| | | | 
By Dana Law, December 23, 2008 | |
| | | 1. Imperial Valley Swiss Club Marker | | |
Inscription. From their arrival in Fall, 1901, Swiss and their "Americans of Swiss Descent" have contributed greatly to the ethnic diversity of this valley. Their Schwingfests since 1921 and this club since 1924 have celebrated both their ancestral traditions and their pride in American accomplishments. Plaque placed by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus. October 22nd, 1989
Erected 1989 by Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus.
Marker series. This marker is included in the E Clampus Vitus marker series.
Location. 32° 50.817′ N, 115° 23.95′ W. Marker is in Holtville, California, in Imperial County. Marker is on East Worthington Road (County Highway S28) near State Highway 115, on the right when traveling east. Click for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1550 East Worthington Road, Holtville CA 92250, United States of America.
More about this marker. Marker is located behind a fence under the trees in front of the Swiss Club House.
Regarding Imperial Valley Swiss Club. When I visited for a party of the club I met a least 5 direct descendents of the original Swiss immigrants.
Also see . . .
1. Schwingen. Schwingen, a form of wrestling, was brought to this county by Swiss emigrants in the 19th century. Tournaments are still held today and are commonly referred to as “Schwingfests”. This wikipedia article explains the history and details of this sport. (Submitted on December 21, 2009.)
2. The Schwingfest Held at the Imperial Valley Swiss Club. This video shows a wrestling match between two young boys during the November 2009 Schwingfest in Holtville. (Submitted on December 21, 2009.)
Additional comments.
1. Swiss-American Pioneers of the Imperial Valley
The Imperial Valley Historical Society writes on their website :
“The Swiss, as did many, saw the Imperial Valley as a place of opportunity--a place where men and women could be successful with strong determination and hard work. Enveloped by the dream of owning their own land and working for themselves, the Imperial Valley presented the ideal starting point. The first Swiss entered the Imperial Valley in 1901 with little more than their strong backs and their willingness to work. Hearing of the opportunities the Valley held through word-of-mouth, family, friends and even newspaper advertisements offering undeveloped farmland at reasonable prices, other Swiss natives soon arrived.
The Swiss were, and still are, shrewd and determined people who won't quit when the odds are against them. Their home was hot enough in the summer that many Swiss women considered going back to Switzerland. Pride, prospering crops, and the realization of cooler weather in the fall enabled them to persevere through the unbearable heat.
Many of the Swiss began as milkers in existing dairies and then acquired their own with the money they accumulated. Most of these men then called on brides-to-be and family members to join them as they started to build their own dairies.
Once the favored dairy spot of Southern California, with more than 24,000 dairy cows producing 6 million pounds of butter annually, only one dairy remains in operation today. Many of the Swiss have turned to farming, helping to make the Imperial Valley the strong agricultural area it is today.
The majority of these same families continue to reside in the Valley, with many settling in the Holtville area. They became leading citizens in the community, contributing time, working for improvements, building strong establishments and incorporating their work ethic in all they did.
Proud of their heritage and eager to pass on tradition, the Imperial Valley Swiss Club was organized in 1925. The clubhouse, northwest of Holtville, is still used for their many activities.” — Submitted December 21, 2009.
Credits. This page originally submitted on December 21, 2009, by Dana Law of El Cajon, California. This page has been viewed 430 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on December 21, 2009, by Dana Law of El Cajon, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide area view of the marker and its surroundings. •
Photo of the Swiss Club building. • Can you help? |
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org