In 1877 a group of Swiss chose a point on the shore of Lake Badus for a colony. In 1878 Joseph Burkler, his family, and some single men arrived. In 1879 the colony was augmented by 11 other families who came by rail to Luverne, Minnesota and then overland. That fall they built a school, with Theresa Schnell as the first teacher, and a colony house. Joseph Muggli was the first storekeeper and was appointed the first Postmaster of Badus in May 1879. The colony continued as such until 1886. The names of Berther, CaJacob, Cassutt, DeCurtins, Deragisch, DeRungs, Giossi, Rensch, Schnerr, Tuor, and Wolf are well known in Lake County, their ancestors being of the original colony.