A roundup in the July 26, 1952 issue of Boxoffice mentioned: “The new Bearcat Drive-In has been opened by Lamar Guthrie.”
July 29, 1963: “Mr. and Mrs. Garland Dobson will close their Bearcat Drive-In (for the season?) in Erick October 31 with a Halloween show.”
And the final note, on Nov. 2, 1964: “Lamar Guthrie, who operated the Rogue Theatre and the Bearcat Drive-In for many years, has announced the dismantling of the drive-in. … For the last few years, Garland Dobson and his wife have been operating the drive-in, but they closed it a few months ago and Guthrie was unsuccessful in getting another operator to take it over … The land has been purchased by a nearby farmer.”
One benefit of paying for a kid’s college tuition – getting a login to search multiple years of Boxoffice …
July 16, 1962: Amos Page … left his mother in charge of the Derby Drive-In at McLean.
July 10, 1967: “On the outskirts of (McLean) was a sign which read: "McLean, Tex., the Uplift City.” We found out why … Amos Page … was instrumental in helping bring the bra factory to McLean. … His mother has charge of the drive-in at McLean and Amos makes visits now and then to check on the theatre. It’s open only three or four months each year."
May 4, 1970: “The Derby Drive-In has been reopened for the season under the new management of Bob Phillips, who leased the theatre from owner Mrs. Madge Page.”
Sept. 25, 1972: “Bob Phillips, Derby Drive-In, McLean, Tex., has been transferred to Velma (OK)”
June 11, 1973: “We called on Mike Williams, who recently leased the Derby Drive-In at McLean, Tex. … This is Mike’s first venture in the movie business and, with the intriguing ideas he has for operating the drive-in, we feel he will be very successful.”
July 23, 1973: “In Oklahoma City on film business were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Williams, Derby Drive-In, McLean, Tex. The Derby represents their first venture in exhibition and they say they’re really enjoying operation of the drive-in. They plan to keep the airer open later into the season that it has been operated in the past.”
But that last note came after the Derby’s final ad in the McLean News, and it was the latest result I could find in my search of Boxoffice. I wonder what happened to the Williamses and the Derby that summer and fall.
Boxoffice, Nov. 27, 1961: “The Wyoming Drive-In … was opened on Thanksgiving Day by Tom Griffing, whose Tom Griffing Construction Co. has erected more than 265 outdoor theatres over the nation from Main to Texas. Griffing will operate the new airer, which features two boxoffices, a 120x60-foot screen tower and a four-unit cafeteria-style Snak-Bar, housed in a building 100 feet long. The Wyoming marks Griffing’s return to the drive-in construction field after two years of semiretirement.”
That announcement was premature. The Albuquerque Journal wrote on Jan. 11, 1962 that general manager James T. Griffing said the Wyoming would open at the end of that month. And sure enough, the grand opening ad that rivest found and posted here is from Friday, Jan. 26, 1962. Now I’ve got to correct that in my book. :)
Boxoffice, Aug. 28, 1961: “Bob Heyl reported considerable damage was done to his Wyoming Theatre and drive-in at Torrington by a severe rain and hailstorm”
Here’s one more spelled-out mention, from the Aug. 14, 1961 issue of Boxoffice: “Cecil Carlton will continue to manage the Mount Baldy Drive-In in La Verne, which has been acquired by Fox West Coast Theatres. … FWC leased the drive-in from the Mount Baldy Drive-In Theatre Corp. in accordance with recent federal court aprpoval for the acquisition.”
Boxoffice, June 19, 1961: “Ross Campbell is closing and dismantling his Orpheum at Sheridan, Wyo. He will continue to operate the Wyo and the drive-in theatre there.”
Boxoffice, April 17, 1961: “Russ Dauterman of Salt Lake City has taken over operation of the Skyline Drive-in and the Fox Theatre at Rawlings (sic), Wyo., from Fox Intermountain Theatres.”
