Closing night of the Cahokia Drive-In was September 30, 1978.
The ad in the Metro-East Journal read: “Last Chance! This Friday and Saturday are the final nights of operation for the Cahokia Drive-In. Yes, that’s right, the state bought us out to build a new highway and we are closing our gates forever. Witness the closing af a chapter in history and spend the night at our…Friday and Sturday All Night X-Rated Marathon.”
In the spring of 1979 the Bloomer operated Futura Drive-In, in Cahokia, is renamed the Cahokia South.
The Cahokia Drive-In (in Alorton) ceased operation in 1978. The following spring the Futura Drive-In (in Cahokia) became known as the Cahokia South Drive-In. Since then confusion has reigned.
In addition to the Ellisville the Lewis & Clark also ran “Sound of Music” hardticket, but only 12 weeks. Both theatres began their engagements the same date.
The Ellisville was operated by Arthur Enterprises until July 1977 when, being a reported five months behind in rent, they were nudged out by the theatre’s owner.
In October 1977 Wehrenberg took over operation of the house. In March 1978 the house was closed and was converted into a twin house, reopening in April.
Program of 3/16/78 was concert performance by Bob Weir and Doucette.
This in a brief period when, after theatre had closed as a movie house (3/1/78),they were booking live attractions.
The Futura was renamed in 1979 the Cahokia South Drive-In. This happened after the Cahokia Drive-In in Alorton had closed.
Venue closed in May 1979. In its final months specialized in X-rated product.
Sequence of names:
1924 – Tivoli
1969 – Magic Lantern
1974 – U-City
1977 – Tivoli.
Closing night of the Cahokia Drive-In was September 30, 1978.
The ad in the Metro-East Journal read: “Last Chance! This Friday and Saturday are the final nights of operation for the Cahokia Drive-In. Yes, that’s right, the state bought us out to build a new highway and we are closing our gates forever. Witness the closing af a chapter in history and spend the night at our…Friday and Sturday All Night X-Rated Marathon.”
In the spring of 1979 the Bloomer operated Futura Drive-In, in Cahokia, is renamed the Cahokia South.
The Cahokia Drive-In (in Alorton) ceased operation in 1978. The following spring the Futura Drive-In (in Cahokia) became known as the Cahokia South Drive-In. Since then confusion has reigned.
Architectural credit given to Engineering Associates, Inc.
Two screens with capacity of 450 in each.
Architectural credit given to firm of Fine & Bildner.
Theatre converted from a twin to a tri-plex in December 1978.
Wehrenberg took over operation in November 1977. This firm made a twin out of it and this operation began in November 1978.
Ronnie’s 6 opened in December 1978.
Became a twin in 1978.
Did it really take two people to contribute the eight-word introduction…?
Architect: Lorenz & Scott.
In addition to the Ellisville the Lewis & Clark also ran “Sound of Music” hardticket, but only 12 weeks. Both theatres began their engagements the same date.
The Ellisville was operated by Arthur Enterprises until July 1977 when, being a reported five months behind in rent, they were nudged out by the theatre’s owner.
In October 1977 Wehrenberg took over operation of the house. In March 1978 the house was closed and was converted into a twin house, reopening in April.
The theatre’s Grand Avenue facade is one of a number of St. Louis location shots in the 1981 film “Escape from New York.”
1977 is the correct year of opening.
Don’t forget the British “The Smallest Show on Earth.”
Conversion to a two-screen operation took place in late 1976.
Grandview opened October 31, 1962 with a subrun of “The Miracle Worker.”
The conversion to a two-screen operation took place in 1976.
Theatre division into 2-screens occurred in late 1976.
Correct date of opening is July 3, 1959.
Architectural credit to Kramer & Harms.
Well, OK, to have transition from single-screen to four-screen definitive.
Holiday went to two-screen operation February 6, 1976 and advertised itself as “Now We Are Twins!”
The four-screen operation opened February 27, 1976.
So, indeed, it was a twin screen operation for all of 21 days.
Never let it be said that Komm-Jablonow-Mid-America didn’t know how to milk the market.
Operation was a single-screen until Spring 1976 when it went to a 4-screen operation. (There was no 2-screen in the interim.)
Architectural credit for 1955 design given to Gerhardt Kramer Associates.
Architect was Edward Gordon.
Attn: Dustiniapray.
Program of 3/16/78 was concert performance by Bob Weir and Doucette.
This in a brief period when, after theatre had closed as a movie house (3/1/78),they were booking live attractions.