TK-Starlite Drive-In
U.S. 275 and Starlite Drive,
Neligh,
NE
68756
U.S. 275 and Starlite Drive,
Neligh,
NE
68756
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Walter Bradley, who has been operating the first Moon Theatre since 1925 and the second “New” Moon Theatre since 1944, was the one who did his work on the Starlite with an estimate $40,000.
The Starlite first opened as the Starlite Auto Theater on July 31, 1952 with “Cripple Creek” (unclear if any short subjects were added).
The 328-capacity Starlite contains an original screen of 52x48ft with a picture screen of 44x52ft. The original 52x48ft continued to operate a couple of years after the New Moon Theatre’s installation of CinemaScope (on Easter Sunday 1954 with “The Robe”), but however right when 1956 came along, the original 52x48ft screen was upgraded with CinemaScope. The sound system has required five miles of wiring and there were nine ramps being located. Mr. Bradley also hired Orville Worden, who also operated the second Moon Theatre, to do his work on projection. Elmer Graham was then the replacement for Worden at the Moon. The original ticket seller belongs to Lois Michaelson, and Robert Lewis being the gateman and caretaker.
Shortly after opening, the Starlite Auto Theater closed temporarily three days after its grand opening due to technical difficulties and wiring issues. It reopened on August 10, 1952. It was renamed the Starlite Drive-In later on during the year which became its primary name in 1953.
On its Facebook page, the TK/Starlite says it “will not be opening in 2022. We will reopen in 2023.”
Do we count that as open or closed?
Correct website for the TK Starlite Drive-In.
PLEASE UPDATE NAME TO TK DRIVE-IN.
THE LOCATION FOR THIS DRIVE-IN IS U.S. 275 & Starlite Dr.