Belmont Drive-In

There was an ad in the Gastonia newspaper about the showing of Steven Spielburg’s 1982 hit “E.T.” which played here first-run on Friday June 11, 1982. In fact, it also played first-run at the Gaston Mall Theatre so it played in two venues in the Gastonia area. So

Nick, we saw the PATRIOT there with a Disney First feature,Remember.How did they pull that one off.LOL.

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Peggy’s passing. I would like to extend my condolences to her family. She was such a nice friendly lady who took the time out to talk with us and actually allowed us inside the booth. And what a thrill that was for me! She fully explained the daily operation/maintenance of the drive-in and the booth as well as the procedure for booking films (she wasn’t very happy with Disney’s exhibition policy for their films at drive-ins!) She also gave us a history of both the Belmont and the projection equipment. You’re right Mike! She did let Charlie make an adjustment on one projector. I think it was the film guide/roller that was about to come off and Charlie tightened it. We would drive up from Tampa each year during the summer for the Western Film Fair in Charlotte. That’s where we would meet up with Mike. We stayed at least 3 nights in Charlotte but we always saved one night (usually a Friday night) for our much-loved trip to the Belmont. It was surely worth the drive from Charlotte to this wonderful drive-in. I am certain Peggy is now watching over her family as well as her beloved Belmont!

KIngs Mountain Drive-in right up the road from the Belmont is on CT now.

Interesting article about this drive-in theatre which is one of the remaining drive-ins that are still in operation in North Carolina.

“Belmont Drive-In Theater Remains A Family Affair”

article:
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Rogerpen, She was so nice to us.We took pictures inside the booth. She posed for one shot with us. I know you guys will do great every night we made it up from Augusta,after a day at Carowinds,that place was jumping. I knew to get there early and we were near the back even then. She told me part of the screen was old fence that was used when HUGO came through. I have always wanted to hit KINGS MTN,Drive-in. Drove by one afternoon,but we just pull in off 1-85 and we are there. I hope we can make it up,but if not all the best, I have a rather strange story on the Diane 29 Drive-in there if you care to read it and confirm if it’s true or not. I HEARD IT FROM A RESIDENT THERE.

Dear Rogerpen, As i stated before i knew Peggy from coming up from Augusta to see the Belmont. She was such a sweet lady and took the time to chat on very busy friday FANTASTIC FOUR opening or Spiderman I can’t remember the movie,just a great Drive-in that hope I will be able to visit. She had visitors from Tampa that would always make it a point to see a film while in the area. We would start at CAROWINDS and end with the BELMONT DRIVE-In. Great Summers I hope the people of GASTONIA realize the treasure they have in their backyard.

Good thought Patsy.

I am so sorry to hear about Peggy. I would come up from Georgia often and she always took time to talk theatre. I will pass her passing on to friends who also enjoyed her Drive in.I hope they will keep her Dream alive.

The owners name of the Belmont Drive-in in NC was Peggy Lawing. Sad to say, she past away in January. She will be missed.

It is U.S. 29 Diane Drive-in. I’ve always left the U.S. off. Also there is a street that runs by the old drive-in called Diane Drive-in road.Several years ago while exploring we noticed the sign on a back road behind the Drive-in. Road was a county road so i guess the name hasn’t changed. It was a short little by-pass.
I wish you could have seen the concession stand,it had a real wood burning fireplace made out of stone ibet from the North Carolina Mtns.

Mike: Ok..will read about it…thanks.

Mike: Thanks for your additional input on this drive-in from the past that is still with us as so many aren’t anymore.