“Oscar Johnson of Falls City, Neb., … his Breezy Hills Drive-In near Falls City went back into service Sunday July 24, after having been flattened several weeks ago by some of the more rambunctious breezes for which it was named. This time, Johnson says, the tower is of concrete block construction and should be able to withstand a pretty forceful blow.” — Boxoffice, Aug. 1, 1960
“The Coalinga Drive-In has been reopened by Fred Cuthbert, who took it over from G. E. Turner. The Roy Cooper office is handling the bookings.” — Boxoffice, Aug. 1, 1960
“The Chief Drive-In now has a giant chief on horseback on the front of its motion picture screen tower – the side facing the highway. The figure was painted by H. R. McBride, artist whose work appeared on the covers of the old Liberty and Colliers magazines. The Indian and horse are approximately 50x30 feet.” — Boxoffice, July 18, 1960
“The Cherokee Theatre, which has been in operation since 1945, will close its doors Tuesday (19). … Roy Shield … has purchased the building and its contents and will convert it to a modern commercial building.” — Boxoffice, July 18, 1960
“The Car-Breeze Drive-In suffered damages estimated at around $15,000 during a recent electrical storm and severe wind. The large screen, tower and fence at the drive-in were blown down.” — Boxoffice, July 18, 1960
“Ward Spielman … takes care of motion picture equipment and projection for Baker University at Baldwin in addition to running his own Gem Theatre” — Boxoffice, July 11, 1960
The July 11, 1960 issue of Boxoffive had a short article about former assistant mayor Frank Aydelotte, who “operated the Aggie Theatre in this college town north of Denver. He built the theatre in 1953 because the Trail, which he had been operating, was too small for his growing business.”
The same article later noted, “In 1947 he came to Fort Collins and took over the Trail, but closed it when he opened the Aggie in 1954 and the Trail was remodeled for business use.” If both quotes are accurate, the Aggie was built in 1953 and opened in 1954. But the Aggie Theatre web site still says it was opened in 1906.
The July 11, 1960 issue of Boxoffice noted, “Sero Amusement Enterprises opened its new South Bay Drive-In in Imperial Beach, Calif.”
Checking the Chula Vista Star-News, through Aug. 11, 1960, it listed its “area drive-ins” as the Harbor (National City) and the Big Sky (Chula Vista). By Aug. 18, 1960, the South Bay was included in that roundup and was advertising.
The July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included a two-page spread on the 71, focusing on its playground, mainly its miniature train ride, complete with tunnel and trestles, that carried children to a miraculous lollipop tree that produced its “fruit” three times a week.
“It cost Manager Alfred Pawelek of the Midway Drive-In, Karnes City, $57.50 in taxi charges the other evening to show patrons the western feature he had advertised. The film for his program was due to arrive from Benavides but missed a bus connection at Corpus Christi, which threw it so far behind schedule that it would not have arrived until 8:20, an hour and 20 minutes too late for showtime. After hurried phone calls and a couple of ‘heart failures,’ Pawelek contacted a taxi company in Corpus Christi and ordered the film sent to Karnes City by cab. The taxi driver left Corpus Christi with the film at 5 and delivered it to Pawelek by 6:50 in time for the 7 p.m. showing.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“A new screen tower is an improvement feature at the Village Drive-In, Ennis, this season. Herschel Holt is manager of the Village.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“The Twin Pines Drive-In, Longview, has opened its new patio dining area which has a Hawaiian motif. Bamboo and palm trees help create the atmosphere and the menu is built around Hawaiian favorite foods. The patio, from which the picture can be seen and heard, may be reserved by party groups.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“Claude Thorpe, manager of the Rietta Drive-In, Henrietta, charges only 75 cents a carload each Wednesday and Thursday evening. The Rietta is one of the best equipped drive-ins in the area, featuring a fine playground.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“Bill Peck, a 11-year veteran with Cameron Theatres, has reopened that circuit’s 77 Drive-In at Cameron, presenting a free show consisting of two features as the first program.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
I’m surprised I found anything to add to dallasmovietheaters' report, but we can shoehorn this tidbit from the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice:
“Tim Ferguson, president of the Texas Drive-In Theatre Owners Ass'n, is among the first exhibitors in the state to capitalize on the current trampoline craze… Ferguson has constructed a trampoline center at his Downs Drive-In at Grand Prairie, calling it the Ups ‘n Downs.”
