Motion Picture Herald, April 10, 1954: “The Sundown drive-in in Westfield opened its gates March 31 during an unseasonable blizzard. The new ownership is Joe Levine and Barnet Yanofsky.”
Most of the old Sands viewing area is the truck parking area behind and belonging to the Shell station at 2451 Needles Highway. But you’re right, the back edge of the Best Western property covers the location of the Sands' screen, and the side covers the former entrance road. Although either address points to the right place, the Best Western’s at 2371 Needles Highway is probably better.
Boxoffice, April 20, 1970: “The Starlite Drive-In was purchased March 3 by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. "Gene” Hulman, Las Vegas, from owners Russ Fillner of Billings, Eli Spannagel sr. and M. M. Gambill. The Hulmans, with their two sons David and Stephan, will reside in Forsyth."
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Opening of the San Pedro Outdoor Theatre’s third screen was to be held Friday (10). Completion of the third screen, which has a 800-car capacity brings the San Pedro’s three-screen capacity to 2,100 cars, making the theatre the largest outdoor facility in South Texas, according to John L. Santikos, president of Santikos Theatres. Santikos said the movie complex’s name, now known as the San Pedro Twin, will be changed to the San Pedro Outdoor Complex”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Bob Ash, former operator of the Pastime Theatre and Pageant Drive-In, Medicine Lodge, Kas., has taken over the operation of the Anthony Theatre and the Star Vue Drive-In, Anthony, Kas. The theatres were formerly owned by Mrs. Hazel Droz and the change in ownership was effective Monday (6).”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Chairman of the board Lu Vaughan and president Martin Stone of the Kansas City-based Mid-America Cinema Corp., hosted a pre-opening screening at the new 1,600-car North Twin Drive-In, Riverside, Wednesday night (8). The two-screen drive-in is located on U.S. 71 at 50th Street, one-quarter mile south of I-29, and is the first twin-screen airer north of the river in metropolitan Kansas City. The entrance-way is accentuated by an eight-foot, lighted plexi-glass arch and the 1,300-foor entrance drive is outlined by mushroom lighting. Twin boxoffices with four cashiers keep four lanes of traffic moving … A two-story, air-conditioned building houses the projection booth, rest rooms and the refreshment center, which has four serving lanes. Just to the west of this area is a children’s playground. These facilities are centrally located between the two theatres. Ample parking is provided on 34 ramps spaced 40 feet apart. Speaker posts are spaced 20 feet apart. Electric in-car heaters make it possible to operate the drive-in year-round. The North Twin’s viewing area is in a natural amphitheatre and the entrance is located on one of the highest ridges in Platte County.”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Forman and United are in the process of remodeling the Midway Drive-In. The old theatre, which had been called the first in the Northwest, has been razed and the new structure, featuring an asbestos screen, will accommodate more than 1,000 cars and also will have a 6,000-square-foot playground. Plans call for a reopening later this month.”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “A request for a zoning change which would permit construction of a drive-in north of Laurel on U.S. 13 has been approved by the planning and zoning commission of Sussex County. Midway Enterprises, owned by Richard H. Derrickson of Rehoboth Beach, requested the change on 15 acres of land from residential to business to be used for a family-type theatre. The proposed theatre would accommodate 412 cars.”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Bobby Goldhammer had two of his situations damaged by the recent windstorm. The screen of the Winchester Drive-In and the marquee on the Plaza Theatre, both in Winchester, Va., were blown down.”
The April 13, 1970 issue of Boxoffice noted that Fair Ground owner Gabe Rubin also owned the (ultimately short-lived) Pittsburgh Pipers of the American Basketball Association.
Had they lost track of when they opened, or were there years off, or??
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Sam Gandell opened his Canandaigua Drive-In, Canandaigua, celebrating his 20th year of operation with outstanding anniversary programs, bands, giant searchlights, etc.”
