I was just driving along West Liberty Ave. yesterday and the sad sight of the demolished South Hills Theater just caught my eye. I stopped and took photos.
R.I.P. South Hills Theater. Thanks for many great memories.
I drove past the Tri-State for the first time in a while yesterday. The TRI-STATE DRIVE-IN/Coca-Cola sign is gone, and the stone pillar that said TRI-STATE as well as the ticket booth have been torn down. The deteriorating screen is still up but is now missing one of the metal slabs.
The Hi-Way 51 opened on May 1, 1948. Located on Darlington Rd. north of the Beaver County Airport. Last known night of operation as Hi-Way 51 (per newspaper listings) was August 28, 1967. Sometime thereafter, Monessen Amusements bought the drive-in, did a complete renovation, and renamed it Super 51 which opened June 26, 1969 (See that title in the listing for description)
That’s just great! Don’t they realize that when they assassinate a drive-in theater, they assassinate a Great American Pastime as Americana as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie? Whether they do or not, they obviously don’t care. (Sarcastically): Let’s hear it for politics!!
This was the very first drive-in I remember visiting as a kid. It was the mid-to-late 70’s and I was about 6 or 7. Me and my family lived in nearby Burgettstown back then; we either went to this drive-in (The Penn-Lincoln at that time) 8 ½ miles away or the Twin Hi-Way another six miles east. Of course, I don’t remember what we saw at either drive-in except “Star Wars” at the Twin Hi-Way when they acquired it in 1978.
Hopefully, somebody bought the old Penn-Lincoln/Super 30 West screen and moved it to another operating drive-in; it was in too great of shape to be scrapped.
Ah, yes! “West Side Story”! My favorite movie since I was 6. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it at one of Pittsburgh’s clasic downtown moviehouses several years ago and I would love nothing more than to see this 10-Oscar-winning classic on a drive-in screen and listen to it from the classic drive-in speakers.
I finally got to visit the Cherry Bowl Drive-In this year, and I must say it’s a Top 10 for pure nostalgists like me! Beautiful screen tower design, great pink and light-blue color scheme, speakers all over the place, and excellent snack bar with old photos of entertainers and the drive-in itself. If you’re in the mood for something different to eat, try a “cherry pizza” from the Cherry Bowl Gifts & Goodies shop next door. I got one with ham, pineapple and cherries; mouth-watering delicious!
If you’re a drive-in theater purist (like me) who prefers using drive-in speakers than radio, the popular Skyview Cruise-In (cool name) in Lancaster is the place for you! The management and owners dedicate themselves by continuously maintaining their speakers which fill the lot. Great, crisp sound.
I’ve been there twice, and I plan on getting there this year. Wonderful place! I know Mr. Shankweiler and Mr. Hollingstead are celebrating this incredible landmark in Drive-In Heaven.
Speaking of landmarks, Shankweiler’s should DEFINITELTY be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Ah, yes! The famous “green box” marquee of the Denis. If you look where the square hole is down from the “S” in “DENIS”, a smaller neon sign reading either “Denis Encore” or “Encore Theater” was monunted there.
I suggested to the organization that is restoring this classic theater that they should try to get a replica of the original marquee from its earlier days. It’s probably a one-in-a-trillion shot, but you may never know.
The beauty and nostalgia of those kind of marquees always knocked me out! Eventually, somebody out there has a 60’s photo of the nearby Cameraphone with similar marquee and will post it on the same website.
I’ve always loved that yellowish marquee from the 1980 photo; so classic and nostalgic! In the 60’s when the Hollywood was owned by Harris-Warner, there was a WB logo (not the famous shield, though) mounted in the center, between the displays. If I can find a copy of that photo, I’ll try to post it.
Eventually, somebody will reopen it (yet again) and KEEP it open.
Great photo! I stumbled upon that website a few days ago and couldn’t believe all the great photos of Pittsburgh theaters and drive-ins I came across. There’s bound to be more added; I certainly hope so.
WOW! I never thought I would ever see these again! Eventually, somebody out there has a photo of their southern neighbor, the Echo Drive-In. TWO THUMBS-UP-SKIS to the owner of these photos for keeping these drive-ins alive in spirit.
Right with you, Rick! Being a proud Pittsburgher myself, although I didn’t have the pleasure of visiting most of them, Monroeville has had a colorful history of classic theaters: Cinema 22, Monroe, Cinemette East, Monroeville 4, Showcase East, Pittsburgh Drive-In (the second drive-in in the Pittsburgh area), Monroeville Drive-In and Miracle Mile Drive-In.
