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.