Starlight Drive-In
1400 10th Drive SE,
Austin,
MN
55912
1400 10th Drive SE,
Austin,
MN
55912
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Opened August 23rd, 1949 as Hi-Way Drive-in. Renamed Hi-Way Drive-In in 1952, Outdoor theatre in 1955, Austin Outdoor in 1972, Starlight Drive-In on June 2nd, 1978 and closed after its last season in 1985. Grand opening ad posted.
The name change, from Hiway 218 to Austin Outdoor, must have occurred between these two stories.
Boxoffice, Jan. 1, 1962: “Mickey Justad, operator of the Hiway 218 Drive-In at Austin, and his wife are back from a month’s vacation in Florida looking taned and healthy”
Boxoffice, Aug. 6, 1973: “AUSTIN, MINN. - High-velocity winds severely damaged the screen of the Austin Outdoor Theatre at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, it was reported by Robert Saaranen, manager. Several sections of the screen were torn from the center portion of the tower, causing a two-day shutdown of the ozoner. Damage was estimated at several thousand dollars. Quick work by repair crews had the Austin Outdoor Theatre back in operation for the Thursday night, July 5, showing.”
Looks like its still open in 1983, but was demolished by 1991.
I Can’t Find The Opening Date To This Theater According To The Austin Daily Herald.
Boxoffice, May 23, 1960: “AUSTIN, MINN. – M. F. "Mickey” Justad, former manager of the Ely Theatre, Ely, and Leo Ross, Sauk Rapids, have purchased the Outdoor Theatre here."
At the end it was known as the Austin Outdoor Theatre. The header needs to be updated.