Images(3)

Plaque

Object number2015.81.8

Date1908

MediumMetal/Wood/Brass/Paint Oil

Credit LineGift of Steven J. and Jeanne Schimmel

DescriptionPhotographic plaque with mounted image of Joseph Klein. Photograph printed on rectangular metal plate. Bust portrait. Klein appears in three-quarter view facing proper left; proper left hand rests on a chair and proper right hand is in pants pocket; he is dressed in a tuxedo. Photographic plate is affixed to rectangular wood board with four metal conical rivets; one in each corner. Board is painted black and has leaf-textured front and beveled perimeter. Back of board has brass hinged prop with inscribed patent date at top.Dimensions13.25 x 10.625 x 0.875 in. (33.7 x 27 x 2.2 cm)
SignedNone
MarksBack of board has brass hinged prop with inscribed text at top "PAT. / MAY 19 / 1908".
Historical NotesPhotographic portrait of Joseph Klein. Klein founded Klein's Kosher Cafe with his wife Hannah Klein in 1900. Klein'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 person Joseph Klein

Related institution Klein's Kosher Cafe (1900 - 1934)

Related institution Klein's Restaurant (1935 - 1992)

Related person Hannah Haupt Klein

Subjects