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 4 Collections and/or Records:
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 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.
The Shwayder Brothers Standing on a Samsonite Suitcase, circa 1910
The five Shwayder brothers stand on a board that is balanced on a Samsonite suitcase to demonstrate the strength of the suitcase. Jesse Shwayder is pictured second from the right. Other Shwayder brothers are: Mark, Maurice, Benjamin and Solomon. The Shwayder brothers owned Shwayder Trunk Company, which later became known as the Samsonite Corporation. The photograph was used to advertise Samsonite luggage.
The Shwayder Brothers Standing on a Samsonite Suitcase, circa 1910
The five Shwayder brothers stand on a board that is balanced on a Samsonite suitcase to demonstrate the strength of the suitcase. Jesse Shwayder is pictured second from the right. Other Shwayder brothers are: Mark, Maurice, Benjamin and Solomon. The Shwayder brothers owned Shwayder Trunk Company, which later became known as the Samsonite Corporation. The photograph was used to advertise Samsonite luggage.
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