The April 6, 1957 issue of Boxoffice ran a three-page article on Bengies. It focused on architectural engineer Jack K. Vogel’s design, “a unique contribution to outdoor movies”, especially of the concession stand. It included plenty of diagrams and photos, including small photos of the box office and the then-humble marquee.
The April 6, 1957 issue of Boxoffice included a long article about the “giant-size miniature train for adults” that Wilbanks installed in 1956. The “young, energetic exhibitor” laid his own 2,500 feet of track, which looped in front of the screen tower and returned to a station in the rear of the ramp area. The article included photos of the train and a nice aerial view of the drive-in with the track.
The April 6, 1957 issue of Boxoffice ran a two-page article, with photos, on the East 50’s kiddie train, which was installed in 1955. The track included a tunnel in the screen tower, where the train was stored at night and during the winter. It was an “exact replica of the Baltimore and Ohio National Limited crack train. Since the East 50 is located in the bailiwick of the B&O yards, Harry Switow, owner of the theatre, received splendid cooperation from the railroad officials.”
George Bennett must have had some great contacts at Boxoffice. The April 6, 1957 Modern Theatre section included yet another two pages about the Lakeside, this time about its “highly successful (ice skating) rink which was opened in November 1955”. The article included several photos, all of the ice rink.
Boxoffice, April 6, 1957: “The Beach Drive-In has been leased from E. V. Landiache by Soloman Theatres of McComb, Miss., which also operates … theatres in several other cities. Teddy Solomon has transferred Charles Levy, who has been manager of the Beach, to manager of the Wren Drive-In in McComb … John Kenlo of Alexandria, La., will manage the Beach. Berlo Vending Co. of Philadelphia will operate the concession stand at the Beach, as it does at all Solomon theatres.”
Snipes, I’d love to know where you got that superb color photo of the El Rancho marquee.
And to be finicky, the drive-in wasn’t on US 87. It was a block east on 16th Street, where a mobile home park sits today. The entrance was about at present-day 2005 1 E 16th St, and the screen was just a bit farther north, maybe about 2005 5 E 16th St.
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are … the Cornish Drive-In on Route 25, which opened in 1953, nearly went under, switched to X-rated movies in 1970 and flourished, then closed in 1983.”
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are … the Kennebunk Drive-In on Route 1, which operated from 1950 to 1980 and is now the site of an office condominium complex”
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are the Acton Drive-In, run by Sanford natives Ralph Ross and Leonard Bucklin at the site of the Acton Fairgrounds for all of 13 weeks in 1949”
The Exhibitor, June 28, 1950: “According to Samuel Horenstein, New England franchise holder, Manley’s Inc., Manley’s popcorn machines are fast taking hold in drive-ins throughout New England. Installations recently completed for the E. M. Loew Circuit include: … Sanford Drive-In, Sanford, Me.”
The Independent Film Journal, Nov. 1, 1952: “E. M. Loew has taken over lease on the Sanford Drive-In, Sanford, Me from Russell Martin.”
Boxoffice, July 15, 1968: “SANFORD, ME. - Police in this southern Maine town ordered the closing of the Sanford Drive-In because a motion picture, "Mondo Freudo,” could be seen from the highway. Police Chief John C. Pride said the showing was ordered removed because it could be seen from the highway and was considered adult entertainment only."
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are … the Sanford Drive-In on Route 109, begun by Russell Martin in 1950 and run by the E.M. Loew’s Theaters chain until 1971, when it gave way to the Breary Farms apartment complex”
Boxoffice, Sept. 22, 1969: “George Brehm, general manager of Edmondson and Elkridge drive-ins, has discontinued running dusk-to-dawn shows at both drive-ins.”
Motion Picture Herald, April 10, 1954: “The Sundown drive-in in Westfield opened its gates March 31 during an unseasonable blizzard. The new ownership is Joe Levine and Barnet Yanofsky.”
Most of the old Sands viewing area is the truck parking area behind and belonging to the Shell station at 2451 Needles Highway. But you’re right, the back edge of the Best Western property covers the location of the Sands' screen, and the side covers the former entrance road. Although either address points to the right place, the Best Western’s at 2371 Needles Highway is probably better.
