Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Since January, Commonwealth (Theatres) has taken over operation of … the Iowa Drive-In, Shenandoah, Iowa”
Cedar Rapids Gazette, Aug. 1, 1959: “Seventy-mile-an-hour winds lashed the Shenandoah area Friday (July 31) afternoon … The entire screen of the Iowa Drive-in theater was felled”
Boxoffice, Jan. 21, 1950 new drive-in survey “Atchison: Charles Potter, Harold Lux and C. H. Martin, 400”
Boxoffice, Sept. 23, 1950: (visitors on Kansas City film row) “Homer Cresswell, Frontier Drive-In, Atchison”
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “On one of his last programs of the season, N. B. Cresswell, manager of the Fronter Drive-In at Atchison, Kas., promoted an All-American Victory Jalopy giveaway. The car was a 1937 Chrysler, painted red, white and blue. It was given away on Armistice day.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Since January, Commonwealth (Theatres) has taken over operation of … the Frontier Drive-In, Atchison, Kas.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Jay Wooten’s group of five drive-in theatres in Kansas has joined the Commonwealth circuit, effective Sunday (4) … The Wooten theatre units include the Ayr-Vue and the Southutch at Hutchinson, the Ark-Vue and the 166 at Arkansas City, and the Great Western at Liberal.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Jay Wooten’s group of five drive-in theatres in Kansas has joined the Commonwealth circuit, effective Sunday (4) … The Wooten theatre units include the Ayr-Vue and the Southutch at Hutchinson, the Ark-Vue and the 166 at Arkansas City, and the Great Western at Liberal.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Jay Wooten’s group of five drive-in theatres in Kansas has joined the Commonwealth circuit, effective Sunday (4) … The Wooten theatre units include the Ayr-Vue and the Southutch at Hutchinson, the Ark-Vue and the 166 at Arkansas City, and the Great Western at Liberal.”
It’s weird, but my best guess is that this drive-in opened as the Palms, changed its name to Jet for a few years, then changed back to Palms. These clips explain why.
Hot Springs Herald, July 6, 1951: “J. O. Conwell announced Wednesday that he would open his new Drive-In Theatre, the “Palms,” Thursday, July 12 … Mr. Conwell said … that two complete shows would be presented each night …The theatre was completed this week and is located south on Highway 85, 3½ miles from town."
Motion Picture Exhibitor, March 22-April 12, 1961: “376 CAR DRIVE-IN. Priced to sell. Town of 7,500. No other within 75 miles. JET DRIVE-IN, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.”
Boxoffice, April 3-10, 1961: “356-car drive-in. Priced to sell. Town of 7,500. No other within 75 miles. Jet Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.”
Boxoffice, May 7, 1962: “Carl Halberg, who operates the Star(-Vu) Drive-In at Longmont (CO), has taken over the Jet Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, N.M.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 10, 1964: “W. H. McRae has taken over operation of the Jet Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, N. M., and it will now be known as the Palms Drive-In”
Boxoffice, July 5, 1965: “W. O. Hughes jr. is operating the Palms Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, N. M.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 7, 1968: “After being closed for more (sic, it had been open in Dec. ‘67) than a year, the Palms Drive-In in this central New Mexico town has reopened for business. Lucas Graywolf recently acquired the outdoor house and had it renovated for the opening. He said the airer, the town’s only outdoor house, would be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”
Truth or Consequences Herald, March 23-May 11, 1972: “For Sale By Owner – Palms Drive In Theatre, T or C. N. M. 2 miles SW of City limits on old Highway 85. Good 40 x 70 ft. screen. 24ft x 72 ft. block bldg. Projection room, Rest Rooms, Snack bar and store room. Good 8 in. water well. Ticket office, marquee, 180 car spaces plus additional space, 9.52 acres total. $35,000. Would consider terms, of $5,000 down or more. Oscar Conwell. Phone …”
Boxoffice, Oct. 13, 1951: “BISBEE, ARIZ. - Closed for several years, the Lowell Theatre here was reopened recently. The building has been remodeled and new seats have been installed.”
As I would have guessed, the Korean War-based restriction on building materials is what delayed this drive-in.
