Boxoffice, May 29, 1948: “S. R. Claggett is managing the Motor Movies first drive-in in Stockton, which was opened May 14 by the Blumenfeld circuit. It is a 712-car layout.”
Answering the questions of (about) when and why the Rialto was renamed…
Boxoffice, May 8, 1948: “Robert Walker, owner of the Rialto in Fruita, Colo., got a bargain in a sign that had Uintah on it – so that is the new name of the theatre”
Boxoffice, May 1, 1948: “ROCKFORD, ILL. – The contract for construction of the 800-car drive-in in the Lover Park area of Rockford has been awarded by the Riverlane Amusement Corp., controlled by Mannie Burdie and Sidney Schermer of St. Louis. Work has progressed about 30 per cent. The theatre was designed by Leo F. Abrams and is scheduled to open May 30. It will cost well in excess of $100,000.”
Boxoffice, May 1, 1948: “LINCOLN – Construction is well in progress on the 800-car drive-in being installed here by the Starview Amusement Corp., controlled by Mannie Burdie and Sidney Schermer of St. Louis. The theatre was designed by Leo F. Abrams, St. Louis architect. The overall cost of the project will be approximately $150,000. The theatre is scheduled to open Memorial day.”
Boxoffice, April 24, 1948: “RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – Roy Hunt has announced plans to construct a new drive-in theatre, the Rubidoux, in West Riverside. The house takes its name from Mount Rubidoux, famed as the locale for Easter sunrise services.”
Boxoffice, April 3, 1948: “SAN ANTONIO, TEX. – Pictures of the new San Pedro Drive-In near the airport appeared in local newspapers. It is owned by Al Wolf, former Warner salesman, and some of his kinsmen, and it will open early in April.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1948: “A drive-in theatre will be built on Foothill boulevard, between San Bernardino and Rialto, for William and Lecile Tharp of Dunkirk, Ind., with space for 684 cars. The plans, prepared by architect H. E. Jones of San Bernardino, provide for a machine room and a snack bar and rest rooms behind the screen.”
Boxoffice, March 13, 1948: “RIALTO, CALIF. – A new motif in drive-in theatre design was made public when W. A. Tharp, former Indiana exhibitor, opened his Foothill Drive-In here March 6. The theatre has a 670-car capacity and is the first installation to feature the Moonlight Movies system for the parking of cars. Tharp, who conceived the new system, has applied for a patent and established headquarters in San Bernardino to lease the device to interested showmen.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 14, 1948: “Arthur J. Fountain is reopening the Fountain at Mesilla, N. M. While he was in the armed forces he left the house closed. He uses mainly Spanish and Mexican product.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 14, 1948: “HATCH, N. M. – The drive-in theatre here is being remodeled in preparation for an April opening. Wilson Butler, manager of the Mission, said the showplace would be equipped with in-car speakers and ramps for cars, the walls would be built up and the screen refinished.”
The 1949 Film Daily Year Book listed the Cactus Theatre at 17th and Larimer, 500 seats. Was it the renamed Fun?
Boxoffice, Jan. 31, 1948: “Ted Knox of Service Theatre and Supply has bought the Cactus from Robert Patrick. The theatre will be managed by Ira "Swede” Knox, brother of Ted."
Boxoffice, Aug. 12, 1939: “"Union Pacific” broke the house record by a few dollars at the Trail Theatre at Deertrail, Colo."
Boxoffice, Jan. 31, 1948: “Frank Whalen has reopened his Highway, Deertrail, after closing it for some time while he was taking treatments at an army hospital.”
Boxoffice, April 3, 1948: “Frank Whalen has improved his Highway, Deertrail, Colo., with the installation of new booth and sound equipment, installed by Ted Knox”
Boxoffice, June 2, 1951: “Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Bergtholdt have bought the Hi-Way, Deertrail, from Mrs. Frank Whalen. Frank Whalen, who formerly operated the theatre, died last year. The theatre will be managed by Mrs. C. L. Kinney”
Boxoffice, July 14, 1956: “The Hiway, Deertrail, has been closed.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1948: “Work has begun on the new drive-in theatre being built by the Pueblo Drive-In Theatre Co. in Pueblo. Dave Pitman, Pueblo builder, has the contract for the screen tower and concession stand, which were designed by Walter DeMordaunt. The theatre will be ready for operation in the spring.”