Boxoffice, May 22, 1961: “RAWLINS, WYO. – The Three-D Theatre Co. has purchased two local theatres from the Fox Wyoming Co. and the Wyoming Amusement Corp. The purchase of the Fox Theatre and the Skyline Drive-In became effective May 3. The owners of the Three-D Theatre Co. are Russ Dauterman, … Ray Davis, … and Charles L. DuRyk … The Skyline Drive-In had been owned by the Wyoming Amusement Corp. since 1958. … Extensive improvements have been made at the Skyline Drive-In, including the remodeling of the snack bar, the installation of a new widescreen and new marquee.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 5, 1960: “The Biggers Drive-In, Scottsbluff, Neb., had a fire in the concession stand with damages estimated at $4,000.”
Boxoffice, March 6, 1961: “When it rains, it pours for Floyd Bigger, Bigger Drive-In, Scottsbluff, Neb. Last fall, after their seasonal closing, the concession stand was completely gutted by fire and is now being completely rebuilt. More recently a 75-mile-an-hour wind blew over and destroyed a major portion of the screen tower”
Boxoffice, May 15, 1961: “Floyd Bigger is repairing the screen tower in the Biggers Drive-In, Scottsbluff, Neb. This is the second time this season that the screen has been destroyed by wind”
Boxoffice, Dec. 4, 1954: “Loraine McCarthy, after driving back and forth to Strassburg (sic), 37 miles each way, has decided it was too much of a job and has sold the Ute to Clayton and Edith Crabb.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 12, 1960: “Cleve Grigsby has taken over the Ute Theatre, Strasburg, from the former owners, Pemberton & McGinnis.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 26, 1960: “C. Grigsby has closed the Ute in Strausburg (sic), Colo.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 27, 1961: “C. Grigsby will reopen the Ute Theatre, Strasburg, in mid-March after having closed it for several months”
According to a lengthy article, with photos, in the Dec. 5, 1960 issue of Boxoffice, the entrance to the Twin was lined with “Softly glowing gas lights … to create an easy transition for motorists from the bright lights of the highway to the semi-darkness of the ramp areas.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 5, 1960: “Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ellis have installed an organ in the foyer of their Holly Theatre, Holly, and their son Trent plays selections for the audience prior to the feature presentations”
Boxoffice, Nov. 28, 1960: “Modernization bids are being taken for the old Alum Rock Drive-In on Alum Rock avenue. The theatre, when renovation is completed, will be known as the Tropicaire Drive-In.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 10, 1960: “Richard Klein, former general manager of Black Hills Amusement Co. … has purchased the Fox Theatre in Longmont, Colo. … and will take over the theatre there November 1.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 14, 1960: “Dick Klein … has taken over the operation of the Fox Theatre at Longmont, and has renamed it the Trojan.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 26, 1960: “DELTA, COLO. – The Egyptian Theatre has been reopened under new ownership after being closed nearly two years. The theatre, which has been renovated, is being operated by Tom Hardy”
Boxoffice, Aug. 22, 1960: “DURANGO, COLO. – George Hyde, manager of the Kiva Theatre, proudly displayed a sheaf of telegrams received in conjunction with the grand opening of the theatre after its remodeling. … Former managers of the Kiva also sent best wishes by wire. They are: Dave Davis, manager from 1927 to 1930 … ; Mike Zalesny, 1933-1936; Jack Kramer and John Tella.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 22, 1960: “The new owner of the Uranium Drive-In at Naturita is Clarence Files, who also operates the Starlite Drive-In at Grand Junction. The former owner was William More (sic)”
Boxoffice, July 4, 1960: “Columbia contractee Jo Morrow appeared at the premiere of the new South Bay Drive-In in San Diego to cut the ribbon prior to the screening of Columbia’s "Once More, With Feeling.”"
A roundup in the July 26, 1952 issue of Boxoffice mentioned: “The new Bearcat Drive-In has been opened by Lamar Guthrie.”
July 29, 1963: “Mr. and Mrs. Garland Dobson will close their Bearcat Drive-In (for the season?) in Erick October 31 with a Halloween show.”
And the final note, on Nov. 2, 1964: “Lamar Guthrie, who operated the Rogue Theatre and the Bearcat Drive-In for many years, has announced the dismantling of the drive-in. … For the last few years, Garland Dobson and his wife have been operating the drive-in, but they closed it a few months ago and Guthrie was unsuccessful in getting another operator to take it over … The land has been purchased by a nearby farmer.”