Boxoffice, Oct. 13, 1951: “Dude Smith is expanding his chain of theatres to include an outdoor situation now under construction four miles north of here on Highway 101. The 10-acre tract for the drive-in was purchased some time ago from John H. Hathaway sr. Construction was held up for a time because of restricted materials but the easing of the ban this summer made it possible to purchase materials and it is now expected that the 380-car theatre will be completed the last of October. Smith expects to open the Tillamook ozoner for business early next spring.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 18, 1948: “The Rialto Theatre, Inc., an affiliate of Gibraltar Enterprises, has announced that it will begin construction soon on a new drive-in to be ready for use next May and set to operate seven months a year. The drive-in will cost about $130,000.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1975: “Marv Cox, owner and operator of the Pioneer Drive-In, Provo, opened the new addition to the ozoner, which now will be called Pioneer Drive-In 1 and 2. The gala debut of the twin facility was Wednesday (18) with "Bite the Bullet” playing in Pioneer 2 and “The Return of the Pink Panther” in Pioneer 1. The two theatres have a 1,200-car total capacity. The new screen area is utilizing the existing snack bar; however, a new projection booth was built and equipped with Ballantyne projectors, Christie lamphouses and Autowinds and radio sound. The screen tower was built out of heavy-gauge corrugated metal."
Boxoffice, June 30, 1975: “Stan Dewsnup and his partner Wesley Webb are now the new owners and operators of the Prince and Crown theatres and the Motor Vu Drive-In in Price, Utah. Change in ownership was to be effective Sunday (1). Booking and buying will continue to be handled by Walter Theatre Service.”
Boxoffice, May 31, 1976: “Ownership of the Price and Crown theatres and the Motor Vue Drive-In, located in Price, Utah, has been transferred by Wesley Webb of Cinema Arts Corp. to Stanley Dewsnup of Modern Cinema Corp.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1975: “The Starlite Drive-In, Chadron, Neb., which is operated by Commonwealth Theatres, was severely damaged by high winds. The screen tower was completely destroyed and there was damage to the snack bar area and fencing surrounding the drive-in area. Repairs have started and it is hoped that the theatre will be back in operation within a few weeks.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 21, 1975: “Theatre Operators, Inc., which is headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., has taken over the operation of the Sky Hi Drive-In and the Sunset Drive-In located in Helena, Mont.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1975: “TOI has taken over operation of the Sunset Drive-In in Helena from E. R. “Chub” Munger and the Sky-Hi Drive-In from Don Didricksen. Both are expected to be in full-time operation shortly”
Boxoffice, Feb. 21, 1975: “Theatre Operators, Inc., which is headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., has taken over the operation of the Sky Hi Drive-In and the Sunset Drive-In located in Helena, Mont.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1975: “TOI has taken over operation of the Sunset Drive-In in Helena from E. R. "Chub” Munger and the Sky-Hi Drive-In from Don Didricksen. Both are expected to be in full-time operation shortly"
Boxoffice, Oct. 23, 1961: “The Summit Theatre at Harrison, Neb., is being reopened as a community project by the citizens of Harrison. Jack Tiedgen is acting as manager”
Boxoffice, Oct. 16, 1961: “For some men, real estate is enough of a game and a gamble to fill a working day, but Rochester, N.Y., has a realtor who is also operator of a drive-in theatre. It was a fast decision, an instant deal and a leap into a new avocation when Elliott H. Press bought the Rochester Drive-In several months ago. It was a remark he dropped at a party, he says, that led to the purchase three days later. A friend to whom he said, "I guess I’ll buy a drive-in of my own,” told him next day of one that was for sale. He was in business three days later, even before the actual transfer of title … Press has three partners in the ownership - Seymour Baskin, vice-president; Hittel Pitlik and David Boehm. The latter is secretary."
As rivest266’s Grand Opening ad posted here will attest, the Hi-Lander held its grand opening on Friday, Oct. 13, 1961. The triple feature that night was “Houseboat,” “All in a Night’s Work,” and “Horror of Dracula.”
Aha! There was a drive-in of about the right size due north of Tillamook. It was over 3 miles north, and only 2½ miles southeast of Bay City, but there you are. Aerial photos show it active in 1953 and 1965, and still mostly intact in 1982. It was razed by 1995, and nothing of it survives today.
The address matching the old screen tower is 6695 Hathaway Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141.
The 1955-56 Theatre Catalog included this as the Till-A-Vue Drive-In, owner Dude Smith, capacity 440 cars. Its entries in the Film Daily Year Book series also used that double hyphenated name, which should be listed as an alternate name here.
