South Salem Drive-In (I)
5800 Commercial Street SE,
Salem,
OR
97306
5800 Commercial Street SE,
Salem,
OR
97306
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The original South Salem Drive-In opened its gates on July 15, 1953 with Charlton Heston in “Pony Express” and Jane Powell in “Small Town Girl” with no extra short subjects. It was operated by Forman Theaters and was managed by Frank Schultz. The original drive-in originally housed 450 cars and features a 40x60ft screen.
The original location closed in 1961, followed by destruction from a fire in 1964, and the removal of its original sign in February 1966.
In 1970, the newer and much larger South Salem Drive-In was built seven miles north of the original location on Lancaster Drive Southeast (which has its own Cinema Treasures page).
Despite being abandoned for decades, former traces were still visible, but was projection booth that once occupied the drive-in was demolished several years ago. The projection/concession building previously stood for many years after closure.
Contributed by
50sSNIPES
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
Boxoffice, March 15, 1952: “Plans for a drive-in south of Salem were made public by Albert and William Forman, operators of downtown theatres and another drive-in to the north in the state capital. The new site is located on the Pacific highway at the northeast corner of its junction with Wiltsey road. The location is about three miles south of Salem city limits and a mile south of the 12th street highway junction. The property was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Brewster. Preliminary construction work will start as soon as weather permit, with final completion subject to government restrictions. The theatre will have a capacity of 600 cars. The snack bar will be located in the center of the parking area.”
The land has never been developed. You can easily see the outline, ramps, and foundation of the projector booth.