One benefit of paying for a kid’s college tuition – getting a login to search multiple years of Boxoffice …
July 16, 1962: Amos Page … left his mother in charge of the Derby Drive-In at McLean.
July 10, 1967: “On the outskirts of (McLean) was a sign which read: "McLean, Tex., the Uplift City.” We found out why … Amos Page … was instrumental in helping bring the bra factory to McLean. … His mother has charge of the drive-in at McLean and Amos makes visits now and then to check on the theatre. It’s open only three or four months each year."
May 4, 1970: “The Derby Drive-In has been reopened for the season under the new management of Bob Phillips, who leased the theatre from owner Mrs. Madge Page.”
Sept. 25, 1972: “Bob Phillips, Derby Drive-In, McLean, Tex., has been transferred to Velma (OK)”
June 11, 1973: “We called on Mike Williams, who recently leased the Derby Drive-In at McLean, Tex. … This is Mike’s first venture in the movie business and, with the intriguing ideas he has for operating the drive-in, we feel he will be very successful.”
July 23, 1973: “In Oklahoma City on film business were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Williams, Derby Drive-In, McLean, Tex. The Derby represents their first venture in exhibition and they say they’re really enjoying operation of the drive-in. They plan to keep the airer open later into the season that it has been operated in the past.”
But that last note came after the Derby’s final ad in the McLean News, and it was the latest result I could find in my search of Boxoffice. I wonder what happened to the Williamses and the Derby that summer and fall.
Boxoffice, Nov. 27, 1961: “Frank Pierce has bought the Bogue Theatre and Matador Drive-In at Matador, Tex.”
Same theater? Boxoffice, Nov. 27, 1961: “Frank Nelson has purchased the Big Top Theatre at Fort Lupton from Eldon Menagh”
Boxoffice, Nov. 27, 1961: “The Wyoming Drive-In … was opened on Thanksgiving Day by Tom Griffing, whose Tom Griffing Construction Co. has erected more than 265 outdoor theatres over the nation from Main to Texas. Griffing will operate the new airer, which features two boxoffices, a 120x60-foot screen tower and a four-unit cafeteria-style Snak-Bar, housed in a building 100 feet long. The Wyoming marks Griffing’s return to the drive-in construction field after two years of semiretirement.”
That announcement was premature. The Albuquerque Journal wrote on Jan. 11, 1962 that general manager James T. Griffing said the Wyoming would open at the end of that month. And sure enough, the grand opening ad that rivest found and posted here is from Friday, Jan. 26, 1962. Now I’ve got to correct that in my book. :)
Don’t ya hate typos? That grand opening clipping, still on Newspapers.com, is from Friday, Jan. 26, 1962.
Boxoffice, Aug. 28, 1961: “Bob Heyl reported considerable damage was done to his Wyoming Theatre and drive-in at Torrington by a severe rain and hailstorm”
He bought it twice?
Boxoffice, Sept. 12, 1960: “Ken Chism has sold the Mines Theatre, Idaho Springs, to Joe Mohesky.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 14, 1961: “Sam Langwith has sold the Mines Theatre in Idaho Springs to Joe Mohesky”
Boxoffice, Aug. 14, 1961: “Jim Stewart purchased the Ute Theatre at Strausburg (sic) from C. Grisby”
Here’s one more spelled-out mention, from the Aug. 14, 1961 issue of Boxoffice: “Cecil Carlton will continue to manage the Mount Baldy Drive-In in La Verne, which has been acquired by Fox West Coast Theatres. … FWC leased the drive-in from the Mount Baldy Drive-In Theatre Corp. in accordance with recent federal court aprpoval for the acquisition.”
Boxoffice, July 31, 1961: “Allen and Leslie Mercer have taken over the Wigwam Theatre and the Cory Drive-In at Basis (sic), Wyo. from Glen Woods.”
Boxoffice, June 19, 1961: “Ross Campbell is closing and dismantling his Orpheum at Sheridan, Wyo. He will continue to operate the Wyo and the drive-in theatre there.”
Boxoffice, June 19, 1961: “Betty and Charles Crow have purchased the Plains Theatre at Eads from Dorothy and Alvin Johnson”
Boxoffice, April 17, 1961: “Russ Dauterman of Salt Lake City has taken over operation of the Skyline Drive-in and the Fox Theatre at Rawlings (sic), Wyo., from Fox Intermountain Theatres.”
