Boxoffice, July 27, 1964: “Associated Theatres, which operated 35 theatres, has purchased the building at 119 Sixth Ave. which houses the Gateway, the circuit’s downtown flagship. This modern building on the site of the former Alvin Theatre was purchased for $325,000 from Harvard University … Harvard owned the building for many decades and in years past rented it to the former Harris Theatre interests. When Harris Amusements sold out to the Associated group, with Associated taking a long term lease, the name was changed from the J. P. Harris to the Gateway Theatre.”
Boxoffice, July 27, 1964: “Ned Cristiano has relighted Lee Theatre at Lee, Mass., which is owned by his aunt Elizabeth Sarra. He operated the 400-seat house (with murals in the lobby, French provincial paintings and fine carpets) for a time before 1959.”
The name change, from Hiway 218 to Austin Outdoor, must have occurred between these two stories.
Boxoffice, Jan. 1, 1962: “Mickey Justad, operator of the Hiway 218 Drive-In at Austin, and his wife are back from a month’s vacation in Florida looking taned and healthy”
Boxoffice, Aug. 6, 1973: “AUSTIN, MINN. - High-velocity winds severely damaged the screen of the Austin Outdoor Theatre at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, it was reported by Robert Saaranen, manager. Several sections of the screen were torn from the center portion of the tower, causing a two-day shutdown of the ozoner. Damage was estimated at several thousand dollars. Quick work by repair crews had the Austin Outdoor Theatre back in operation for the Thursday night, July 5, showing.”
If today’s Google Maps is accurate, a Walmart Supercenter still occupies part of the old Harbor Boulevard’s viewing field. If you want to be thorough, a small strip-mall-type building with a UPS Store and other tenants sits about where its screen used to be. Everything west of that was a vacant lot next to the drive-in, at least in 1972.
My dear Jamey_monroe45, I am very happy to see another enthusiastic poster here, but I am troubled that you may not feel the friendly, helpful vibe that some of us try to promote.
In this case, the previous address the CT had for Harbor was 23444 S. Vermont Avenue. That modern-day address is closer to where the old Harbor sign had been, according to comparison tools at HistoricAerials.com. On the other hand, 23314 looks to be closer to the original exit path; I can’t tell where the box office had been. Of course, these addresses are barely one block apart - either address is defensible, either guides the reader to the correct location. I might call it a tweak; I’ve been enough of a stickler to suggest similar minor changes.
About its city location, one of my earlier posts on this page outlined a logical thread to explain why the evidence that I found suggested that it the Harbor was in unincorporated Los Angeles County when it was active. If you’ve found something that suggests that it was was within the city limits back then, that would be a great thing to share. I always enjoy being proven wrong, as so often happens.
I am so confused, although that’s normal. The trade publications talked about Youmatz’s People’s Forest, but the first ad I could find in the Hartford Courant was for Rogers Corner.
On the other hand, a Courant note on March 22, 1956 included the tax assessment for the “Peoples Drive-In Theatre”. Maybe that was just its corporate name?
Dallas Morning News, Oct. 9, 1986: “Paul and Martha Klaptt have built and operated many drive-ins, but they feel closest to the last one they built, in Monahans: the Lobo Drive-in. Last July was the Lobo’s 34th anniversary. In August, the couple retired and sold it.”
(If accurate, that anniversary would mark the opening year as 1952.)
From Paul Klatt’s obituary in the Weatherford (TX) Democrat, March 18, 2012: “Paul Klatt … owned and operated Drive-in-Theatres in several places. Paul moved to Weatherford from Monahans, where he owned The Lobo Drive-in-Theatre.”
More info about the Twin Peaks' owner in the Feb. 21, 1966 issue of Boxoffice, on the occasion of his purchase (and closure) of the competing Lobo Drive-In. “Joe T. Davidson … had been in the general contracting business for 25 years in Detroit before moving to Texas in 1947, when he started building drive-in theatres. In 1951 he moved to Alpine and built the Twin Peaks Drive-In and has been operating it ever since.”
A later note recorded that Davidson, an Ohio native, died at the age of 75 on Dec. 21, 1970.
The Twin Peaks advertised in Alpine’s Sul Ross State University’s Skyline through at least the fall of 1978.
Boxoffice picked up that closure news in its Feb. 21, 1966 issue. “Fred Jack spent the better part of 40 years in one form or another of the motion picture business. He was for years division manager for Warner Bros. and later for United Artists before moving to Alpine, where he operated the Grande Theatre and Lobo Drive-In until his health dictated that he retire.”
