In 1877, a Swedish immigrant named Peter Benson came to Minneapolis to seek his fortune. In 1891 went into business with Charles Eckstrom manufacturing and importing guitars, violins and other musical instruments. Benson was a skilled luthier, a player, and also a publisher of music. He took out patents on his designs. Benson made most of his guitars in Minneapolis. His logo could be found burned on inside of the instruments. When the little shop Benson opened with Eckstrom at 510 Cedar Avenue was overwhelmed, some of the work was outsourced to companies like Lyon, Healy, Larson Brothers and Martin. Benson parlor guitars were defined by their ebony, pyramid bridge and their purfling. They had solid mahogany back and sides. The tops were made of spruce. In 1894 Benson became a naturalized citizen and moved his music store “Benson Music House” to a new building near the corner of Washington and 13th. The shop sold musical instruments, sheet music, Victrolas and bicycles. Benson continued to run his business manufacturing and importing fine musical instruments until the Great Depression came along. In 1933 after 42 years in business, Benson closed up. A few years later he moved with his wife Helga to the Scandinavian Relief home.
