September 4, 1953
The Tiburon Peninsula Pelican
The “Dittli Alps”, A Swiss Bit in the Tiburon Hills
A home is a building in the hills above Tiburon that will reflect the Swiss heritage of the owner and builder, Mr. And Mrs. Albin Dittli and family.
Their home site on the rocky heights of Hillhaven, a development of W. Eliott Judge, commands an eagle’s view of the Golden Gate, San Francisco and the East Bay.
It reminded Mr. Dittli of his native Alps and for two years the Dittlis have been moving stone into place for their home and garden.
Their careful and painstaking work with rock walls and terraces has transformed their barren half acre into a site of remarkable beauty, the Dittli Alps, as they call it, and it is well named.
The Dittlis hope to move in in October, and the children, Regina, 11, Albin, 9, and Lillian, 8 have been signed up at Reed School, and the family is looking eagerly forward to their adventure in living.
Mr. Dittli, a native of Switzerland, came to this country in 1926 and has been an importer in San Francisco for a number of years.
Establishment of a home in Tiburon came about quite by accident, and to hear him tell it, one is sure he feels a sense of Marin discovery along with Sir Francis Drake.
He has been traveling the Redwood Highway for years before he ventured one day to take the turnoff at Alto marked “Tiburon-Belvedere.”
It was cold and overcast at the time and he found himself studying the blackboard in front of Elva Paske’s real estate office.
Hillhaven wasn’t much more than an idea at that time, but Fred Dupuis volunteered to guide the inquiring strangers on foot up into the hills above St. Hillary’s.
Later the same day Mr. Dittli located the spot where he had stood up in the hills on the sub-division map and made a deal for their property then and there.
Since then, the road has been put in and the weekend rock work on the Dittli’s Alps has gone on lovingly.
Their self built home will be a ranch type with three bedrooms and a glassed-in lanai.
Mr. Dittli became so absorbed in his home making that he sold his business to allow full time in his Alps. When completed, he will get along again with his importing business.
In addition to his own two hands and family aid, Mr. Dittli has had only the help of one handyman. Their neighbor-to-be, Frank Yorkis, who likewise has been occupied with foundation laying in this newest highland home development on the Tiburon Peninsula, joins the Dittlis in their distinction of being “pioneers” in home building on Hillhaven.
Marin County Independent Journal Wed., Sept. 1, 1954
Mr. And Mrs. Albin Dittli of Hill Haven, Tiburon, entertained Sunday at cocktails and buffet honoring Mrs. Dittli’s father, Godfried Lanz of San Francisco, on his seventy-fifth birthday. In 1918 Mr. Lanz founded the “Swiss Journal” in San Francisco.
The affair was a surprise both to Mr. and Mrs. Lanz, who had been invited “to go out to dinner” with the Dittlis.
Guests included the Ted Steigers of Tiburon, family friends of the Dittlis. Mr. Steiger’s father, Judge George Steiger, was a guest at the Lanz wedding.
Also guests were some other family friends, Mr. and Mrs. Max Murdock of Cincinnati, Ohio, who were visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Lincoln Murdock, in Belvedere. Mrs. Max Murdock’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Schwartz, of San Francisco, also were in the group.
Others among the forty guests were the vice consul of Switzerland, in San Francisco, Germaine Broquet; Mr. and Mrs. Leo Helfenberger and their daughter, Elizabeth of Los Angeles; and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dittli of San Francisco the host’s brother and sister-in-law.
Messrs. and Mesdames Emil Leuenberger, John Stalder, Mathe Bucher, Louis Schmohl, Julius Bondadurer, Harry Kramer and Emil Naegeli, and Ernest Gloor, all of San Francisco.
From Palo Alto came Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Schlamm, and from Healdsburg the John De Monts and Steve Blumenthals.
Wednesday, September 15, 1954
San Francisco Swiss Journal
To Godi Lanz on his 75th Birthday
Time is peculiar. When we were young the birthdays seemed ages apart and the months between creeped like a worn out automobile. But as we grow older the pace increases until it seems that Father Time should be arrested for speeding. Many of us have met on numerous occasions to celebrate joyous events, but celebrating Godi Lanz’s seventy fifth birthday was one of the happiest occasions of them all. His daughters, Madelaine and Lillian and their husbands, Leo and Albin got their heads together and planned the party. Invitations were sent out to some fifty of Godi’s friends to meet at the home of Lillian and Albin Dittli in Tiburon at 3:00 PM on the 29th of August, 1954. Leo and Madelaine came clear from Los Angelos to keep Godi “occupied” some other place during all the preparations. The event was a total and touching surprise to Godi and Madelaine, who had not the slightest suspicion of anything more then an evenings pleasure with their family.