Kenmore is absolutely right. I have removed the misleading topo map.
Just sayin', it’s a little odd that there was no east side drive-in on the 1975 Alpine topo map, given that we’re sure the Lobo was still operating then. The 1984 aerial photo shows at least the ramps and projection booth of a drive-in less than two miles east of Alpine. As I type, the site is home to Alpine Diesel Service, with the confusing Google Maps address of 90530 east hwy 90 3539 e, US-90. Not quite as accurate but easier to type is the address of the animal shelter across the street at 2900 Old Marathon Rd.
The Merced Sun-Star reported on May 1, 1973 that burglars stole food from the Dos Palos Drive-In Theater. The manager found the door ajar when he reported for work in the morning, so the drive-in must have been active.
Well, yeah, Jamey_monroe45. We’re in agreement, so you don’t have to yell. I was trying to offer a “modern-day equivalent” of where the drive-in was when it existed.
We seem to agree on the southeast corner of Elgin and Almond. I picked the spot closest to the screen, (so of course it predated the street that replaced it), and you picked a sensible alternative near the probable entrance. Either address points the reader to the right place.
Looks like the Dos Palos opened in 1950, based on this note in the Oct. 7, 1950 issue of Boxoffice: “Julian H. Hales, owner with Sam J. Regas of the new $75,000 Dos Palos Drive-In will be resident manager of the theatre. The drive-in is located in the Nylander and Sorenson subdivision on Elgin avenue just off Highway 33”. Another mention in the same issue said that “Hales formerly operated a department store in Dos Palos.”
The last Boxoffice note for this place that I could find tonight was from the July 3, 1967 issue. “Hoger Tegtmeier … operates the Dos Palos Drive-In, the Solano Theatre and Solano Drive-In in Fairfield and the Lakeport Theatre in Lakeport.”
Boxoffice, May 7, 1979: “Gene O'Neill … will oversee operation of … the Yuba City Drive-In (formerly Auto-see) and the Marysville Drive-In (formerly Sierra).”
Marysville-Yuba City Appeal-Democrat, April 9, 2005: “Robert Golding has run the Marysville Drive-In Theater since 1978, outlasting corporate ownership and many other drive-ins … The Marysville Drive-In Theatre, in operation since 1966, is expected to close Oct. 30 … Golding said he could not renew the theater’s lease on a long-term basis because of the pending sale of the property … Golding has been at the theater since 1978, when he started running it for the previous, corporate owners. He has leased the property since 1986. The movie theater sits just off the west side of Highway 70 near Erle Road. With a 45-foot by 90-foot screen, it can accommodate 450 cars.”
The last newspaper mention I saw of the Auto-See was in September 1976. On the other hand…
Boxoffice, May 7, 1979: “Gene O'Neill … will oversee operation of … the Yuba City Drive-In (formerly Auto-see) and the Marysville Drive-In (formerly Sierra).”
Boxoffice, March 10, 1980: “Lippert Theatres … (f)uture projects include triplexing of the circuit’s drive-ins in Marysville and Yuba City.”
Marysville-Yuba City Appeal-Democrat, April 9, 2005: “The area’s other drive-in theater, the Yuba City Drive-In, shut down in 1980.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 10, 1949: “Boise, Ida. - A new 500-car drive-in will be built this winter near the intersection of Highway 30 and Broadway here, according to Milt Fry, one of three local men who filed articles of incorporation for the firm. Others in the enterprise are Joy Naylor, who has an interest with Fry in the Boise Drive-In near the Ada county fairgrounds, and Omer R. Travers, Naylor, who also operated the Riverdale Drive-In at Ogden. Initial cost of the Broadway will be between $40,000 and $60,000, Fry said. The screen will measure 55x42 feet. Contract for grading work has been awarded to Stan Nelson. The Electric Service Co. will handle wiring.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 10, 1949: “Rudyard, Mont. - Mr. and Mrs. Albin Gustafson opened their ultramodern-style theatre here this week. Work on the $35,000 structure continues up to the last minute, with the ticket booth last on the schedule. The 31x90-foot building seats 312.”
Boxoffice, June 4, 1955: “The new snack bar at the Alamo Drive-In had a gala opening. There were free drinks and souvenirs for the children, courtesy of the management.”
The last reference I saw in an LA Times ad was on Aug. 25, 1990. Whittier’s Sundown was one of dozens of theaters showing Steve Martin’s “My Blue Heaven.”
