Boxoffice, Sept. 1, 1951: “Vincent Youmatz, manager of the Sky-Vue Drive-In at Torrington, Conn., gave patrons an opportunity to see themselves on the big screen and helped to boost his business on two separate nights. Youmatz advertised that a professional photographer would be on hand to film early arrivals at the theatre. After the films were processed they were screened, with most folks coming back to see how they looked ‘in pictures.’”
Boxoffice, Aug. 25, 1951: “Frank Burdick … has taken over operation of the Sage Theatre in Upton, which he purchased in June from William Schloredt. Latter had owned and operated the Upton house for several years.”
Boxoffice, April 1, 1968: “Jerry Bullard is the new owner of the Sage Theatre at Upton, Wyo. The house formerly was operated by Frank Burdick”
Boxoffice, Nov. 26, 1979: “Jerry Bullard is closing the Sage Theatre in Upton, Wyo. The theatre had been in continuous operation since 1936. Bullard has no plans for reopening the facility.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 18, 1951: “The county sheriff’s office got a strange telephone call the other evening, asking, “I know it’s against the law to break INTO a place, but is it against the law to break OUT?” The law officers then learned that H. A. Robinson, his wife and two children had gone to the Motor-In Drive-In, had a flat tire about the time the last show broke. By the time theatre patron Robinson got the tire changed, the ozoner had locked all the gates for the night. So he climbed the airer’s high board fence and walked to a phone to call the sheriff. Deputies located the theatre manager, who came with a key and let the long-suffering movie fan, his wife and two sleeping kids out of the place. That was some two hours after the last show.”
If Google Maps is to believed, the old Redwood site is within the Rohnert Park city limits today. The address of the Walmart that sits where the back of its viewing field has been is 4625 Redwood Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
Boxoffice, Aug. 18, 1951: “Patrons of the Do Drive-In near Mobile, Ala., were treated to ice cream, cake and chewing gum on the first anniversary of the theatre’s opening. A birthday cake was provided by Manager E. I. Fessler which was intricately decorated and topped with a miniature reproduction of the drive-in, complete with cars, screen, etc.”
In the absence of stronger evidence, my guess was that the Hamlin’s March 1953 opener was just a season opener.
Boxoffice, Aug. 4, 1951: “Simplicity and economy keyed the construction of the new Hamlin Drive-In Theatre, Hamlin, Tex. Owned by Mrs. B. S. Ferguson, the 350-car Hamlin incorporates many comfort features and a few plus values for patrons. The all-steel screen tower is 56 feet high and 60 feet wide, and is covered with corrugated aluminum. The 25x30-foot concession building contains stainless steel equipment. Century projection machines were installed.”
Boxoffice, July 21, 1951: “In a further breakup of the Huish Theatre circuit, Vincent A. Gilhool, manager and operator, has announced sale of two more showhouses. Latest theatres to be disposed of are the Huish and Lyric at Richfield, Utah, to Vern Anderson, operator at Salina. The former, built in memory of the late C. A. Huish, was opened only a couple of years ago. An 800-seat house, it was one of the most elaborate, small-town houses in the west. The latter is a 650-seat theatre. Anderson announced that the houses, particularly the Lyric, would be remodeled.”
Boxoffice, July 21, 1951: “In a further breakup of the Huish Theatre circuit, Vincent A. Gilhool, manager and operator, has announced sale of two more showhouses. Latest theatres to be disposed of are the Huish and Lyric at Richfield, Utah, to Vern Anderson, operator at Salina. The former, built in memory of the late C. A. Huish, was opened only a couple of years ago. An 800-seat house, it was one of the most elaborate, small-town houses in the west. The latter is a 650-seat theatre. Anderson announced that the houses, particularly the Lyric, would be remodeled.”
Boxoffice, July 21, 1951: “Joe Wolcott … the new (boxing) champion, trained for the fight in a drive-in theatre. Using an outdoor theatre as a training site was something new, but it worked profitably at the Rainbow Gardens Drive-In Theatre here. The training ring was set up in front of the screen tower, high enough so spectators could see the workouts from their cars. Special bleachers also were put up closer to the ring for the more avid fans.”
A July 1951 flood put the Riverside under 15 feet of water, according to the July 21, 1951 issue of Boxoffice. About half of the projection equipment was saved, but the loss was estimated at over $50,000.
The July 1951 flood did heavy damage to the Trails End, “owned by Homer Strowig, former president of the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n,” according to the July 21, 1951 issue of Boxoffice.
We know better now. Boxoffice, July 14, 1951: “Lester Park’s Studio Village Drive-In, 520 cars, which is now under construction in San Mateo, is expected to open shortly”
Sounds like this drive-in opened in June 1951, although the note doesn’t name it.
Boxoffice, July 14, 1951: “Owner Lloyd T. Dressly rushed the new drive-in at Lemmon to completion for a June opening. All underground wiring was laid, ramps completed and projection booth ready at the junction of Highways 73 and 12, a mile west of Lemmon, for the opening and other construction was finished the week after the premiere.”
