It would take a bit of work, but the property looks big enough to twin it. Since there would need to be tree removal and grading work done anyway to open it up again as a single screen, why not go a little further and twin it? Looks like all the original speaker posts and wiring are gone. A modern FM radio transmitter would give you sound. Naturally, you’d have to buy a modern video projector too. Looks like your other expenses would be building a new snack bar/projection/restroom building and a boxoffice building.
Are there any real estate company signs posted on the property? If not, then a trip or phone call to your county tax assessor’s office could tell you who owns the property and you could go from there.
On Friday March 28, 2014, a power transformer at the theater blew up about 7:00 PM. It knocked the power out not only for the theater, but also for 1400 other customers of P.U.D. # 3. They finally got the power back on at 2:30 in the morning. So unfortunately the theater was unable to open that night due to the lack of power.
The studios could care less about mom-and-pop theaters. Nato even said 30% of these theaters would go out of business because they could not afford the digital video projectors.
Are they open 7 days a week or just Fri-Sat-Sun right now?
I have Duke Rorda’s phone numbers. Email me at
It would take a bit of work, but the property looks big enough to twin it. Since there would need to be tree removal and grading work done anyway to open it up again as a single screen, why not go a little further and twin it? Looks like all the original speaker posts and wiring are gone. A modern FM radio transmitter would give you sound. Naturally, you’d have to buy a modern video projector too. Looks like your other expenses would be building a new snack bar/projection/restroom building and a boxoffice building.
Let’s see, the 4th dimension would be smell. Alot of “movies” today already smell and pretty bad at that!
Are there any real estate company signs posted on the property? If not, then a trip or phone call to your county tax assessor’s office could tell you who owns the property and you could go from there.
A Letter To the Editor in today’s The Olympian newspaper gives some more information on the McCleary Theater:
http://www.theolympian.com/2014/04/13/3084554/some-more-history-about-thibodeau.html?sp=/99/109/208/
Reopening this theater would be easier than building a new theater. The reason is the zoning is probably still good for this theater.
At one time this was operated by Tom Moyer’s Luxury Theatres.
I hope you can get this theater rebuilt and open again.
That would be nice to get this theater open again . :)
Here is their facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ParamountDriveInTheatres
The same story also appeared in the March 23, 2014 edition of The Olympian newspaper in Olympia, Washington.
Today the Tacoma News Tribune ran a story about the Skyline’s 50th season:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/03/23/3133444/sheltons-skyline-drive-in-theater.html?sp=/99/289/&ihp=1
On Friday March 28, 2014, a power transformer at the theater blew up about 7:00 PM. It knocked the power out not only for the theater, but also for 1400 other customers of P.U.D. # 3. They finally got the power back on at 2:30 in the morning. So unfortunately the theater was unable to open that night due to the lack of power.
What is the theater now? Is it up for sale? What condition is the building in now?
Let’s hope someone can get the theater reopened and in time for a full season too.
Website no longer works. Theater still closed.
As of today, February 15, 2013, the theater is fully converted over to video projection.
Theater is still closed, but does have a video projector installed in addition to the original 35mm film equipment.
I believe the St. Helens Theater closed around 1958 or 1959.
Did the theater get converted to video projection yet?
Did this theater convert to video projection yet?
The studios could care less about mom-and-pop theaters. Nato even said 30% of these theaters would go out of business because they could not afford the digital video projectors.
There should not be more than 1 trailer anyway.
This is indeed good news to hear of a drive-in theater re-opening! :)