Bon-Air Drive-In
3338 Wrightsboro Road,
Augusta,
GA
30909
3338 Wrightsboro Road,
Augusta,
GA
30909
1 person
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In 1956, ten million Americans were going to the movies weekly. In Augusta the Bon-Air Drive-In was packing them in. Located on Wrightsboro Road above the Forest Hills Drive-In, it could almost pass as a twin drive-in.
The screen of the Forest Hills Drive-In was right on Wrightsboro Road while the Bon-Air’s screen was the opposite — towards the woods and way off the road. The Bon-Air Drive-In parked 675 cars and was owned by Harry Dennis. I never saw a movie there but once I did have a chance to walk over to the old concession/booth area. I remember it being built of bricks.
The screen was larger than Forest Hills. In fact when you think about it, Forest Hills Drive-In was newer but was so close to the road that you’d think the Bon-Air Drive-In would have lasted until the 1970’s, but it didn’t.
The Bon-Air Drive-In was a large drive-in parking over 100 cars more than Forest Hills Drive-In. At one time Augusta had more drive-ins than Atlanta! This must’ve been a drive-in theatre town. I believe it was over-screened, and television certainly did not help. At the time Augusta had two television stations.
The Bon-Air Drive-In is long gone. However, you can go to the old shopping center in the location of the drive-in, and if you walk away from the main road to the neighborhood below, you can still see the base of the screen.
Contributed by
Mike Rogers
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO HAVE TAKEN PICTURES OF THIS OLD DRIVE IN. I REMEMBER SEEING THE SMALL PINE TREES TAKE ROOT AROUND THE LOT ONLY TO BE MADE WAY FOR ANOTHER SHOPPING CENTER ON WRIGHTSBORO ROAD.WHEN I USE TO SIT AROUND AND PICK OLD PROJECTIONISTS BRAINS THEY NEVER COULD REALLY TELL ME ABOUT IT IS AS IF NO ONE REMEMBERED OR REALLY CARED.
There was BON AIR DRIVE IN Orangeburg S.C. If anyone has any info on it.
Chuck 1231,it have opened in 1953 ,but it closed way before 1975.Probably in the middle 50’s because i have plenty of newspaper ads and there is no mention of the Bon-Aire in any of the ads.The Forest Hills Drive-in was right beside it down a hill and I know Forest Hills closed in 1969 or 1970. You are writing about Augusta and not Orangeburg,S.C. ?
ThanksMike.
Another Drive-in I still have found very little info on.
Feb.5 1954.Finally an Ad from the Bon Air Drive-in I found “ONE GIRL’S CONFESSION” and Lassie in “PAINTED HILLS” sorta odd features.
First Outdoor showing of “CONFESSION”.
March 5 1954 has “JACK SLADE” and “ARMY BOUND” playing.
April 5 1954 “JACK McCALL-DESPERADO” and “CRY DANGER”. At least I found a few movies for the old Bon Air.
3338 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA 30909
The above address will map accurately to the location of the drive-in.
Here is a 1964 aerial photo of the drive-in, courtesy of Earth Explorer and USGS.
thanxs,Ny ozoner.that is all City now.
“BEAT THE DEVIL” opens June 11,1954.First Augusta Showing,What no Downtown theatres First?Second feature is “REDHEAD AND THE COWBOY”.Color cartoon.