| Dates: | 1953-1992 |
| Size: | 1 linear foot in 1 box and 7 photographs |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Sulzer Regional Library, Northside Neighborhood History Collection, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625 |
| Collection number: | nnhc.msl |
| Immediate source of acquisition: | Donated by Michael S. Lerner in 1989. |
| Conditions governing use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection. |
| Conditions governing access: | Materials are open without restrictions. |
| Preferred citation: | When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Michael S. Lerner Papers, [Box #, Folder #] or [Photograph #], Northside Neighborhood History Collection, Chicago Public Library. |
| Finding aid author: | Allyson Smally, 2021. |
Abstract
This collection documents Michael S. Lerner and Leo A. Lerner’s involvement in local commemorative and historical groups on the north side of Chicago. It contains notes, fliers, correspondence, clippings, photographs, and related material.
Biographical/Historical
Michael S. Lerner (1915-1996) worked as an associate publisher for Lerner newspapers, a large publisher of local newspapers on Chicago’s north side. He was known for his involvement in local civic and volunteer organizations, and Mayor Daley declared December 3, 1971 “Michael S. Lerner Day” in honor of his contributions to the city. According to his obituary, he was a "writer, photographer, poet, and painter" and "was also considered an expert in the business aspect of newspaper publishing." He died November 8, 1996.
Source: Obituaries (6) – Michael S. Lerner, Chicago Tribune, November 9, 1996.
Biographical/Historical
Leo A. Lerner (1907-1965) was the editor and publisher of Lerner Newspapers, a chain of local newspapers that covered the northside of Chicago. He was also very involved in local volunteer and civic organizations. His activities included serving as Chairman of the Board of Roosevelt University and President of Independent Voters of Illinois. He died in Chicago at age 57 on March 6, 1965.
Source: "Leo A. Lerner, Publisher and Author, Dies: Headed Firm Issuing 20 Newspapers." Chicago Tribune, March 7, 1965.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains notes, fliers, correspondence, clippings, photographs, and related material documenting Michael S. Lerner and Leo A. Lerner’s involvement in local commemorative and historical groups. The groups covered include the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Association, the Stephen A. Douglas Association, and the Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in 2 series:
Series 1: Documents, 1953-1992
Series 2: Photographs, 1955-1985, undated
Related collections
Lerner Newspaper Collection
Lerner Newspaper Photograph Collection
Leo A. Lerner Papers at Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center
Subject headings
- Lerner, Michael S., 1915-1996
- Lerner, Leo A. (Leo Alfred), 1907-1965
- Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1965--Monuments
- Weber, Charles H., 1894-1960--Memorials
- Memorials
- Monuments
Collection Inventory
Series 1: Documents, 1953-1992
Scope and Contents
This series mostly consists of files documenting Leo A. Lerner and Michael S. Lerner’s work with local groups and organizations. The Chicago Lincoln Statue/Abraham Lincoln Memorial Association files are from Leo A. Lerner, while the Stephen A. Douglas Association and the Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission files were Michael Lerner’s. The series also contains one folder on the history of the Lincoln, Belmont and Ashland intersection.
Arrangement
Arranged according to the file’s topic or the group/organization whose work it documents. Within the files for each group or organization, the material was left in the order in which it was found.
| Box 1 | Folder 1 | Lincoln, Belmont, Ashland intersection history – clippings, photograph, brochure | circa 1975 |
| Box 1 | Folder 2 | Chicago Lincoln statue/Abraham Lincoln Memorial Commission – fliers, press releases, reports | 1953-1954 |
| Box 1 | Folder 3 | Chicago Lincoln statue/Abraham Lincoln Memorial Commission - fliers, press releases, meeting minutes, clippings | 1954-1956 |
| Box 1 | Folder 4 | Stephen A. Douglas Association – Civil War tour itinerary | 1972 |
| Box 1 | Folder 5 | Stephen A. Douglas Association – newspaper, newsletter, and journal issues with articles on Lincoln/Douglas debates and Stephen Douglas | 1953-1983 |
| Box 1 | Folder 6 | Stephen A. Douglas Association – memorial ceremony program and typescript | 1975 |
| Box 1 | Folder 7 | Stephen A. Douglas Association – typescript of speech by Michael Lerner on Lincoln, Douglas, and Civil War | undated |
| Box 1 | Folder 8 | Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission – contributions, notes | 1985 |
| Box 1 | Folder 9 | Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission – correspondence | 1985 |
| Box 1 | Folder 10 | Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission – receipts, notes, and invoices | 1985 |
| Box 1 | Folder 11 | Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission – notes, fliers, clippings, and related material | 1985-1988 |
| Box 1 | Folder 12 | Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission – “I Remember Charley” typescript of address by Michael S. Lerner at Memorial Mass; resolutions, letters, and related material | 1985 |
| Box 1 | Folder 13 | Charles A. Weber Memorial Commission – proclamation, resolutions, and certificate | 1985 |
| Box 1 | Folder 14 | Plaque to Michael Lerner from Ravenswood-Lake View Historical Association | 1992 |
Series 2: Photographs, 1955-1985, undated
Scope and Contents
This series contains portrait and group photographs of several individuals, including Charles H. Weber and Michael S. Lerner.
Arrangement
The photographs were left in the order in which they were found.
| Photograph 1.1 | Weber, Charles H., signed portrait [multiple copies] | undated |
| Photograph 1.2 | Semrow, Harry, portrait | circa 1985 |
| Photograph 1.3 | Lerner, Michael S., portrait | 1985 |
| Photograph 1.4 | Wirth, Al, portrait | 1985 |
| Photograph 1.5 | Fanta, Joseph, portrait | 1985 |
| Photograph 1.6 | Group of unidentified men seated at table | undated |
| Photograph 1.7 | Lloyd Ostendorf, portrait | 1955 |
