In December 1897, Sam Shubert took over the management of the Bastable Theater in Syracuse. This was the first in a string of Shubert controlled theaters that stretched from coast to coast and created a legacy that remains unmatched. The three brothers (Sam, Lee, and J.J.) all grew up in Syracuse. By 1924, they controlled more theaters than anyone else in the United States and were making millions of dollars in ticket sales. The brothers helped bring about the end of the Theatrical Syndicate, a monopoly that controlled American theater in the early 20th century. The Shubert Organization is still the largest theater owner on Broadway and the Shubert Foundation continues to fund regional theaters across the country.
— Daniel Connors of the OHA