Boxoffice, July 5, 1952: “Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Froehlich have opened their new Rustic Theatre, a 260-seater, in this mountain resort. The cement block structure faces the Idyllwild Inn.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “The Starvue Drive-In on South Highway 61, Blytheville, Ark., has been sold by W. L. Moxley of Blytheville to E. A. Mooney of Bloomfield (MO). The latter has taken over the theatre and expects to open it in March, Moxley said. The Starvue has been operated by Moxley since it opened in 1949. He said he planned to purchase a theatre in Memphis but that he would continue to reside in Blytheville, where he also owns the Mex and Savoy theatres.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “CLATSKANIE, ORE. - The Westport Theatre was sold by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie G. Noble to Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Nietzel of Seaside, who took possession this month.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “Sutherlin, Ore. - Theatregoers here were somewhat confused when advertising began appearing everywhere for a Grand Theatre. It all started when Lloyd Wood, local theatre manager, made arrangements to have the sign on the front changed from Rand to Grand. The switch was to have been made by a certain date and Wood, assuming it would be, started listed the Rand as the Grand in all his advertising. Patrons looking for the Grand couldn’t find it because the front wasn’t changed until later. Explaining the change, Wood said, "The name ‘Rand’ had little or no meaning to anyone in this community after the former owners had sold their interests. That, coupled with the fact that a ‘G’ could be added to the present sign at little cost, was our main reason for the change.” Wood also operates the Jewel here."
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “The former Basin Community Theatre has been taken over from the Chamber of Commerce by the town of Basin. The chamber sought the change to permit it to conduct other activities beneficial to the town. The city fathers immediately began booking pictures.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “NORTON, KAS. - Fred Munson, owner of drive-ins in Winfield, Arkansas City and Scott City, has started construction of a new 300-car drive-in here. Construction actually started March 1, Munson said, and opening is slated for late spring.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: (Kansas City notes) “Paul McCarty, formerly with Shreve Theatre Equipment Co. here, and who purchased the Starlite Drive-In at Algona, Iowa, about one year ago, was in town last week and said he had completed negotiations for the sale of the drive-in. McCarty would not disclose the name of the purchaser”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “W. H. Eichhorn, Mounds, is taking over the 51 Drive-In outside of Cairo, operated the last few years by Harry Young and Fred Sullivan”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Jack Butler, owner of the Skyway Drive-In south of Danville, … lost a drive-in screen and building on his Hoopeston location in the fall in 1950.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Jack Butler, owner of the Skyway Drive-In south of Danville, estimated $15,000 to $20,000 as the cost to replace his screen blown down in the February windstorm. The figure represents replacing the damaged screen with a larger one 70 feet high. The three-year-old structure was 56 feet in height. Burler said he anticipated opening for business during the first or second week of March despite the loss. At that time he expects to have the car capacity increased from 600 to 1,200. The installation was partly covered by insurance, he said. Butler lost a drive-in screen and building on his Hoopeston location in the fall in 1950.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “An expansion program at the Parsons Drive-In was announced by Louis Stein, owner. He said one of the major improvements will be a new ramp designed to increase car capacity 20 per cent. The old ramps will be regraded. Some new projection equipment has been installed and the screen is being enlarged and resurfaced. Snack bar and additional playground equipment will be added. Other improvements will include repainting and redecorating.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “KINGMAN, KAS. - Kenneth Quinn of the Meade Theatre reported work was under way on the drive-in being constructed about three miles east on U.S. 54. Ray Ballard, supervising engineer, has five men at work with equipment.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Plans for a drive-in south of Salem were made public by Albert and William Forman, operators of downtown theatres and another drive-in to the north in the state capital. The new site is located on the Pacific highway at the northeast corner of its junction with Wiltsey road. The location is about three miles south of Salem city limits and a mile south of the 12th street highway junction. The property was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Brewster. Preliminary construction work will start as soon as weather permit, with final completion subject to government restrictions. The theatre will have a capacity of 600 cars. The snack bar will be located in the center of the parking area.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Newest link in the expanding chain of Long Enterprises in Arizona is the Prince Drive-In … the organization also … will shortly open the Desert Drive-In at Casa Grande”
I’m guessing someone at Boxoffice got a wire crossed about this name, since the reliable 1955-56 Theatre Catalog still listed Eloy’s drive-in as the “Y”.
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Newest link in the expanding chain of Long Enterprises in Arizona is the Prince Drive-In … the organization also operates the King Drive-In in Eloy”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Newest link in the expanding chain of Long Enterprises in Arizona is the Prince Drive-In, which opened here recently. The outdoorer is built on a ten-acre site one mile south of Coolidge and was constructed at a cost of $65,000. Capacity is 440 cars. The Prince is equipped with Altec sound and Century projection units and is managed by Roy Tharrington, who is also in charge of the other Long theatres in the Coolidge area.”
