Harry Zeck, Marvin Spoor, Arthur Berthelet filming a scene at the Chicago studio
Essanay was founded in 1907 in Chicago by George K. Spoor and Gilbert M. “Broncho Billy” Anderson (“S and A”) who both received Oscars for their pioneering work. Essanay moved to its famous 1333–45 W. Argyle St in Uptown in 1909 and produced silent films with such stars as Ben Turpin, Wallace Beery, Francis X. Bushman, Gloria Swanson and is well known for its “Broncho Billy” westerns and Charlie Chaplin films. Learn more by visiting the Historical Background page or the Historic Structures Report.