I see now that the Boxoffice note in June 1952 said that Smith opened the “Till-a-Vue Drive-In north of town,” so never mind that 1½ miles south business.
Boxoffice, Feb. 13, 1954: “Ritzville’s first drive-in should be ready to open next spring, according to Ray R. Yates of Couer d'Alene, in charge of construction for owner Pat Merzgar of Smelterville, Idaho. A 52x40-foot concrete building at the theatre site has already been closed in. Preliminary grading has been carried out for ramps to place 360 automobiles.”
Boxoffice, May 30, 1953: “The Zabel family has opened its new $100,000 Lacey Drive-In at Slater-Kinney road, near the Old Tacoma highway. The 500-car outdoorer will be operated by Arthur, Kenneth and Hobart Zabel. They recently celebrated their 44th year of film operation in Olympia. The business was founded in May 1909 by Ed Zabel. The sons said they continue to operate the Capitol Theatre.”
When did this drive-in open? Looks like it was Monday, May 11, 1953.
Boxoffice, Sept. 29, 1951: “A 500-car capacity drive-in will be built north of Colville. M. A. Hadfield of the Alpine Theatre here started construction September 17. Work will be completed next spring. Construction is expected to cost between $60,000 and $70,000. Hadfield said work on the screen tower will be completed before it snows, then terracing of the theatre and installation of sound and picture equipment will be finished for a June opening.”
Spokane Daily Chronicle, May 7, 1953: “COLVILLE, Wash., May 7 - The new Auto-Vue drive-in theater, located midway between Kettle Falls and Colville will have its official opening Monday (11) evening, according to Max Hadfield, owner. Open house will be held Sunday.”
Boxoffice, May 23, 1953: “KETTLE FALLS, WASH. - Max Hadfield, owner, has opened his new Auto-Vue Drive-In, located midway between here and Colville.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Since January, Commonwealth (Theatres) has taken over operation of … the Iowa Drive-In, Shenandoah, Iowa”
Cedar Rapids Gazette, Aug. 1, 1959: “Seventy-mile-an-hour winds lashed the Shenandoah area Friday (July 31) afternoon … The entire screen of the Iowa Drive-in theater was felled”
Boxoffice, Jan. 21, 1950 new drive-in survey “Atchison: Charles Potter, Harold Lux and C. H. Martin, 400”
Boxoffice, Sept. 23, 1950: (visitors on Kansas City film row) “Homer Cresswell, Frontier Drive-In, Atchison”
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “On one of his last programs of the season, N. B. Cresswell, manager of the Fronter Drive-In at Atchison, Kas., promoted an All-American Victory Jalopy giveaway. The car was a 1937 Chrysler, painted red, white and blue. It was given away on Armistice day.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Since January, Commonwealth (Theatres) has taken over operation of … the Frontier Drive-In, Atchison, Kas.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Jay Wooten’s group of five drive-in theatres in Kansas has joined the Commonwealth circuit, effective Sunday (4) … The Wooten theatre units include the Ayr-Vue and the Southutch at Hutchinson, the Ark-Vue and the 166 at Arkansas City, and the Great Western at Liberal.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Jay Wooten’s group of five drive-in theatres in Kansas has joined the Commonwealth circuit, effective Sunday (4) … The Wooten theatre units include the Ayr-Vue and the Southutch at Hutchinson, the Ark-Vue and the 166 at Arkansas City, and the Great Western at Liberal.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1958: “Jay Wooten’s group of five drive-in theatres in Kansas has joined the Commonwealth circuit, effective Sunday (4) … The Wooten theatre units include the Ayr-Vue and the Southutch at Hutchinson, the Ark-Vue and the 166 at Arkansas City, and the Great Western at Liberal.”
It’s weird, but my best guess is that this drive-in opened as the Palms, changed its name to Jet for a few years, then changed back to Palms. These clips explain why.
Hot Springs Herald, July 6, 1951: “J. O. Conwell announced Wednesday that he would open his new Drive-In Theatre, the “Palms,” Thursday, July 12 … Mr. Conwell said … that two complete shows would be presented each night …The theatre was completed this week and is located south on Highway 85, 3½ miles from town."
