasts in the United States, and many of their performances were truly astonishing. The exercises of Mr. Vanbleck with 20lb. clubs, the vaulting and summersaults of Messrs. Ratz and Bogart, and Mr. Pierce’s performance on the hanging ropes, were some of the best gymnastic exercises we ever witnessed. Messrs. Ratz and Bogart closed with the trapeze, and a burlesque set-to with boxing gloves, and the audience separated in the best humor. We trust this institution will meet with the support and encouragement it so much deserves. We are informed that spectators are admitted on Wednesday evenings, and tickets of admission to the class exercises may be had at the Gymnasium on any evening.


Notes:

1. No information has been found on Mr. Brady. [back]

2. Gustavus A. Ratz (1833–1860) was an American businessman. [back]

3. James Z. Bogart (1821–1881) was a New York Police Captain. [back]

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