The Washington Shores Drive-In was opened by Byron L. Kimball and Donald A. Harris. It was opened as a colored drive-In theatre with 200 car capacity. In looking at early IMPA’s, Floyd Stowe and Harold DeGraw are listed as owners or bookers for the drive-in. In 1960, Jack & N. Robinson are listed as owners or bookers for the drive-in. On October 11, 1950, the drive-in closed with no reason given. Then on December 22, 1950 it reopened again. In August of 1953, George J. Yarbrough (19) was listed as ½ owner of the drive-in. He designed a way to synchronize two projectors for 3-D movies. He started United Film Productions in the early 1960’s. I don’t know where B.H. Evans was in the ownership chain per Samuel Augustus Jennings? Maybe he was partner in the drive-in? In February of 1955, Harold DeGraw from Cambridge, Maryland bought the drive-in from Donald A. Harris. DeGraw rebuilt the drive-in with a new snack bar, restrooms, and upgraded the sound and projection equipment. He also planned to install a Cinema-Scope screen. In August of 1958, Leon Peters from Cambridge, Maryland was named the manager of the drive-in.
William W. Arnold, attorney for De Gray Theatre Corporation, wanted get the property rezoned for construction of a 72 unit apartment building, but it was tabled for further study in December of 1960. In March of 1961, the property was put for sale and it was noted it would be an ideal site for a bowling alley. The last movie to be screened at the Washington Shores Drive-In was on April 28, 1961. In June of 1961, the property was put up for sale again this time, listed as a drive-in theatre. H.C. Babcock, realtor, was asking $33,000 which included equipment and property. It did get sold to an unknown person. On June 27th, 1961 the DeGraw Theatre Corporation was dissolved and no more. On January 2, 1962, three children had broken in to the concession stand and projection room and started a fire which gutted the building. While looking at a current Goggle Map where the drive-in was located, you can see that it is still undeveloped yet. It does have houses and business built on outside of the property.
I had the Lincoln opening on February 19, 1953 with grand opening ad. I guess I missed the January 21,1953.Grand opening ad. Thanks to dallasmovietheaters
The Transit Drive-In has been a safe and popular destination for family entertainment during Covid-19, but the uncertainty and sudden loss of life the pandemic has brought led third-generation owner Rick Cohen to a major life decision.
After 65 years of Cohen family ownership, and 35 years in which he worked as manager and later sole owner, Cohen has reached an agreement to sell the Lockport drive-in to Dipson Theatres, which plans to continue operating it as a drive-in.
Dipson began running the theater in March under a management agreement, with Cohen assisting the staff during the transition. The sale is expected to close in late spring or early summer. Cohen would not disclose the terms of the sale.
“I’ve had friends my age drop dead of a heart attack,” Cohen said. “They worked and worked and worked, and one day they were gone. After the last two years of Covid, I decided I don’t want to work until I’m no longer able to work, and I want to be able to enjoy some quality retirement time.”
Additional Information..
The Washington Shores Drive-In was opened by Byron L. Kimball and Donald A. Harris. It was opened as a colored drive-In theatre with 200 car capacity. In looking at early IMPA’s, Floyd Stowe and Harold DeGraw are listed as owners or bookers for the drive-in. In 1960, Jack & N. Robinson are listed as owners or bookers for the drive-in. On October 11, 1950, the drive-in closed with no reason given. Then on December 22, 1950 it reopened again. In August of 1953, George J. Yarbrough (19) was listed as ½ owner of the drive-in. He designed a way to synchronize two projectors for 3-D movies. He started United Film Productions in the early 1960’s. I don’t know where B.H. Evans was in the ownership chain per Samuel Augustus Jennings? Maybe he was partner in the drive-in? In February of 1955, Harold DeGraw from Cambridge, Maryland bought the drive-in from Donald A. Harris. DeGraw rebuilt the drive-in with a new snack bar, restrooms, and upgraded the sound and projection equipment. He also planned to install a Cinema-Scope screen. In August of 1958, Leon Peters from Cambridge, Maryland was named the manager of the drive-in.
William W. Arnold, attorney for De Gray Theatre Corporation, wanted get the property rezoned for construction of a 72 unit apartment building, but it was tabled for further study in December of 1960. In March of 1961, the property was put for sale and it was noted it would be an ideal site for a bowling alley. The last movie to be screened at the Washington Shores Drive-In was on April 28, 1961. In June of 1961, the property was put up for sale again this time, listed as a drive-in theatre. H.C. Babcock, realtor, was asking $33,000 which included equipment and property. It did get sold to an unknown person. On June 27th, 1961 the DeGraw Theatre Corporation was dissolved and no more. On January 2, 1962, three children had broken in to the concession stand and projection room and started a fire which gutted the building. While looking at a current Goggle Map where the drive-in was located, you can see that it is still undeveloped yet. It does have houses and business built on outside of the property.
I had the Lincoln opening on February 19, 1953 with grand opening ad. I guess I missed the January 21,1953.Grand opening ad. Thanks to dallasmovietheaters
The address is: 41 Fisher Rd Moorefield, WV 26836
It is a 84 Lumber yard now.
The other address does not work..
The GPS is: 39.046139, -78.981250
GPS: 39.796963, -84.246184
Have any early pictures of it Coleen?
The GPS coordinates: 34.405987,-103.238758
Address is:2524 W 7th St, Clovis, NM 88101.
The screen tower is gone. I’m thinking the concession stand will be next.
Screen Tower is gone..
Buffalo News 4-22-2022
The Transit Drive-In has been a safe and popular destination for family entertainment during Covid-19, but the uncertainty and sudden loss of life the pandemic has brought led third-generation owner Rick Cohen to a major life decision.
After 65 years of Cohen family ownership, and 35 years in which he worked as manager and later sole owner, Cohen has reached an agreement to sell the Lockport drive-in to Dipson Theatres, which plans to continue operating it as a drive-in.
Dipson began running the theater in March under a management agreement, with Cohen assisting the staff during the transition. The sale is expected to close in late spring or early summer. Cohen would not disclose the terms of the sale.
“I’ve had friends my age drop dead of a heart attack,” Cohen said. “They worked and worked and worked, and one day they were gone. After the last two years of Covid, I decided I don’t want to work until I’m no longer able to work, and I want to be able to enjoy some quality retirement time.”
GPS:31.409348, -86.883135
The Fairview has it own page on CT.
After double checking the location it is at 11040 FL-97, Walnut Hill, FL 32568 Florida.
GPS:30.991057, -87.489313
Thanks Muviebuf I thought it might have been where the storage locker place is at now?
The address is: 3302 20th Ave, Valley, AL 36854 which is the Valley Baptist Church building. Which is close to the location.
GPS:32.840392,-85.176664
Video from 1996 Here
GPS Coordinates: 28.085278, -81.954132
It was a Burlesk Theatre in Dec,1950.
The address is: 2285 Appalachian Highway, Pineville, WV 24874
GPS: 37.608201, -81.540780
Great pictures graymatters!!
Hope they just installed two new screen towers!!
You cannot read the movie ad it is too small?
Stoakley Rd & Prince Frederick Blvd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 is the correct address.
GPS:38.558373, -76.603239
Nice overview 50sSnipes…
Too bad you cannot read it!!
GPS:41.085495, -81.442756
The address is: Midway Exit Drive & Tulane Ave Opelousas, LA 70570
GPS:30.571007, -92.076618