Hi-Way Drive-In

This very modest and now-forgotten outdoor theatre was located on busy US 41 and IL 173 in Newport Township. It seems to have only been open for one season, the summer of 1950, and was managed by a James E. McGrain. The box office was a small wooden structure, and the smallish south-facing screen was mounted on separate metal stanchions and was open at the bottom. The main building, of white-painted concrete block, contained the two-story projection booth, concessions and comfort stations; it remains today.

In 1950, the Hi-Way Drive-In was in a sparsely-populated area and the builder may have been hoping for more business from the passing traffic on US 41. After the Hi-Way Drive-In closed, the theatre property remained silent for about five years and then was sold to Hy Brosten who opened an auto salvage yard, using the old Hi-Way Drive-In main building as headquarters. The Hi-Way’s screen structure and box office did remain in place for another fifteen years or so, though both began looking a bit more forlorn with each passing season until their eventual demolition about twenty years after the Hi-Way Drive-In had screened its final feature. (Any information on the Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre is welcome.)

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

LouRugani on August 30, 2012 at 4:56 pm

The Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre’s architect was Irving M. Karlin of Chicago, Illinois, who brought it in for a construction cost of $90,000. The capacity was listed as 628 cars. Opening day was July 1, 1950. By September, 1950, the admission price had been reduced to 55 cents.

LouRugani on October 21, 2012 at 1:34 pm

(Antioch [IL] News, August 10, 1950)

New Hi-Way Theatre To Open

Grand opening of the Hi-Way Outdoor theater, located at Rte. 173 on Skokie highway, just south of the state line, has been set for tonight, according to James E. Mc- Grain, manager of the new theater.

The latest developments in motion picture sound and projection equipment and a new type screen designed to furnish the best in outdoor movie entertainment have been incorporated into the open air movie palace.

Knowledge gained in more than 150 years of combined movie and entertainment experience by the operators of the theater insure sound selection of programs and smooth, courteous service to the patrons.

McGrain’s experience includes operation of the Barrison theater in Waukegan during the halcyon nickelodeon days, management of legitimate theater road troupes, and motion picture promotion.

Something new in outdoor movie concessions will be the hot plate lunches to be served patrons in their cars.

Well-balanced menus of tempting, inexpensive meals will make it possible for the entire famiy to enjoy a holiday at the movies.

LouRugani on December 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm

Ahead on Waukegan Drive-In (Boxoffice, June 24, 1950)

Construction of a drive-in being erected by Highway Amusement Enterprises, Inc. at the intersection of Routes 173 and 41 near here, is expected to be completed about July 1. With a capacity of 628 cars, the open-air theatre will cost approximately $90,000. The projection booth is to be located atop the concession stand. Irving M. Karlin, Chicago architect, designed the drive-in.