We're giving 10 copies of the 2nd edition of Erdmann Schmocker's Helvetica Americana Map to the 10 most engaging accounts of Swiss settlers in the U.S. The map (19 x 25, printed on cardboard stock and suitable for framing) is a byproduct of over thirty years of Mr. Schmocker's travels and research. It charts through its geography the immigration of over a quarter of a million Swiss to the United States. In the 19th century several predominantly Swiss settlements emerged such as Berne (Indiana), Highland (Illinois), New Glarus (Wisconsin), Gruetli (Tennessee) and Bernstadt (Kentucky). The Helvetica Americana map highlights such locations, as well as other that have no relation to Switzerland—except a passing resemblance to Lake Geneva (Indiana) or the Jura Mountains (Little Switzerland, North Carolina). Still, Schmocker argues, these faux nomenclatures still point out a degree of Swiss influence in the United States. This is a subject of debate.
To join the debate or win a copy of the map, here's what you need to do:
1. Write your account, anecdote, observations of Swiss Settlers in the U.S. It can span any time period: from the 1700s to the present day. You could write of Swiss adventurers in the 19th century—or Swiss graphic designers moving to the U.S in the 60s. It could be a brief episode in time, or a genealogy spanning centuries. Religious persecutions, economic triumphs and hardships, the pioneering spirit, the artistic spirit—we are hoping that you will profile all these facets of Swiss emigration history. Your account could be anything from 500 to 1500 words. We're not fussy, it just needs to be engaging.
As always, you don't need to be Swiss or of Swiss descent to participate. A native curiosity about Switzerland and Swiss culture will suffice.
2. Log-in or register (if you're not already a member) to Swiss Roots. You can do this at the top right hand corner of this page.
3. Once you're in, click on 'My Stories' (in the left hand column). Click on 'write a new story'. Submit your story here. Please indicate that it is a contest entry by putting "HELVETICA AMERICANA MAP" in the title, just before your actual title.
4. Any submission containing content offensive to any groups or persons will not be published.
5. The first 10 submissions will receive a Helvetica Map.
If you don't wish to participate in the contest, but would still like a map, it is available and can be purchased for $ 21.00 (including shipping in the U.S.) at:
The Consulate General of Switzerland,
737 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2301,
Chicago, IL 60611.
Please send check and exact mailing address. For further information you can mail to chi.vertretung@eda.admin.ch This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call at (312) 915 0061.
One way or another, we're looking forward to hearing from you!
your friend,
Ms. Helvetia
