19 Drive-In
5853 Highway 19,
Cuba,
MO
65453
5853 Highway 19,
Cuba,
MO
65453
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I looked up 19 Drive-In’s website archives and it appears that the 19 Drive-In closed in August 2020, meaning that the theater closed in the middle of the 2020 season. It did plan to reopen for the 2021 season but it never happened due to updates, repairs, and improvements. And as of 2024, the theater was still closed and abandoned.
As I type, the 19’s web site says that it’s “Closed for the 2022 season”. From what I’ve seen, the drive-in is ready to reopen any time someone wants to flip a switch, but if no one’s flipping, it might be time to call it closed, for now.
According to aerial photos, between the time it opened and 1984, the 19 added two more ramps in the back. It started as a 200-car drive-in, but a 2005 story said the drive-in could pack 300 cars onto its field, thanks to radio sound.
Also, Karen Spreng is taking a one-year break for 2021. She told me she was having projector problems and was looking for a contractor to redo the concession building. And that she was generally busy with other stuff. Let’s hope the 19 answers the bell in 2022.
Boxoffice, Aug. 6, 1955: “The recently opened Cuba Drive-In on Route 19 near Cuba, Mo., a 175-car project, has a screen 36x72 feet.”
A 2018 issue of Rural Missouri, posted at the 19 Drive-In Facebook page, said that Donald Spreng owned and operated the drive-in from 1964 until his death in July 2011. It’s now run by the oldest of three children, Karen Spreng, who is a full-time student at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. The opening of the 19 was delayed in 2019 because she was swamped with school work.
The Sept. 28, 1957 issue of BoxOffice said that 19 owner Adolph Meier was soon going to reopen the indoor Cuba Theatre, which had been closed for the summer.
Looks like the 19 opened in June 1955. From the June 25, 1955 Motion Picture Herald: “The new 19 drive-in theatre on Highway 19, just north of Cuba, Mo., held its grand opening the other day with a large turnout of people. The drive-in will accommodate 200 automobiles and has a refreshment stand.”
The 19 was absent from the 1952 Theatre Catalog but listed in the 1955-56 edition, capacity 160, owner A. P. Meier.
The 19’s first appearance in the Motion Picture Almanac was the 1957 drive-in list. All MPA mentions:
Huh! Was the 19 closed for a while?
Opening for the 2017 season on April 14. Per its Facebook page.
Also, the 19 charges just $1.16 (probably $1.25 with tax) for a small popcorn. Know of any theater selling popcorn any cheaper?
The 19 Drive-In has made the conversion to digital projection. website
but times of movies?
The Drive-In is still open though on the market. They are showing The Amazing Spider Man this weekend along with Brave.
is open for business? no schedules available