Acorn Shade & Reflector Company
In 1906 Acorn was engaged in the manufacture of stained glass windows, reflectors (lenses) and Art Glass Lamps.
The Bensons
This rare catalog fortunately mentions the proprietors' names, Benson & Benson. This started our research into who the Bensons were and what their involvement may have been with this little firm. Paul J. Benson was born in 1849, a German immigrant, settling in Chicago, marrying and starting a family. Benson's primary business was in clothing. Their own firm, Benson & Rixon was an established and well-known retailer in Chicago. Paul Benson passed away in 1899 so he had no active involvement with Acorn.
Further research indicates that one of his sons, George R. Benson, was President of Acorn during 1906-1907, A Fred Johnston is listed as secretary in 1907 and again in 1909. Another Benson family member, Walter L. Benson, was active in the family business at Benson & Rixon at this time. We suspect that he was the second Benson proprietor mentioned in the Acorn catalog as his name was mentioned alongside his brother's in a trade show. This marks the first mention of Acorn and the firm must have been in production during 1905 as they were already exhibiting in a January 1906 trade show.
Newspaper articles show that both George and Walter were actively seeking to invest in other business opportunities beyond the clothing industry. So far, this all points to the Benson family's foree into the burgeoning field of decorative lighting and others.
Their association with Acorn was short-lived. The family appears to have ended their relationship with Acorn towards the end of 1907. Perhaps the firm was struggling financially as two new individuals, the Michelsons, entered the picture.
The Michelsons
Halvor Michelson was born in Norway in 1838 and immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago in 1854. He was an experienced sailor, captain and vessel owner. After marriage, a Son, Hubert Clarence, was born in Chicago around 1874. Records show he had at least seven siblings including Victor, Norman and Gideon, and sisters Lilian and Anna.
The only evidence we have of the Michelson's involvement in Acorn was from a 1908 Illinois List of Corporations. Halvor and Hubert are listed alongside funding in the sum of $10,000. Given that Hubert was a practicing dentist and Halvor was running other businesses, their involvement was, just like the Bensons, clearly a financial one.
Only one small catalog has surfaced so far showing their offerings. Their line appears limited in number with conventional designs somewhat typical of many similar firms of the period. Surprisingly for a low-budget catalog, 2 pages are featured in full color. In total, perhaps 30 or so lamps are shown with just a single example of a stained glass window.
Their first premises during 1906-1908 were at 73-77 Ellen Street, Chicago. From 1909 they were on the 2nd floor at 167 Adams. Records end in January of 1910 and we assume that signaled the end of the company.
From what scant details have surfaced, Acorn was another small firm that was created to take advantage of the boom in decorative lighting. Research has yet to discover any individuals with a background in stained glass. This presents a problem as the known parties so far appear to be investors, not hands-on glass workers. Research will continue to identify those who would have that essential experience even for the short lifespan of this little company.
