Billboard, Aug. 21, 1954: “R. L. Vaught and High Millington are building a 300-car capacity drive-in at a site between Rising Star and Cross Plains, Tex. It is expected to be completed by September.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “Bob
Vaught and Hugh Millington have
opened the new Pioneer Drive-In
between Rising Star and Cross
Hains, Tex. It is equipped with
CinemaScope.”
Billboard, Oct. 2, 1954: “A Shetland pony is being given away each Monday night at Hi-Park Drive-In, San Antonio, reports Carlton H. Weaver Jr., manager.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “Ezell
& Associates, Dallas, has taken
over operation of Hi-Park Drive-In, San Antonio, formerly owned
by Carlton H. Weaver.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “ A major remodeling project has been started at
Skyway Drive-In, Bryan. Tex.,
which is owned by Jack A. Farr,
Houston. CinemaScope will be installed. Also in the plans are a
new patio for the front area, a remodeled snack bar and new playground equipment. Capacity of
the drive-in will be increased from
650 to 900 speakers. Farr also
plans to install a swimming pool
alongside the drive-in.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “The Toledo and Jesse James
drive-ins at Toledo are establishing a record for multiple features by offering Saturday night
shows of five and six features each
plus an equal number of cartoons.
The owners topped the bargain by
offering free coffee and doughnuts
to all customers who stayed thru
the marathon.”
Billboard, Nov. 13, 1954: “H. A. Carlile has announced that construction has started at Dimmitt, Tex.,
of a 300-car capacity drive-in
which is being built at a cost of
$50,000. It will be equipped with
CinemaScope and feature a concession stand in the center of the
parking area.”
This Grand Opening note must be what dallasmovietheaters was referencing in his helpful post. Billboard, Nov. 13, 1954: “Boasting a 122 by 72-foot screen which the management believes to be the largest in the country, the West End Drive-In near Allentown, Pa., opened recently, filled to almost its 1,000-car capacity. There is plenty of space to accommodate another 200 cars. The ribbon officially marking the opening of the drive-in was cut by Allentown’s mayor, Brighton C. Diefenderfer. E. M. Loew, president, E. M. Loew Theaters, was in for the opening. John J. Scully Jr., a partner with E. M. Loew, is managing the West End.”
Billboard, Oct. 30, 1954: “Offering off-screen entertainment the other night, Paul W. Amadeo, general
manager, Pike Drive-In, Newington, Conn., presented recording star Glenn Taylor and George Kent’s orchestra. The first 75 cars
received a recording of a Taylor disk. Taylor has concluded engagements at the Bowl Drive-In, West Haven, and Pine Drive-In, Waterbury.”
Billboard, Oct. 30, 1954: “Manchester Drive-In, Bolton
Notch, Conn., erected in 1953 at a
cost of $100,000, will double its
Car capacity of 500 this winter, according to partners Bernard Menschell and John Calvocoressci. As
a promotional stunt for the comedy, ‘Genevieve,’ the drive-in recently offered free admission to
riders in pre-1920 automobiles at
opening performance”
This was probably the sale that led to the renaming. It makes me believe that Billboard’s drive-in columnist got some of his news by phone.
Billboard, Oct. 23, 1954: “At Bethlehem, Pa., Eastern (sic) Medina
Drive-In Realty Corporation bought the Eastern (sic) Medina Drive-In for $75,000. It had been operated by Essex Amusement Corporation, Newark, N. J. The 32-acre property was sold by Harry Appleman, Brooklyn, the principal owner. It has been announced that
proposed improvements for the
spot include installation of CinemaScope equipment.”
Billboard, Oct. 23, 1954: “Sale of two drive-in theaters in San Antonio for $275,000 has been reported by Thurman Barrett Jr., owner-operator. Buyer is Lone Star Theaters, Inc., Dallas, owned by Pack-Murchison interests. The theaters are the Lackland and the Kelly.”
Billboard, Oct. 23, 1954: “Sale of two drive-in theaters in
San Antonio for $275,000 has been
reported by Thurman Barrett Jr.,
owner-operator. Buyer is Lone
Star Theaters, Inc., Dallas, owned
by Pack-Murchison interests. The
theaters are the Lackland and the
Kelly.”
