Matchbook
Object number2015.81.3
Manufacturer
Lion Match Company, Inc.
OriginPittsburgh, PA
MediumPaper/Ink/Metal
Credit LineGift of Steven J. and Jeanne Schimmel
DescriptionKlein's Restaurant and Sea Food House matchbook. Paperboard cover is black with silver, red, and white text and decoration. On the front is text describing the restaurant and location. Back has an illustration of a fish with text; below this is a strip of rough material for striking the matches against. On top edge is a phone number. Bottom edge has maker's mark. Inside has white text describing the restaurant and thirteen (13) matches with lobster illustration on each match; matches are flat and rectangular; two matches missing. A metal staple holds the matches in place at bottom center.Dimensions2 x 1.5 x 0.313 in. (5.1 x 3.8 x 0.8 cm)InscriptionsOn the front is silver text "Klein's / SINCE 1900 / RESTAURANT / and / SEA FOOD HOUSE / 326-330 FOURTH AVE. / PITTSBURGH, PA. / STRIKE ON THE BACK COVER".
Back has red text over an illustration of a fish "SEA FOOD" with silver text below "AS YOU / LIKE IT!"
On top edge is silver text "PHONE COURT 1-8615".
Inside has white text "Klein's / RESTAURANT / OYSTERS, CLAMS / and Sea Foods / Fine Liquors / & Cordials / PHONE COURT 1-8615 / FAMOUS / FOR OUR / STEAKS / & / CHOPS".
Printed white text at the base of the matches "Klein's / PITTSBURGH, PA.
MarksBottom edge has maker's mark in silver text "FEATURE MATC[HBO]OK PAT. 1839845 6 / LION MATCH Co [PI]TTSBURGH, PA"; hole at center interrupts the text.
Historical NotesKlein's Kosher Cafe was founded by Hungarian immigrants Joseph and Hannah Haupt Klein in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1900. The restaurant served traditional, kosher Hungarian dishes at a location on Fifth Avenue. After their retirement in the 1930s, Joseph and Hannah passed ownership of the restaurant to three of their six children, Samuel, Sidney, and Virginia. In 1935, the restaurant gave up its kosher status and introduced a seafood menu. The pairing of popular seafood dishes with traditional Hungarian meals became the restaurant's hallmark. Klein's Restaurant attracted the attention of both locals and celebrities, and became a popular nightspot in the 1940s. The restaurant remained a family operation until its closure in February 1992.
Related institution
Klein's Restaurant
(1935 - 1992)
Related person
Hannah Haupt Klein
Related person
Joseph Klein
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