Boxoffice, May 22, 1961: “RAWLINS, WYO. – The Three-D Theatre Co. has purchased two local theatres from the Fox Wyoming Co. and the Wyoming Amusement Corp. The purchase of the Fox Theatre and the Skyline Drive-In became effective May 3. The owners of the Three-D Theatre Co. are Russ Dauterman, … Ray Davis, … and Charles L. DuRyk … The Skyline Drive-In had been owned by the Wyoming Amusement Corp. since 1958. … Extensive improvements have been made at the Skyline Drive-In, including the remodeling of the snack bar, the installation of a new widescreen and new marquee.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 5, 1960: “The Biggers Drive-In, Scottsbluff, Neb., had a fire in the concession stand with damages estimated at $4,000.”
Boxoffice, March 6, 1961: “When it rains, it pours for Floyd Bigger, Bigger Drive-In, Scottsbluff, Neb. Last fall, after their seasonal closing, the concession stand was completely gutted by fire and is now being completely rebuilt. More recently a 75-mile-an-hour wind blew over and destroyed a major portion of the screen tower”
Boxoffice, May 15, 1961: “Floyd Bigger is repairing the screen tower in the Biggers Drive-In, Scottsbluff, Neb. This is the second time this season that the screen has been destroyed by wind”
Boxoffice, Dec. 4, 1954: “Loraine McCarthy, after driving back and forth to Strassburg (sic), 37 miles each way, has decided it was too much of a job and has sold the Ute to Clayton and Edith Crabb.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 12, 1960: “Cleve Grigsby has taken over the Ute Theatre, Strasburg, from the former owners, Pemberton & McGinnis.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 26, 1960: “C. Grigsby has closed the Ute in Strausburg (sic), Colo.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 27, 1961: “C. Grigsby will reopen the Ute Theatre, Strasburg, in mid-March after having closed it for several months”
According to a lengthy article, with photos, in the Dec. 5, 1960 issue of Boxoffice, the entrance to the Twin was lined with “Softly glowing gas lights … to create an easy transition for motorists from the bright lights of the highway to the semi-darkness of the ramp areas.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 5, 1960: “Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Ellis have installed an organ in the foyer of their Holly Theatre, Holly, and their son Trent plays selections for the audience prior to the feature presentations”
Boxoffice, Nov. 28, 1960: “Modernization bids are being taken for the old Alum Rock Drive-In on Alum Rock avenue. The theatre, when renovation is completed, will be known as the Tropicaire Drive-In.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 10, 1960: “Richard Klein, former general manager of Black Hills Amusement Co. … has purchased the Fox Theatre in Longmont, Colo. … and will take over the theatre there November 1.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 14, 1960: “Dick Klein … has taken over the operation of the Fox Theatre at Longmont, and has renamed it the Trojan.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 26, 1960: “DELTA, COLO. – The Egyptian Theatre has been reopened under new ownership after being closed nearly two years. The theatre, which has been renovated, is being operated by Tom Hardy”
Boxoffice, Aug. 22, 1960: “DURANGO, COLO. – George Hyde, manager of the Kiva Theatre, proudly displayed a sheaf of telegrams received in conjunction with the grand opening of the theatre after its remodeling. … Former managers of the Kiva also sent best wishes by wire. They are: Dave Davis, manager from 1927 to 1930 … ; Mike Zalesny, 1933-1936; Jack Kramer and John Tella.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 22, 1960: “The new owner of the Uranium Drive-In at Naturita is Clarence Files, who also operates the Starlite Drive-In at Grand Junction. The former owner was William More (sic)”
Same theater? Boxoffice, Aug. 15, 1960: “The name on the theatre at Saratoga, Wyo., has been changed from the Community to the Range Theatre.”
Boxoffice, April 16, 1979: “Mr. and Mrs. George Hyde are taking over the Range Theatre, Saratoga, Wyo., from Mr. and Mrs. Art Zeiger.”
Boxoffice, July 4, 1960: “Columbia contractee Jo Morrow appeared at the premiere of the new South Bay Drive-In in San Diego to cut the ribbon prior to the screening of Columbia’s "Once More, With Feeling.”"