I know there are plenty of places to build at least one new theater in Monroeville. Perhaps even a new drive-in theater could come into play out there. After all, only one thing is impossible, and that’s nothing.
Not quite, DeCoteau, but you’re close. The Star was situated near the corner of Miller’s Run Road (PA 50) and Hickory Grade Road. From that point, go about ¾ mile up Hickory Grade Rd. and you’ll find the remains of the El Rancho.
Again, the ugly face of politics has dominated over classic Americana and nostalgia. This is why I am as anti-political as they come. Despite being born in 1969, I live for the past as opposed to today’s ever-so-screwed up society, especially in terms of television, music, and of course, drive-in theaters.
I’ll be hoping and praying that the relocation to Brant goes through.
I agree, Mike. “Drive-In Blues” was an excellent documentary with great film coverage of many outdoor theaters. One thing I’ve always liked about drive-ins are the certain concepts that many of them incorporate. In the case of the Gemini, they had the NORTH screen and SOUTH screen as opposed to the usual SCREEN 1 and SCREEN 2. Don’t know if they designated the third screen, though.
I was fortunate to have gotten photos of the field, screen, and snack bar before it was all torn down. You can find these on www.drive-ins.com Unfortunately, the marquee was already removed from Route 51. I also missed getting the marquees for the neighboring Colonial and South Hills Drive-Ins too. Eventually somebody out there has photos of these marquees and can post them on the Internet. Anyone?
That’s right, Ria44. Bowser Pontiac now occupies the South Hills Drive-In site. Unfortunately, like many of the 40+ drive-ins Pittsburgh had at one time or another, I never had the pleasure of visiting this one. I would do anything to go back in time (ala Marty McFly) to visit all those great outdoor theaters.
I found the grand opening ads from the Carnegie library. The Denis opened on June 1, 1938 and its Encore counterpart opened July 15, 1965.
You are absolutely right on all counts, norelco. It’s just as painful as seeing a beautiful drive-in theater being demolished for a (yuck!) Wal-Mart.
I was just driving along West Liberty Ave. yesterday and the sad sight of the demolished South Hills Theater just caught my eye. I stopped and took photos.
R.I.P. South Hills Theater. Thanks for many great memories.
I drove past the Tri-State for the first time in a while yesterday. The TRI-STATE DRIVE-IN/Coca-Cola sign is gone, and the stone pillar that said TRI-STATE as well as the ticket booth have been torn down. The deteriorating screen is still up but is now missing one of the metal slabs.
The Hi-Way 51 opened on May 1, 1948. Located on Darlington Rd. north of the Beaver County Airport. Last known night of operation as Hi-Way 51 (per newspaper listings) was August 28, 1967. Sometime thereafter, Monessen Amusements bought the drive-in, did a complete renovation, and renamed it Super 51 which opened June 26, 1969 (See that title in the listing for description)
That’s just great! Don’t they realize that when they assassinate a drive-in theater, they assassinate a Great American Pastime as Americana as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie? Whether they do or not, they obviously don’t care. (Sarcastically): Let’s hear it for politics!!
This was the very first drive-in I remember visiting as a kid. It was the mid-to-late 70’s and I was about 6 or 7. Me and my family lived in nearby Burgettstown back then; we either went to this drive-in (The Penn-Lincoln at that time) 8 ½ miles away or the Twin Hi-Way another six miles east. Of course, I don’t remember what we saw at either drive-in except “Star Wars” at the Twin Hi-Way when they acquired it in 1978.
Hopefully, somebody bought the old Penn-Lincoln/Super 30 West screen and moved it to another operating drive-in; it was in too great of shape to be scrapped.
Ah, yes! “West Side Story”! My favorite movie since I was 6. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing it at one of Pittsburgh’s clasic downtown moviehouses several years ago and I would love nothing more than to see this 10-Oscar-winning classic on a drive-in screen and listen to it from the classic drive-in speakers.
I finally got to visit the Cherry Bowl Drive-In this year, and I must say it’s a Top 10 for pure nostalgists like me! Beautiful screen tower design, great pink and light-blue color scheme, speakers all over the place, and excellent snack bar with old photos of entertainers and the drive-in itself. If you’re in the mood for something different to eat, try a “cherry pizza” from the Cherry Bowl Gifts & Goodies shop next door. I got one with ham, pineapple and cherries; mouth-watering delicious!
