author
Simon Benson
1851–1942
A Norwegian-born immigrant who became one of Portland’s most influential businessmen, he helped reshape the Pacific Northwest timber industry and left a lasting mark through major civic gifts. He is especially remembered for his philanthropy, including Portland’s Benson Bubblers and support for education and public landmarks.
1 Audiobook
Third biennial report of the Oregon State Highway Commission : covering the period December 1st, 1916 to November 30th, 1918
by Simon Benson, R. A. (Robert Asbury) Booth, Herbert Nunn, W. L. Thompson
About the author
Born in Norway in 1851, Simon Benson emigrated to the United States as a teenager and eventually built a fortune in the lumber business in Oregon and Washington. Sources describe him as an innovative timberman who helped modernize logging and transportation in the Pacific Northwest, and later as one of Portland’s most visible civic benefactors.
After achieving business success, he gave extensively to public projects and institutions. He is closely associated with Portland through donations that included the famous Benson Bubblers, support for Benson Polytechnic School, and gifts tied to the Columbia River Highway and nearby scenic land.
Benson died in 1942. His story is often remembered as that of an immigrant entrepreneur whose wealth was matched by a strong public spirit, leaving his name attached to schools, buildings, and landmarks across Oregon.