The first reference I could find in the local Chaffee County Republican was on its front page on July 14, 1967. “The first drive in theatre to hit the pike in the Buena Vista area, The Comanche, is now open and showing nightly at 9:00. Now showing is "Island of Terror”, one you shouldn’t miss!“ The first Comanche ad I could find was in the next issue on July 21.
The Sunset’s first night was on Thursday, Aug. 4, 1949, as described in the Canon City Daily Press. The first movie was “Mickey,” as previously noted here. Adults cost 50 cents, children were 9 cents. The grand opening ad concluded with this plea: (DO) Give us an opportunity to correct any mistakes occurring during our “First Performance.”
In June 1953 (at least), this drive-in advertised in the Boulder Daily Camera as the Motor Vu Drive-In Theatre / Between Louisville & Lafayette". Makes me wonder whether its sign had the L&L on it.
The first program at the Motorena, on Oct. 1, 1948, was a Bugs Bunny cartoon, the Technicolor two-reeler “Power Behind the Nation,” and the Technicolor feature, “I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now,” starring June Haver and Mark Stevens.
According to the Alamosa Daily Courier, over 1000 cars showed up for the Ski-Hi’s grand opening on Thurs., June 1, 1950, and the Colorado Highway Patrol had to be called to regulate traffic as hundreds were turned away. Many parked on the shoulders to watch the fireworks display, which probably followed the drive-in’s first movie, “Belle Starr’s Daughter” starring George Montgomery.
At the other end of its life, the Ski-Hi’s final movie was “A Very Brady Sequel” on Thurs., Sept. 5, 1996.
Boxoffice, September 1984: “Theatre Operators (of Bozeman MT) have sold the West Theatre and the Trail Drive In Theatre, Grants, New Mexico, to their former city manager Roy McDowell.”
Boxoffice, April 1984: “Theatre Operators Inc., headquartered in Bozeman, Montana has acquired the theatre properties of D and D Enterprises, which consists of the Holiday and the Westwood in Rexburg, Idaho, the Rio, Center and Motor-Vu Drive In in Idaho Falls, the Nuart in Blackfoot, Idaho and the Roxy in Salmon, Idaho. Theatre Operators, Inc. plan to convert the Holiday in Rexburg into a triplex theatre”
Boxoffice, April 1984: “Theatre Operators Inc., headquartered in Bozeman, Montana has acquired the theatre properties of D and D Enterprises, which consists of the Holiday and the Westwood in Rexburg, Idaho, the Rio, Center and Motor-Vu Drive In in Idaho Falls, the Nuart in Blackfoot, Idaho and the Roxy in Salmon, Idaho.”
Another name to add between Coachella and Indio Twin comes from Boxoffice, June 1984: “Sterling Recreation Organization has announced that the recently acquired Indio Twin Drive-In theatre began operation on March 23. The drive-in theatre, located in Indio, was formerly the Kay Donna Drive-In and has been totally refurbished by SRO.”
The Cañon City Daily Record wrote on Aug. 9, 2019 that Chuck and Marianne James planned to reopen the Skyline in the spring of 2020. “The Jameses were the third owners of the Skyline … (when they) first owned it from 1993 to 2004.” They bought it this time in May 2019 from the Nothdurft family, which owns the local 4 Mile Cinema. “The Jameses agreed not to run it as a commercial operation for a year.”
This photo by Stanley L. Payne is available here in the Stan Payne Collection.
The original caption from the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph: “Drive-In Theater Opens Wednesday – Workmen are busily adding the finishing touches to the Starlight Drive-In theater which is scheduled to Open Wednesday night two and one-half miles east of Colorado Springs on Highway 24.”
The Holly Chieftain, Jan. 24, 1948: “It was announced this week that Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ellis, son-in-law and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Northrup of Syracuse, Kansas have leased the Pontiac Theatre and will take over its management February 1st. The Northrups who operate a Theatre at Syracuse, have operated the Pontiac Theatre here for the past ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis and small son will make their home in Holly and plan to move here as soon as living quarters are available.”
Boxoffice, May 29, 1948: “S. R. Claggett is managing the Motor Movies first drive-in in Stockton, which was opened May 14 by the Blumenfeld circuit. It is a 712-car layout.”