The home was hushed in perfect silence when Godi, together with his wife Madelaine, arrived at the door. No sooner was the door opened when a big chorus of “Happy Birthday to you” was filling the air. Godi could not believe his eyes but he faced the guests and received the pleasant personal wishes of all those present. It did bring a glow of happiness to his heart. He had the old twinkling in his light blue eyes, a nice smile and was brimming over with the zest of youth.
Soon tables were set and a delicious meal was served and of course there was no lack of liquid essentials to the celebration of this occasion.
Hans Stalder served as master of toastmaster and every guest paid Godi generous compliments.
Godi Lanz is as deeply Swiss as the soil of the Canton Bern which nourished him. He was a pioneer for the Swiss Journal and has always been a pillar for Swiss singing, never failing to arrive at rehearsals.
I would not clothe Godi in the garments of a Saint, and he never will be an Angel, but he has always been a jolly good fellow, well liked by everyone who knows him. We all wish him a pleasant continuation on his trip through the years. We hope that he will find few hills and washouts, but rather that his road be smooth and straight, through beautiful scenery with pleasant weather and let me conclude with the words spoken by his grandson – reach for the hundred birthday.
Mr. And Mrs. Albin Dittli have just about completed the building of their home in Tiburon. Amid such picturesque surroundings as Tiburon affords, it is particularly appropriate and artistic and quite the envy as well as the admiration of their many friends. May they always enjoy a happy life in their new home.
Hans De Mont
Sept. 11, 1959
Marin County Independent Journal
Manse on a Hilltop in Hill Haven
The Alvin (sic) Dittli residence at 1885 Mountain View Drive, Hill Haven, Tiburon, takes advantage of its hill top site by featuring natural surroundings. Dittli built native rock walls over a year’s time, varying in height from four to 12 feet around the half-acre home site. Natives, shrubs and succulents were used for landscaping. Dittli designed the home himself, did all the carpenter work. In building walls, he had to carry water in gallon jugs from his previous home in San Francisco, as there was no water service to the hill-top, where he was the first resident. (Independent-Journal photo of the house accompanied the article)
Wednesday, June 8, 1960
Swiss Journal (San Francisco)
Gottfried Lanz Dies On way to Switzerland!
….Another pioneer of the San Francisco Swiss Colony has left us forever. Suddenly and in a most tragic way. . . he died while on board an ocean liner in his way to London and Switzerland, accompanied by his dear wife and his daughter Mrs. Helfenberger of Los Angeles!
Gottfried Lanz left his home in San Francisco a little over two weeks ago, and his departure, with Mrs. Lanz and his daughter was the occasion for a large party at the Lanz home, at which time many friends participated to bid them a wonderful trip.
The London stop would have been, for them, a first happy reunion after twenty years, with a close relative: the brother of Mrs. Lanz who is manager of the famous Savoy Hotel. But Gody never reached London alive. Just a day before landing he died suddenly while playing cards on board ship.
The sad news reached the Swiss Colony Monday and spread rapidly. It created much sadness because Mr. Lanz a member of the Swiss Singing society, the Gruetli Society, the Swiss’ Club and many others, was well known and a friend to all.
In London, we hear that Mr. Lanz’ body was cremated after funeral services, and his ashes will be brought to San Francisco.
To the widow, the members of the Lanz family and all relatives, the Editor and staff of the Swiss Journal extend sincere condolences. M.M.
June 10, 1960
The Monitor
G. Lanz, 34 years on Monitor, Dies
Gottfried Lanz, for 34 years a member of The Monitor composing room staff, and former shop foreman, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack May 26 on board the French liner Flanders, enroute to Europe. Funeral services were held in Southhampton, England.
Mr. Lanz, accompanied by his wife Madelaine, and daughter Mrs. Madelaine Helfenberger of Los Angelos, were planning a three months motor tour of Central Europe climaxed by a visit to his native city Bern, Switzerland.
Mr. Lanz served his apprenticeship as a printer in Switzerland, prior to coming to the United States in 1906. After a brief stop in Cleveland, Ohio, he came to San Francisco where he married Madelaine Haesler, also of Switzerland, in 1910. The trip to Switzerland was to mark the golden anniversary of their marriage.
For many years Mr. Lanz was employed by L’Unione, the Italien Catholic newspaper now out of circulation. He came to The Monitor in 1926, and was the oldest employee in terms of service on the archdiocesan newspaper.
He is widely known as a linguist, and in the American Swiss societies as a singer and sports enthusiast.
