Anna Chandler and the Community of Helvetia
Nestled in the Hills: West Virginia’s Little Swiss Town
Our host, Martha Jett, explores the rich history and cultural preservation of Helvetia, West Virginia, a Swiss settlement founded in 1869. Despite its small size and isolation, the town remains deeply connected to its Swiss heritage through festivals, traditional architecture, and historical preservation efforts led by the Helvetia Restoration and Development Organization (HRDO). A major concern discussed was the loss of digital archives containing historical records, prompting efforts to recover and transfer them to modern cloud-based platforms. Helvetia is best known for its Fasnacht festival, a lively celebration marking the end of winter with music, dancing, and the symbolic burning of "Old Man Winter." Other annual traditions, such as the Feast of Saint Nicholas, Swiss National Day, and the community’s agricultural fair, continue to bring people together to honor Swiss customs. The town has a deep-rooted history in timber and farming, with early settlers working as farmers, blacksmiths, cobblers, and sawmill operators. Many descendants of the original Swiss settlers, bearing names like Metzner, Burkey, and Hoslebocker, still live in the area. Oral history and genealogy research are vital to preserving Helvetia’s past, with locals dedicated to documenting family stories and memories. The town remains isolated with little cell service, yet its tight-knit community ensures that neighbors support one another. The interview concludes with an invitation for visitors to experience Helvetia’s beauty, unique cultural history, and the dedication of its residents in keeping their traditions alive. Read more on the 2025 Fasnacht Festival here. Follow the Helvetia Restoration Community here.
Video is property of VOA Learning English. SOURCE
Credits
Host, Research, & Scheduling: Martha Jett
Production & Marketing: Clarksburg History Museum volunteers
Mixing & Editing: J. Joseph
Music: West Virginia Mountain Melody performed by Steve Peters
Special thank you to: Anna Chandler
Cover Artwork: Helvetia Community
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