Valli Drive-In
1008 US-191,
Malta,
MT
59538
1008 US-191,
Malta,
MT
59538
1 person
favorited this theater
Carl Veseth and his wife launched the Valli Drive-In on June 8, 1957 in Malta. The Veseths also had opened the Villa Theatre in town on June 30, 1955. The new drive-in was managed by their son, Bill. The name of the theatre was selected by a contest entry by Hurley Williams, Jr. of Malta.
The 280-space Valli Drive-In cost a total of $40,000 to build and was constructed by the Ballantyne Company and screen tower by William Veseth. It was still operating into the 1970’s.
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
Was located on US-191 latitude & Longitude of house that is now located to the back of the property is on Google maps is 48.347388, -107.877974. Closes Address is for the National Guard Headquarters next door 1008 US-191. Shows up 1967 Aerial and 1971 and 1981(?) Aerials. the 1971 Aerial has Drive-In Theater printed twice right on the sight and across the road (which looks to be a misprint). The 1981 Aerial has Drive-In Theater printed across the road from location.
Very little of the drive-in remains. Just some hints at the outline and ramps along with the foundation for the projection booth/concession stand.
Boxoffice, Jun 13, 1977: “Mrs. Irene Veseth, Malta, Mont., has announced the sale of the Villa Theatre and Villa Drive-In of Malta to her brother R. C. Pancake. Mrs. Veseth has been associated in the operation of the Malta theaters for 49 years. Veseth Theatres was originated in 1922 by Mrs. Veseth’s husband Carl, who died in 1975.”
The Dec. 7, 1957 issue of Boxoffice ran a full-page spread, with photos, on the new Valli and the Veseth family that built it. “According to Carl Veseth, the drive-in has proven a very good venture, drawing people they have never seen in (their local) indoor house.”