Winter Garden Drive-In
2313 US- 83,
Crystal City,
TX
78839
2313 US- 83,
Crystal City,
TX
78839
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Andrew Majek and H.J. Hartung, Jr., opened the Winter Garden Drive-In on April 19, 1950. The theatre’s moniker was derived from the city’s nickname as the"Winter Garden District" leading to its fame once known as the “Spinach Capital of the World.”
Does anyone have pictures of the Winter Garden drive in?
Going by the above link and a scroll up US 83 the address for this former Ozoner is 2313 US-83, Crystal City, TX 78839, now the site of Garcia’s Used Cars & Parts.
Actually, the name Winter Garden Drive-In was derived from the name for that particular region of Texas. It had no direct tie with the nearby town of Winter Haven.
Greatest Star Power: Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Cantinflas. Oftentimes nothing but their names would be placed on the theater sign.
Biggest Loser Picture: Dr. Dolittle circa 1967. It certainly lived up to its name.
Biggest Winner Picture: Almost any first run Elvis movie.
What hurt the most: Television and Daylight Saving Time
Most interesting promotion: LUCKY, a derivative of BINGO. You could win a tub full of groceries (heavily biased with Flour), or maybe a kitten.
There is a “Winter Haven, Texas” about 5-6 mils north of Carrizo Springs, which is where this drive-in derives a part of its name from.
The Drive-in is located on the east side of US 83, about 5.25 miles north of Carrizo Springs.
Here is a 1971 aerial photo which shows the location of the drive-in, courtesy of Earth Explorer and USGS:
http://flic.kr/p/95mYMQ