Lavertezzo in the Valley Verzasca is typical of villages in Ticino. An Italian-speaking canton (or state) of Switzerland, Ticino lies on the southern side of the Alps. The Light sent reporter David Rolland and photographer Janine Collins to Switzerland and Croatia in April and May to research two of the five historic waves of ethnic immigration to West Marin. Others were from Ireland, Portugal's Azore Islands, and the Mexican state of Jalisco. Next week, The Light's three-part series will discuss the Genazzi, Campigli, Martinelli, Cheda, Dolcini, Lafranchi, and Barboni families. The final week will deal with Marshall's Viliciches and Konatiches and their relatives in war-torn Croatia.

Map of Ticino, Switzerland (44k gif)

Ticino, an external link to Switzerland, brought to you by the Ticino Tourist Board.

Ticino has found prosperity since war

Religion changed more for Swiss who emigrated

Isolation limited Ticinese in choosing their spouses

Intermarriage intertwines West Marin's Swiss families

Part One