Top Drive-In
1839 AL-87,
Samson,
AL
36477
1839 AL-87,
Samson,
AL
36477
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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
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 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.
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!
it does along with the theater screen!
The Rocket Drive-in was the other Drive-in there.
It parked 180 cars in 1956 and was owned by J.C.Powell.,Andy.