U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In
523 Diane 29 Theater Road,
Gastonia,
NC
28016
523 Diane 29 Theater Road,
Gastonia,
NC
28016
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 18 comments
The Diane 29 Drive-In opened on June 21st, 1951 and the 2nd screen opened on June 20th, 1956, the first twin drive-in in the state. Grand opening ads posted.
Diane 29 Drive-In in Gastonia opening Wed, Jun 20, 1951 – Page 14 · The Gastonia Gazette (Gastonia, North Carolina) · Newspapers.com
The Nov. 3, 1951 Boxoffice ran a lengthy article about the unusual features of the “Dian 29 Drive-In,” which had opened “not long ago”. There was a wood-burning fireplace in the concession area “for atmospheric effect only,” since it also had modern heating. A fish pond sat between the first ramp and the screen tower, which was covered with asbestos shingle siding. The screen was 42x59 feet.
Aerial (of poor quality) of the drive-in uploaded here.
yep, but it is Gray NOW……..Chuck…..
Approx. address for this drive-in was 500 Diane 29 Theater Rd (State Rte. 1311).
Though very overgrown, most ramps are still there behind Food Lion.
Check with the local library and historical societies in the town. Pictures of drive-in theatres are tuff to find. Also try the former owners.
not sure anyone will see this, but here goes: where can I find photos of the Diane 29 back in the day? My parents worked/met there and are celebrating their 50th anniversary next year. I would like to find a nice photo to enhance and frame for them. thanks!
You know i have So many reels I hate to say it,but I think I left it,unless Bill the guy with me took it,he might have being an old Projectionist.that fireplace was Beautiful and in a DRIVE-in.It was a real fireplace too.
I bet its in his basement GM.What about it Mike?
I think Consolidated operated this drive in for a period of time… definitely in the 80’s, and probably some of the 70’s. I remember the name from my Consolidated days.
Mike, wow, that reel…. I hope you didn’t leave it there.
That was a beautiful Concession,with real wood burning Fireplace.I still have my “Make my Day” T-Shirt. I hope the members in North Carolina see this,raysson and PatricaNC.
Can’t keep me out either…LOL! Here are a couple other shots:
The marquee in the weeds:
View link
Mike holding one really BIG reel next to a once beautiful brick fireplace inside the concessions building: View link
Can,t keep Mike out of a closed theatre.
Here’s Mike all set to explore the long-closed concessions & booth!
View link
I heard it from a Gastonia Native,since I live in Georgia I have no idea.One of the Streets behind the Drive-in was called Diane 29 Street or Road,can’t remember,but it was a most beautiful Drive-in at one time. I thought about taking the street sign,I guess they have changed the name of the street,but the Drive-in was long gone when I noticed the small street named Diane 29. So it might still be there. Part of Drive-in was still there.A FOOD LION had taken some of the lot.
MikeRogers – I’ve never heard the story of the manager’s family being murdered but will keep a ‘look-out’ for it and will pass on if I find anything.
DIANE TWIN DRIVE IN THEATRE is now equipped with RADIO SOUND. “The best drive-in sound you have ever heard.”
It’s as easy as 1-2-3.
1.Pull up to a post and park.
2. Turn ignition to accessory position
3. Tune radio to 580 am or 88.5 fm.
The DIANE 29 had car speakers on front of concession.
ADMISSION was $3.00 adults.
IT was a FB Theatre when radio sound was in. Never heard of FB theatres.
Sure wish someone from that area could check on the above story.
The Diane-29 Drive-in was later twinned. The last time i was in Charlotte i visited the site. One of the booths was still up and a screen.Before they built the FOOD LION there i saw all the old drive-in.It had a beautiful brick fireplace in the old concession area. At least that is what i remember.Huge reels were laying around the place.
I picked up a yellow handbill advertising the radio sound! I still have the flyer for radio sound. One thing that I heard, and maybe some of you Gastonia folks can prove or put to rest; I heard someone in the theatre business in that area said the owner of the drive-in came home one night and found his family murdered.That was the last night it opened.Is any of this true or part of it.
I have always wanted to hear from another source.