Signs that point to a late 1952 opening for the Lake Park:
The Exhibitor, Sept. 17, 1952: “Ralph Pielow’s Quad States Theatre Service will handle the buying and booking for the new Lake Park Drive-In, Williston, N. D., owned by John Snyder and son. Pielow also handles the buying and booking for Snyder’s two conventional houses in Williston.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 25, 1952: “Williston, N. D. - Construction is progressing rapidly on the new 492-car Lake Park Drive-In, by the Snyder Theatre Co.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 10, 1953: (in a list of drive-ins opened in 1952) “Williston, Lake Park, 500 cars, Snyder Theatre Co.”
Independent Film Journal, Jan. 22, 1955: “J. P. Edge scheduled opening of his new Blue Sky Drive-In at LaFayette, Ga. for around the 15th of Jan.”
Motion Picture Herald, April 30, 1955: “The Blue Sky drive-in, La Fayette, Ga., owned by J. P. Edge and Dr. T. A. Cochran, has opened. Wil-Kin Theatre Supply supplied the equipment.”
Motion Picture Exhibitor, June 8, 1955: “Dr. T. A. Cochran and John P. Edge, owners, Blue Sky Drive-In, La Fayette, Ga., feature 400-car capacity and a 100-foot screen.”
The Exhibitor, Dec. 24, 1952: “Delaware / Dogsboro - Al Goodyear, well-known in the industry and formerly with Motion Picture Advertising Service, is now building the Del-Air Drive-In.”
The Exhibitor, Feb. 18, 1953: “Delaware / Dogsboro - Alfred W. Goodyear announced that the buying and booking for his new Del-Air Drive-In, now in the process of being completed, will be handled by Independent Theatres Service, Inc., Washington, D. C.”
The Exhibitor, April 29, 1953: “Harley Davidson’s Independent Theatre Service is booking and buying for the new Del-Air Drive-In, Dagsboro, Del.”
Mr. Goodyear and the Del-Air were mentioned in a May 22, 1954 note in the Wilmington News Journal, so we know it was operating by then.
Boxoffice, July 27, 1964: “Associated Theatres, which operated 35 theatres, has purchased the building at 119 Sixth Ave. which houses the Gateway, the circuit’s downtown flagship. This modern building on the site of the former Alvin Theatre was purchased for $325,000 from Harvard University … Harvard owned the building for many decades and in years past rented it to the former Harris Theatre interests. When Harris Amusements sold out to the Associated group, with Associated taking a long term lease, the name was changed from the J. P. Harris to the Gateway Theatre.”
Boxoffice, July 27, 1964: “Ned Cristiano has relighted Lee Theatre at Lee, Mass., which is owned by his aunt Elizabeth Sarra. He operated the 400-seat house (with murals in the lobby, French provincial paintings and fine carpets) for a time before 1959.”
The name change, from Hiway 218 to Austin Outdoor, must have occurred between these two stories.
Boxoffice, Jan. 1, 1962: “Mickey Justad, operator of the Hiway 218 Drive-In at Austin, and his wife are back from a month’s vacation in Florida looking taned and healthy”
Boxoffice, Aug. 6, 1973: “AUSTIN, MINN. - High-velocity winds severely damaged the screen of the Austin Outdoor Theatre at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, it was reported by Robert Saaranen, manager. Several sections of the screen were torn from the center portion of the tower, causing a two-day shutdown of the ozoner. Damage was estimated at several thousand dollars. Quick work by repair crews had the Austin Outdoor Theatre back in operation for the Thursday night, July 5, showing.”
Manager J. R. Wills reviewed “If I Were King” in the May 6, 1939 issue of Boxoffice. He wrote that the Eaton Theatre’s capacity was 200.
If today’s Google Maps is accurate, a Walmart Supercenter still occupies part of the old Harbor Boulevard’s viewing field. If you want to be thorough, a small strip-mall-type building with a UPS Store and other tenants sits about where its screen used to be. Everything west of that was a vacant lot next to the drive-in, at least in 1972.
My dear Jamey_monroe45, I am very happy to see another enthusiastic poster here, but I am troubled that you may not feel the friendly, helpful vibe that some of us try to promote.
In this case, the previous address the CT had for Harbor was 23444 S. Vermont Avenue. That modern-day address is closer to where the old Harbor sign had been, according to comparison tools at HistoricAerials.com. On the other hand, 23314 looks to be closer to the original exit path; I can’t tell where the box office had been. Of course, these addresses are barely one block apart - either address is defensible, either guides the reader to the correct location. I might call it a tweak; I’ve been enough of a stickler to suggest similar minor changes.