But he is best known as a “perfect gentleman” – an expert of friendliness and personal charm.
Surviving is another daughter, Mrs. Lillian Dittli of Tiburon, and four grandchildren.
August 4, 1965
Swiss Journal (San Francisco)
Mrs. Madelaine Lanz 80 Years Young
It was a happy crowd that gathered at Dittlis Alp in Tiburon on Sunday, May 18th, to celebrate the eightieth birthday of Mrs. Madelaine Lanz.
For decades Madelaine and Godi Lanz were one of the best known couples in the Swiss colony. Their endeavor to unite the Swiss abroad was recognized by every society. Godi was even the first editor and printer of the Swiss Journal. It is therefore no surprise to find so many well wishers present to say and sing Happy Birthday to you, Madelaine, and many more.
Unfortunately, Godi suddenly passed away five years ago, but his presence was felt strongly as his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grouped around Madelaine for the official cake-cutting ceremony. Their two daughters, Mrs. Albin Dittli (Lillian Lanz) and Mrs. Leo Helfenberger (Madelaine Lanz) felt very proud and fortunate to have dear Mama with them, and as for Mrs. Dieter Bayer (Regina Dittli), Albin Dittli junior and Miss Lillian Dittli – anyone could read the deep affection for grandma in their smiling faces. As for the great grandson, 11 months old, healthy looking Clifford Bayer – he was all smiles to all. Mr. Albin Dittli and Mr. Leo Helfenberger felt very proud to be sons-in-law.
The arrangement of this lovely party was done by experts. On arriving you were greeted, introduced, and before you realized it, had a champagne cocktail in your hand. At this lovely spot, the Dittlis Alp, high on top of Tiburon mountains, overlooking Angel Island, San Francisco, and the East Bay, conversation flowed easy on this sunny afternoon. And soon you were urged to serve yourself from the splendid array of good food from the buffet.
Going into the nicely decorated lanai and foyer, card tables were grouped all around with individual place cards. Finding your seat you were pleasantly surprised to be placed next to an unexpected partner. The young wine stewards, Albin Dittli junior, Dieter Bayer, son-in-law of Mr. And Mrs. Albin Dittli, and Bob Glaeser, fiancé of Lillian Lanz (sic – should be Lillian Dittli), lost no time serving the wine. Soon the party was in full swing – toasting and speeches flowed as freely as the wine. To the hosts Albin and Lillian Dittli, and Leo and Madelaine Helfenberger who reside in Los Angelos, we say thank you. To Mrs. Madelaine Lanz once more from all of us – Many happy returns and may God bless you.
April 16, 1969
Swiss Journal
Attention! Albin Dittli Retires
Albin Dittli of Tiburon has reached the time of life for retiring from business.
Albin came to California from Altdorf, Switzerland in 1926 and has been in the Bay Area ever since. He was active in the Swiss colony, having been president of the San Francisco Swiss Club and the Swiss Relief Society.
He and his wife, Lillian, were the owners of Albin Dittli Imports for fifteen years. Prior to that, they owned a gift shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown for many years, specializing in California redwood burl gifts and imports from Europe.
Many of the local Swiss colony will remember their fine selection of Swiss music boxes and carvings. Now their two daughters and sons-in-law: Regina and Dieter Bayer, and Lillian and Bob Glaeser, have taken over the import business as Dittli Imports, Inc.
Lillian and Albin are looking forward to enjoying their retirement and plan on doing a little traveling off and on, starting with a trip to Switzerland this fall.
Lillian, the daughter of Madelaine and Gody Lanz, was born in San Francisco, but has always been a member of several Swiss organizations. For the past fifteen years they have been residing in Tiburon, Marin Co. Their son, Albin, is still living with them until he receives his teaching credentials next semester.
The best of luck to Alvin (sic) and Lillian in the years to come.
Thursday, February 15, 1973
Laguna Hills News
Dittli Set To Appear On TV Show
Leisure World resident, Albin Dittli, a native of Switzerland, will be the guest of Florence Pettibone on the Brush Up On Art program on TC Channel 6 at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16. Dittli will present and discuss many scenes of his native land which he has painted to recall the memories of his early years.
Dittli had art training before coming to this country in the ‘20s. His capability led him to put that training to good use when during the depression years he started a small manufacturing plant reproducing art scnes on redwood and on California glace fruit gift boxes. Later he developed scenic views in national parks which were reproduced by silk screen process and sold in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and other national parks. He and his wife, Lillian, a professional ballet dancer, operated a retail gift shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown area for ten years, then took up a successful venture in the importing and wholesale distribution of sea shells.
