Howard S. Cullman
Howard S. Cullman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | June 29, 1972 (aged 80) |
| Occupation(s) | Civil servant, philanthropist, theatrical backer, political strategist |
| Known for | Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (1945–1955), Broadway theatre financier |
Howard S. Cullman (September 23, 1891 – June 29, 1972) was a prominent American civil servant, philanthropist, theatrical backer, and political strategist. He dedicated 42 years to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, including a decade as its chairman from 1945 to 1955, while also engaging in civic initiatives and supporting the financing of American stage productions.
Biography
Born to affluent parents Joseph F. and Zillah Stix Cullman, Howard Stix Cullman hailed from a family whose wealth originated with his grandfather, Ferdinand Cullman, a tobacco industry magnate. He completed his studies at Yale University in 1913.
In 1927, Governor Al Smith appointed him to the board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he remained until 1969. Cullman was chosen as Chairman in 1945 by a decisive 9–1 vote and collaborated closely with executive director Austin Tobin, becoming known as Tobin’s trusted "right-hand man." Additionally, he acted as Treasurer for Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s gubernatorial campaigns in New York during 1928 and 1930.
President Dwight Eisenhower named Cullman Commissioner General with ambassadorial status in 1958 to represent the United States at the Brussels World’s Fair.
Theatre Involvement
Cullman played a pivotal role in shaping American theatre. In 1932, he assumed control as court receiver of the struggling Roxy Theatre, transforming its financial losses into profits within five years. By 1944, he became part of a syndicate that acquired the former Hammerstein's Theatre (which later became the Ed Sullivan Theater). Two years later, he negotiated an agreement with CBS that allowed continued broadcasting from Hammerstein’s while leasing the Alvin Theatre (present-day Neil Simon Theatre) for live Broadway shows.
Together with his wife Marguerite, Cullman backed numerous successful Broadway productions from the 1940s through the 1960s, including Life With Father, Oklahoma!, Carousel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof, Teahouse of the August Moon, Death of a Salesman, and A Streetcar Named Desire. Between 1938 and 1961, he helped finance approximately 300 shows, significantly influencing Broadway’s financial framework.
Civic Activities
Cullman was deeply engaged in public service. In 1931, Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed him to lead a state committee focused on reforming workmen’s compensation insurance. Throughout the 1930s, he served as president of New York’s Beekman Street Hospital and as a director at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital, advocating for hospital modernization and enhancements in public health.
During the late 1950s, Cullman chaired a fundraising effort supporting free Shakespearean performances in New York City parks—a movement that developed into the acclaimed Shakespeare in the Park program. Furthermore, he was active in Jewish organizations such as ORT and the Jewish Social Service Association, which provided vocational education and social support services.
Political Engagements
Cullman was influential within New York Democratic politics, holding the role of treasurer for Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s gubernatorial campaigns in 1928 and 1930. He also supported various state candidates alongside political figures like Alfred E. Smith, Herbert H. Lehman, and John J. Raskob. His bipartisan appeal was underscored when President Dwight Eisenhower appointed him Commissioner General for the United States at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.