A great photo of the South Park Drive-In, taken from across the street, is featured in the book from the “Images Of America” series on Bethel Park. Two beautiful color photos of the marquee and screen and box office are featured on the local WQED documentary “Things That Aren’t There Anymore”.
I don’t have confirmation of the exact reasons, Chuck. It may have something to do with the transferring to digital equiment, but that’s only speculation. A definite fact is that the Kane Road Drive-In is going to be sadly, sadly missed. I’ve been going there since 1997.
I found out that the final tentative night of the Kane Road is going to be Sunday, September 15. This all depends on attendance in the next couple of weekends. So, for all who read this, mark this date down but call the drive-in first for verification.
It is with deep regret that I report the upcoming end of an era as the Kane Road Drive-In, after 59 wonderful years, will be closing its doors for good in a few weekends. There was a tailgate party this past Saturday the 10th, but I missed it since I didn’t know about it until now (ARGH!). But I do plan on being there on their final night. I suggested to owner Steve Gray to show a couple of classic films on their last night to go out with a big bang…something like Rebel Without A Cause, Love Me Tender, A Hard Day’s Night, West Side Story, Viva Las Vegas, Bye Bye Birdie, or something like that.
The Cross Keys Drive-In Opened on June 16, 1950 with a performance by the New Oxford High School Band and the film “Streets of Laredo”, starring William Holden, William Bendix and Mona Freeman. Originally owned and operated Midway Drive-In Theater Corp. and managed by the corporation’s president, Richard L. McCool. Located on U.S. 30, 1 mile east of New Oxford and ½ mile west of Carlisle Pike (PA 94). Closed after the 1986 season. The former drive-in site is now occupied by houses (Oak Dr. and Chinkapin Dr.)
Opened on June 29, 1950 with the film “Boy From Indiana”, starring Lon McCallister and Lois Butler. Located about a mile west of Waynesburg on Roy Furman Highway (PA 18 South/PA 21 West — formerly Rogersville Rd.)
Historic Aerials shows the location of the Blue Sky on PA 288 from the 1969 satellite map, about 5 miles east of Ellwood City and 10 miles west of Zelienople. The drive-in site is now occupied by at least two houses (on Field St.) and Sturges Orchard Farm Market.
The listing above shows a rare occurence with TWO drive-ins in the Pittsburgh Metro Area (28 miles apart) having their grand openings on the same night: Harmar and Lakevue (later renamed Mt. Lebanon).
This was my original entry that I had placed several days ago. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be posted or not; I thought maybe it was too descriptive. My apologies for the second entry of the same place.
The Rose Drive-In site now consists of housing on two streets, Pamela Drive and Rose Avenue. From PA 130 East, 8/10 of a mile past the PA Turnpike overpass, the right turn onto Pamela was originally the turnoff road to the drive-in.
To expand on general information, the Belle Aire opened on July 2, 1957 and lasted only two seasons. The last known listing from the Pittsburgh papers was from November 23, 1958.
I think I’ve finally found confirmation of the Belle Aire. From the Historic Aerials website, key in MAGNUS LANE IRWIN PA, bring up the 1957 aerial photo, and select “All Roads” from the overlay menu. The Blue Dell Pool is right across from Edwin Drive on Route 30; if you look to the right of the pool you can see what is undoubtedly the Belle Aire Drive-In. The current satellite photo shows the Elizabeth-Hata International building on the former drive-in site with the open field that used to be the Blue Dell Pool in front of the main parking lot.
Opening night feature on October 31, 1940: “No Time For Comedy”, starring James Stewart and Rosalind Russell. Final day features on July 1, 1999: “Analyze This”, “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Doug’s 1st Movie”
These dates are unconfirmed as there is no indication of a grand opening, but the first ad I found for this Cameraphone (as well as two others in Pittsburgh) was from March 2, 1913. This one, the best known of the three, opened on March 6 with the silent short “Pickwick Papers' starring John Bunny. The last ad I came across was from January 31, 1967, by which time the Cameraphone was an adult cinema (I’ll be looking for the transformation date soon). The features that day were "Everybody Loves It” and “Tales of a Salesman”.
