If Bluffton is a Swiss community, where are the mountains? is the topic of a presentation given by Fred Steiner at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, at the Bluffton Public Library.
The talk explores the background of Swiss immigrants who settled the rural area between Bluffton, Pandora, Columbus Grove and Beaverdam, beginning in the 1830s.
In a PowerPoint presentation, Steiner will share stories and photographs of some of these first settlers. He will also provide some of the reasons that the Swiss left Europe for America.
“Two groups of Swiss, Mennonites and German Reformed, settled in our rural community,” said Steiner. “These immigrants were farmers.”
“Meanwhile, immigrants who settled in what eventually became the village of Bluffton, included French, English and Irish. These immigrants were persons with specific trade skills,” he said, noting the difference between these two groups.
Pre-registration is required. Stop by 145 S. Main St. or call the library at 419-358-5016.