“the Star Drive-In at Marceline … has been forced to suspend operations until a new screen tower can be erected. The old one was left ‘in splinters’ following high winds which hit the community Friday afternoon (10). Considerable overall damage also was suffered to the speaker posts and grounds.” — Boxoffice, June 20, 1960
Two weeks later, Boxoffice, July 4, 1960: “The devastation was so complete at the Star Drive-In at Marceline Junction … that the owners have decided not to attempt repairs and they have put the property up for sale.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City. They built the Derby Drive-In, 12 miles south of Wichita, and purchased the Terrace Drive-In from George Sproule and Loren Jones. The Terrace stands on a profitable tract of land. The property not only houses the successful drive-in, but it also boasts of a producing oil well.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City. They built the Derby Drive-In, 12 miles south of Wichita, and purchased the Terrace Drive-In from George Sproule and Loren Jones.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City.”
“HELENA, MONT. – Customers attending the Ski-Hi Drive-In Wednesday and Thursday were invited to come to the snack bar and purchase an envelope for 95 cents guaranteed to contain $1, $2, or $5. Some envelopes contained a $5 bill. Only one envelope was sold to a customer. The operators of the drive-in theater said there were no gimmicks and no obligation, that they just wanted to see the customers' smiling faces.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“A temporary injunction against a used car lot and restaurant adjacent to the Compton Drive-In, a Pacific Drive-In operation, for using brilliant lights to the detriment of the ozoner customers was secured in Superior Court. The action state that the defendants installed the lights after the start of the drive-in to distract patrons of the latter.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“John Cooper in Antlers … and his brothers E. A. and Bill, and their mother, Mrs. Bessie Cooper, operate the Cooper and Kiamichi Drive-In theatres.” — Boxoffice, June 27, 1960
“Oscar Johnson of Falls City, Neb., … his Breezy Hills Drive-In near Falls City went back into service Sunday July 24, after having been flattened several weeks ago by some of the more rambunctious breezes for which it was named. This time, Johnson says, the tower is of concrete block construction and should be able to withstand a pretty forceful blow.” — Boxoffice, Aug. 1, 1960
“The Coalinga Drive-In has been reopened by Fred Cuthbert, who took it over from G. E. Turner. The Roy Cooper office is handling the bookings.” — Boxoffice, Aug. 1, 1960
“The Chief Drive-In now has a giant chief on horseback on the front of its motion picture screen tower – the side facing the highway. The figure was painted by H. R. McBride, artist whose work appeared on the covers of the old Liberty and Colliers magazines. The Indian and horse are approximately 50x30 feet.” — Boxoffice, July 18, 1960
“The Cherokee Theatre, which has been in operation since 1945, will close its doors Tuesday (19). … Roy Shield … has purchased the building and its contents and will convert it to a modern commercial building.” — Boxoffice, July 18, 1960
“The Car-Breeze Drive-In suffered damages estimated at around $15,000 during a recent electrical storm and severe wind. The large screen, tower and fence at the drive-in were blown down.” — Boxoffice, July 18, 1960
“Ward Spielman … takes care of motion picture equipment and projection for Baker University at Baldwin in addition to running his own Gem Theatre” — Boxoffice, July 11, 1960
“Lester and Margarite Adrian have closed the Placer Theatre at Fairplay, but will continue to operate the Dillon Theatre” — Boxoffice, July 11, 1960
The July 11, 1960 issue of Boxoffive had a short article about former assistant mayor Frank Aydelotte, who “operated the Aggie Theatre in this college town north of Denver. He built the theatre in 1953 because the Trail, which he had been operating, was too small for his growing business.”
The same article later noted, “In 1947 he came to Fort Collins and took over the Trail, but closed it when he opened the Aggie in 1954 and the Trail was remodeled for business use.” If both quotes are accurate, the Aggie was built in 1953 and opened in 1954. But the Aggie Theatre web site still says it was opened in 1906.
Looks like the South Bay opened in July 1960.
The July 11, 1960 issue of Boxoffice noted, “Sero Amusement Enterprises opened its new South Bay Drive-In in Imperial Beach, Calif.”