I was just driving along West Liberty Ave. yesterday and the sad sight of the demolished South Hills Theater just caught my eye. I stopped and took photos.
R.I.P. South Hills Theater. Thanks for many great memories.
I drove past the Tri-State for the first time in a while yesterday. The TRI-STATE DRIVE-IN/Coca-Cola sign is gone, and the stone pillar that said TRI-STATE as well as the ticket booth have been torn down. The deteriorating screen is still up but is now missing one of the metal slabs.
The Hi-Way 51 opened on May 1, 1948. Located on Darlington Rd. north of the Beaver County Airport. Last known night of operation as Hi-Way 51 (per newspaper listings) was August 28, 1967. Sometime thereafter, Monessen Amusements bought the drive-in, did a complete renovation, and renamed it Super 51 which opened June 26, 1969 (See that title in the listing for description)
That’s just great! Don’t they realize that when they assassinate a drive-in theater, they assassinate a Great American Pastime as Americana as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie? Whether they do or not, they obviously don’t care. (Sarcastically): Let’s hear it for politics!!
This was the very first drive-in I remember visiting as a kid. It was the mid-to-late 70’s and I was about 6 or 7. Me and my family lived in nearby Burgettstown back then; we either went to this drive-in (The Penn-Lincoln at that time) 8 ½ miles away or the Twin Hi-Way another six miles east. Of course, I don’t remember what we saw at either drive-in except “Star Wars” at the Twin Hi-Way when they acquired it in 1978.
Hopefully, somebody bought the old Penn-Lincoln/Super 30 West screen and moved it to another operating drive-in; it was in too great of shape to be scrapped.
A great photo of the South Park Drive-In, taken from across the street, is featured in the book from the “Images Of America” series on Bethel Park. Two beautiful color photos of the marquee and screen and box office are featured on the local WQED documentary “Things That Aren’t There Anymore”.
I don’t have confirmation of the exact reasons, Chuck. It may have something to do with the transferring to digital equiment, but that’s only speculation. A definite fact is that the Kane Road Drive-In is going to be sadly, sadly missed. I’ve been going there since 1997.
I found out that the final tentative night of the Kane Road is going to be Sunday, September 15. This all depends on attendance in the next couple of weekends. So, for all who read this, mark this date down but call the drive-in first for verification.
It is with deep regret that I report the upcoming end of an era as the Kane Road Drive-In, after 59 wonderful years, will be closing its doors for good in a few weekends. There was a tailgate party this past Saturday the 10th, but I missed it since I didn’t know about it until now (ARGH!). But I do plan on being there on their final night. I suggested to owner Steve Gray to show a couple of classic films on their last night to go out with a big bang…something like Rebel Without A Cause, Love Me Tender, A Hard Day’s Night, West Side Story, Viva Las Vegas, Bye Bye Birdie, or something like that.
The Cross Keys Drive-In Opened on June 16, 1950 with a performance by the New Oxford High School Band and the film “Streets of Laredo”, starring William Holden, William Bendix and Mona Freeman. Originally owned and operated Midway Drive-In Theater Corp. and managed by the corporation’s president, Richard L. McCool. Located on U.S. 30, 1 mile east of New Oxford and ½ mile west of Carlisle Pike (PA 94). Closed after the 1986 season. The former drive-in site is now occupied by houses (Oak Dr. and Chinkapin Dr.)
Cool photo :)
Opened on June 29, 1950 with the film “Boy From Indiana”, starring Lon McCallister and Lois Butler. Located about a mile west of Waynesburg on Roy Furman Highway (PA 18 South/PA 21 West — formerly Rogersville Rd.)
Historic Aerials shows the location of the Blue Sky on PA 288 from the 1969 satellite map, about 5 miles east of Ellwood City and 10 miles west of Zelienople. The drive-in site is now occupied by at least two houses (on Field St.) and Sturges Orchard Farm Market.
The listing above shows a rare occurence with TWO drive-ins in the Pittsburgh Metro Area (28 miles apart) having their grand openings on the same night: Harmar and Lakevue (later renamed Mt. Lebanon).