About its city location, one of my earlier posts on this page outlined a logical thread to explain why the evidence that I found suggested that it the Harbor was in unincorporated Los Angeles County when it was active. If you’ve found something that suggests that it was was within the city limits back then, that would be a great thing to share. I always enjoy being proven wrong, as so often happens.
I am so confused, although that’s normal. The trade publications talked about Youmatz’s People’s Forest, but the first ad I could find in the Hartford Courant was for Rogers Corner.
On the other hand, a Courant note on March 22, 1956 included the tax assessment for the “Peoples Drive-In Theatre”. Maybe that was just its corporate name?
Dallas Morning News, Oct. 9, 1986: “Paul and Martha Klaptt have built and operated many drive-ins, but they feel closest to the last one they built, in Monahans: the Lobo Drive-in. Last July was the Lobo’s 34th anniversary. In August, the couple retired and sold it.”
(If accurate, that anniversary would mark the opening year as 1952.)
From Paul Klatt’s obituary in the Weatherford (TX) Democrat, March 18, 2012: “Paul Klatt … owned and operated Drive-in-Theatres in several places. Paul moved to Weatherford from Monahans, where he owned The Lobo Drive-in-Theatre.”
More info about the Twin Peaks' owner in the Feb. 21, 1966 issue of Boxoffice, on the occasion of his purchase (and closure) of the competing Lobo Drive-In. “Joe T. Davidson … had been in the general contracting business for 25 years in Detroit before moving to Texas in 1947, when he started building drive-in theatres. In 1951 he moved to Alpine and built the Twin Peaks Drive-In and has been operating it ever since.”
A later note recorded that Davidson, an Ohio native, died at the age of 75 on Dec. 21, 1970.
The Twin Peaks advertised in Alpine’s Sul Ross State University’s Skyline through at least the fall of 1978.
Boxoffice picked up that closure news in its Feb. 21, 1966 issue. “Fred Jack spent the better part of 40 years in one form or another of the motion picture business. He was for years division manager for Warner Bros. and later for United Artists before moving to Alpine, where he operated the Grande Theatre and Lobo Drive-In until his health dictated that he retire.”
Kenmore is absolutely right. I have removed the misleading topo map.
Just sayin', it’s a little odd that there was no east side drive-in on the 1975 Alpine topo map, given that we’re sure the Lobo was still operating then. The 1984 aerial photo shows at least the ramps and projection booth of a drive-in less than two miles east of Alpine. As I type, the site is home to Alpine Diesel Service, with the confusing Google Maps address of 90530 east hwy 90 3539 e, US-90. Not quite as accurate but easier to type is the address of the animal shelter across the street at 2900 Old Marathon Rd.
The Merced Sun-Star reported on May 1, 1973 that burglars stole food from the Dos Palos Drive-In Theater. The manager found the door ajar when he reported for work in the morning, so the drive-in must have been active.
Well, yeah, Jamey_monroe45. We’re in agreement, so you don’t have to yell. I was trying to offer a “modern-day equivalent” of where the drive-in was when it existed.
We seem to agree on the southeast corner of Elgin and Almond. I picked the spot closest to the screen, (so of course it predated the street that replaced it), and you picked a sensible alternative near the probable entrance. Either address points the reader to the right place.
Looks like the Dos Palos opened in 1950, based on this note in the Oct. 7, 1950 issue of Boxoffice: “Julian H. Hales, owner with Sam J. Regas of the new $75,000 Dos Palos Drive-In will be resident manager of the theatre. The drive-in is located in the Nylander and Sorenson subdivision on Elgin avenue just off Highway 33”. Another mention in the same issue said that “Hales formerly operated a department store in Dos Palos.”
The last Boxoffice note for this place that I could find tonight was from the July 3, 1967 issue. “Hoger Tegtmeier … operates the Dos Palos Drive-In, the Solano Theatre and Solano Drive-In in Fairfield and the Lakeport Theatre in Lakeport.”
Boxoffice, May 7, 1979: “Gene O'Neill … will oversee operation of … the Yuba City Drive-In (formerly Auto-see) and the Marysville Drive-In (formerly Sierra).”
Marysville-Yuba City Appeal-Democrat, April 9, 2005: “Robert Golding has run the Marysville Drive-In Theater since 1978, outlasting corporate ownership and many other drive-ins … The Marysville Drive-In Theatre, in operation since 1966, is expected to close Oct. 30 … Golding said he could not renew the theater’s lease on a long-term basis because of the pending sale of the property … Golding has been at the theater since 1978, when he started running it for the previous, corporate owners. He has leased the property since 1986. The movie theater sits just off the west side of Highway 70 near Erle Road. With a 45-foot by 90-foot screen, it can accommodate 450 cars.”
