166 Drive-In
1320 W. Madison Avenue,
Arkansas City,
KS
67005
1320 W. Madison Avenue,
Arkansas City,
KS
67005
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The property was the home of JJ’s Auto Mechanic, but it seems to be closed as the sign for the business is gone.
After the drive-in had been closed for some time, the row that contains the projector booth and the row to the south gained several paved parking units, some of which are still present today. As if the property was going to become a trailer park … maybe.
The property became an auto salvage yard by 1985.
The 166 Drive-In opened its gates on August 10, 1948 with Preston Foster in “Lady From Cheyenne” along with an unnamed cartoon and a newsreel. It appears that the 166 Drive-In may’ve closed after the 1964 season after a short brief operation by Clara Bullard.
Boxoffice, Aug. 10, 1964: “Fred Munson, Arkansas City … has sold his 166 Drive-In to Clara Bullard, who operates the Airview (sic) there.”
There seems to be virtually nothing of the drive-in remaining, save perhaps for the concession stand, projection booth. That may still be in place, although it appears to be quite ragged.
“Fred Munson is busily engaged in refurbishing the 166 Drive-In at Arkansas City, preparatory to opening it this spring after two seasons during which it has been idle.” — Boxoffice, Feb. 22, 1960
“Fred Munson … who lives at Arkansas City, has just reopened the 166 Drive-In which has been closed for two years. Extensive remodeling was done which included three pairs of CinemaScope lenses.” — Boxoffice, April 18, 1960
Located behind what is now Westside Lawn & ATV Service at 1320 W Madison Ave (US-166)
Anyone have the crossroad with Highway 166, are any remains of the drive-in left?
As far as I can find out it opened in 1948 and I know it was open in 1967.
Mike, here is a bit more info for you. In 1956 it parked 400 cars and was owned by Fred Munson. There was an Ark – View Drive-in also in that town in Kansas.