In the midst of the drive in theater boom, Emory Johnson built the 411 Drive In theater in Centre (Cherokee County), Alabama. Glover Johnson, Emory’s father, owned and operated the very first walk in theater in Centre, Alabama: The Cherokee Theatre. Thus began Emory Johnson’s lifelong interest in the movie theater business. Glover and Emory [...]

In Henderson, NC, about an hour outside of the Triangle area of Raleigh/Durham, the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre began its life as the Moon-Glo Outdoor Theatre on July 15, 1949. The first film shown was “Ali Baba & The Forty Thieves” which included three color cartoons, because at the Moonglo, as this ad from the [...]

Opening day for the Silver Lake Twin Drive In located in Perry, NY just outside of Rochester, was September 23, 1949. Built, owned, and run by Harry K. Martin, Silver Lake was a much needed entertainment oasis amid a large expanse of cow pastures. The settling of the Silver Lake community rose dramatically in 1855 [...]

Originally called Rodeo Motor Movies, the Rodeo Drive In located in Bremerton, WA was built in 1949 as part of the United Drive Ins chain. Initially, its field could accommodate 600 cars for the single screen, with the projection booth and concession stand in the center-front of the field. By 1977, the Rodeo was sold [...]

The Northfield Drive In located in Hinsdale, NH has visitors from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Delayed four months by contractor issues, the Northfield Drive In was up and running for business by August of 1948. The original owner of the Northfield, Carl Neiman, also owned ten to fifteen other drive in theaters in Massachusetts [...]

In the City of Industry, found in the county of Los Angeles, California, only one drive in theater still stands. The Vineland Drive In and Swap Meet opened on April 15, 1955. Originally, the theater only had one screen and, of course, did not have a swap meet on the grounds. During the 1980s when [...]

What do you think you can expect from Amusement Park Drive In located in Billings, Montana? A sewing shop? No. A tap shoe repair? Wrong again. A fantastic and amazing flying trapeze artists of the world showcase? Not even close. Did you guess an amusement park AND a drive in? Do you know what I [...]

On July 8, 1949, in the city of Belleville in the state of Illinois, the Skyview Drive In opened for business by the Bloomer family.

The first drive in theater to be opened in the state of Illinois is The Midway Drive In And Diner located in Sterling, Illinois in 1950. The Midway is home to the oldest drive in theater screen in Illinois, making it an official historical landmark. The Midway received a complete renovation in 2007 when it [...]

The Silver Moon Drive In located in Lakeland is the last remaining drive in theater in Polk County, Florida. Built, owned, and operated by I. Q. Mize and M. G. Waring, the Silver Moon Drive In opened on April 14, 1948. The first film shown was “Up Goes Maizie” starring George Murphy and Ann Sothern. [...]