After the end of the Civil War, a group of Swiss and German-speaking immigrants calling themselves the Grütliverein (Grütli Society) formed in Brooklyn, New York.

Lutz's methods would later face scrutiny from both American and Swiss authorities, and he would be investigated in 1880 by West Virginia State Senator Joseph J.

[7] In addition to farmers and herdsmen, many craftsmen and professionals were among the settlers: stonemasons; carpenters; painters; wagon, shoe, watch, hat, and cheese makers; musicians; teachers; ministers; and doctors.

By 1874 the community's population had grown to a heady 308,[8] and by 1875 a band and mutual aid society called the Schweizer-Kranken-Unterstützung-Verein (or, the Swiss Health Support Association) had been organized.

They established the Hütte restaurant, collaborated on a community cookbook titled Oppis Guet's vo Helvetia, and began the public annual Fasnacht celebration.