Lakeland Drive-In
2012 N. Wayne Street,
Angola,
IN
46703
2012 N. Wayne Street,
Angola,
IN
46703
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Construction of the Lakeland began on May 1, 1949, and was originally scheduled to be finished by July 15, but moved to September 16 for its completion because of unforeseen hindrances and prolonging difficulties.
The Kmart at the drive-in’s site opened on March 21, 1988, later expanded, and closed in 2002. Dunham’s Sports, JoAnn (now closed and abandoned because of Joann’s bankruptcy) and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet now occupy the former drive-in/Kmart space.
Torn down summer of 1987. Replaced with a k mart and a strip mall. The k mart only lasted a few years and closed up.
The Lakeland Drive-In opened for business September 16, 1949 operated by Clair Stuckey and M.H. Scheidler. Capacity was reported at 840 cars with a 60' by 60' screen and Simplex projection.
It was actually right off Highway 127 which is Wayne St. It is the main north-south route through Angola. I used to live about fifteen miles north of there. The theater went over to showing porn in its last decade or so.
There is a video here showing its demolition in 1987. A small K Mart was then built on the site. (K Mart built a number of these, including one in nearby Coldwater, MI, which proved to be unsuccessful). It was replaced later with other stores. There are some other photos on its gallery page at Drive-ins.com.
Approx. address for this drive-in was 2012 North Wayne Street. Now actually Walgreens just south of Walmart.
Walmart is at Northcrest. Lakeland was further south and closer to the highway.
An Walmart now stands on its site. I uploaded an USGS Aerial in the photo section for this drive-in.