Charles K. Swenson (1861-1931)

Charles K. Swenson (June 5, 1861 - June 21, 1931) was a Swedish immigrant and florist in West Hartford.

Swenson was born on June 5, 1861 in Sweden as the son of Swen Neilson and Botilda Gustavson. His surname is formed, according to the Swedish custom, of naming the son from the father's Christian name, adding the suffix son, to indicate the relationship. Swen Neilson, his father, was born in Tarstad, Sweden, and died about 1879 at the age of 55. Three came to America - Neils Swenson, Charles K. Swenson, and Anna Swenson, who married Alfred C. Johnson.

Swenson was educated in the public schools of his local town, then worked in a greenhouse for a year. After that, he worked as a landscape gardener, doing some work on some fine estates in Sweden. He immigrated to the United States in 1879 and worked as a farm hand, as no better opportunity was offered. He was employed in greenhouses and on private estates in a number of cities, including the Pierson greenhouses in Cromwell, Connecticut, where he was for three years. From Mr. Pierson, Swenson purchased a boiler and enough piping for one house. When the Colt greenhouses in Hartford were taken down, he bought enough glass to build a house for the boiler, making the modest beginning in 1887. He removed to West Hartford in the years following.

Family
Swenson married Mary Nicholson, a native of Sweden, in 1890.
 * Lillie Swenson - m. Frank J. Carlson
 * Rose Swenson - m. 1916 - Allen H. Messler
 * Esther Swenson - m. Hasselbrook
 * Edward L. Swenson
 * Adolph P. Swenson
 * Wilbur K. Swenson (died in 1918 in an automobile accident in Arizona, where he had removed in 1912 as an electrician).

Real Estate

 * Swenson purchased a piece of land on November 10, 1900 from the Hartford Brick Company on New Park Avenue.

Land Use and Business

 * He established good independent water supply for his greenhouses at 607 New Park Avenue by 1900.
 * In August 1916, Swenson sued the adjacent Charter Oak Brick Company, alleging that the fumes from the kilns damaged his market garden and greenhouses.

Accidents

 * A hailstorm destroyed the glass of his greenhouses on July 21, 1903.