North 52 Drive-In

The drive ANdy mentioned was the Gateway. It was demolished in 1979 when Northwoods Mall expanded. While it was still in operation that area was known as Charleston Heights… before North Charleston township incorporated. If you leave that location on Rivers Avenue and drive 5 miles towards downtown Charleston, just as you cross the railroad, the Port drive-in would have been on the left, behind the strip mall (Liberty Mall). Continue on Rivers another 3 miles and the North52 would have been on the right. There was a Rex-All drugstore and Wheeler’s pizzeria next to the entrance for the driveway. My neighbors owned the pizzeria. When we were there, my parents would park our car behind the restaurant, go in to spend time with the Wheelers and brother and I would stay in the car and watch whatever was playing because the entire screen was visible from behind the restaurant. They drive-in speakers were loud enough for us to hear it pretty well too. Back to locations…. about 1 mile further on the left was the location of the Flamingo drive-in. Go another 10 miles, a little beyond where Rivers Ave and Meeting Street converge and you’ll be at the 4-Mile drive-in location. I was born and raised in Charleston and remember very well going to all of them with my family or with dates. My brother and cousin worked at the North 52, Gateway and Terrace theater and probably a few more.

Added new newspaper ads/pictures and a updated overview.

The only drive-in I could find on US 52 was located under the southern portion of Northwoods Mall, from about the southernmost anchor store to where the Hooters and Outback (7643 Rivers Avenue) are located. If this is the same theater, then the city should be changed to North Charleston. This theater was gone by 1989 at the latest.