Billboard, Oct. 16, 1954: “Seymour B. Levine, Stratford, Conn., who operates the Bowl Drive-In, West Haven, has petitioned the State commissioner of police for permission to erect a drive-in theater to accommodate 450 cars on River Street, Bridgeport, on a site adjacent to Candlelight Stadium. If permission is granted, a spring opening is planned.”
Billboard, Oct. 16, 1954: “Seymour B.
Levine, Stratford, Conn., who operates the Bowl Drive-In, West Haven, has petitioned the State commissioner of police for permission
to erect a drive-in theater to accommodate 450 cars on River
Street, Bridgeport, on a site adjacent to Candlelight Stadium. If
permission is granted, a spring
opening is planned.”
More regulations highlighted in the Oct. 9, 1954 Billboard: “Screen towers of new drive-in
theaters in Saskatchewan must
be designed by a registered engineer and must be built to withstand wind velocity of 25 pounds
pressure per square foot, according
to a recently announced ruling under the Theaters and Cinematographs Act. All new drive-ins must
also provide individual speakers
for each vehicle and a suitable
fence must be provided to prevent
spread of paper and other refuse
to adjacent properties.”
Billboard, Oct. 9, 1954: “W. D. Campbell has sold the Albion (Mich.) Drive-In to the Bohm Theater Company, headed by Albert Bohm, with Jack Ryser in
charge buying and booking of film
for the house.”
Billboard, Oct. 11, 1954: “A severe rain and windstorm damaged the Twilight Drive-In owned by Lynn Smith, Gonzales, Tex. The wind blew down the screen which probably will not be placed back into
operation until next spring.”
Which apparently caused a name change, as described in the June 11, 1955 Billboard: “The name of the Twilite Drive-In at Gonzales, Tex., has been changed to the Apache Drive-In by Lynn Smith, owner. CinemaScope has been installed and the screen tower rebuilt. It was blown down by high winds in 1954.”
The beginning of the journey was reported in the Hartford Courant, Aug. 16, 1953: “Permit for (a) drive-in movie is sought by Apostalias Tolis and Nick Kounaris, owners and operators of the Meriden Theater, built about four years ago … The owners plan a novel operation in that the drive-in will be adjacent to the enclosed theater, and the same program will be shown simultaneously on both screens. In case of rain or snow, the owners would permit the audience in the outdoors entrance to the enclosed theater.”
Probably the end of the line showed up in Billboard, Oct. 2, 1954: “Nick Kounaris and Paul Tolis, partners in the Kounaris and Tolis Connecticut Theaters, have postponed opening of their $150,000, 950-car capacity Meriden (Conn.) Drive-In Theater until spring. The screen will measure 114 feet wide. Construction is currently under way.”
More details on “the largest curved screen
tower in the world” in the Oct. 2, 1954 Billboard:
“A moving pirate ship, 60 feet long, rocks on
the waves on the screen tower, and
the theme of the theater name is
carried out in the ‘galley’ (concession booth).”
Billboard, Sept. 11, 1954: “The new Jolly Roger Drive-In at
Detroit has been scheduled for
opening tentatively over the Labor;
Day weekend by circuit owner
Nicholas George. The Jolly Roger
is said to be the first to introduce
the highly ornamental-type screen,
tower, common in the South, into
this part of the country, and is
said to have the first true Stereophonic sound equipment in a
drive-in ‘within 1,600 miles,’ using three-cone speakers in each
car.”
Maybe this was the end? Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “A $35,000 fire destroyed the screen of the Montopolis Drive-In, Austin, Tex. Eddie Joseph, owner, said that the
loss was not covered by insurance.
Work of rebuilding the screen
tower has started.”
Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “A twister caused damage estimated at $20,000 to Starlite Drive-In, Brenham, Tex. C. B. Schroeder Jr., who with his father operates the drive-in, said that the loss was covered by insurance.”
And the screen tower was still intact as of a March 2019 Google Street View.
Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “Associated Management Corporation has opened Connecticut’s newest outdoor project, the 850-car, $125,000 Bridge Drive-In Theater at Groton. Ed O'Neill, formerly general manager of the Markoff Bros.‘ Theaters, is serving as general manager of the venture.”
Here’s the first time I’ve ever noticed a drive-in expanding just for a playground. From Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “Lou Lipman and Morris Keppner, of the Mansfield (Conn.) Drive-In, have completed a children’s playground on newly acquired acreage adjoining the theater.”
