Colonial Drive-In
Highway 377,
Denton,
TX
76205
Highway 377,
Denton,
TX
76205
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Closed for the final time on June 21, 1963 after being destroyed by another tornado.
There may have been plans to turn the Colonial into a two-screen drive-in, but there is no physical evidence that it happened. At least from the 1968 aerial photo which only shows the remnants of the ramps and outline for one screen.
Billboard, June 14, 1952: “George Franklin, owner-operator of Colonial Drive-In, Argyle, Tex., has completed plans to make the spot a twin drive-in. A second screen, which will increase the capacity from 300 to 600 cars, is being added. The drive-in observed its fifth anniversary June 3.”
A 1968 aerial shows only the ramps and foundation of the projection booth/concession stand.
The Colonial Drive-In Was Closed In Early 1963 After The Entire Colonial Was Completely Destroyed By (Yet Again) Another Tornado. In The Afternoon Of June 22nd, 1963, The Remains Of The Screen Tower Was Caught On Fire And Was Completely Demolished On That Day.
From the June 4, 1955 issue of Billboard: “The Colonial Drive-In at Denton, Tex., closed since last June, has been re-opened by Debs Reynolds of Dallas, who has leased it from its owners, Mr. and Mrs. George Franklin.”
That should be “east” side of the road, not “west”.
I believe I found it.
The drive-in was located at 9842 Fort Worth Drive, Argyle, TX. A 1968 aerial photo shows the remnants of a demolished drive-in at that location on the west side of the road.
Today, the property is occupied by at least one business and a residence. You can still make out the vague outline of the drive-in.
https://tinyurl.com/yartckwh
A view of the Colonial Drive-In at Denton Texas.