Motion Picture Exhibitor, March 22-April 12, 1961: “376 CAR DRIVE-IN. Priced to sell. Town of 7,500. No other within 75 miles. JET DRIVE-IN, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.”
Boxoffice, April 3-10, 1961: “356-car drive-in. Priced to sell. Town of 7,500. No other within 75 miles. Jet Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.”
Boxoffice, May 7, 1962: “Carl Halberg, who operates the Star(-Vu) Drive-In at Longmont (CO), has taken over the Jet Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, N.M.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 10, 1964: “W. H. McRae has taken over operation of the Jet Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, N. M., and it will now be known as the Palms Drive-In”
Boxoffice, July 5, 1965: “W. O. Hughes jr. is operating the Palms Drive-In, Truth or Consequences, N. M.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 7, 1968: “After being closed for more (sic, it had been open in Dec. ‘67) than a year, the Palms Drive-In in this central New Mexico town has reopened for business. Lucas Graywolf recently acquired the outdoor house and had it renovated for the opening. He said the airer, the town’s only outdoor house, would be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”
Truth or Consequences Herald, March 23-May 11, 1972: “For Sale By Owner – Palms Drive In Theatre, T or C. N. M. 2 miles SW of City limits on old Highway 85. Good 40 x 70 ft. screen. 24ft x 72 ft. block bldg. Projection room, Rest Rooms, Snack bar and store room. Good 8 in. water well. Ticket office, marquee, 180 car spaces plus additional space, 9.52 acres total. $35,000. Would consider terms, of $5,000 down or more. Oscar Conwell. Phone …”
Boxoffice, Oct. 13, 1951: “BISBEE, ARIZ. - Closed for several years, the Lowell Theatre here was reopened recently. The building has been remodeled and new seats have been installed.”
As I would have guessed, the Korean War-based restriction on building materials is what delayed this drive-in.
Boxoffice, Oct. 13, 1951: “Dude Smith is expanding his chain of theatres to include an outdoor situation now under construction four miles north of here on Highway 101. The 10-acre tract for the drive-in was purchased some time ago from John H. Hathaway sr. Construction was held up for a time because of restricted materials but the easing of the ban this summer made it possible to purchase materials and it is now expected that the 380-car theatre will be completed the last of October. Smith expects to open the Tillamook ozoner for business early next spring.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 18, 1948: “The Rialto Theatre, Inc., an affiliate of Gibraltar Enterprises, has announced that it will begin construction soon on a new drive-in to be ready for use next May and set to operate seven months a year. The drive-in will cost about $130,000.”
One one hand, Boxoffice got the twin’s opening date right, June 18, 1975. On the other, it looks like it called itself the Pioneer Twin.
Here’s the first ad I could find for this Sunset. No mention of a grand opening.
Boxoffice, June 30, 1975: “Marv Cox, owner and operator of the Pioneer Drive-In, Provo, opened the new addition to the ozoner, which now will be called Pioneer Drive-In 1 and 2. The gala debut of the twin facility was Wednesday (18) with "Bite the Bullet” playing in Pioneer 2 and “The Return of the Pink Panther” in Pioneer 1. The two theatres have a 1,200-car total capacity. The new screen area is utilizing the existing snack bar; however, a new projection booth was built and equipped with Ballantyne projectors, Christie lamphouses and Autowinds and radio sound. The screen tower was built out of heavy-gauge corrugated metal."
Boxoffice, June 30, 1975: “Stan Dewsnup and his partner Wesley Webb are now the new owners and operators of the Prince and Crown theatres and the Motor Vu Drive-In in Price, Utah. Change in ownership was to be effective Sunday (1). Booking and buying will continue to be handled by Walter Theatre Service.”
Boxoffice, May 31, 1976: “Ownership of the Price and Crown theatres and the Motor Vue Drive-In, located in Price, Utah, has been transferred by Wesley Webb of Cinema Arts Corp. to Stanley Dewsnup of Modern Cinema Corp.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1975: “The Starlite Drive-In, Chadron, Neb., which is operated by Commonwealth Theatres, was severely damaged by high winds. The screen tower was completely destroyed and there was damage to the snack bar area and fencing surrounding the drive-in area. Repairs have started and it is hoped that the theatre will be back in operation within a few weeks.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 21, 1975: “Theatre Operators, Inc., which is headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., has taken over the operation of the Sky Hi Drive-In and the Sunset Drive-In located in Helena, Mont.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1975: “TOI has taken over operation of the Sunset Drive-In in Helena from E. R. “Chub” Munger and the Sky-Hi Drive-In from Don Didricksen. Both are expected to be in full-time operation shortly”
Boxoffice, Feb. 21, 1975: “Theatre Operators, Inc., which is headquartered in Bozeman, Mont., has taken over the operation of the Sky Hi Drive-In and the Sunset Drive-In located in Helena, Mont.”
