Michael S. Lerner Papers

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
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