Top Drive-In
1839 AL-87,
Samson,
AL
36477
1839 AL-87,
Samson,
AL
36477
1 person
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Located on the southeast corner of Alabama 87 and County 16. The Top Drive-In served tiny Samson, Alabama. It was opened by 1951 when it was operated by J.C. Powell. By 1952 it was operated by C.S. Powell. Today it is mostly gone, but the ramps remain, as does a rotted-out marquee. Zooming in on Google Earth, the concession stand may remain.
Contributed by
Andy
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
It parked 180 cars in 1956 and was owned by J.C.Powell.,Andy.
The Rocket Drive-in was the other Drive-in there.
it does along with the theater screen!
https://www.google.com/maps/Warner Theatre.0830587,-86.0435468,239a,35y,134.25h,4.81t/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&authuser=0 aerial of the drive-in and what remains the marquee ramps concession stand and theater screen!
A more accurate address for Google is 1824 AL-87, Samson AL 36477. This directs to a property directly across the road from the drive-in.
This obituary for Betty Sue Owens Thompson says that “as a teen, she raised and sold her first group of calves and used the money to become part-owner of the Top Drive-In Theater.” Born in September 1931, her teen years were 1944-1951. If the obit is accurate, that limits the Top’s opening date. Its first appearance in the Motion Picture Almanac was in the 1952-53 edition, capacity 180 cars, owner J. C. Powell.
A slightly closer address is 1839 AL-87, Samson, AL.
Google Maps has updated their addresses and this puts it on a house on the southside of the drive-in.
Today, what’s left of the marquee along with bits of the entrance and exit roads are all that can be seen.
https://tinyurl.com/4b8wjbde