The last newspaper mention I saw of the Auto-See was in September 1976. On the other hand…
Boxoffice, May 7, 1979: “Gene O'Neill … will oversee operation of … the Yuba City Drive-In (formerly Auto-see) and the Marysville Drive-In (formerly Sierra).”
Boxoffice, March 10, 1980: “Lippert Theatres … (f)uture projects include triplexing of the circuit’s drive-ins in Marysville and Yuba City.”
Marysville-Yuba City Appeal-Democrat, April 9, 2005: “The area’s other drive-in theater, the Yuba City Drive-In, shut down in 1980.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 10, 1949: “Milt Fry … and (Joy) Naylor … are planning to enlarge the capacity of the Boise Drive-In to accommodate 500 cars.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 10, 1949: “Boise, Ida. - A new 500-car drive-in will be built this winter near the intersection of Highway 30 and Broadway here, according to Milt Fry, one of three local men who filed articles of incorporation for the firm. Others in the enterprise are Joy Naylor, who has an interest with Fry in the Boise Drive-In near the Ada county fairgrounds, and Omer R. Travers, Naylor, who also operated the Riverdale Drive-In at Ogden. Initial cost of the Broadway will be between $40,000 and $60,000, Fry said. The screen will measure 55x42 feet. Contract for grading work has been awarded to Stan Nelson. The Electric Service Co. will handle wiring.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 10, 1949: “Rudyard, Mont. - Mr. and Mrs. Albin Gustafson opened their ultramodern-style theatre here this week. Work on the $35,000 structure continues up to the last minute, with the ticket booth last on the schedule. The 31x90-foot building seats 312.”
Boxoffice, June 4, 1955: “The new snack bar at the Alamo Drive-In had a gala opening. There were free drinks and souvenirs for the children, courtesy of the management.”
Boxoffice, June 4, 1955: “The Zaragoza in Taft reopened following a recent fire.”
The last reference I saw in an LA Times ad was on Aug. 25, 1990. Whittier’s Sundown was one of dozens of theaters showing Steve Martin’s “My Blue Heaven.”
Signs that point to a late 1952 opening for the Lake Park:
The Exhibitor, Sept. 17, 1952: “Ralph Pielow’s Quad States Theatre Service will handle the buying and booking for the new Lake Park Drive-In, Williston, N. D., owned by John Snyder and son. Pielow also handles the buying and booking for Snyder’s two conventional houses in Williston.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 25, 1952: “Williston, N. D. - Construction is progressing rapidly on the new 492-car Lake Park Drive-In, by the Snyder Theatre Co.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 10, 1953: (in a list of drive-ins opened in 1952) “Williston, Lake Park, 500 cars, Snyder Theatre Co.”
Trion’s Moonlite was included in the 1950 Film Daily Year Book’s drive-in list.
All signs point to a 1955 opening.
Independent Film Journal, Jan. 22, 1955: “J. P. Edge scheduled opening of his new Blue Sky Drive-In at LaFayette, Ga. for around the 15th of Jan.”
Motion Picture Herald, April 30, 1955: “The Blue Sky drive-in, La Fayette, Ga., owned by J. P. Edge and Dr. T. A. Cochran, has opened. Wil-Kin Theatre Supply supplied the equipment.”
Motion Picture Exhibitor, June 8, 1955: “Dr. T. A. Cochran and John P. Edge, owners, Blue Sky Drive-In, La Fayette, Ga., feature 400-car capacity and a 100-foot screen.”
Opening day hints.
The Exhibitor, Dec. 24, 1952: “Delaware / Dogsboro - Al Goodyear, well-known in the industry and formerly with Motion Picture Advertising Service, is now building the Del-Air Drive-In.”
The Exhibitor, Feb. 18, 1953: “Delaware / Dogsboro - Alfred W. Goodyear announced that the buying and booking for his new Del-Air Drive-In, now in the process of being completed, will be handled by Independent Theatres Service, Inc., Washington, D. C.”
The Exhibitor, April 29, 1953: “Harley Davidson’s Independent Theatre Service is booking and buying for the new Del-Air Drive-In, Dagsboro, Del.”
Mr. Goodyear and the Del-Air were mentioned in a May 22, 1954 note in the Wilmington News Journal, so we know it was operating by then.