Checking the Chula Vista Star-News, through Aug. 11, 1960, it listed its “area drive-ins” as the Harbor (National City) and the Big Sky (Chula Vista). By Aug. 18, 1960, the South Bay was included in that roundup and was advertising.
A slightly cropped version of this photo appeared in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice.
The July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included a two-page spread on the 71, focusing on its playground, mainly its miniature train ride, complete with tunnel and trestles, that carried children to a miraculous lollipop tree that produced its “fruit” three times a week.
“It cost Manager Alfred Pawelek of the Midway Drive-In, Karnes City, $57.50 in taxi charges the other evening to show patrons the western feature he had advertised. The film for his program was due to arrive from Benavides but missed a bus connection at Corpus Christi, which threw it so far behind schedule that it would not have arrived until 8:20, an hour and 20 minutes too late for showtime. After hurried phone calls and a couple of ‘heart failures,’ Pawelek contacted a taxi company in Corpus Christi and ordered the film sent to Karnes City by cab. The taxi driver left Corpus Christi with the film at 5 and delivered it to Pawelek by 6:50 in time for the 7 p.m. showing.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“A new screen tower is an improvement feature at the Village Drive-In, Ennis, this season. Herschel Holt is manager of the Village.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“The Twin Pines Drive-In, Longview, has opened its new patio dining area which has a Hawaiian motif. Bamboo and palm trees help create the atmosphere and the menu is built around Hawaiian favorite foods. The patio, from which the picture can be seen and heard, may be reserved by party groups.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“Claude Thorpe, manager of the Rietta Drive-In, Henrietta, charges only 75 cents a carload each Wednesday and Thursday evening. The Rietta is one of the best equipped drive-ins in the area, featuring a fine playground.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“Bill Peck, a 11-year veteran with Cameron Theatres, has reopened that circuit’s 77 Drive-In at Cameron, presenting a free show consisting of two features as the first program.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
I’m surprised I found anything to add to dallasmovietheaters' report, but we can shoehorn this tidbit from the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice:
“Tim Ferguson, president of the Texas Drive-In Theatre Owners Ass'n, is among the first exhibitors in the state to capitalize on the current trampoline craze… Ferguson has constructed a trampoline center at his Downs Drive-In at Grand Prairie, calling it the Ups ‘n Downs.”
“the Star Drive-In at Marceline … has been forced to suspend operations until a new screen tower can be erected. The old one was left ‘in splinters’ following high winds which hit the community Friday afternoon (10). Considerable overall damage also was suffered to the speaker posts and grounds.” — Boxoffice, June 20, 1960
Two weeks later, Boxoffice, July 4, 1960: “The devastation was so complete at the Star Drive-In at Marceline Junction … that the owners have decided not to attempt repairs and they have put the property up for sale.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City. They built the Derby Drive-In, 12 miles south of Wichita, and purchased the Terrace Drive-In from George Sproule and Loren Jones. The Terrace stands on a profitable tract of land. The property not only houses the successful drive-in, but it also boasts of a producing oil well.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City. They built the Derby Drive-In, 12 miles south of Wichita, and purchased the Terrace Drive-In from George Sproule and Loren Jones.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City.”
A three-page story about Merta and Truman Slothower in the July 4, 1960 issue of Boxoffice included: “The 54 and 81 drive-in theatres were acquired in 1956 from Nu-Vue Theatres of Kansas City.”
“HELENA, MONT. – Customers attending the Ski-Hi Drive-In Wednesday and Thursday were invited to come to the snack bar and purchase an envelope for 95 cents guaranteed to contain $1, $2, or $5. Some envelopes contained a $5 bill. Only one envelope was sold to a customer. The operators of the drive-in theater said there were no gimmicks and no obligation, that they just wanted to see the customers' smiling faces.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“A temporary injunction against a used car lot and restaurant adjacent to the Compton Drive-In, a Pacific Drive-In operation, for using brilliant lights to the detriment of the ozoner customers was secured in Superior Court. The action state that the defendants installed the lights after the start of the drive-in to distract patrons of the latter.” — Boxoffice, July 4, 1960
“John Cooper in Antlers … and his brothers E. A. and Bill, and their mother, Mrs. Bessie Cooper, operate the Cooper and Kiamichi Drive-In theatres.” — Boxoffice, June 27, 1960