Samsonite Corporation (1910-1973)
Biography
The Shwayder family of Denver, Colorado is best known for what became the world-famous luggage company Samsonite Corporation, which was founded and operated by the Shwayder family. In 1910, Jesse Shwayder opened a small luggage factory in Denver with his father, Isaac, and brothers, Mark, Maurice, Benjamin, and Solomon. In the year before opening the factory, Jesse worked as a salesman for the Seward Luggage New York City. The business became incorporated as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company in 1912, and it eventually changed its name to Samsonite Corporation. All the Shwayder brothers held executive positions in the company in the 1920s. Jesse was the company's president, Mark Shwayder directed sales, Maurice and Ben Shwayder oversaw manufacturing, and Solomon Shwayder served as the company’s lawyer. Samson, after Jesse's favorite biblical hero, was the first trade name for the company’s luggage, and this was later changed to Samsonite. Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company started to diversify its product offerings in the 1930s by manufacturing folding furniture, and the company changed its name to Shwayder Brothers, Inc. in 1931. As sales increased throughout the 20th century, the company moved into gradually larger facilities in Denver, and at various stages in the business’ history, it opened additional plants in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Arizona, Mexico, and Japan. In 1961, Jesse Shwayder’s son, King D. Shwayder, became president of the company, and in 1965 the Shwayder Brothers, Inc., changed its name to Samsonite Corporation. The Shwayders sold the Samsonite Corporation in 1973.
Found in 13 Collections and/or Records:
Box 1, 1861-circa 1998
Colorado Jewish Business News- General History 1935-1937
Colorado Jewish Businesses, 1861-1979
File contains information on the history of Jewish businesses by Ken Bass (copy) covering the years from 1861 to 1979, as well as two copies of the Intermountain Jewish News, one from 1935 and one from 1937. The report by Ken Bass from 1979 is titled "The Story of Jewish Achievement" and covers "The Samsonite Story," "Star Bread Company's Story," "The Frankel Stationery Story," "The Central Electric Story," "The Guggenheim Story," and general "Observations."
From Peddlers to Merchant Princes: Early Colorado Jewish Entrepreneurs, 2006
Jesse Shwayder Formal Portrait, circa 1929
Formal portrait of Jesse Shwayder standing with his hands in his pockets. In the early 1900s, Jesse Shwayder opened a small luggage factor in Denver with his father, Isaac, and brothers Mark, Maurice, Benjamin, and Solomon. Together they turned it into one of the largest luggage producers in America, the Samsonite Corporation.
Jesse Shwayder Holding Incendiary Bomb, circa 1940
Jesse Shwayder holds an incendiary bomb manufactured by Shwayder Brothers during World War II. From left to right: Emmet Heisler, Jesse Shwayder, seated, Louis Degen. Two of the men in the photograph are unidentified. The Shwayders founded the Samsonite Corporation.
Jesse Shwayder with Golden Rule Marbles, between 1960-1970
Jesse Shwayder sits at a desk with a set of Golden Rule Marbles. These marbles were often given away to employees of the Samsonite Corporation, as well as visitors to remind them of the Golden Rule.
Portrait of Jesse Shwayder, between 1960-1970
Portrait of Jesse Shwayder in the 1960's. The photograph was possibly taken on his 80th birthday. Jesse Shwayder and his brothers founded the Samsonite Corporation.
Portrait of Jesse Shwayder, between 1960-1970
Portrait of Jesse Shwayder standing behind a table with a bible in his right hand. Jesse Shwayder and his brothers founded the Samsonite Corporation.
Portrait of Jesse Shwayder, circa 1929
Formal portrait of Jesse Shwayder standing with his hands in his pockets. In the early 1900s, Jesse Shwayder opened a small luggage factor in Denver with his father, Isaac, and brothers Mark, Maurice, Benjamin, and Solomon. Together they turned it into one of the largest luggage producers in America, the Samsonite Corporation.
Portrait of Maurice B. Shwayder, between 1920-1930
Formal portrait of Maurice B. Shwayder standing in a suit. Maurice Shwayder helped found the Samonsite Luggage Company with his four brothers. He was also active in the founding of General Rose Memorial Hospital.
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