Five members of the Floradora Sextette entertain with their version of the cancan in the Schweitzer Fest Brau Garten, August 2, 1960. Photo courtesy of Tell City Historical Society

Tell City Schweitzerfest

Having 100 years of recorded history, the citizens of Tell City, Indiana, decided to honor the early settlers and the founding of the town with a grand celebration. That centennial celebration was held August 10 through 17, 1958. The centennial celebration was such a success, members of the Centennial Committee decided to hold another celebration in 1959, and the festival, renamed the Tell City Schweitzerfest at the suggestion of the local librarian, has been held every year since. To quote from the project essay: Let other cities have their Indians, their Kentuck rifles, bear fighters, stagecoaches or battlegrounds. Tell City has had the miracle of the Swiss Colonization Society, the birthright of hard-working, fun-loving Swiss and Germans, and steamboats. After 100 years, our heritage still holds: Tell City is still a "river town" full of beer-drinking Germans who make chairs, pretzels, and fifty other products, who enjoy music and fun, and have a lousy basketball team. But, for color and interest, we'll take it! 

Originally submitted by: Baron P. Hill, Representative (9th District).

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