1978 research - Switzerland

Studer research in Switzerland - 1978

The 1978 Trip Continues 
Much of the historical information used in the Studer book came from Dr. Max Studer of Luzern, Switzerland. Max Studer told Dick a great deal about the activities of Studers throughout Switzerland from the past to the 20th century. He mentioned that a large number of Studers lived in the Entlebuch valley between Luzern and Bern, especially the village of Escholzmatt. It was in this village that Dick, Gen and Larry first stopped upon their arrival in Switzerland. 

Switzerland 
In Escholzmatt the Dick, Gen and Larry visited with Werner Studer who operated a liquor manufacturing company; started many years ago by his grandfather. Werner informed them that there were many other Studers in the town and introduced them to the family of Hans and Rosie Studer who managed a bakery and grocery store. Hans was very helpful in researching the Studer name in the area and finding a copy of a Studer family crest in the local archives.

Hans gave a copy of the crest to Dick as well as an explanation of the images on the crest.

Thanks to Hans assistance, Dick, Larry and Gen were able to discover many interesting facts about Studers.

For example, in Bern there is a Studer street, a park and a monument dedicated to the memory of Gottlieb Studer (1804-1890) who was an early explorer of the mountains in the vicinity. There was also mention of the monument at Interlachen, dedicated to Bernhard Studer, another famous mountain explorer. Evidently, the Swiss Studers were big on exploring mountains, although if one thinks about it for a moment there isn't much else in Switzerland to explore. 

Studer Name Found Everywhere 
The name Studer was found in virtually every village and city. In Visp, (in the Rhone valley,) everywhere they looked they found Studers listed in the directories. They spoke to a family who told them that there had been Studers in Visp for hundreds of years. In the Village of Zermatt, nestled in the foothills of the Matterhorn, they found many Studers but no motorized vehicles, the latter being banned by a local ordinance. Also in their travels the three Studer siblings found their namesakes in western Austria, Northern Italy and Lichtenstein. In Lichtenstein they met an art dealer named Studer who traced his heritage to tall, thin Studers from southern Germany. Passing through St. Gallen, along Lake Constanz, they crossed the Rhine Falls into the Black Forest area of Germany and then on to Alsace. There was no way to avoid it; they simply "had to" visit the peaceful little Doller river valley one more time before returning to America. 

Returning To Doller Valley 
Dick, Gen and Larry pressed on, they arrived for their final day in their ancient homeland. They were welcomed once again in to the home of Andre and Rose Studer. They attended mass together at the Holy Cross Catholic Church where Andre's daughter, Maire Anne played the organ. Andre also sang in the choir. After the service they had refreshments at a local bistro where they were introduced to more local Studers. They had another traditional Alsatian dinner and Maire Anne played the accordion. Everyone danced a waltz or two. After this delightful repast, Dick, Gen and Larry were feeling a bit more refreshed and decided to make one last trip of discovery. Driving to the wine village of Ribeauville, north of Colmar, they stopped at a Franciscan Convent with the intent of discovering information regarding Sister Cesaree (Amandus' sister). They were unable to discover anything further about her. However they did find out that one of the retired sisters in residence, a Marguerite Studer, was from Dolleren. They spoke with Marguerite and she related to the Americans through Andre Studer. The Sisters had records of four Studer women who had served their God as member of the community over the last two hundred years. 

Bridging the continents
The reunion of the American and European Studers in Alsace, 130 years after their common ancestor had left France for the new world, was a great thrill for all involved and the adventure of a lifetime for the three Studers from Minnesota. It established a link between the old and new world family that will enrich both continents for generations. It was difficult for Larry, Dick and Gen to say goodbye to their newly discovered cousins and the scenic region of Alsace. But they managed to pull themselves together and pack for the return journey. They each carried with them new and interesting information which needed to be shared with their own families back in the U.S.A. With both joy and sadness they embarked on their return passage. 

Upon their return to America the travelers (Dick, Larry and Gen) shared their acquired knowledge and information with Irene Studer and Lyle LaRose (of the Frank M., branch of the Studer line). Irene and Lyle live in Canada. Both have done extensive research of their own into the heritage of the Studer family.