Diane Drive-In
1950N and Colt Road,
Carlinville,
IL
62626
1950N and Colt Road,
Carlinville,
IL
62626
3 people
favorited this theater
The Diane Drive-In opened on May 24, 1952, and could originally accommodate 300 cars. It had a very large screen and a stylish, neon-lit marquee.
It was owned by the same family which operated the indoor Marvel Theater, also in Carlinville. After being damaged in a 1978 fire, the original screen was replaced by a smaller and less-elaborate one.
The Diane Drive-In closed in 1981, but is still more or less intact.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Here is a 2002 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/n6y2of
Some additional photos on this page:
http://tinyurl.com/lrydnz
There are some great shots on Flickr as well, but so as not to aggravate your various neuroses I will leave those unposted.
1975 USGS photo in the photo section for this theatre.
Looks like it could be reopened!!
Approx. location for this drive-in was Hwy 108 and Colt Rd.
A closer address is 12470 IL-108, Carlinville, IL. The drive-in sits just to the west of that location. http://tinyurl.com/qcdbegd
It is remarkable that after nearly 35 years the drive-in is still in such remarkable shape even if the screen could use some work. The land also appears to be for sale as well.
My hubby & I went to many shows at this drive in back in the 70s when were dating! Fun times!
An even closer address is 1950N and Colt Road, Carlinville, IL. The drive-in sits on the north side of the intersection.
A little work on the screen, some mowing, and a new projector and it appears this drive-in could be re-opened even after all these years. http://tinyurl.com/mygbpwk
The Diane’s first ad in Springfield’s Daily Illinois State Journal, in the classifieds under “Carlinville Ads”, was on May 24, 1952. “The new Diane Drive-In Theatre, 1 ½ miles west of Carlinville! 2 shows nightly - rain or clear! First show at dusk! Adults, 50c; children under 12 free in cars.”