West Of Free Press — December 2022 - Flipbook - Page 26
COMMUNITY
The Cavallaro was the Place
With another New Year’s celebration upon us, let’s look back on
the many good times that were had at The Cavallaro
By D
W
o nn a Jac obs
orld War II was over. People
were desperate to return to
“normality.” What better way
than to have a place for great food,
entertainment, and fun? The Cavallaro
was destined to become all of these
things not only for St. Andrew’s Parish
but also for the greater Charleston
community.
In January of 1946 a small notice
that appeared in The News & Courier
stated: “C. B. Lawrence to construct
a dwelling on Savannah Highway,
$10,000.” Dwelling? This notice is a bit
of a curiosity for two reasons: 1) $10,000
is bit expensive for a dwelling during this
time; and 2) next to an ad announcing
“One of the Most Modern Dinner Dance
Clubs The New Cavallaro” is opening for
Thanksgiving dinner in November of 1946.
C.B. “Skeet” Lawrence is credited
with opening the establishment in 1946
and naming it for his favorite big band era
musician Carmen Cavallaro. Public Notice
of the incorporation of Cavallero (sic),
Inc. appeared in the August 1947 edition
of The News & Courier with Lawrence
and Marcus Bloom named in the notice.
Bloom was the man who would make
The Cavallaro famous for their steaks.
Bootleg fun must have happened quite
quickly as raids for gambling, illegal
liquor sales and such were routinely
reported in the newspaper. By March of
1948, operations were suspended due
to the continuous raiding hampering the
ability of the club to “no longer give the
customers what they wanted.”
In December of 1949 an ad appeared
in The News & Courier announcing that Mr.
Fred Stall had acquired the interest in The
Cavallaro from Lawrence, his wife Margaret,
and his brother Richard P. The romantic and
fond community memories of a grand dinner/
dancing/entertainment club really begin
during this management transition.
Ads reminded patrons that Lyle
Davis and his orchestra played during the
early times; Roy Heissenbuttle and his
orchestra played every Saturday night
(early 1950s); Malcolm Hutto played piano
and organ (1950s into the 1960s); Gus
Cacioppo and his orchestra played across
many decades.
The Cavallaro was the place until
it shuttered in the early 1990s. Marcus
Bloom had retired and passed away. The
magic was gone. Many attempts were
made in the ongoing years to bring back
the glory of The Cavallaro but none were
able to fully reproduce the original vibe.
In 1999, the property was sold to
Hendrick Automotive. Today, the building
stands as a reminder of grand fun, great
steaks, and good music.
Cavallaro stories? Contact local author
and historian Donna Jacobs
at westashleybook@gmail.com
Once upon a time, Camilla and Sam Blanton celebrated New Year’s Eve with
friends at The Cavallaro. (Photograph courtesy of Camilla Blanton)
Gus Cacioppo lived in Byrnes Downs, worked a day job at
Charleston Office Supply, and played the saxophone at night
— often at The Cavallaro. Ralph Peeples lived in Avondale,
worked a day job at the Navy Yard, and played piano in
many bands in various locations including The Cavallaro.
(Photograph courtesy of Martha Peeples Attisano)
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Roy Heissenbuttle and his orchestra – Lee Patillo on bass,
Wesley Mallard on drums, Willard Bolchoz on trumpet,
Ralph Peeples on piano and Roy rocking the saxophone.
This could be a Saturday with smooth tunes from the band
shell at The Cavallaro. Dance anyone?
(Photograph courtesy of Martha Peeples Attisano)