Billboard, Aug. 21, 1954: “R. L. Vaught and High Millington are building a 300-car capacity drive-in at a site between Rising Star and Cross Plains, Tex. It is expected to be completed by September.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “Bob Vaught and Hugh Millington have opened the new Pioneer Drive-In between Rising Star and Cross Hains, Tex. It is equipped with CinemaScope.”
Billboard, Oct. 2, 1954: “A Shetland pony is being given away each Monday night at Hi-Park Drive-In, San Antonio, reports Carlton H. Weaver Jr., manager.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “Ezell & Associates, Dallas, has taken over operation of Hi-Park Drive-In, San Antonio, formerly owned by Carlton H. Weaver.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “ A major remodeling project has been started at Skyway Drive-In, Bryan. Tex., which is owned by Jack A. Farr, Houston. CinemaScope will be installed. Also in the plans are a new patio for the front area, a remodeled snack bar and new playground equipment. Capacity of the drive-in will be increased from 650 to 900 speakers. Farr also plans to install a swimming pool alongside the drive-in.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “The Toledo and Jesse James drive-ins at Toledo are establishing a record for multiple features by offering Saturday night shows of five and six features each plus an equal number of cartoons. The owners topped the bargain by offering free coffee and doughnuts to all customers who stayed thru the marathon.”
Billboard, Nov. 13, 1954: “H. A. Carlile has announced that construction has started at Dimmitt, Tex., of a 300-car capacity drive-in which is being built at a cost of $50,000. It will be equipped with CinemaScope and feature a concession stand in the center of the parking area.”
This Grand Opening note must be what dallasmovietheaters was referencing in his helpful post. Billboard, Nov. 13, 1954: “Boasting a 122 by 72-foot screen which the management believes to be the largest in the country, the West End Drive-In near Allentown, Pa., opened recently, filled to almost its 1,000-car capacity. There is plenty of space to accommodate another 200 cars. The ribbon officially marking the opening of the drive-in was cut by Allentown’s mayor, Brighton C. Diefenderfer. E. M. Loew, president, E. M. Loew Theaters, was in for the opening. John J. Scully Jr., a partner with E. M. Loew, is managing the West End.”
Billboard, Oct. 30, 1954: “Offering off-screen entertainment the other night, Paul W. Amadeo, general manager, Pike Drive-In, Newington, Conn., presented recording star Glenn Taylor and George Kent’s orchestra. The first 75 cars received a recording of a Taylor disk. Taylor has concluded engagements at the Bowl Drive-In, West Haven, and Pine Drive-In, Waterbury.”
Billboard, Oct. 30, 1954: “Manchester Drive-In, Bolton Notch, Conn., erected in 1953 at a cost of $100,000, will double its Car capacity of 500 this winter, according to partners Bernard Menschell and John Calvocoressci. As a promotional stunt for the comedy, ‘Genevieve,’ the drive-in recently offered free admission to riders in pre-1920 automobiles at opening performance”
This was probably the sale that led to the renaming. It makes me believe that Billboard’s drive-in columnist got some of his news by phone.
Billboard, Oct. 23, 1954: “At Bethlehem, Pa., Eastern (sic) Medina Drive-In Realty Corporation bought the Eastern (sic) Medina Drive-In for $75,000. It had been operated by Essex Amusement Corporation, Newark, N. J. The 32-acre property was sold by Harry Appleman, Brooklyn, the principal owner. It has been announced that proposed improvements for the spot include installation of CinemaScope equipment.”
Billboard, Oct. 23, 1954: “Sale of two drive-in theaters in San Antonio for $275,000 has been reported by Thurman Barrett Jr., owner-operator. Buyer is Lone Star Theaters, Inc., Dallas, owned by Pack-Murchison interests. The theaters are the Lackland and the Kelly.”
Billboard, Oct. 23, 1954: “Sale of two drive-in theaters in San Antonio for $275,000 has been reported by Thurman Barrett Jr., owner-operator. Buyer is Lone Star Theaters, Inc., Dallas, owned by Pack-Murchison interests. The theaters are the Lackland and the Kelly.”
Billboard, Oct. 16, 1954: “Seymour B. Levine, Stratford, Conn., who operates the Bowl Drive-In, West Haven, has petitioned the State commissioner of police for permission to erect a drive-in theater to accommodate 450 cars on River Street, Bridgeport, on a site adjacent to Candlelight Stadium. If permission is granted, a spring opening is planned.”
