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SOL LEVINSON : KING SOLOMON’S BITTERS Sol Levinson first appears in the Polk’s Seattle City Directory in 1904. His occupation listed as a travel agent. In 1911 he is listed as a manufacturer of King Solomon’s Bitters The business address is the same as his home address 7922 Wallingford Ave. Seattle, Washington. In 1924 he was listed as a " medicine manufacturer" again the business address and his home address are the same, this time at 7903 W. Green Lake Way. So it appears that King Solomon’s Bitters was a small company and operated out of his home. Below are photos of this bottle.
Article published in the April 5 1908 Seattle Daily Times Newspaper. "DISCOVERY IS QUITE AN ACCIDENT." "The story of a well known Bitters came to be one of Seattle’s Industries reads like a romance. According to Sol Levinson the manufacturer it happened like this. Sol Levinson owns an acre or two at Green Lakes and about three years ago employed a trump to dig a ditch in return for a few meals. The tramp who by the way was a Frenchman , had only been digging a short time when he came running into the home beaming with excitement and begun to explain how he had unearthed a root endowed with all the virtues of a dispensary. He also related that after being educated from the church of France he had immigrated to South America only to be expelled later for a breach of discipline. He then told how the Monks in South America prepared this root and used it as a medicine. Levinson believed the man’s story, especially after testing the preparation. He name it King Solomon’s Bitters. Importing large quantities of the herb and has been successfully manufacturing and selling it ever since. Not alone in Seattle but as far east as St. Paul." Article published in the October 10 1916 Seattle daily times Newspaper. "COUNCIL PAYS $394.25 DAMAGES of "DRY" SQUAD." "The City Council made its first payment yesterday afternoon for damages resulting from the activities of the so-called police "dry squad when a bill was passed appropriating $394.25 in payment of a claim of Solo Levinson manufacture of King Solomon’ Bitters. This establishment was raided July 5 and in addition to dumping a quantity of alcohol the equipment and furnishings of the place broken up with axes. The appropriation represents the actual value of the property destroyed. Levinson asked for $1000 as damages to his business because of his inability to fill orders and was disallowed by council." Also published in the Seattle Daily Times Newspapers are several ads feature prominent Seattleites endorsing the Bitters. Below are just a few.
References: Seattle Times Historical Archives Database. Polk’s Seattle City Directories. The Seattle Public Library. Frank & Frank Jr. (Wicker) Bottle Collection |
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