Dragon Drive-In
17155 NW US Highway 441,
High Springs,
FL
32643
17155 NW US Highway 441,
High Springs,
FL
32643
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Additional Info
Previous Names: Drive-In, High Springs Drive-In, Art Theatre Drive-In, Family Drive-In
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The Drive-In was ‘Under Construction’ in 1953/1954. It was operated by J.B. Yongue & Exhibitor Service Co. By 1955 it was operating as the High Springs Drive-In by R.C. Mullis.
On August 22, 1969 it was renamed Dragon Drive-In. One way to make the paper is play the X-rated "I Am Curious Yellow", Don Davison was charged with showing motion pictures objectionable to local police. Davison ran the Dragon Drive-In when so many drive-ins were seeing what limits they could go. The Jacksonville newspapers would not even run the advertisement. He renamed it Art Theatre Drive-In in May 1970. It was taken over by the Catholic Church who renamed it Family Drive-In in 1975. It possibly closed in the late-1970’s.
Contributed by
MikeRogers
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
I think this took place in the late 60’s or early 70’s article had no date.
I know it was open in 1967.
We need an address, more info and photos.
Looks like this was east of town on 441. A church occupies the site now. The church’s address is 17155 NW US Highway 441.
17155 NW US Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643
The above address will map accurately to the location of the drive-in.
Here is a USGS topo map noting the location of the drive-in east of town on US 441.
The Dragon Drive-In opened in the early 1950s, and may’ve closed in the late 1970s.
From doing research in the local newspapers, it appears the Dragon Drive-In was opened in August of 1969. The first film shown was Mondo Topless. Prior to that, there are no ads for it or mentions in the movie column. There also does not appear to be another theater prior to that which might have been renamed. It was rechristened the Dragon Art Theater a few years later. Eventually they moved to showing XXX films. The theater closed in June of 1975 after having been sold but it was not re-opened as a drive-in. Today their is a Catholic Church located on the property.
Reopened August 22nd, 1969 as Dragon Drive-In. Ad posted.
Taken over by the Catholic church in October 1975 and reopened part-time as the Family Drive-In.
Boxoffice, May 25, 1970: “Don Davison has changed the name of his Dragon Drive-In at High Springs to the Art Theatre Drive-In”
A welcome/advisory policy trailer from the Dragon Art Theatre (featuring Don Davison addressing the audience from his desk) is utilized by Something Weird Video for their “Dragon Art Theatre Double Features” vintage adult film series.