Korean War materials restrictions paused a lot of drive-in development. For example…
Boxoffice, July 22, 1950: “BLYTHE, CALIF. – Construction has begun on a new 350-car drive-in by Dave Jarvis and Bob Dunagan, who already operate two conventional theatres here. Architect Howard Elwell has also provided facilities for 200 walk-in customers via a covered and air conditioned structure.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Dave Jarvis, operator of the Hub Theatre in Blythe, has broken ground for a 500-car ozoner there.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Wes Becker and associates, operators of the Cactus Drive-In at Tucson, have broken ground for another outdoor theatre in that city, which will book Spanish-language films.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Set for a Sunday (23) opening is Joe Woods' new Mustang Drive-In in Chandler, while two days later George Diamos and associates will begin operations at their new 400-car Fort Apache ozoner in Bisbee.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Extensive improvements in the Mesa Drive-In here increased its car capacity by more than 100. The addition of one full ramp and the completion of another half-ramp now makes it possible for the theatre to accommodate well over 600 cars, according to Manager Bob Klauer. A new restroom for women was added by building an addition to the south end of the administration building, and the former men’s and women’s restrooms have been combined to make an additional restroom for men.”
Boxoffice, March 22, 1952: “An improvement project has been completed at the Mesa Drive-In in Yuma, increasing the car capacity by more than 100. The ozoner is managed by Bob Klauer.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “The Granada Theatre Corp., organized by Gordon Gray and a group of associates, has purchased the Granada Theatre here from B. J. Leavitt, who operates other showcases in California and Arizona. Earle Johnson, head of a Los Angeles theatre service firm, will handle the booking and buying chores.”
Boxoffice, July 5, 1952: “Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Froehlich have opened their new Rustic Theatre, a 260-seater, in this mountain resort. The cement block structure faces the Idyllwild Inn.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “The Starvue Drive-In on South Highway 61, Blytheville, Ark., has been sold by W. L. Moxley of Blytheville to E. A. Mooney of Bloomfield (MO). The latter has taken over the theatre and expects to open it in March, Moxley said. The Starvue has been operated by Moxley since it opened in 1949. He said he planned to purchase a theatre in Memphis but that he would continue to reside in Blytheville, where he also owns the Mex and Savoy theatres.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “CLATSKANIE, ORE. - The Westport Theatre was sold by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie G. Noble to Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Nietzel of Seaside, who took possession this month.”
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “Sutherlin, Ore. - Theatregoers here were somewhat confused when advertising began appearing everywhere for a Grand Theatre. It all started when Lloyd Wood, local theatre manager, made arrangements to have the sign on the front changed from Rand to Grand. The switch was to have been made by a certain date and Wood, assuming it would be, started listed the Rand as the Grand in all his advertising. Patrons looking for the Grand couldn’t find it because the front wasn’t changed until later. Explaining the change, Wood said, "The name ‘Rand’ had little or no meaning to anyone in this community after the former owners had sold their interests. That, coupled with the fact that a ‘G’ could be added to the present sign at little cost, was our main reason for the change.” Wood also operates the Jewel here."
Boxoffice, Jan. 26, 1952: “The former Basin Community Theatre has been taken over from the Chamber of Commerce by the town of Basin. The chamber sought the change to permit it to conduct other activities beneficial to the town. The city fathers immediately began booking pictures.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “NORTON, KAS. - Fred Munson, owner of drive-ins in Winfield, Arkansas City and Scott City, has started construction of a new 300-car drive-in here. Construction actually started March 1, Munson said, and opening is slated for late spring.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: (Kansas City notes) “Paul McCarty, formerly with Shreve Theatre Equipment Co. here, and who purchased the Starlite Drive-In at Algona, Iowa, about one year ago, was in town last week and said he had completed negotiations for the sale of the drive-in. McCarty would not disclose the name of the purchaser”
I can’t find any references to this being named the “Willow Springs” Drive-In. Everything I see points to just “Willow”.
