Carver Outdoor Drive-In
2611 18th Avenue,
Bessemer,
AL
35020
2611 18th Avenue,
Bessemer,
AL
35020
3 people favorited this theater
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This drive-in offered “the finest in black entertainment” during the 1950’s and 1960’s. It was opened on November 25, 1954 with Elizabeth Taylor in “Rhapsody”. It was operated by A.E. Rook. The theatre was demolished to make way for an interstate highway. Part of the old space is currently occupied by Middlebrooks Truck & Equipment.
Contributed by
Ken McIntyre
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
I think this was a XXX venue during the late 70’s.
Approx. address for this drive-in was 2611 18th Avenue North.
It is now Middlebrooks Truck & Equipment.
From the Jan. 1, 1955 Motion Picture Almanac:
“The Carver, first Negro-patronage drive-in and walk-in theatre, in Bessemer, Ala., has been opened. Dr. B. H. Johnson, owner, appointed James Benz manager. The combination theatre has space for 400 cars and 200 seats for walk-ins and is equipped for CinemaScope.”
This opened as “The South’s Finest Outdoor Drive-In for Negros” on November 25th, 1954. Grand opening ad posted.
Opened with “Rhapsody”.