Sky-Hi Drive-In
800 S. Highway 53,
Addison,
IL
60101
800 S. Highway 53,
Addison,
IL
60101
7 people
favorited this theater
The Sky-Hi Drive-In originally opened in 1968 in Addison on Illinois Route 53 and North Avenue (IL Route 64) as a twin screen (one facing east and the other facing west) by M & R Theaters. It had a cafeteria style concession stand. It featured radio sound and had a playground where children would play. In 1985, it was closed and later in the 1980’s demolished. A home improvement store has been built on the site.
Contributed by
James Piscitelli
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Recent comments (view all 22 comments)
Jane ,going by my 1956 Motion Picture Almanac there was no Drive-ins in Addison that year.
Mike it held 2100 cars as posted above.Pretty big.
My dad built the Dundale in Dundee and both Ski-Hi theaters. He managed the original Ski-Hi and the Dundale until the late 60’s when M&R took over management. Unfortunately my dad died in July of 1968 at the age of 46, the summer Ski-Hi opened. He loved those theaters.
His name was Bob Jelinek.
The 53 Theater was in Palatine.
Jane, according to the Historic Aerials link above on 12/6/08, the land the drive-in was still a vacant lot in the 1961 view….
I was concession manager from 1972 to 1982 at the four theaters. We called the Addison location Sky-Hi, Palatine location The Twin. Week end days there was a flea market held on the grounds. Cleaning crew would be finishing when concession stand crew would be starting at 4 PM. Summer would find us leaving at 2AM. I have many fond memories working with M&R, Concession Services and the many high school students.
Did they have Radio sound in 1968?
I doubt it.
The original Sky High Drive in was at route 83 and Roosevelt Rd in Oakbrook. It was moved to the addison location which was origanaly Mitchell Field a small private airport
Aerial photo and grand opening ad has been uploaded in the photo section.
Above address is incorrect. Approx. address for this drive-in was 880 South Rohlwing Road, Addison, IL 60148.