Sam Maceo
| Sam Maceo | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Salvatore Maceo March 1, 1894 Palermo, Sicily, Italy |
| Died | April 16, 1951 (aged 57) Baltimore, Maryland, US |
| Cause of death | Cancer |
| Resting place |
Galveston, Texas, US 29°16′52″N 94°49′33″W / 29.28111°N 94.82583°W |
| Other names | "Velvet Glove" |
| Citizenship | US |
| Occupation | Club manager, bootlegger |
| Years active | 1920? - 1950 |
| Known for | Organized crime; established Galveston as a gaming and entertainment center |
| Predecessor | Ollie Quinn |
| Successor | Victor J. Fertitta and Anthony Fertitta |
| Spouse(s) | Edna Marie Sedgwick (1915-2002) |
| Partner(s) | Rosario Maceo |
| Children | Sam Maceo, Edward Maceo, Sedgie Maceo |
Salvatore Maceo, also known as Sam Maceo, was a businessman, community leader, and organized crime boss in Galveston, Texas in the United States. Because of his efforts, Galveston Island became a nationally known resort town during the early and mid 20th century, a period known as Galveston's Open Era. He and his brother, both Sicilian immigrants, owned numerous restaurant and casino venues including the now-vanished Hollywood Dinner Club and the Balinese Room. Sometimes known as the "Velvet Glove," Sam's smooth style and ability to influence people were legendary. He was able to wield influence comparable to an elected official and he held relationships with celebrities and politicians throughout Texas and the United States. During his lifetime he and his island home were known nationwide.
The culture and economy Sam and the Maceo syndicate helped create on the island engendered the nickname "Free State of Galveston." He was also involved in the development of the Las Vegas Strip during the late 1940s, particularly the establishment of the Desert Inn.
Salvatore Maceo was born in Palermo, Sicily to Vito Maceo and Angelina Sansone in 1894. In 1901 the Maceo family immigrated to Leesville, Louisiana in the United States. He trained as a barber and moved to Galveston in 1910, shortly before World War I, to start a business with his brother Rosario (Rose) Maceo.
As Prohibition took hold the brothers began to give gifts of wine (low-quality to be sure) that they were able to smuggle to their customers. As their customers became more interested in the liquor they gradually became more serious bootleggers. The Maceo brothers allied themselves with the Beach Gang, opened a "cold drink place," (i.e. speakeasy), and invested in the gang's gambling operations. Eventually the Beach Gang leader Ollie Quinn and the brothers opened the Hollywood Dinner Club, the Gulf coast's most elegant night club at the time. Sam's smooth personality quickly made him the face of the nightclub. He is said to have developed his style and interpersonal skills by modeling Quinn's facility in dealing with politicians.
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