An article in the July 14, 1951 issue of Boxoffice featured the Hyart, “easily Wyoming’s most magnificent motion picture palace.” It opened in mid-June 1951, held 1001 seats, and cost nearly $250,000 to build. Its first feature was “Royal Wedding.”
The July 14, 1951 issue of Boxoffice ran a story in its West news section about the opening of the Skagit. My favorite quote was that it had “a hot air heating system which will also be used as a fog dispersal agent. Fog, traditional enemy of the drive-in in this area, will be driven from the drive-in in much the same manner that is used in landing fields in this area”.
Boxoffice ran an article about E. A. “Pa” Brown, the operator of the Benson Theatre, in its July 7, 1951 issue. It included a photo of Brown, then 82 years old. He began managing the Beacon Theatre and Dance Hall in 1930, but “(t)he theatre originally managed by Brown has long given way to a new house, the only theatre in town. The seating capacity is 418”.
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “ABC Theatres has reopened the Hitching Post in Santa Monica, with James Nicholson, operator of the Marcal in Hollywood, handling the booking chores. ABC also operates the Beverly Canon in Beverly Hills and the Paris (formerly the Hollywood Hitching Post) in Hollywood.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “The Tahoe Drive-In Theatre at Stateline on the California-Nevada border has reopened for the season with the melting of the last snow from roads and resorts. New policy will be to play concurrently with downtown San Francisco runs. Several acres of pine forest have been added to the theatre grounds and new entertainment features this year will include horseback rides before the show, starting from Jack’s Ranch stables. There are also picnic grounds on the theatre property. Theatre was readied for the season with new paint at the entrance and snack bar. New intermission patio was constructed with an open fireplace where hot dogs and toasted marshmallows can be enjoyed.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “Verne Hanson and Joseph Finell have concluded a deal to purchase the Finley Theatre from Lyle Bryngelson. Finell will take charge of the floor management while Hanson will be concerned with the projection equipment. For the immediate present, however, Bryngelson is continuing to operate the projection machines in his former theatre with Thomas Simonson.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “Mr. and Mrs. Leon Coulter have sold the Loveland Theatre and leased the building to Gibralter Enterprises, Inc., effective in June. The Coulters have operated the Loveland continuously since November 1933. Their immediate plans included a short vacation and continued residence in Loveland.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 1, 1951: “Vincent Youmatz, manager of the Sky-Vue Drive-In at Torrington, Conn., gave patrons an opportunity to see themselves on the big screen and helped to boost his business on two separate nights. Youmatz advertised that a professional photographer would be on hand to film early arrivals at the theatre. After the films were processed they were screened, with most folks coming back to see how they looked ‘in pictures.’”
Boxoffice, Aug. 25, 1951: “Frank Burdick … has taken over operation of the Sage Theatre in Upton, which he purchased in June from William Schloredt. Latter had owned and operated the Upton house for several years.”
Boxoffice, April 1, 1968: “Jerry Bullard is the new owner of the Sage Theatre at Upton, Wyo. The house formerly was operated by Frank Burdick”
Boxoffice, Nov. 26, 1979: “Jerry Bullard is closing the Sage Theatre in Upton, Wyo. The theatre had been in continuous operation since 1936. Bullard has no plans for reopening the facility.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 18, 1951: “The county sheriff’s office got a strange telephone call the other evening, asking, “I know it’s against the law to break INTO a place, but is it against the law to break OUT?” The law officers then learned that H. A. Robinson, his wife and two children had gone to the Motor-In Drive-In, had a flat tire about the time the last show broke. By the time theatre patron Robinson got the tire changed, the ozoner had locked all the gates for the night. So he climbed the airer’s high board fence and walked to a phone to call the sheriff. Deputies located the theatre manager, who came with a key and let the long-suffering movie fan, his wife and two sleeping kids out of the place. That was some two hours after the last show.”
If Google Maps is to believed, the old Redwood site is within the Rohnert Park city limits today. The address of the Walmart that sits where the back of its viewing field has been is 4625 Redwood Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.
A date!
Boxoffice, Aug. 18, 1951: “E. Pollock opened his new Skagit Drive-In August 16”
Boxoffice, Aug. 18, 1951: “Patrons of the Do Drive-In near Mobile, Ala., were treated to ice cream, cake and chewing gum on the first anniversary of the theatre’s opening. A birthday cake was provided by Manager E. I. Fessler which was intricately decorated and topped with a miniature reproduction of the drive-in, complete with cars, screen, etc.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 11, 1951: “Messrs. Harris and Cuthbert reported a 135-degree temperature at their Coalinga Drive-In”
In the absence of stronger evidence, my guess was that the Hamlin’s March 1953 opener was just a season opener.
Boxoffice, Aug. 4, 1951: “Simplicity and economy keyed the construction of the new Hamlin Drive-In Theatre, Hamlin, Tex. Owned by Mrs. B. S. Ferguson, the 350-car Hamlin incorporates many comfort features and a few plus values for patrons. The all-steel screen tower is 56 feet high and 60 feet wide, and is covered with corrugated aluminum. The 25x30-foot concession building contains stainless steel equipment. Century projection machines were installed.”
