Kurt M. Stein Papers, 1905-1966

  • IdentificationMidwest MS Stein
  • TitleInventory of the Kurt M. Stein Papers, 1905-1966 Midwest.MS.Stein
  • PublisherThe Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
  • RepositoryThe Newberry Library - Modern Manuscripts
  • Physical Description0.6 linear feet (2 boxes)
  • Date1905-1966
  • Location1 32 5
  • AbstractChicago author of German-American humor books, journalist, and active member of the Cliff Dwellers. Stein's papers include manuscript and printed works, including a substantial number of plays and sonnets for the Cliff Dwellers, and correspondence from friends and admirers.
  • OriginationStein, Kurt M.

Gift, Leo A. Stern, 1990; James Stern, 2018.

The Kurt M. Stein Papers are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

The Kurt M. Stein 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.

Kurt M. Stein Papers, The Newberry Library, Chicago.

Lisa Janssen, 2007; Alison Hinderliter, 2018.

German-born Chicago-based poet, salesman, and member of the Cliff Dwellers Club.

Kurt M. Stein, also known as K. M. S., was born in Gotha, Thuringia (Germany) on May 12, 1884. His family moved to Chicago in 1895. He is known for his light verses which were initially inspired by his sisters' amusing adaptations of German and English languages as new immigrants. He published poems in the Chicago Daily News, and later appeared regularly in the "Line of Type or Two" column of the Chicago Tribune under his initials K. M. S. He was president of Leo G. Stein & Co., a leather wholesaler, and also an active member of the Cliff Dwellers club, where many of his irreverent plays, songs, and operettas were performed. He was also the author of several humorous German and English language books including Die schönste Lengevitch, Gemixte Pickles, and Limberger Lyrics.

He was married to Lois Williams, and they had no children. Stein died at the age of 82 in 1966.

Correspondence, poetry, plays and other writings, and Cliff Dwellers Club-related material.

Correspondence is from friends and admirers, and members of the Cliff Dwellers; two unpublished poetry manuscripts and several published and unpublished poems; invitations, announcements and other memorabilia from the Cliff Dwellers club; plays and songs performed at the club, and a few photographs including several of Stein at the Cliff Dwellers Club. The poems and songs are mostly light and humorous in tone.

Papers arranged by type of material.

  • Names
    • Cliff Dwellers (Club).
    • Stein, Kurt M.
  • Subject
    • Chicago
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Humorists, German
    • Humorous poetry, American
    • Humorous songs, American
    • Journalism
    • Literature
    • Manuscripts, American -- Illinois -- Chicago