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “R. D. Fischer, Willow Springs, plans to call his drive-in near that city the Willow. He hopes to open about May 1”
Theatre Catalog, 1955-56: “Willow D. I., Exec: R. D. Fisher, capacity 184”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “W. H. Eichhorn, Mounds, is taking over the 51 Drive-In outside of Cairo, operated the last few years by Harry Young and Fred Sullivan”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Jack Butler, owner of the Skyway Drive-In south of Danville, … lost a drive-in screen and building on his Hoopeston location in the fall in 1950.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Jack Butler, owner of the Skyway Drive-In south of Danville, estimated $15,000 to $20,000 as the cost to replace his screen blown down in the February windstorm. The figure represents replacing the damaged screen with a larger one 70 feet high. The three-year-old structure was 56 feet in height. Burler said he anticipated opening for business during the first or second week of March despite the loss. At that time he expects to have the car capacity increased from 600 to 1,200. The installation was partly covered by insurance, he said. Butler lost a drive-in screen and building on his Hoopeston location in the fall in 1950.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “An expansion program at the Parsons Drive-In was announced by Louis Stein, owner. He said one of the major improvements will be a new ramp designed to increase car capacity 20 per cent. The old ramps will be regraded. Some new projection equipment has been installed and the screen is being enlarged and resurfaced. Snack bar and additional playground equipment will be added. Other improvements will include repainting and redecorating.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “KINGMAN, KAS. - Kenneth Quinn of the Meade Theatre reported work was under way on the drive-in being constructed about three miles east on U.S. 54. Ray Ballard, supervising engineer, has five men at work with equipment.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Plans for a drive-in south of Salem were made public by Albert and William Forman, operators of downtown theatres and another drive-in to the north in the state capital. The new site is located on the Pacific highway at the northeast corner of its junction with Wiltsey road. The location is about three miles south of Salem city limits and a mile south of the 12th street highway junction. The property was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Brewster. Preliminary construction work will start as soon as weather permit, with final completion subject to government restrictions. The theatre will have a capacity of 600 cars. The snack bar will be located in the center of the parking area.”
The 1955-56 Theatre Catalog indicated that Jones Enterprises had become the owner of the Safford, capacity 200 cars.
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Newest link in the expanding chain of Long Enterprises in Arizona is the Prince Drive-In … the organization also … will shortly open the Desert Drive-In at Casa Grande”
I’m guessing someone at Boxoffice got a wire crossed about this name, since the reliable 1955-56 Theatre Catalog still listed Eloy’s drive-in as the “Y”.
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Newest link in the expanding chain of Long Enterprises in Arizona is the Prince Drive-In … the organization also operates the King Drive-In in Eloy”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Newest link in the expanding chain of Long Enterprises in Arizona is the Prince Drive-In, which opened here recently. The outdoorer is built on a ten-acre site one mile south of Coolidge and was constructed at a cost of $65,000. Capacity is 440 cars. The Prince is equipped with Altec sound and Century projection units and is managed by Roy Tharrington, who is also in charge of the other Long theatres in the Coolidge area.”
Korean War materials restrictions paused a lot of drive-in development. For example…
Boxoffice, July 22, 1950: “BLYTHE, CALIF. – Construction has begun on a new 350-car drive-in by Dave Jarvis and Bob Dunagan, who already operate two conventional theatres here. Architect Howard Elwell has also provided facilities for 200 walk-in customers via a covered and air conditioned structure.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Dave Jarvis, operator of the Hub Theatre in Blythe, has broken ground for a 500-car ozoner there.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Wes Becker and associates, operators of the Cactus Drive-In at Tucson, have broken ground for another outdoor theatre in that city, which will book Spanish-language films.”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Set for a Sunday (23) opening is Joe Woods' new Mustang Drive-In in Chandler, while two days later George Diamos and associates will begin operations at their new 400-car Fort Apache ozoner in Bisbee.”
Always optimistic about the opening date.
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Set for a Sunday (23) opening is Joe Woods' new Mustang Drive-In in Chandler”
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Extensive improvements in the Mesa Drive-In here increased its car capacity by more than 100. The addition of one full ramp and the completion of another half-ramp now makes it possible for the theatre to accommodate well over 600 cars, according to Manager Bob Klauer. A new restroom for women was added by building an addition to the south end of the administration building, and the former men’s and women’s restrooms have been combined to make an additional restroom for men.”
Boxoffice, March 22, 1952: “An improvement project has been completed at the Mesa Drive-In in Yuma, increasing the car capacity by more than 100. The ozoner is managed by Bob Klauer.”
Looks like the Granada was reopened for a while.
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “The Granada Theatre Corp., organized by Gordon Gray and a group of associates, has purchased the Granada Theatre here from B. J. Leavitt, who operates other showcases in California and Arizona. Earle Johnson, head of a Los Angeles theatre service firm, will handle the booking and buying chores.”
Flickr says that this is a 1964 photo taken by the Keller family of Belleville, and is effectively in the public domain.