Boxoffice, April 20, 1970: “The Starlite Drive-In was purchased March 3 by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. "Gene” Hulman, Las Vegas, from owners Russ Fillner of Billings, Eli Spannagel sr. and M. M. Gambill. The Hulmans, with their two sons David and Stephan, will reside in Forsyth."
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Opening of the San Pedro Outdoor Theatre’s third screen was to be held Friday (10). Completion of the third screen, which has a 800-car capacity brings the San Pedro’s three-screen capacity to 2,100 cars, making the theatre the largest outdoor facility in South Texas, according to John L. Santikos, president of Santikos Theatres. Santikos said the movie complex’s name, now known as the San Pedro Twin, will be changed to the San Pedro Outdoor Complex”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Bob Ash, former operator of the Pastime Theatre and Pageant Drive-In, Medicine Lodge, Kas., has taken over the operation of the Anthony Theatre and the Star Vue Drive-In, Anthony, Kas. The theatres were formerly owned by Mrs. Hazel Droz and the change in ownership was effective Monday (6).”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Chairman of the board Lu Vaughan and president Martin Stone of the Kansas City-based Mid-America Cinema Corp., hosted a pre-opening screening at the new 1,600-car North Twin Drive-In, Riverside, Wednesday night (8). The two-screen drive-in is located on U.S. 71 at 50th Street, one-quarter mile south of I-29, and is the first twin-screen airer north of the river in metropolitan Kansas City. The entrance-way is accentuated by an eight-foot, lighted plexi-glass arch and the 1,300-foor entrance drive is outlined by mushroom lighting. Twin boxoffices with four cashiers keep four lanes of traffic moving … A two-story, air-conditioned building houses the projection booth, rest rooms and the refreshment center, which has four serving lanes. Just to the west of this area is a children’s playground. These facilities are centrally located between the two theatres. Ample parking is provided on 34 ramps spaced 40 feet apart. Speaker posts are spaced 20 feet apart. Electric in-car heaters make it possible to operate the drive-in year-round. The North Twin’s viewing area is in a natural amphitheatre and the entrance is located on one of the highest ridges in Platte County.”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Forman and United are in the process of remodeling the Midway Drive-In. The old theatre, which had been called the first in the Northwest, has been razed and the new structure, featuring an asbestos screen, will accommodate more than 1,000 cars and also will have a 6,000-square-foot playground. Plans call for a reopening later this month.”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “A request for a zoning change which would permit construction of a drive-in north of Laurel on U.S. 13 has been approved by the planning and zoning commission of Sussex County. Midway Enterprises, owned by Richard H. Derrickson of Rehoboth Beach, requested the change on 15 acres of land from residential to business to be used for a family-type theatre. The proposed theatre would accommodate 412 cars.”
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Bobby Goldhammer had two of his situations damaged by the recent windstorm. The screen of the Winchester Drive-In and the marquee on the Plaza Theatre, both in Winchester, Va., were blown down.”
The April 13, 1970 issue of Boxoffice noted that Fair Ground owner Gabe Rubin also owned the (ultimately short-lived) Pittsburgh Pipers of the American Basketball Association.
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Sidney Cohen, new owner of the Orleans Drive-In, has made extensive improvements in the property.”
Had they lost track of when they opened, or were there years off, or??
Boxoffice, April 13, 1970: “Sam Gandell opened his Canandaigua Drive-In, Canandaigua, celebrating his 20th year of operation with outstanding anniversary programs, bands, giant searchlights, etc.”
Following up Valley’s post from 2008, I found that 1951 Boston Blackie episode, partly filmed at the Reseda, at the Internet Archive.
The April 6, 1957 issue of Boxoffice ran a three-page article on Bengies. It focused on architectural engineer Jack K. Vogel’s design, “a unique contribution to outdoor movies”, especially of the concession stand. It included plenty of diagrams and photos, including small photos of the box office and the then-humble marquee.