Answering the questions of (about) when and why the Rialto was renamed…
Boxoffice, May 8, 1948: “Robert Walker, owner of the Rialto in Fruita, Colo., got a bargain in a sign that had Uintah on it – so that is the new name of the theatre”
Boxoffice, May 1, 1948: “ROCKFORD, ILL. – The contract for construction of the 800-car drive-in in the Lover Park area of Rockford has been awarded by the Riverlane Amusement Corp., controlled by Mannie Burdie and Sidney Schermer of St. Louis. Work has progressed about 30 per cent. The theatre was designed by Leo F. Abrams and is scheduled to open May 30. It will cost well in excess of $100,000.”
Boxoffice, May 1, 1948: “LINCOLN – Construction is well in progress on the 800-car drive-in being installed here by the Starview Amusement Corp., controlled by Mannie Burdie and Sidney Schermer of St. Louis. The theatre was designed by Leo F. Abrams, St. Louis architect. The overall cost of the project will be approximately $150,000. The theatre is scheduled to open Memorial day.”
Answering the question of why that name…
Boxoffice, April 24, 1948: “RIVERSIDE, CALIF. – Roy Hunt has announced plans to construct a new drive-in theatre, the Rubidoux, in West Riverside. The house takes its name from Mount Rubidoux, famed as the locale for Easter sunrise services.”
Boxoffice, April 3, 1948: “SAN ANTONIO, TEX. – Pictures of the new San Pedro Drive-In near the airport appeared in local newspapers. It is owned by Al Wolf, former Warner salesman, and some of his kinsmen, and it will open early in April.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1948: “A drive-in theatre will be built on Foothill boulevard, between San Bernardino and Rialto, for William and Lecile Tharp of Dunkirk, Ind., with space for 684 cars. The plans, prepared by architect H. E. Jones of San Bernardino, provide for a machine room and a snack bar and rest rooms behind the screen.”
Boxoffice, March 13, 1948: “RIALTO, CALIF. – A new motif in drive-in theatre design was made public when W. A. Tharp, former Indiana exhibitor, opened his Foothill Drive-In here March 6. The theatre has a 670-car capacity and is the first installation to feature the Moonlight Movies system for the parking of cars. Tharp, who conceived the new system, has applied for a patent and established headquarters in San Bernardino to lease the device to interested showmen.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 14, 1948: “Arthur J. Fountain is reopening the Fountain at Mesilla, N. M. While he was in the armed forces he left the house closed. He uses mainly Spanish and Mexican product.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 14, 1948: “HATCH, N. M. – The drive-in theatre here is being remodeled in preparation for an April opening. Wilson Butler, manager of the Mission, said the showplace would be equipped with in-car speakers and ramps for cars, the walls would be built up and the screen refinished.”
The 1949 Film Daily Year Book listed the Cactus Theatre at 17th and Larimer, 500 seats. Was it the renamed Fun?
Boxoffice, Jan. 31, 1948: “Ted Knox of Service Theatre and Supply has bought the Cactus from Robert Patrick. The theatre will be managed by Ira "Swede” Knox, brother of Ted."
Boxoffice, Aug. 12, 1939: “"Union Pacific” broke the house record by a few dollars at the Trail Theatre at Deertrail, Colo."
Boxoffice, Jan. 31, 1948: “Frank Whalen has reopened his Highway, Deertrail, after closing it for some time while he was taking treatments at an army hospital.”
Boxoffice, April 3, 1948: “Frank Whalen has improved his Highway, Deertrail, Colo., with the installation of new booth and sound equipment, installed by Ted Knox”
Boxoffice, June 2, 1951: “Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Bergtholdt have bought the Hi-Way, Deertrail, from Mrs. Frank Whalen. Frank Whalen, who formerly operated the theatre, died last year. The theatre will be managed by Mrs. C. L. Kinney”
Boxoffice, July 14, 1956: “The Hiway, Deertrail, has been closed.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1948: “Chick Kelloff has put his theatre and night club at Antonito, Colo., on the market”
Boxoffice, March 30, 1957: “Louis Kelloff has closed the La Plaza, Antonito, Colo., which leaves the town without films”
Boxoffice, Jan. 3, 1948: “Work has begun on the new drive-in theatre being built by the Pueblo Drive-In Theatre Co. in Pueblo. Dave Pitman, Pueblo builder, has the contract for the screen tower and concession stand, which were designed by Walter DeMordaunt. The theatre will be ready for operation in the spring.”
