51 Drive-In
14027 IL-37 ,
Cairo,
IL
62914
14027 IL-37 ,
Cairo,
IL
62914
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A closer address is 14027 IL-37, Cairo, IL.
Google has updated their Maps and this address puts it right on the property.
https://tinyurl.com/txv472tf
A 1967 aerial shows the drive-in intact and appearing operational. By 1982 it was still intact, but clearly closed.
The screen was gone by 1993 and the property seems to have become an auto salvage yard which lasted until roughly 2015. Today, there is really no trace of the drive-in remaining, although the property is now an open field.
This looks like the same place. From the July 23, 1949 issue of BoxOffice: “CAIRO, ILL. – The 500-car Cairo Drive-In on U.S. No. 51 at Patierdale, a mile north of town, which had been operating nightly since June 17, had a formal opening on July 9. Fred Sullivan, owner, reports the cost was approximately $100,000.”
Sullivan also reported plans to build a second screen to serve a segregated section for blacks.
Approximate location for this drive-in was north of town on Old US 51 (now Hwy 37) NE of Patierdale Rd. Look for the large lot.
I think the screen tower still stood in the 80’s. I remember driving through Cairo around ‘84-'85 on the way to St. Louis. We passed a ruined drive in with seriously overgrown and crumbling screen tower. This is the only Cairo drive-in listed and so must be it. I’m even pretty sure the 51 name was on it.