The April 6, 1957 issue of Boxoffice included a long article about the “giant-size miniature train for adults” that Wilbanks installed in 1956. The “young, energetic exhibitor” laid his own 2,500 feet of track, which looped in front of the screen tower and returned to a station in the rear of the ramp area. The article included photos of the train and a nice aerial view of the drive-in with the track.
The April 6, 1957 issue of Boxoffice ran a two-page article, with photos, on the East 50’s kiddie train, which was installed in 1955. The track included a tunnel in the screen tower, where the train was stored at night and during the winter. It was an “exact replica of the Baltimore and Ohio National Limited crack train. Since the East 50 is located in the bailiwick of the B&O yards, Harry Switow, owner of the theatre, received splendid cooperation from the railroad officials.”
George Bennett must have had some great contacts at Boxoffice. The April 6, 1957 Modern Theatre section included yet another two pages about the Lakeside, this time about its “highly successful (ice skating) rink which was opened in November 1955”. The article included several photos, all of the ice rink.
Boxoffice, April 6, 1957: “The Beach Drive-In has been leased from E. V. Landiache by Soloman Theatres of McComb, Miss., which also operates … theatres in several other cities. Teddy Solomon has transferred Charles Levy, who has been manager of the Beach, to manager of the Wren Drive-In in McComb … John Kenlo of Alexandria, La., will manage the Beach. Berlo Vending Co. of Philadelphia will operate the concession stand at the Beach, as it does at all Solomon theatres.”
Snipes, I’d love to know where you got that superb color photo of the El Rancho marquee.
And to be finicky, the drive-in wasn’t on US 87. It was a block east on 16th Street, where a mobile home park sits today. The entrance was about at present-day 2005 1 E 16th St, and the screen was just a bit farther north, maybe about 2005 5 E 16th St.
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are … the Cornish Drive-In on Route 25, which opened in 1953, nearly went under, switched to X-rated movies in 1970 and flourished, then closed in 1983.”
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are … the Kennebunk Drive-In on Route 1, which operated from 1950 to 1980 and is now the site of an office condominium complex”
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are the Acton Drive-In, run by Sanford natives Ralph Ross and Leonard Bucklin at the site of the Acton Fairgrounds for all of 13 weeks in 1949”
A few quick clips:
The Exhibitor, June 28, 1950: “According to Samuel Horenstein, New England franchise holder, Manley’s Inc., Manley’s popcorn machines are fast taking hold in drive-ins throughout New England. Installations recently completed for the E. M. Loew Circuit include: … Sanford Drive-In, Sanford, Me.”
The Independent Film Journal, Nov. 1, 1952: “E. M. Loew has taken over lease on the Sanford Drive-In, Sanford, Me from Russell Martin.”
Boxoffice, July 15, 1968: “SANFORD, ME. - Police in this southern Maine town ordered the closing of the Sanford Drive-In because a motion picture, "Mondo Freudo,” could be seen from the highway. Police Chief John C. Pride said the showing was ordered removed because it could be seen from the highway and was considered adult entertainment only."
Biddeford Journal Tribune, Dec. 21, 2002: (reviewing Will Anderson’s Maine history book “Those Were the Days!”) “Other notable York County drive-ins included in the book are … the Sanford Drive-In on Route 109, begun by Russell Martin in 1950 and run by the E.M. Loew’s Theaters chain until 1971, when it gave way to the Breary Farms apartment complex”
Looks like the Starlite opened in the late summer of 1949.
Boxoffice, Aug. 6, 1949: “Another drive-in is scheduled to open soon in Rock Springs, Wyo.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 13, 1949: (Construction:) “Rock Springs, Wyo. - $50,000 drive-in to be built for Star Lite Theatre Co.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 10, 1949: (Openings:) “Rock Springs, Wyo. - Starlite Drive-In opened.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 22, 1969: “George Brehm, general manager of Edmondson and Elkridge drive-ins, has discontinued running dusk-to-dawn shows at both drive-ins.”