Hartford Drive-In

My former partner and I attempted to re-open the Hartford Drive-In (about 775 car capacity by our count if I remember correctly — Drive-Ins routinely lied about how many vehicles could be held to help them fleece the film companies who were unsupportive of them at one time — the distribs weren’t stupid by any means as they sent out car-counters to ascertain the amount of business). The reason we did not lease the property is because the owners' (The Elias M. Loew descendants) attorneys wanted something in the ballpark of $75k for a really short season, and in return offered us NOTHING but the keys! The manager’s name was Richard “Dick” Buzzell, not Fred. I worked there, at the Pike, and at Newington Cinema I II III (I have the cinema parking sign in one of my home theaters … for the right price, I MAY be willing to part with it!). I also have a color copy of a photo of the marquee when it was in pretty good condition, from the late 70s, which I am planning to use for an upcoming business venture. Dave Lounder (DaveLounder.com)

Was it bigger back then?

The Pike was 1/8 mile South of McDonald’s back behind DQ. I think it’s a Shaw’s now.

It was owned by Bernie and Sy Menschel, who also owned Vernon Cine ½, Manchester Drive In and Berlin Cine ½.

The Berlin Drive In was where Home Depot is in Berlin on Rt 160. The Berlin became adult movies and took heat from the neighbors, because in the end they installed a sound system that broadcast over the car radio…They had to install very high fences to keep people from stopping on the road nearby to watch – and listen.

ive seen this guys photos a lot online while looking at abandoned hospitals which is one of my true loves for some reason. I dont know what it is about abandoned hospitals and asylums but they jus tdraw me in. Even after ive explored a hospital a few times, the beauty and craftsmanship of a perod of life that I wasent alive to experince just intrigues me like nothing else. Sorry, so as I was saying his pics. are the most beautiful ive seen on abandoned structures.
Ha, doc. i see that you used to work at the old pike drive in. Where exactly was it? I have heard it was down the road where the ford dealer is now, off the turnpike by rt.9
Is that true?

The Drive In was managed for years by a guy named Fred Buzzel(sp), who always reported for work in a sport jacket and kept the place spotless. Likewise, he made sure that the landmark sign was painted and in working order each year, since it was such a highlight of the turnpike. I believe the ticket guys even wore red jackets. I was projectionist at the Pike Drive In, and we used to socialize with the staff of the HDI, even have after-movie parties where we would select a few reels (movies are on 20 minute reels) of the best flicks and re-run them after the crowds left. Sometimes the Newington PD would stop in to watch along too. I knew the projectionist, David Graham. We had a friendly rivalry with them and after intermission, the managers would compare car-counts and “PC” (How much each person spent on average) They always booked better movies and it was a challenge to outdo them.

I think it was this theatre that used to be a flea market for a few years after the theatre closed.

I know, so many memories. Dang, they should have somehow saved it.

Please change this to demolished, they took the screen down yesterday and the Marquee is only standing.

I REALLY WANT PICS. OF THE NEWINGTON CINEMA

I meant the Cine Webb, my bad.

Oh yeah, I forgot Cinema 1-2-3, I remember walking there once to see Batman Returns. I wish they would list it, as well as The Berlin Cinema in Berlin and The Paris Cinema in Wethersfield. Also Wethersfield had another theater too called The Webster. Thanks R.K.

I remember coming here, I don’t live too far from it either. Hate to see it go. But I don’t know when they’re putting up those new townhouses, it may be an environmental issue too, who knows my town is weird, we had 3 movies theaters at once, now we have zero. I remember the marquee all lit up, the playground, the consession stand, and all the fun I had with family and friends. A farmer from Vermont sells his Christmas Trees there from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Never got the chance to go here, but I recall seeing the marquee and the other sign that paralled the Berlin Turnpike. Fabulous neon and flashing lights. Exciting stuff. Sad this is gone. People don’t know what they’re missing these days.