If you’re a drive-in theater purist (like me) who prefers using drive-in speakers than radio, the popular Skyview Cruise-In (cool name) in Lancaster is the place for you! The management and owners dedicate themselves by continuously maintaining their speakers which fill the lot. Great, crisp sound.
HAPPY 75TH ANNIVERSARY (BELATED), SHANKWEILER’S DRIVE-IN!!!
I’ve been there twice, and I plan on getting there this year. Wonderful place! I know Mr. Shankweiler and Mr. Hollingstead are celebrating this incredible landmark in Drive-In Heaven.
Speaking of landmarks, Shankweiler’s should DEFINITELTY be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
I was fortunate to have visited the Starlite in its last season. Nice view behind the screen, and the owner was very conversational.
Expanding on the first comment above, I’m kinda curious to know how many drive-ins have been assassinated by Wal-Mart (sigh of frustration)
I remember the 1985 version of the Parkway, but never saw the 1982 version. Great!!
Ah, yes! The famous “green box” marquee of the Denis. If you look where the square hole is down from the “S” in “DENIS”, a smaller neon sign reading either “Denis Encore” or “Encore Theater” was monunted there.
I suggested to the organization that is restoring this classic theater that they should try to get a replica of the original marquee from its earlier days. It’s probably a one-in-a-trillion shot, but you may never know.
The beauty and nostalgia of those kind of marquees always knocked me out! Eventually, somebody out there has a 60’s photo of the nearby Cameraphone with similar marquee and will post it on the same website.
Here it is, the way that it was, the way that it should still be…
View link
And a great night shot…
View link
I’ve always loved that yellowish marquee from the 1980 photo; so classic and nostalgic! In the 60’s when the Hollywood was owned by Harris-Warner, there was a WB logo (not the famous shield, though) mounted in the center, between the displays. If I can find a copy of that photo, I’ll try to post it.
Eventually, somebody will reopen it (yet again) and KEEP it open.
Great photo! I stumbled upon that website a few days ago and couldn’t believe all the great photos of Pittsburgh theaters and drive-ins I came across. There’s bound to be more added; I certainly hope so.
Thanks for posting this, LM!
Want to see the marquees from the Colonial Drive-In as well as its northern neighbor South Hills Drive-In?
View link
WOW! I never thought I would ever see these again! Eventually, somebody out there has a photo of their southern neighbor, the Echo Drive-In. TWO THUMBS-UP-SKIS to the owner of these photos for keeping these drive-ins alive in spirit.
Right with you, Rick! Being a proud Pittsburgher myself, although I didn’t have the pleasure of visiting most of them, Monroeville has had a colorful history of classic theaters: Cinema 22, Monroe, Cinemette East, Monroeville 4, Showcase East, Pittsburgh Drive-In (the second drive-in in the Pittsburgh area), Monroeville Drive-In and Miracle Mile Drive-In.
I know there are plenty of places to build at least one new theater in Monroeville. Perhaps even a new drive-in theater could come into play out there. After all, only one thing is impossible, and that’s nothing.
Not quite, DeCoteau, but you’re close. The Star was situated near the corner of Miller’s Run Road (PA 50) and Hickory Grade Road. From that point, go about ¾ mile up Hickory Grade Rd. and you’ll find the remains of the El Rancho.
Again, the ugly face of politics has dominated over classic Americana and nostalgia. This is why I am as anti-political as they come. Despite being born in 1969, I live for the past as opposed to today’s ever-so-screwed up society, especially in terms of television, music, and of course, drive-in theaters.
I’ll be hoping and praying that the relocation to Brant goes through.
I agree, Mike. “Drive-In Blues” was an excellent documentary with great film coverage of many outdoor theaters. One thing I’ve always liked about drive-ins are the certain concepts that many of them incorporate. In the case of the Gemini, they had the NORTH screen and SOUTH screen as opposed to the usual SCREEN 1 and SCREEN 2. Don’t know if they designated the third screen, though.
I was fortunate to have gotten photos of the field, screen, and snack bar before it was all torn down. You can find these on www.drive-ins.com Unfortunately, the marquee was already removed from Route 51. I also missed getting the marquees for the neighboring Colonial and South Hills Drive-Ins too. Eventually somebody out there has photos of these marquees and can post them on the Internet. Anyone?
That’s right, Ria44. Bowser Pontiac now occupies the South Hills Drive-In site. Unfortunately, like many of the 40+ drive-ins Pittsburgh had at one time or another, I never had the pleasure of visiting this one. I would do anything to go back in time (ala Marty McFly) to visit all those great outdoor theaters.