Near Holtville in Imperial County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Schaffner Dairy

Celebrating 100 years of continuous operation

Photographed By Doug Love, January 15, 2023

1. Schaffner Dairy Marker

Inscription. Emil Schaffner arrived from Rufenach, Switzerland, through Ellis Island, in 1914, bound for Imperial Valley. He began working in Calexico for Judge Towland, insisting on being paid in cattle. In 1921, Emil established "Schaffner Dairy" and it has been in continuous operation by his family since.

Returning to Switzerland for a visit, Emil met his future wife, Marie Amsler. Now third, fourth, and fifth generations of Schaffners continue to work on the farm and dairy, which is the last Swiss dairy in Imperial Valley.

The Schaffner family has been innovative by expanding the farm and dairy, establishing the beef side of the business, and growing their own feed and many other crops. Generations of this immigrant pioneer family are well known for their continuing involvement and exemplary service in their community. NSGW honors their historical significance, hard work, and progress.

Erected 2022 by Native Sons of the Golden West. (Marker Number 145-8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 32° 51.175′ N, 115° 25.427′ W. Marker is near Holtville

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, California, in Imperial County. Marker is on Casey Road, 0.2 miles north of Worthington Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2805 Casey Roaad, Holtville CA 92250, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Imperial Valley Swiss Club (approx. 1½ miles away); Site of Rancho El Tecolote (approx. 3.6 miles away); Harold Bell Wright (approx. 3.6 miles away); City of Holtville (approx. 3.8 miles away); Holtville (approx. 3.8 miles away); McConnell Ranch (approx. 4.1 miles away); Imperial Valley Veterans' Memorial (approx. 5 miles away); Pearl Harbor Survivors Memorial (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holtville.

Schaffner Dairy Marker and Family image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Doug Love, January 15, 2023

2. Schaffner Dairy Marker and Family

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2023, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 133 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2023, by James King of San Miguel, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.