History of the Drive-in Movie Theater
Richard mounted a 1928 Kodak projector on the hood of his car; he used it to project onto a screen he had nailed to trees in his backyard. He placed a radio behind the screen for sound, and then started the test of his idea. Richard tested sound with the windows up, down and half way. He tested many weather conditions; using his lawn sprinkler he simulated a rainstorm. Richard liked what he saw and heard.
By January of 1942 Drive-In theaters had began to spread across the U.S. There we 95 Drive-Ins spread across 27 states. Ohio led the way with 11 Drive-Ins.
By the late 50s the drive-in boom was under way, going from less than 1,000 in 1948 to close to 5,000 by 1958. The drive-in etched its place in history, not just in the U.S.A. but in many countries across the world. During the same years of 1948 to 1958 over 5,000 indoor theaters closed reducing their number from 17,000 to 12,000.
One of the largest Drive-In Theaters was the All-Weather Drive-In, Copiague, New York. parking spaces for 2,500 cars. It also had an indoor 1,200 seat viewing area that was heated and air-conditioned, a playground, a cafeteria, a restaurant with full dinners. A shuttle train that took customers from their cars to the various areas, on the 28 acres.
As the size and number of drive-ins increase, many go from just a playground to: Miniature Trains, Pony Rides, Boat Rides, Talent Shows, Miniature Golf and Animal Shows.
Many theaters would open the gates as much as 3 hours before the movie would start. This allowed customers to bring the kids early. Many theaters began to serve a wide variety of dinners such as Fried Chicken, Barbecued Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Pizza, etc. A few theater owners even gave the customers the ability to order from their car and have a car hop deliver. To increase sales the intermission trailers were invented. Theaters using these gained increased sales between films.
By the late 60s early 70s the hay day is gone; many theaters even pull out their playground equipment in the 70’s since few families are attending. Many of the movies target a teen or adult audience.
By the late 80s early 90s drive-ins are being shut down rising land values and the popularity of malls, cable television and VCRs then contributed to the dwindling numbers of drive-ins.
Here it is 2005 and drive-in popularity is starting to increase again. I go to the drive-in quite often my kid’s love it and it is usually packed with family’s going to watch the new release movies shown. Ohio and Pennsylvania have 37 each, the most of any state.
They’ve survived in the Buckeye State by providing affordable double features, a family-friendly atmosphere and a little nostalgia, including classics such as the Lynn Auto Theater in Strasburg (America’s second-oldest continuously operating drive-in at sixty-seven years), Springfield’s Melody Cruise-In (featuring a gorgeous multicolored neon entrance and marquee), the Elm Road Twin in Warren (concession stand with over sixty items!), Lucasville’s Chakeres Scioto Breeze Twin Drive-In and Columbus’s South Twin (operating well inside the city limits and consistently packing the house on summer weekends).
A drive-in is a perfect place for a family to go. You can enjoy a great movie outdoors under the stars. Your kids can run and play and not have to worry about someone complaining. They have concession stands serving popcorn, hamburgers, hotdogs pizza, soda and candy.
You can pack a cooler if you prefer and have a picnic while watching the movie. Lay a blanket on the ground or bring a lawn chair. You can use the radio in your car or if you prefer sitting out of the car bring a battery operated radio and get ready to have a wonderful time. The drive-in is still good for a date. Cuddle together while watching the movie and steal a kiss or two.
