Swiss Societies in Columbus
The Columbus Swiss Singers are the most visible Swiss organization to the community, but there are several other groups who promote Swiss culture and the welfare of Swiss-Americans in Columbus.
Swiss Home Society
The Board of Trustees of the Swiss Home Association is the governing
body responsible for the management of the physical facilities of the
Swiss Club and for coordinating its various activities and programs.
Membership on the Board of Trustees consists of three delegates from
each of the five constituent societies (Columbus Gruetli Verein,
Edelweiss Damenchor, Helvetia Beneficial Society, Helvetia Männerchor,
and the Swiss Ladies' Aid Alpenrösli Society) which make up the Swiss
community of Columbus. These five societies function much as the
Confederation of Swiss Cantons functions today. They are independent yet
cooperate in the spirit of maintaining and enlarging the presence of
Swiss culture and customs in Central Ohio.
Columbus Grüetli Verein
Founded in 1870 by John Corrodi, Henry Kehr, John Rickenbacher, J.W.
Rickenbacher, Casper Ruegg, John Schaad, John Schluep, and John Zender
this society is the forerunner of all other Swiss societies in Columbus.
Its purpose is "to tie its members more intimately in harmony and
friendship by mutual support in cases of sickness and health, and to
further culture and sociability".
Its membership is open to Swiss men, male descendants from Swiss
ancestors, husbands of Swiss women, and husbands of female descendants"
from Swiss ancestors. The activities of the Gruetli Verein consist of
monthly meetings, programs, fund raisers, and projects to foster good
fellowship, the appreciation of Swiss heritage and history, the
portrayal of Swiss culture in Columbus, and research into Swiss
genealogy and family.
Helvetia Benefit Society (Helvetia Unterstützungs Verein)
Founded in 1889 by Albert Baumer, Gottfried Gottier, Edward Schmid,
Joseph G. Tritt, and Jacob J. Trueb this society manages an insurance
pool to provide for its members and their families in the event of a
death. It has a program of various events and fund raising projects to
benefit its members and to provide for the general. needs of the Swiss
Club.
Swiss Ladies' Aid Alpenrösli Society
Founded in 1890 by Barbara Brun, Theresa Bommer, Louise Grob, M.
Elisebeth Haesele, Eliza Heinzli, Margaretha Jenny, Emma Kappler, Rosa
Rudin, Maria Stampfli, Maria Steicheli, Karolina Tritt, and Louisa
Trueb. The purpose of the Alpenrösli Society is to "bring its members
more closely in harmony and friendship by mutual support in case of
illness and death and to further culture and sociability".
Its membership is open to Swiss women, female descendants from Swiss
ancestors, wives of Swiss men, and wives of male descendants from Swiss
ancestors. Its activities consist of monthly meetings, programs, fund
raisers, and projects to foster good sisterhood, to provide mutual
support, to enhance an appreciation of Swiss heritage, and to provide
for the general needs of the Swiss Club.
Last updated September 28, 2009