The former Summit Drive-in Theatre in Glade Spring, VA once lit up the night sky with movie magic. Opened in 1953 and operated by Joseph L. Meek—who also ran the Laurel Drive-In in Damascus—it served as a beloved gathering place for locals from Glade Spring, Saltville, and Rich Valley. In its later years, the Summit became known for showing adult films before closing in 1986. The screen tower came down in 1998, but the site has remained a quiet landmark of local history.
The site is now completely overtaken by construction equipment, lumber, and various vehicles. A sign by the entrance bears the name of what appears to be a new tenant, though I couldn’t quite make out what business is moving in. From my vantage point, I could still see the old ticket booth and storage building tucked behind the activity, but I couldn’t tell whether the original snack bar and concession stand are still standing.
Even as the land changes hands and purpose, the Summit’s story lingers—etched in the memories of those summer nights under the stars.
I have confirmed the location to be 104 Village Square Ln, Mountain City, TN 37683. The Drive-in occupied the space where 421 Creamery and O’Reilly Auto Parts are now located on Highway 421. I’ve included an aerial photo from 1960 that confirms the location.
I believe the theatre opened on April 1, 1955. I’ve posted the opening ads. The last ad I could find was published June 1, 1960, but I will keep looking.
I took a stroll around the lot today and, other than the shape of the clearing, there is no evidence of the drive-in. I looked in case there was a foundation or slab left behind from the snack bar building, but nothing.
@Kenmore, I researched the issues you mentioned and learned a lot. The Twin City Drive-in was originally down the road on a separate property. It opened in May and by June Cody bought it. In ten years the property it was in was sold. Cody also owned the Moonlight, which included an indoor “winter” theater he added shortly after opening the Moonlight Deive-In.
When the Twin City property was sold, he had the drive-in dismantled and moved to the Moonlight property. That’s why the maps would say Drive-Ins. It was confusing, but a lengthy search of local newspapers provided a wealth of information. I saved several articles and will post them here when I have a chance.
People have listed 1000 North Main St. as the location of the theater. That is where the marquee was located. The entrance to the drive-in was a couple hundred feet (at least) down Sykes Avenue on the right hand side. There was a restaurant and a side street on the right between North Main Street and the Drive-in entrance.
I think the one on TN 91 near Dave Buck Road was the Twin City Drive-in listed as being in Johnson City. Ill include an ad in the photos.
More accurate location is: Near 9761-9755 VA-91, Glade Spring, VA 24340.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Kqn7N75C4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The former Summit Drive-in Theatre in Glade Spring, VA once lit up the night sky with movie magic. Opened in 1953 and operated by Joseph L. Meek—who also ran the Laurel Drive-In in Damascus—it served as a beloved gathering place for locals from Glade Spring, Saltville, and Rich Valley. In its later years, the Summit became known for showing adult films before closing in 1986. The screen tower came down in 1998, but the site has remained a quiet landmark of local history.
The site is now completely overtaken by construction equipment, lumber, and various vehicles. A sign by the entrance bears the name of what appears to be a new tenant, though I couldn’t quite make out what business is moving in. From my vantage point, I could still see the old ticket booth and storage building tucked behind the activity, but I couldn’t tell whether the original snack bar and concession stand are still standing.
Even as the land changes hands and purpose, the Summit’s story lingers—etched in the memories of those summer nights under the stars.
I have confirmed the location to be 104 Village Square Ln, Mountain City, TN 37683. The Drive-in occupied the space where 421 Creamery and O’Reilly Auto Parts are now located on Highway 421. I’ve included an aerial photo from 1960 that confirms the location.
I believe the theatre opened on April 1, 1955. I’ve posted the opening ads. The last ad I could find was published June 1, 1960, but I will keep looking.
Looking in the general direction of where the screen had been located from right of where the concession stand/projection booth would have been.
I took a stroll around the lot today and, other than the shape of the clearing, there is no evidence of the drive-in. I looked in case there was a foundation or slab left behind from the snack bar building, but nothing.
@Kenmore, I researched the issues you mentioned and learned a lot. The Twin City Drive-in was originally down the road on a separate property. It opened in May and by June Cody bought it. In ten years the property it was in was sold. Cody also owned the Moonlight, which included an indoor “winter” theater he added shortly after opening the Moonlight Deive-In.
When the Twin City property was sold, he had the drive-in dismantled and moved to the Moonlight property. That’s why the maps would say Drive-Ins. It was confusing, but a lengthy search of local newspapers provided a wealth of information. I saved several articles and will post them here when I have a chance.
People have listed 1000 North Main St. as the location of the theater. That is where the marquee was located. The entrance to the drive-in was a couple hundred feet (at least) down Sykes Avenue on the right hand side. There was a restaurant and a side street on the right between North Main Street and the Drive-in entrance.
Closed after the 1984 season.