The first reference I could find in the local Chaffee County Republican was on its front page on July 14, 1967. “The first drive in theatre to hit the pike in the Buena Vista area, The Comanche, is now open and showing nightly at 9:00. Now showing is "Island of Terror”, one you shouldn’t miss!“ The first Comanche ad I could find was in the next issue on July 21.
The Sunset’s first night was on Thursday, Aug. 4, 1949, as described in the Canon City Daily Press. The first movie was “Mickey,” as previously noted here. Adults cost 50 cents, children were 9 cents. The grand opening ad concluded with this plea: (DO) Give us an opportunity to correct any mistakes occurring during our “First Performance.”
In June 1953 (at least), this drive-in advertised in the Boulder Daily Camera as the Motor Vu Drive-In Theatre / Between Louisville & Lafayette". Makes me wonder whether its sign had the L&L on it.
The first program at the Motorena, on Oct. 1, 1948, was a Bugs Bunny cartoon, the Technicolor two-reeler “Power Behind the Nation,” and the Technicolor feature, “I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now,” starring June Haver and Mark Stevens.
According to the Alamosa Daily Courier, over 1000 cars showed up for the Ski-Hi’s grand opening on Thurs., June 1, 1950, and the Colorado Highway Patrol had to be called to regulate traffic as hundreds were turned away. Many parked on the shoulders to watch the fireworks display, which probably followed the drive-in’s first movie, “Belle Starr’s Daughter” starring George Montgomery.
At the other end of its life, the Ski-Hi’s final movie was “A Very Brady Sequel” on Thurs., Sept. 5, 1996.
Boxoffice, September 1984: “Theatre Operators (of Bozeman MT) have sold the West Theatre and the Trail Drive In Theatre, Grants, New Mexico, to their former city manager Roy McDowell.”
Boxoffice, April 1984: “Theatre Operators Inc., headquartered in Bozeman, Montana has acquired the theatre properties of D and D Enterprises, which consists of the Holiday and the Westwood in Rexburg, Idaho, the Rio, Center and Motor-Vu Drive In in Idaho Falls, the Nuart in Blackfoot, Idaho and the Roxy in Salmon, Idaho. Theatre Operators, Inc. plan to convert the Holiday in Rexburg into a triplex theatre”
Boxoffice, April 1984: “Theatre Operators Inc., headquartered in Bozeman, Montana has acquired the theatre properties of D and D Enterprises, which consists of the Holiday and the Westwood in Rexburg, Idaho, the Rio, Center and Motor-Vu Drive In in Idaho Falls, the Nuart in Blackfoot, Idaho and the Roxy in Salmon, Idaho.”
Another name to add between Coachella and Indio Twin comes from Boxoffice, June 1984: “Sterling Recreation Organization has announced that the recently acquired Indio Twin Drive-In theatre began operation on March 23. The drive-in theatre, located in Indio, was formerly the Kay Donna Drive-In and has been totally refurbished by SRO.”
The Cañon City Daily Record wrote on Aug. 9, 2019 that Chuck and Marianne James planned to reopen the Skyline in the spring of 2020. “The Jameses were the third owners of the Skyline … (when they) first owned it from 1993 to 2004.” They bought it this time in May 2019 from the Nothdurft family, which owns the local 4 Mile Cinema. “The Jameses agreed not to run it as a commercial operation for a year.”
This photo by Stanley L. Payne is available here in the Stan Payne Collection.
The original caption from the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph: “Drive-In Theater Opens Wednesday – Workmen are busily adding the finishing touches to the Starlight Drive-In theater which is scheduled to Open Wednesday night two and one-half miles east of Colorado Springs on Highway 24.”
The Holly Chieftain, Jan. 24, 1948: “It was announced this week that Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ellis, son-in-law and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Northrup of Syracuse, Kansas have leased the Pontiac Theatre and will take over its management February 1st. The Northrups who operate a Theatre at Syracuse, have operated the Pontiac Theatre here for the past ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis and small son will make their home in Holly and plan to move here as soon as living quarters are available.”