Dittli’s art is largely self developed after his early training. Recently, however, he studied with Joyce Clark of Long Beach.
July 19, 1973
Leisure World News
Madelaine Lanz
Services were held yesterday, July 18, for Madelaine Lanz, 88 of 225-C Via Puerta at Pacific View Chapel.
Mrs. Lanz, who passed away July 15 at Beverly Manor, is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Lillian Dittli of the home address and Madelaine Helfenberger of Los Angelos; four grand children and 10 great grand children.
Born in Switzerland, she was a previous resident of San Francisco before moving to Leisure World eight months ago.
Interment was at Pacific View Memorial Park.
July 25, 1973
Swiss Journal
In Memoriam Madelaine Lanz
It is our sad duty to announce the passing on July 15, 1973, of Madelaine Lanz after a short illness. Funeral services were held at the Pacific View Memorial Park, Newport Beach, California, on a hill overlooking the ocean, a truly beautiful place.
Madelaine Lanze was born in Gsteigwiler, Kanton Bern, Switzerland. She came to San Francisco in 1908, where she met and married Gody Lanz, Founder of The Swiss Journal. Together they had a very happy life for almost 50 years. They were active in the Swiss colony together and especially loved singing. On a trip to Europe in 1960, Gody passed away and was buried in England. “Grandma”, as she was affectionately called by the family, had two daughters: Lillian Dittli, retired with her husband Albin in Laguna Hills and Madelaine Helfenberger, wife of Leo Helfenberger, Representative of the Swiss Credit Bank in Los Angelos, Calif.
Madelaine Lanz is also survived by four grand children, namely, Elisabeth Furguson (Helfenberger,) Regina Bayer (Dittli) Albin L. Dittli, Lillian Glaeser (Dittli) and ten great-grandchildren.
For the last eight months, Madelaine Lanz resided at the Beverly Manor in Laguna Hills, minutes away from her daughter, Lillian. Only a few days ago she was visited by relatives on her 88th birthday.
All of us that know her will keep the most cherished and lovely memories of Madelaine Lanz. May she rest in peace.
Ed. Note: The Swiss Journal voices the sentiments of the entire Swiss colony in expressing sincere condolences to the Dittli and Helfenberger families on their deep loss. The Swiss Singing Society of San Francisco especially remember Gody and Madeline Lanz, who for many years supported them fully in all their endeavors and singers and as faithful members. The Editors likewise express their heartfelt condolences to the families.
August 7, 1986
Leisure World News
Cactus and fools gold dress up Via Puerta
The most beautiful cactus garden in Leisure World, or anywhere else for that matter, has been 17 years in the making.
Ad new residents in 1968, Albin and Lillian Dittli bought some cacti to plant on the lawn of their newly built home at 2225-C Via Puerta. “There was nothing here,” Lillian said of the landscaping. “We kept planting and pretty soon all the cacti grew into one big garden.”
Rocks frame the garden to keep the dirt in and the weeds out. And these are just ordinary rocks: silver flaked, fools gold copper and turquoise are some of the varieties. The Dittli’s, frequent travelers, brought back rocks from Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Hawaii.
“We emptied a tote bag in Hawaii and filled it with lava,” Lillian said, adding that airport officials looked at them strangely.
“We’re lucky that none of our cacti have died,” Lillian said. The garden boasts dozens of different varieties, some of them quite large. Most of them have multiplied or grown more then 10 times their original size. “We won’t go into a nursery because he can’t say no,” Lillian said.
Albin arrived in San Francisco from Switzerland and met Lillian, who is also Swiss. They married in 1939. Albin could not speak English at the time but he could speak German, French, and Italian. He also had two college degrees in business administration.
The Dittli’s build their own home in Marin County, where they started growing cacti. Albin began painting solk screen plaque for sale at national parks. Indian and landscape scenes are his favorites.
“My brother-in-law brought one home from his honeymoon,” Albin said. “He was telling me about how a “real” Indian had painted it. It turned out that it was one of my silk-screens!” Albin laughs about it even today.
The Dittli’s have three children and 16 grandchildren. They keep active by swimming and dancing and belonging to three dance clubs. The Theater Guild, California Club and Opera 100. “I have quite a wardrope of gowns up there,” Lillian said.
The Dittli’s love living in Leisure World. “I’m glad this is not an open city. People would steal me blind,” Albin said about his garden. “Yes, the people are very nice here.” Lillian agreed. “They often drive by and ask if they can take pictures. The garden is good therapy and exercise for Albin.
What’s next for the youthful couple? They’re off for Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia on Nov. 1.
Transcribed from the original newspaper articles by Joseph Dittli