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Michael S. Lerner Papers

 Collection
Identifier: nnhc-msl

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.

Dates

  • 1953 - 1992

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

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.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (in 1 box and 7 photographs)

Language of Materials

English

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.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in 2 series:

Series 1: Documents, 1953-1992

Series 2: Photographs, 1955-1985, undated

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Michael S. Lerner in 1989.

Related Materials

Lerner Newspaper Collection

Lerner Newspaper Photograph Collection

Leo A. Lerner Papers at Syracuse University Special Collections Research Center

Title
Guide to the Michael S. Lerner Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Allyson Smally
Date
2021
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Northside Neighborhood History Collection Repository

Contact:
Sulzer Regional Library
Chicago Public Library
4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago IL 60625 United States
(312) 742-4455