Vereinsleben in Indianapolis : the social culture of the liberal German-American population as reflected in the design of community buildings, 1851-1918

Beginning in the middle of the nineteenth century, a thriving German immigrant community could be found in the city of Indianapolis. The more liberal members of the German community established organizations which catered to their athletic, intellectual, and social needs. This community life was called Vereinsleben, from the German words for club/association (Verein) and life (Leben). Fitting homes were needed for the clubs. Thus, several structures central to the Vereinsleben of the liberal German community were constructed. The buildings were built to be recognized as the homes of these clubs and to provide all the necessary facilities. This thesis examines the history of the community as well as the individual clubs and uses the buildings as documents in that process.