Boxoffice, May 5, 1975: “TOI has taken over operation of the Sunset Drive-In in Helena from E. R. "Chub” Munger and the Sky-Hi Drive-In from Don Didricksen. Both are expected to be in full-time operation shortly"
Boxoffice, Oct. 23, 1961: “The Summit Theatre at Harrison, Neb., is being reopened as a community project by the citizens of Harrison. Jack Tiedgen is acting as manager”
Boxoffice, Oct. 16, 1961: “For some men, real estate is enough of a game and a gamble to fill a working day, but Rochester, N.Y., has a realtor who is also operator of a drive-in theatre. It was a fast decision, an instant deal and a leap into a new avocation when Elliott H. Press bought the Rochester Drive-In several months ago. It was a remark he dropped at a party, he says, that led to the purchase three days later. A friend to whom he said, "I guess I’ll buy a drive-in of my own,” told him next day of one that was for sale. He was in business three days later, even before the actual transfer of title … Press has three partners in the ownership - Seymour Baskin, vice-president; Hittel Pitlik and David Boehm. The latter is secretary."
As rivest266’s Grand Opening ad posted here will attest, the Hi-Lander held its grand opening on Friday, Oct. 13, 1961. The triple feature that night was “Houseboat,” “All in a Night’s Work,” and “Horror of Dracula.”
Aha! There was a drive-in of about the right size due north of Tillamook. It was over 3 miles north, and only 2½ miles southeast of Bay City, but there you are. Aerial photos show it active in 1953 and 1965, and still mostly intact in 1982. It was razed by 1995, and nothing of it survives today.
The address matching the old screen tower is 6695 Hathaway Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141.
The 1955-56 Theatre Catalog included this as the Till-A-Vue Drive-In, owner Dude Smith, capacity 440 cars. Its entries in the Film Daily Year Book series also used that double hyphenated name, which should be listed as an alternate name here.
I see now that the Boxoffice note in June 1952 said that Smith opened the “Till-a-Vue Drive-In north of town,” so never mind that 1½ miles south business.
Boxoffice, Feb. 13, 1954: “Ritzville’s first drive-in should be ready to open next spring, according to Ray R. Yates of Couer d'Alene, in charge of construction for owner Pat Merzgar of Smelterville, Idaho. A 52x40-foot concrete building at the theatre site has already been closed in. Preliminary grading has been carried out for ramps to place 360 automobiles.”
Boxoffice, June 20, 1953: “Ownbey’s 200-car drive-in opened at Newport, Wash., Sunday (14)”
Boxoffice, May 30, 1953: “The Zabel family has opened its new $100,000 Lacey Drive-In at Slater-Kinney road, near the Old Tacoma highway. The 500-car outdoorer will be operated by Arthur, Kenneth and Hobart Zabel. They recently celebrated their 44th year of film operation in Olympia. The business was founded in May 1909 by Ed Zabel. The sons said they continue to operate the Capitol Theatre.”
When did this drive-in open? Looks like it was Monday, May 11, 1953.
Boxoffice, Sept. 29, 1951: “A 500-car capacity drive-in will be built north of Colville. M. A. Hadfield of the Alpine Theatre here started construction September 17. Work will be completed next spring. Construction is expected to cost between $60,000 and $70,000. Hadfield said work on the screen tower will be completed before it snows, then terracing of the theatre and installation of sound and picture equipment will be finished for a June opening.”
Spokane Daily Chronicle, May 7, 1953: “COLVILLE, Wash., May 7 - The new Auto-Vue drive-in theater, located midway between Kettle Falls and Colville will have its official opening Monday (11) evening, according to Max Hadfield, owner. Open house will be held Sunday.”
Boxoffice, May 23, 1953: “KETTLE FALLS, WASH. - Max Hadfield, owner, has opened his new Auto-Vue Drive-In, located midway between here and Colville.”