Ashtray
Object number2015.81.2
MediumGlass/Paint
Credit LineGift of Steven J. and Jeanne Schimmel
DescriptionOctagonal colorless glass Klein's ashtray. Four u-shaped notches around top rim for cigarettes; one in each corner. Black painted decoration on underside features illustration of a gull (seagull) and stylized wave and sunset as well as black text with restaurant information.Dimensions1.063 x 4.563 x 4.563 in. (2.7 x 11.6 x 11.6 cm)InscriptionsBlack painted text on underside "Klein's / FINE SEAFOOD / Est 1900".
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 Kosher Cafe
(1900 - 1934)
Related institution
Klein's Restaurant
(1935 - 1992)
Related person
Hannah Haupt Klein
Related person
Joseph Klein
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