Groy Family Drive-In

MichaelKilgore on September 23, 2019 at 12:12 am

After a sneak preview the night before for employees and invited guests, the Groy Drive-In held its Grand Opening on May 12, 1950, according to notes in the Salida Daily Mail-Record that week. Its opening program was “The Michigan Kid” plus “Urubu” and other short subjects.

“Ben and Louis Groy, Salida residents for many years, have been overseeing the construction of their outdoor theatre for the past several weeks. Located but a short distance across from the Little River Motel and Cafe, it is easily accessible for tourists who are passing thru on Highway 50.”

Ben and Louis took out a three-column display ad the following Monday to say “Thanks to the wonderful people of Salida” for making their Grand Opening “a huge success”.

MichaelKilgore on May 27, 2019 at 1:39 pm

From the March 17, 1956 Motion Picture Herald: “Atlas Theatres have taken over the lease on the Groy drive-in, Salida, Colo., from Ted Knox. Atlas owns the conventional Salida in town.”

The 1952 Theatre Catalog listed only the Groy in Salida, capacity 350, owned by “Groy Bros., Saguache.” The 1955-56 edition listed the Knox in Salida, capacity 350, owned by T. R. Knox.

Motion Picture Almanac drive-in listings under Salida:

• 1950-52: Groy, capacity 350, owner B. F. & L. R. Groy
• 1952-54: Grey, 350, B. F. & L. R. Grey
• 1955-65: Knox, 350, Knox Theatre, Inc.
• 1966: off the list

While the MPA drive-in list was on cruise control, the MPA circuit list showed that Atlas Theatre Corp. of Denver included the Groy Drive-In among its holdings from 1957 through 1966. It makes me wonder whether this drive-in was ever really named the Knox or whether it was always the Groy.

TLSLOEWS on May 31, 2010 at 5:30 pm

Wow another drive-in that is the site of anotherWal-Mart.

kencmcintyre on November 12, 2007 at 12:14 pm

Wal-Mart and urban sprawl in Salida, circa 1994:
http://tinyurl.com/26v6hr