Near Holtville in Imperial County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Imperial Valley Swiss Club
Photographed By Dana Law, December 23, 2008
1. Imperial Valley Swiss Club Marker
Erected 1989 by Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Squibob Chapter E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 32° 50.817′ N, 115° 23.95′ W. Marker is near Holtville, California, in Imperial County. Marker is at the intersection of East Worthington Road (County Highway S28) and Bypass Federal Highway 116, on the right when traveling east on East Worthington Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1550 East Worthington Road, Holtville CA 92250, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Schaffner Dairy (approx. 1˝ miles away); City of Holtville (approx. 2.7 miles away); Holtville (approx. 2.7 miles away); Harold Bell Wright (approx. 3˝ miles away); Site of Rancho El Tecolote
this page online
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 commentary.
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 was last revised on October 5, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2009, by Dana Law of El Cajon, California. This page has been viewed 2,246 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2017, by Andres Machiavelli Araujo Jr of Whittier, California. Photo 1. submitted on December 21, 2009, by Dana Law of El Cajon, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