Boxoffice, July 21, 1951: “In a further breakup of the Huish Theatre circuit, Vincent A. Gilhool, manager and operator, has announced sale of two more showhouses. Latest theatres to be disposed of are the Huish and Lyric at Richfield, Utah, to Vern Anderson, operator at Salina. The former, built in memory of the late C. A. Huish, was opened only a couple of years ago. An 800-seat house, it was one of the most elaborate, small-town houses in the west. The latter is a 650-seat theatre. Anderson announced that the houses, particularly the Lyric, would be remodeled.”
Boxoffice, July 21, 1951: “In a further breakup of the Huish Theatre circuit, Vincent A. Gilhool, manager and operator, has announced sale of two more showhouses. Latest theatres to be disposed of are the Huish and Lyric at Richfield, Utah, to Vern Anderson, operator at Salina. The former, built in memory of the late C. A. Huish, was opened only a couple of years ago. An 800-seat house, it was one of the most elaborate, small-town houses in the west. The latter is a 650-seat theatre. Anderson announced that the houses, particularly the Lyric, would be remodeled.”
Boxoffice, July 21, 1951: “Joe Wolcott … the new (boxing) champion, trained for the fight in a drive-in theatre. Using an outdoor theatre as a training site was something new, but it worked profitably at the Rainbow Gardens Drive-In Theatre here. The training ring was set up in front of the screen tower, high enough so spectators could see the workouts from their cars. Special bleachers also were put up closer to the ring for the more avid fans.”
A July 1951 flood put the Riverside under 15 feet of water, according to the July 21, 1951 issue of Boxoffice. About half of the projection equipment was saved, but the loss was estimated at over $50,000.
A July 1951 flood temporarily closed the “under water” Midway, according to the July 21, 1951 issue of Boxoffice.
The July 1951 flood did heavy damage to the Trails End, “owned by Homer Strowig, former president of the Kansas-Missouri Theatre Ass'n,” according to the July 21, 1951 issue of Boxoffice.
We know better now. Boxoffice, July 14, 1951: “Lester Park’s Studio Village Drive-In, 520 cars, which is now under construction in San Mateo, is expected to open shortly”
Sounds like this drive-in opened in June 1951, although the note doesn’t name it.
Boxoffice, July 14, 1951: “Owner Lloyd T. Dressly rushed the new drive-in at Lemmon to completion for a June opening. All underground wiring was laid, ramps completed and projection booth ready at the junction of Highways 73 and 12, a mile west of Lemmon, for the opening and other construction was finished the week after the premiere.”
An article in the July 14, 1951 issue of Boxoffice featured the Hyart, “easily Wyoming’s most magnificent motion picture palace.” It opened in mid-June 1951, held 1001 seats, and cost nearly $250,000 to build. Its first feature was “Royal Wedding.”
The July 14, 1951 issue of Boxoffice ran a story in its West news section about the opening of the Skagit. My favorite quote was that it had “a hot air heating system which will also be used as a fog dispersal agent. Fog, traditional enemy of the drive-in in this area, will be driven from the drive-in in much the same manner that is used in landing fields in this area”.
Boxoffice ran an article about E. A. “Pa” Brown, the operator of the Benson Theatre, in its July 7, 1951 issue. It included a photo of Brown, then 82 years old. He began managing the Beacon Theatre and Dance Hall in 1930, but “(t)he theatre originally managed by Brown has long given way to a new house, the only theatre in town. The seating capacity is 418”.
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “ABC Theatres has reopened the Hitching Post in Santa Monica, with James Nicholson, operator of the Marcal in Hollywood, handling the booking chores. ABC also operates the Beverly Canon in Beverly Hills and the Paris (formerly the Hollywood Hitching Post) in Hollywood.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “The Tahoe Drive-In Theatre at Stateline on the California-Nevada border has reopened for the season with the melting of the last snow from roads and resorts. New policy will be to play concurrently with downtown San Francisco runs. Several acres of pine forest have been added to the theatre grounds and new entertainment features this year will include horseback rides before the show, starting from Jack’s Ranch stables. There are also picnic grounds on the theatre property. Theatre was readied for the season with new paint at the entrance and snack bar. New intermission patio was constructed with an open fireplace where hot dogs and toasted marshmallows can be enjoyed.”
Not sure where this fits in.
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: (In San Francisco territory notes) “The New Boulder Creek Drive-In is being reopened by Ed Rowden Theatres July 1”
I found this at Santa Cruz Blogazine, which listed the credit as “Starview Drive-in Theater Boulder Creek, Calif. 1953. KenStonePhotos”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “Verne Hanson and Joseph Finell have concluded a deal to purchase the Finley Theatre from Lyle Bryngelson. Finell will take charge of the floor management while Hanson will be concerned with the projection equipment. For the immediate present, however, Bryngelson is continuing to operate the projection machines in his former theatre with Thomas Simonson.”
Boxoffice, June 30, 1951: “Mr. and Mrs. Leon Coulter have sold the Loveland Theatre and leased the building to Gibralter Enterprises, Inc., effective in June. The Coulters have operated the Loveland continuously since November 1933. Their immediate plans included a short vacation and continued residence in Loveland.”