This was my original entry that I had placed several days ago. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be posted or not; I thought maybe it was too descriptive. My apologies for the second entry of the same place.
The Rose Drive-In site now consists of housing on two streets, Pamela Drive and Rose Avenue. From PA 130 East, 8/10 of a mile past the PA Turnpike overpass, the right turn onto Pamela was originally the turnoff road to the drive-in.
You gots it, hispeed54
To expand on general information, the Belle Aire opened on July 2, 1957 and lasted only two seasons. The last known listing from the Pittsburgh papers was from November 23, 1958.
I think I’ve finally found confirmation of the Belle Aire. From the Historic Aerials website, key in MAGNUS LANE IRWIN PA, bring up the 1957 aerial photo, and select “All Roads” from the overlay menu. The Blue Dell Pool is right across from Edwin Drive on Route 30; if you look to the right of the pool you can see what is undoubtedly the Belle Aire Drive-In. The current satellite photo shows the Elizabeth-Hata International building on the former drive-in site with the open field that used to be the Blue Dell Pool in front of the main parking lot.
I drive past the Showcase West every day going to and from work. As of this morning, the building is, sad to say, half gone.
I drove past the Parkway earlier this week and saw FOR SALE signs on the marquee. Could we see a possible comeback here?
There’s a great photo of the Rustic marquee in the book from the Images Of America series: “Norvelt: A New Deal Subsistence Homestead”.
This one was near the intersection of Mt. Pleasant Road (SR 2021) and Brinkerton Road.
Opening night feature on October 31, 1940: “No Time For Comedy”, starring James Stewart and Rosalind Russell. Final day features on July 1, 1999: “Analyze This”, “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Doug’s 1st Movie”
These dates are unconfirmed as there is no indication of a grand opening, but the first ad I found for this Cameraphone (as well as two others in Pittsburgh) was from March 2, 1913. This one, the best known of the three, opened on March 6 with the silent short “Pickwick Papers' starring John Bunny. The last ad I came across was from January 31, 1967, by which time the Cameraphone was an adult cinema (I’ll be looking for the transformation date soon). The features that day were "Everybody Loves It” and “Tales of a Salesman”.
I found the grand opening ads from the Carnegie library. The Denis opened on June 1, 1938 and its Encore counterpart opened July 15, 1965.
You are absolutely right on all counts, norelco. It’s just as painful as seeing a beautiful drive-in theater being demolished for a (yuck!) Wal-Mart.
I was just driving along West Liberty Ave. yesterday and the sad sight of the demolished South Hills Theater just caught my eye. I stopped and took photos.
R.I.P. South Hills Theater. Thanks for many great memories.
I drove past the Tri-State for the first time in a while yesterday. The TRI-STATE DRIVE-IN/Coca-Cola sign is gone, and the stone pillar that said TRI-STATE as well as the ticket booth have been torn down. The deteriorating screen is still up but is now missing one of the metal slabs.
The Hi-Way 51 opened on May 1, 1948. Located on Darlington Rd. north of the Beaver County Airport. Last known night of operation as Hi-Way 51 (per newspaper listings) was August 28, 1967. Sometime thereafter, Monessen Amusements bought the drive-in, did a complete renovation, and renamed it Super 51 which opened June 26, 1969 (See that title in the listing for description)
That’s just great! Don’t they realize that when they assassinate a drive-in theater, they assassinate a Great American Pastime as Americana as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie? Whether they do or not, they obviously don’t care. (Sarcastically): Let’s hear it for politics!!
This was the very first drive-in I remember visiting as a kid. It was the mid-to-late 70’s and I was about 6 or 7. Me and my family lived in nearby Burgettstown back then; we either went to this drive-in (The Penn-Lincoln at that time) 8 ½ miles away or the Twin Hi-Way another six miles east. Of course, I don’t remember what we saw at either drive-in except “Star Wars” at the Twin Hi-Way when they acquired it in 1978.
Hopefully, somebody bought the old Penn-Lincoln/Super 30 West screen and moved it to another operating drive-in; it was in too great of shape to be scrapped.