Starlite Drive-In
2304 N. 7th Avenue,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
2304 N. 7th Avenue,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
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The original Starlite closed for the final time on September 4, 1988 with “Crocodile Dundee II” following concession concerns by the Bozeman Police Department on alcohol sales after four 17-to-19-year-old Bozeman teenagers were arrested and charged with single misdemeanor charges involving possessions of underage drinking that same day (either during intermission or during the movie).
Opened on May 30th, 1950.
Starlite Drive-In opening 30 May 1950, Tue Bozeman Daily Chronicle (Bozeman, Montana) Newspapers.com
Reopening with original signage Friday July 24, 2020 at 6465 River Rd. Article and new website below.
https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/coronavirus/bozemans-iconic-starlite-drive-in-theatre-makes-its-return/article_5250e390-243c-5a7a-bae0-2564b86cf345.html?fbclid=IwAR2ew5-IDoOmSS4SUGoJuLW69hBf2dm6m-zNo6q53blN13p91xZyS9PbFww
https://www.starlitedriveinmontana.com/
Boxoffice, Feb. 9, 1952: “Joe English sold his three theatres and a drive-in at Bozeman, Mont., to Ed Pegrum, veteran showman of the Intermountain area.”
The top part of the old Starlite sign is “on display” in front of Media Station Design Works in Bozeman, according to a note posted by the local radio station. I put that in quotes because the photo with the story showed the sign fragments resting in the grass supported only by leaning against a building, which I would characterize as merely “visible” rather than on display. Anyway, some moron stole the “lite” part, but the cops later found it. A happy ending.
It probably opened in 1950. The Nov. 12, 1949 issue of BoxOffice reported: “BOZEMAN, MONT. – Construction of the drive-in theatre being erected on Route 10 west of here has been stopped for the winter. A building to house the projection booth, the screen tower and a fence are finished.”
Found It!
The drive-in was located on the north side of Bozeman, the address is 2304 N. 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT. This is confirmed by a 1988 topography map and the mountains in the background match the photos shown of the drive-in.
Today, Bridger Park Shopping Mall or Strip Mall sits on the property with no traces of the drive-in remaining.
https://tinyurl.com/yaaa4roe
https://www.flickr.com/photos/henk/37904523145/in/photostream/ has 3 photos of this DI, and it states that it was on Highway 191 but I have been up and down that road on Google Maps and Historic Aerials Topographical included and I cannot find it.