Billboard, Oct. 16, 1954: “Seymour B. Levine, Stratford, Conn., who operates the Bowl Drive-In, West Haven, has petitioned the State commissioner of police for permission to erect a drive-in theater to accommodate 450 cars on River Street, Bridgeport, on a site adjacent to Candlelight Stadium. If permission is granted, a spring opening is planned.”
More regulations highlighted in the Oct. 9, 1954 Billboard: “Screen towers of new drive-in theaters in Saskatchewan must be designed by a registered engineer and must be built to withstand wind velocity of 25 pounds pressure per square foot, according to a recently announced ruling under the Theaters and Cinematographs Act. All new drive-ins must also provide individual speakers for each vehicle and a suitable fence must be provided to prevent spread of paper and other refuse to adjacent properties.”
Billboard, Oct. 9, 1954: “W. D. Campbell has sold the Albion (Mich.) Drive-In to the Bohm Theater Company, headed by Albert Bohm, with Jack Ryser in charge buying and booking of film for the house.”
Billboard, Oct. 11, 1954: “A severe rain and windstorm damaged the Twilight Drive-In owned by Lynn Smith, Gonzales, Tex. The wind blew down the screen which probably will not be placed back into operation until next spring.”
Which apparently caused a name change, as described in the June 11, 1955 Billboard: “The name of the Twilite Drive-In at Gonzales, Tex., has been changed to the Apache Drive-In by Lynn Smith, owner. CinemaScope has been installed and the screen tower rebuilt. It was blown down by high winds in 1954.”
Billboard, Oct. 11, 1954: “A. M. Gaines is owner and operator of the newly opened Texan Drive-In Theater, Beeville, Tex.”
The beginning of the journey was reported in the Hartford Courant, Aug. 16, 1953: “Permit for (a) drive-in movie is sought by Apostalias Tolis and Nick Kounaris, owners and operators of the Meriden Theater, built about four years ago … The owners plan a novel operation in that the drive-in will be adjacent to the enclosed theater, and the same program will be shown simultaneously on both screens. In case of rain or snow, the owners would permit the audience in the outdoors entrance to the enclosed theater.”
Probably the end of the line showed up in Billboard, Oct. 2, 1954: “Nick Kounaris and Paul Tolis, partners in the Kounaris and Tolis Connecticut Theaters, have postponed opening of their $150,000, 950-car capacity Meriden (Conn.) Drive-In Theater until spring. The screen will measure 114 feet wide. Construction is currently under way.”
More details on “the largest curved screen tower in the world” in the Oct. 2, 1954 Billboard: “A moving pirate ship, 60 feet long, rocks on the waves on the screen tower, and the theme of the theater name is carried out in the ‘galley’ (concession booth).”
Billboard, Sept. 11, 1954: “The new Jolly Roger Drive-In at Detroit has been scheduled for opening tentatively over the Labor; Day weekend by circuit owner Nicholas George. The Jolly Roger is said to be the first to introduce the highly ornamental-type screen, tower, common in the South, into this part of the country, and is said to have the first true Stereophonic sound equipment in a drive-in ‘within 1,600 miles,’ using three-cone speakers in each car.”
Maybe this was the end? Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “A $35,000 fire destroyed the screen of the Montopolis Drive-In, Austin, Tex. Eddie Joseph, owner, said that the loss was not covered by insurance. Work of rebuilding the screen tower has started.”
Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “Ford Taylor has announced that a drive-in is being built near Texon, Tex.”
Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “A twister caused damage estimated at $20,000 to Starlite Drive-In, Brenham, Tex. C. B. Schroeder Jr., who with his father operates the drive-in, said that the loss was covered by insurance.”
And the screen tower was still intact as of a March 2019 Google Street View.
Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “Associated Management Corporation has opened Connecticut’s newest outdoor project, the 850-car, $125,000 Bridge Drive-In Theater at Groton. Ed O'Neill, formerly general manager of the Markoff Bros.‘ Theaters, is serving as general manager of the venture.”
Here’s the first time I’ve ever noticed a drive-in expanding just for a playground. From Billboard, Sept. 4, 1954: “Lou Lipman and Morris Keppner, of the Mansfield (Conn.) Drive-In, have completed a children’s playground on newly acquired acreage adjoining the theater.”