Al's Drive-In
2907 U.S.-90,
Bonifay,
FL
32425
2907 U.S.-90,
Bonifay,
FL
32425
1 person
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Opened in June 1953, when the owner of Al’s Drive-In was B.H. Schuessler. A.C. Saunders owned Al’s Drive-In circa early-1960’s. Capacity was 175 cars.
It was still open in 1980, and possibly lasted a little longer. By 2014, the screen had gone.
Contributed by
Ken McIntyre
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
You think so ken mc.
Looks like it’s been gone awhile.
US 90, west of town:
View link
I have uploaded an aerial photo from 1966.
The last time I saw this drive in, the poles for the marquee were still standing and the concession projection building was still intact. Cows were grazing on the lot.
Approx. address is Hwy 90 and Henry Grey.
This drive-in must have opened before 1955. An item datelined Bonifay, Fla., in the January 17, 1953 issue of Boxoffice said “Al Saunders has installed new Century equipment in his 250-car Al’s Drive-In here”.
Looks like Joe Vogel nailed the opening year.
Boxoffice, June 20, 1953: “Bonifay, Ala. (sic) - Al’s New Drive-In opened here recently. It is owned by Al Saunders.”
Also, the property was sold as a “drive-in movie location” in May 2020. The asking price had been $225k. More details and a video at this Facebook page.
A 1984 aerial shows the drive in intact, but it may have been closed as several trucks/containers (hard to tell) are sitting near the entrance.
By 1994, the screen was gone.
Sold as a “drive in movie location” in 2020, that is the definition of “technically true”.
A closer address is 2907 US-90, Bonifay, FL.
Google Maps has updated their addresses. This puts it right on the property.
Apart from the faint outline and ramps, there is nothing remaining of the drive-in. The building that stands where the projector booth/concession stand once stood may be the same one. But this structure has a gable roof. So, it might have been rebuilt or it might be new.
https://tinyurl.com/3chcpmt5