Mitchell Drive-In
294 Spring Creek Road,
Mitchell,
NE
69357
294 Spring Creek Road,
Mitchell,
NE
69357
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Additional Info
Previous Names: Hiway Theatre Drive-In
Nearby Theaters
No theaters found within 30 miles
The Hiway Theatre Drive-In was opened on May 22, 1949 with Greer Garson in “Julia Misbehaves”. It was closed on June 8, 1950 following damage from a storm.
On April 9, 1955 it reopened as the Mitchell Drive-In with Robert Mitchum in “Blood on the Moon”. It was owned by Harvey Brooks in the late-1950’s. Capacity was 165 cars. It was still open in 1965, but had closed by 1966.
Contributed by
Ken McIntyre
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
IN 1956 it parked 165 cars and was owned by Kooper and Mygren. According to Motion Picture Almanac.Have no address.
When i submit a theatre I always try and do a liitle research.sometimes it’s wrong and you guys catch it. But,I just like to add more when i contribute a new Theatre.But that is just me.
From the March 17, 1956 Motion Picture Herald: “Louis Petry and Robt. Perry have leased the Mitchell drive-in, Mitchell, Neb., and the Oskosh (sic) drive-in, Oskosh, Neb., from Merle Nygren.”
Found It!
The address is 294 Spring Creek Road, Mitchell, NE
You can see the drive-in on a 1962 aerial intact and apparently open. By the next aerial in 1993 it had been totally demolished.
Today, it is private property with no trace of the drive-in remaining.
https://tinyurl.com/y5ld28vp
What may be the base of the marquee is still standing next to Spring Creek Road.
The concession or projector room building still exists as well, same size and position on historic aerials.
The Hiway Theatre Drive-In launched likely on this parcel or very close by on May 22, 1949 with “Julia Misbehaves.” It opened for another season on April 9, 1950 but was partially destroyed by a wind storm on June 8, 1950. The owner had no insurance and likely did not reopen.
The Mitchell Drive-In Theatre then launched here on April 9, 1955 with Robert Mitchum in “Blood on the Moon” followed by a formal opening on April 29, 1955.
Clarifying a couple of names? Boxoffice, Feb. 11, 1956: “Robert Perry, formerly operating at Lyman, Neb., has leased the Mitchell (Neb.) Drive-In from Merle Nygren.”
And, what may be part of the screen foundation is still present. It’s in the exact location, but only occupies part of what was the screen.
For a drive-in that was difficult to see from the air even when fully operational, there is quite a bit left even after becoming private property ;)
Boxoffice, May 21, 1955: “After being closed for several years, the Mitchell Drive-In opened recently. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey C. Brooks of Mitchell are the new operators.”
A note in the Scottsbluff Daily Herald pinpointed the reopening date as April 9, 1955, though the formal reopening was on April 29, per the Mitchell Index, both confirming dallasmovietheaters' post.
The Mitchell continued advertising through at least May 24, 1956, but a classified ad showed the drive-in up for auction on June 15 that year. “200 car capacity, fully equipped concession stand, R.C.A. sound system, Simplex Projector, over 4 acres of land, now operating and quick possession will be given. Terms: 50% cash, balance will be carried over period of 3 years at 5% interest. Mitchell Drive-In Theatre, Owner”
Perhaps there were no bidders. The Aug. 9, 1956 Index reported a break-in “at the Mitchell Drive-In Theatre which has been closed for several months.” By November, the “old drive-in theater” was being used as a navigation landmark in want ads.