Salvatore Calderone
Salvatore Calderone | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1876 Sicily, Italy |
| Died | 1929-02-10 Hempstead, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Theater owner, businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Calderone theater network on Long Island |
Salvatore Calderone (1876–1929) was a pioneering figure in the American cinema industry and established the Calderone theater network on Long Island, New York. He earned the title "Master Showman of Nassau County" for his influential role in the region's entertainment sector.
Early life
Originating from Sicily, Italy, Calderone emigrated to the United States in 1893. He initially pursued journalism, working for The Picayune in New Orleans before joining Il Progresso in New York City. Alongside his media career, he maintained business interests in the California fruit trade.
Entry into the Theater Business
In 1907, Calderone joined forces with his brother to purchase and operate theaters located in lower Manhattan. Their business expanded until a 1910 fire severely impacted their Bowery venue. The onset of World War I led to reduced patronage, motivating them to withdraw from the New York City theater scene.
Expansion
Following 1914, Calderone moved to Hempstead in Nassau County and acquired the Strand Theatre on Front Street. Identifying opportunities within Long Island’s entertainment market, he co-established the "Calderone Corporation," which constructed the Hempstead Theatre circa 1920. This achievement spurred rapid growth through the acquisition and development of multiple venues, culminating in the largest movie theater chain within Nassau County.
Despite state restrictions against Sunday screenings, Calderone advocated for Sunday showings and faced indictment alongside other Long Island theater proprietors in 1923; however, charges against him were ultimately dropped. Subsequently, local governments allowed Sunday operations under state guidelines. By 1930, his St. James Theatre had commenced Sunday performances.
By 1927, Calderone’s enterprise managed more than seven theaters throughout Nassau County, including sites in Hempstead, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Glen Cove, Westbury, and Mineola. He was acknowledged as a prominent leader within regional theater management. That same year, he opposed union wage increase demands that resulted in a strike, contrasting with other area theater owners who acquiesced. Between late 1928 and early 1929, Calderone engaged in negotiations to sell five key Nassau County theaters to Fox Theatres Corporation for an estimated $3 million.
Movies vs. Vaudeville
Under Salvatore Calderone’s direction, the 'Calderone Theatre Circuit' actively showcased both motion pictures and vaudeville performances. Each venue was equipped to host a variety of entertainment formats, allowing for a broad spectrum of acts across the chain. Touring performers frequently appeared at multiple locations during the 1920s, expanding audience reach. African American artists regularly participated in revues or cabaret shows featured by the circuit. The Rivoli Theatre in Hempstead prominently promoted "Vaudeville Always," highlighting its dedication to live stage entertainment.
Death
Salvatore Calderone passed away from a heart attack on February 10, 1929, at his residence in Hempstead. Local press recognized his death as symbolic of immigrant achievement in America. He left behind his wife Rosario and sons Frank (who helped oversee theater operations), Roy, and Anthony. Initially buried at Calvary Cemetery, his remains were subsequently relocated to Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale within an ornate mausoleum.
Legacy
Despite claims that the Calderone theater chain was sold to Fox in 1929, it actually remained active well beyond Salvatore Calderone's passing. His son, Dr. Frank A. Calderone (1901–1987), a specialist in preventive medicine and an early contributor to the World Health Organization, oversaw numerous theaters until approximately 1980. The enterprise extended its reach from Nassau County into Suffolk County over time.
While Salvatore concentrated on theater construction and management, the company’s focus shifted after his death toward leasing venues to external operators. Frank withdrew from day-to-day operations for a period but returned in 1954 to reengage with management. Industry records indicate that prominent theaters such as The Cove, Rivoli, and Calderone were managed by Skouras; Century controlled Valley Stream and Lynbrook; and later, some theaters transitioned to United Artists (UA). Over time, several venues were either renamed or demolished, reflecting changing market conditions.
Calderone Theatre & Concert Hall
In June 1949, the Calderone Theatre opened in Hempstead, Long Island, featuring a modernist design by architect William Lescaze. This $2 million facility accommodated 2,500 patrons and included a plaque honoring founder Salvatore Calderone. Eventually transformed into the Calderone Concert Hall, it was outfitted with a new stage and became a popular destination for major musical acts such as Santana, Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, and Aerosmith throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The Calderone family sold the venue in 1982 to Rana Management for refurbishment. During the 1990s, it was converted into a seven-screen multiplex before closing and being repurposed as Faith Baptist Church.
Theater Locations 1907 - 1949
- 331 Bowery Street, circa 1910, New York, NY.
- Calderone Theatre, 1949, 145 N. Franklin Street, Hempstead, NY. Designed by William Lescaze; later adapted into a multiplex and concert hall; sold in 1982 and subsequently renovated for use as a church.
- Cove Theatre, 1927, Glen Cove, NY. Designed by Douglas Pairman Hall; transformed into a dinner theater in the late 1970s; since demolished.
- Hempstead Theatre, 1922, Hempstead, NY. Designed by Eugene DeRosa; later repurposed as a DMV office before becoming a church location in the 1990s.
- Lynbrook Theatre, circa 1923, Lynbrook, NY. Designed by Harrison G. Wiseman; converted to a multiplex cinema currently operated by Regal Cinemas.
- Mineola Theatre, circa 1926–27, Mineola, NY. Managed by Calderone until shortly before his death; returned to the chain until the early 1980s; subsequently demolished and replaced with office buildings.
- Rivoli Theatre, circa 1925–26, Hempstead, NY. Initially named "Up Town," later known as "Calderone II"; donated to Adelphi University in 1978 as Adelphi Calderone Theatre (ACT); now replaced by "The Rivoli House."
- St. James Theatre, opened October 1929, St. James, NY. Possibly acquired after Calderone’s death; closed in the early 1950s; building remains with recent renovations.
- Strand Theatre, acquired around 1914, Hempstead, NY. First theater purchased by Calderone in Hempstead; experienced multiple closures due to financial and regulatory challenges; converted into a Salvation Army office by the late 1920s.
- Valley Stream Theatre, circa 1925, Valley Stream, NY. Sold around 1980–82; hosted live performances during the 1980s possibly under the name "The Rio"; demolished in the late 1990s.
- Westbury Theatre, 1927, Westbury, NY. Designed by Douglas Pairman Hall; closed in 2001 and currently undergoing renovation as "The Space at Westbury," a performing arts center.