Bishop Drive-In
Sunland Lane and Gerkin Road,
Bishop,
CA
93514
Sunland Lane and Gerkin Road,
Bishop,
CA
93514
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The latest overhead view from Google Maps shows what is left of the drive-in is virtually impossible to see. There is a faint fan-pattern, assuming you squint to see it.
Boxoffice, July 30, 1955: “Bishop’s new drive-in held its gala opening recently, according to managers Tim Stephens and Ted Amistoso. The new drive-in covers an area of more than ten acres and has a capacity for 330 cars. It includes a snack bar and a kiddyland for children. The theatre features CinemaScope and VistaVision equipment”
The 1955-56 Theatre Catalog had the sketchy listing: “Bishop, Cal., NEW D. I. Exec: C. A. Ford. (–)”
The Bishop’s first appearance in the Motion Picture Almanac was the 1957 edition, capacity 460, owner F. C. Amistoso
Motion Picture Exhibitor, March 5, 1958: “Louis Wudke and Ned Shafer have sold their Bishop Drive-In, Bishop, to a syndicate.”
Boxoffice, March 30, 1964: “Exhibitors Service, headed by Harry Rackin and Syd Lehman, is booking and buying for Merton Pond’s Bishop Drive-In”
Boxoffice, April 24, 1967: “Merton Pond of the Bishop Theatre and Bishop Drive-In” visited Los Angeles Film Row.
The generally reliable 1977 edition of the MPA still showed the Bishop, now with a capacity of 342 and owner M.H. Pond. It stayed that way through 1979, then dropped off the 1980 MPA drive-in list.
“Fred Stein sold his Bishop Theatre and Bishop Drive-In to Harry E. Ulsh, who operates the Fillmore in Fillmore.” — Boxoffice, March 21, 1960
the ramps are still visible after fifty years in 2016!
Address is: Sunland Ln and Gerkin Rd Bishop, CA 93514
I know there was an issue with putting aerial views of drive-ins on the site. My thinking is, even with a current address that could change. Plus, I have had good comments about the vintage aerials I have posted on theatres that I have submitted. Sure, most drive-ins are shaped the same, but it is the property surrounding the drive-in that is most interesting, from a historical point of view of the drive-in. Sometimes you can pick out features that you did not know about. ..My 2 cents worth!!
Approx. address for this drive-in was Sunland Ln & Gerkin Rd.
I thought aerial views served no purpose whatsoever?
Here’s a place South of town thats bears the land scars of a drive-in fan shape….
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