Manufacturer: Scammell China
User: A Bit of Sweden Restaurant – Chicago, Illinois
Distributor: American China & Glassware Co.
Date of plate: circa 1940s – 1954

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Notes: A Bit of Sweden opened in 1926 at 1011 Rush Street, in Chicago. According to an article about a women's club event, in the Nov. 25, 1926, Chicago Suburban Star, "Here luncheon will be served, consisting of Swedish delicacies, on Swedish dishes. Guests will be seated on chairs and eat from tables made in Sweden."

Another article from 1931 describes the dining room: "Along the walls is a gleam of polished copper and a flash of color from bright woven hangings. In the center of the room is a table of the most alluring hors d' oeuvres with which to tempt the palate before you sit down to the most delicious and wholesome dinner you can imagine."

A 1936 article states: "Vera Nordstrand, owner, left for Sweden May 1 to collect nicknacks [sic], table covers and pieces of copper to add to the already delightful decorations."

Between 1939 and 1948, the restaurant had either expanded from 1011, or moved a couple doors down to 1015 Rush Street. A 1948 menu from that address features the popular smorgasbord but also lists Colorado rainbow trout and Virginia ham. The restaurant is mentioned in a March 1961 newspaper article, but a January 1962 article mentions the lease of "the Bit 0' Sweden's old Diggin's," which indicates that A Bit of Sweden was no longer in operation.

At some point the original Swedish dishes were replaced by Lamberton China ordered from Scammell. This china is crested with an illustration of a man in a red coat kneeling while holding a chalice in one hand. Stylized flowers and a vine are included in the scene. "A Bit of Sweden" in red Old English-style lettering is below. This logo appears on the cover of 1948 menus. Postcard views of the dining room at 1015 Rush St., show this china on the tables. American China & Glassware Co., of Chicago, was the distributor.

For more info:
Bit of Sweden, by Sterling and Wallace China, for restaurants by the same name in San Francisco and Los Angeles

Contributor:
Larry Paul: