Publisher's Synopsis
One's Own Hearth is Like Gold is the story of a handful of Swiss immigrants who settled in the central Appalachians in the last century. The book explores the relationship among Swiss settlements in the region, focusing on the community of Helvetia, West Virginia from 1869 to the 1960s. Based on sources from Swiss and American archives, and on oral accounts, it documents the everyday social and economic life of this tiny, ethnic village. Of particular interest for social and immigration history, are themes dealing with migration patterns, ethnic customs, farming practices, community organization, and language maintenance. Throughout, the community is related to the broader regional and national events of the day, and stands out as a unique example of immigrant life in the rural mountains.
