Tommies Drive-In
700 Southwest Drive,
Kennett,
MO
63857
700 Southwest Drive,
Kennett,
MO
63857
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It was unknown why the theater was named Tommie’s, because it was not named after its manager H.E. Boyd. The original screen measures 45x85ft and the drive-in covers a total of 12 acres with an estimate $60,000 in construction. It has an original capacity of 450 cars and also features two lanes of traffic in both directions.
A May 2024 Google Street View (which has rays of sunlight streaming through the clouds in spectacular fashion) shows what’s left of the marquee which is three support poles.
Repeated plowing has removed whatever parch marks had been present on the property.
August 30th, 1949 “thanks you” ad posted. It must have been opened during the last weekend of August 1949.
The marquee, although damaged and in disrepair, still has the name Tommies Drive In prominently featured on top.
A 1984 aerial shows the drive in intact, although whether it was operational is another matter. By 1994, it had been demolished.
Only parch marks that show the ramps remain from the aerial views.
Why the name Tommies?
From the Sept. 3, 1949 issue of BoxOffice, “Hurdis E. Boyd hopes to open his 500-car drive-in at Kennett, Mo., within the next two weeks. The theatre has been equipped by Joe Hornstein, Inc. Boyd also is owner of the local Coca-Cola Co.”
And then it happened, as written in the Sept. 10 issue. “The 500-car Tommie’s Drive-In at Kennett, operated by H. E. Boyd, opened.”
The address for this Drive-in is 700 Southwest Dr, Kennett, MO 63857.
Now an empty field. The marquee foundation is still visible. No other trace.
Please update.