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Sam Lesner papers

 Collection
Identifier: Midwest-MS-Lesner

Scope and Content of the Collection

Clippings, photographs, some correspondence, and a few pieces of Chicago Daily News memorabilia from long-time reporter and reviewer Sam Lesner. Lesner started working for the Chicago Daily News in the newspaper morgue in 1928. In the 1940s he began writing the column for Chicago entertainment, covering movie reviews, nightclub activities, and theater. His work brought him in contact with many Hollywood and Chicago celebrities, and the photograph and correspondence collection include images and letters from many singers, actors, and other celebrities. Materials include an unattributed biography of Anna Magnani. The photographs include Ella Fitzgerald's autograph, and stills of Bob Fosse showing Shirley MacLaine choreography. When the Chicago Daily News closed down in 1978, Lesner continued to write for the Hyde Park Herald as well as other newspapers and magazines.

Dates

  • Creation: 1941-1990

Creator

Language

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This material is unprocessed and available by appointment only. Please contact reference@newberry.org at least 5 business days in advance to request an appointment.

Ownership and Literary Rights

The Sam Lesner papers are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections at reference@newberry.org.

Extent

6.4 Linear Feet (7 boxes, 7 volumes, and 1 oversize box)

Abstract

Clippings, photographs, some correspondence, and a few pieces of Chicago Daily News memorabilia from long-time reporter and reviewer Sam Lesner.

Collection Stack Location

1 51 5

Provenance

Gifts, Judy Holstein, and Roberta Bernstein, 2021-2022.

Title
Sam Lesner papers, 1941-1990
Status
Unprocessed
Date
©2022.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the The Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
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