Ben Stein papers and oral history interview, 1920-1972

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Stein, Ben, approximately 1890-
Title
Ben Stein papers and oral history interview
Dates
1920-1972 (inclusive)
Quantity
0.94 cubic feet (2 boxes) plus 2 audio cassettes
Collection Number
1916 (Accession No. 1916-001)
Summary
Tape-recorded interview of an immigrant from Russia concerning life in Seattle
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access.

Request at UW

Languages
English, Russian

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Born around 1890 in the Russian-controlled Belarusian city of Minsk, Ben Stein arrived as an immigrant to the United States in 1915. Initially landing in Seattle, he soon traveled east across the country and tried his hand at a series of professions. Stein never returned to Russia, but instead chose to settle in the Seattle area for the remainder of his life. After working in the luggage business for a time, Stein began to sell insurance in Seattle with his cousin, M.N. Ketzlach. Though his work as an insurance agent provided him with his primary source of income, the true focus of his energy was his involvement with Seattle's Jewish community. Stein served as the financial secretary for the Seattle branch of the Workmen's Circle, an organization that provided fiscal, cultural, and educational support to Jewish citizens in the area.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains general correspondence, academic work, and journals that belonged to Ben Stein, as well as a tape-recorded interview with Stein in 1972 that discusses his life and his time with the Workmen's Circle organization.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

Listen to the audio recording of this interview on the Libraries Digital Collections site.

Restrictions on Use

Creator's literary rights not transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donated by Ben Stein, May 9, 1972.

Processing Note

Processing completed in 2016.

Separated Materials

Material Described Separately:

Workmen's Circle/Der Arbeter Ring Branch 304 photograph collection (PH0769)

Workmen's Circle/Der Arbeter Ring Branch 304 records (Manuscript collection 1859)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

 

Series 1:  Ben Stein PapersReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
General Correspondence
1920-1972
1/2
School Papers
1920-1924
1/3
Drawing
undated
1/4
Notebook
undated
1/5
Diary
1929-1930
Box
2
Record Books of Stein and Ketzlach Insurance Co.
1939-1965

Series 2:  Ben Stein InterviewReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
cassette
1
Audio Interview with Ben Stein, Part 1
1972
2
Audio Interview with Ben Stein, Part 2
1972

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Stein, Ben, approximately 1890- --Archives
  • Stein, Ben, approximately 1890---Interviews

Corporate Names

  • Stein and Ketzlach Insurance Company
  • Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring--History--Sources

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Washington State Jewish Archives (University of Washington) (curator)
    • Washington State Jewish Archives (University of Washington)