Chief Drive-In

Opened on Friday, July 23, 1954 with “Taza, Son of Cochise”, a 3D Western directed by Douglas Sirk starring Rock Hudson and Barbara Rush. After declining attendance and revenue, compounded by the seasonal weather, the drive-in finally closed by Minneapolis-based Midco Theatres on Sunday, August 3, 1986, appropriately showing a Rodney Dangerfield double-feature (“I get no respect”) of “Back to School” (1986) and “Easy Money (1983). The iconic sign deteriorated from lack of upkeep, and was finally torn down by property owner Ivan Brouwer (not preserved?) on Friday, July 14, 1989.