Carver Outdoor Drive-In
2611 18th Avenue,
Bessemer,
AL
35020
2611 18th Avenue,
Bessemer,
AL
35020
3 people
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The 1970 aerial shows the drive-in intact, but it doesn’t appear open because there is debris on the property. By 1974, the projection booth/concession stand is no longer present.
Furthermore, I-20 is close, but does not cross the property. In fact, it appears the drive-in was long closed years before highway construction began in the area.
Today, a large part of the property is still open and undeveloped, but there is no trace of the drive-in remaining.
Ads end on September 2, 1968 with “The Ghastly Ones” and “Gun Fight at Comanche Creek”
Opened with “Rhapsody”.
This opened as “The South’s Finest Outdoor Drive-In for Negros” on November 25th, 1954. Grand opening ad posted.
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.”
It is now Middlebrooks Truck & Equipment.
Approx. address for this drive-in was 2611 18th Avenue North.
I think this was a XXX venue during the late 70’s.