Salvatore Calderone (1878-1929) and his son, Dr. Frank Calderone (1901-1987), were visionary theatre operators in Nassau County, N.Y. (Dr. Calderone was also a noted physician and health officer.) Their Calderone theatre circuit brought quality entertainment—in the form of live stage shows and films—to the area for decades. Salvatore was noted as being the "Master Showman of Nassau County. By 1927, the Calderone chain operated more than half-a-dozen theatres in Nassau County, including two in Hempstead, one in Lynbrook, one in Valley Stream, one in Glen Cove, one in Westbury, and one in Mineola. Calderone soon became "...a powerful figure in the theatrical field...," and acted as the guiding hand behind the chain.
Scope of Collection
The Calderone Theatre Collection consists of historic photographs of the various chain theaters throughout Long Island. Photographs include construction, grand openings, operations, portraits, and interior and exterior views.