Sandpoint Drive-In

Boxoffice, July 26, 1952: “SANDPOINT, IDA. - The Frank C. Weskil interests, owners of the Panida and Lake theatres here, opened Sandpoint’s first drive-in, three miles north of the city on Highway 95, with formal ceremonies July 11, according to Dale Lee, manager of the Weskil situations here. L. H. Weskil, son of the founder, and his family have been staying in Sandpoint supervising the construction of the theatre. Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Weskil were also here a few days before opening.

“The ozoner is different in that a natural backdrop of mountains and evergreens surrounds the area, making it unnecessary to fence the parking are except between the entrance and exit. The mountains allow the shows to start much earlier than would be possible in Sandpoint because the sun sinks behind them earlier in the evening. There is a present car capacity of 360 which may later be expanded to accommodate 600.”

I have 1956 flyer for the fall season saying “Thank you for a wonderful season” at the Motor Movie Drive-In. Other side has my Dad’s name and the date. I also have a newspaper clipping from when Dad resigned the Panida and Motor Movie to form Sandpoint Realty and Insurance. Not clear on how to add those files, or if you’d want them.

Dad had lots of funny stories from the Motor Movie days and the promotions he did to get people out there. He still talked about it when he was 100.

Correction: My father, Dale A Lee was the first manager of the Motor Movie Drive-In. I have newspaper clippings and flyers from the Drive-In to prove it. Plus I was there. Mayor Gray became manager later, early 60s.

I have corrected this before. Please change your records.

Today, the property is a private residence. You can still see the outline, ramps, and screen foundation clearly.

A building of the same size and shape sits in the same location as the projector booth/concession stand, but does not have the typical holes found with such a building. So, it may be the same, remodeled, or a whole new building.