Fred Schwitter

Fred Schwitter

Fred Schwitter was born on March 3, 1847 in Canton Glarus, Switzerland. He immigrated to the United States in August 1866 and eventually made his way to Allegheny County. He was a silk dyer by trade, but found it hard to find employment as a silk dyer. After taking several odd jobs, he saved up enough money to start a small dairy business in 1871. Schwitter’s “Sweet Home Dairy” business became very successful. In 1881, he purchased 100 acres of Thomas Morrow’s homestead, which gave him ample space for his 125 cows to graze. He then built his first mansion on the Perrysville Plank Road, now the current site of West View Elementary. In 1905, he sold it to Fred McManus. Under McManus' ownership, it became the Donegal Inn. Schwitter then built another large mansion on Perry Highway at the current location of Bellaire Apartments. In 1909, Schwitter became ill and went back to his homeland to receive treatment. Unfortunately, he never returned to the United States. He died in Switzerland in 1909.

His mansion was sold to Fred Kuhn, a local meatpacker. In 1942, the mansion was sold to West View Borough and it became the borough municipal building and jail.

the Schwitter farm
the Schwitter farm

Portrait of Fred Schwitter
Portrait of Fred Schwitter

Fred Schwitter Sweet Home Dairy delivery carriage
Fred Schwitter Sweet Home Dairy delivery carriage