Riverdale Drive-In
935 Riverdale Street,
West Springfield,
MA
01089
935 Riverdale Street,
West Springfield,
MA
01089
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The drive-in definitely DID NOT close in 1967.I worked there until 1974 and it was still open for a few years after that.
The summary information above is incorrect. True the drive-in did close in 1967, but it was not dormant for 20 years. The Riverdale Shops are to the north of the theatre property in any event.
The drive-in was replaced by E.M. Loew’s Palace, a 1,000 seat single screen, which became the Palace 1 & 2, which became the Palace 1,2,3 & 4 and eventually Showcase Theatres 16,17, 18 and 19 with its big brother across the street being Showcase 1-15 (which started out as Showcase 1 & 2 but that is another story.
In any event, Cinema Treasures lists this theatre as Showcase 16-19.
Opened on 27th May 1950 with “All the king’s men” and “Blondie’s big deal”.
As someone who lived in the area as a youth, E.M. Loew’s Riverdale Drive-In closed in 1967 to make way for E.M Loew’s Palace Theater (see separate entry). All mention of the Riverdale Shop’s etc. are to the North of the E.M. Loews property. Originally the location housed a Topp’s department store. Today there is a Costco and the aforementioned Riverdale Shops.
The Riverdale Drive-in closed in the late 1970’s, and by the 1990’s, the space had been redeveloped with various small office and retail buildings. It was located immediately behind the Sack Palace 1-2 and across the street from Showcase Cinemas.
This opened on May 27th, 1950. Ad posted here.
Here is a 1971 aerial photo of the drive-in, courtesy of HistoricAerials.com.
Originally farmland. Great irrigation being next to the Connecticut River. Then a small airport followed by the drive-in.
This was a typical drive in of the period. It included a refreshment stand and a playground. I recall playing in my pajamas at twilight before the cartoon which preceeded the feature started.
A friend of my Dad’s bought the neon sign from this drive in. Last I heard he lived Mission Hills California. I don’t know if he took the sign out there with him or not.