Big Chief Drive-In
134 Old Highway 70,
Lordsburg,
NM
88045
134 Old Highway 70,
Lordsburg,
NM
88045
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A closer address is 134 Old Hwy 70, Lordsburg, NM.
Google Maps has updated their addresses and this places it just to the west of the drive-in. It is actually quite close to where the old entrance road for the drive-in once existed. Although Google Maps also wants to use Red Forks, which is to the west of Lordsburg for whatever reason.
A 1957 aerial shows the drive-in operational. By 1978 it was closed and falling apart. By 1982 it had been demolished.
Today, only the ramps and foundation for the projector booth/concession stand remain.
https://tinyurl.com/59kfadtb
James Edgar Allen and his mother, Valeria, opened the Chief along with Interstate Theatres Enterprises (ITE) on April 17, 1954.
Still can be seen (ramps) from the Googlemaps Aerial view.. 32.335700, -108.655226 . The Cement foundation for the projection booth and snack bar still shows up also..
RAC Photography
The last Chief ad I could find in the Lordsburg Liberal was Aug. 28, 1964. “Seven Ways From Sundown” was going to play until Sunday, Aug. 30, then “Drive-in closes after Sunday show for winter months.” Spot checks of summer 1965 issues showed ads for the indoor Coronado but nothing for the Chief.
The April 16, 1954 issue of the Lordsburg Liberal said the Chief Drive-In would open on April 17 with “Stalag 17” starring William Holden. “The Chief Drive-In has been under construction for several months now and is located about three miles east of town on Highways 70 and 80.”
From the Jan. 2, 1954 Motion Picture Herald:
Mrs. S. E. Allen expects to open her new 300-car drive-in at Lordsburg, N. M., in the early spring, and about the same opening date has been set for J. C. West’s 300-car drive-in, Grants, N. M.
Listed in the FDY of 1956, 1964 &1968
This drive-in was east of town on hwy 70 (now Old US 70). The ramps are still visible.