Comments about River Lane Outdoor Theatre in Loves Park, IL

MichaelKilgore on February 26, 2020 at 9:43 am

Boxoffice, May 1, 1948: “ROCKFORD, ILL. – The contract for construction of the 800-car drive-in in the Lover Park area of Rockford has been awarded by the Riverlane Amusement Corp., controlled by Mannie Burdie and Sidney Schermer of St. Louis. Work has progressed about 30 per cent. The theatre was designed by Leo F. Abrams and is scheduled to open May 30. It will cost well in excess of $100,000.”

MichaelKilgore on June 25, 2019 at 9:00 pm

I found the true Grand Opening ad in the Rockford Morning Star, indicating that it opened May 29, 1948. The opening program was Hold That Blonde! starring Veronica Lake, two cartoons, and the short Unusual Occupations.

More notes: “The River Lane Drive-In in Rockford, Ill., has been opened by the Riverlane Amusement Co. The company is controlled by the Schermer family of St. Louis.” —BoxOffice, June 26, 1948.

The 1948-49 Theatre Catalog listed the River Lane Outdoor, Highway 173, capacity 650, Exec: Manne Shermer, Riverlane Amusement Corp. For the 1952-56 Catalogs, the Capacity had gone up to 690 and the Riverlane exec had changed to Bill Dubinsky.

jwmovies on March 26, 2019 at 11:32 pm

The address above is incorrect. This theater was located further west. On the other side of Industrial Ln look for the white building.

A more accurate address for this theater is 970 River Ln, Loves Park, IL 61111. This points directly to the entrance road.

Please update.

Maryxr7 on January 25, 2017 at 4:19 am

I worked At the Riverlane for 3 years, was great times. The tower was where all the supplies for the consession stand were stored.

DavidZornig on October 22, 2016 at 9:05 pm

1949 photo & circa 1976 print ad added courtesy of the Rockford Rocked Facebook page.

rivest266 on November 26, 2011 at 11:12 am

I found an ad (May be the grand opening ad) from July 12th, 1948 and an aerial of the River Lane outdoor.

Mike Rogers on June 28, 2010 at 3:23 pm

I wish my Almanac had walk-in Theatres too,but I only have Drive-ins I would love to have movie theatres more so than the Drive-ins,I wonder if every other year they went back and forth?

TLSLOEWS on June 28, 2010 at 2:37 pm

I think you can look them up on the internet I am going to try today to see what I can find.Now back to the River Lane Outdoor Theatre.

Mike Rogers on June 28, 2010 at 2:15 pm

I was telling someone the other day,PatricaNC,I think. that I have seen on Cinema Treasures that you can buy a Almanac.Heck,I think I gave one to Nick,See if he will sell you his,Knowing Nick, He might give it to you.

TLSLOEWS on June 28, 2010 at 10:34 am

Thanks again Mike,if you ever lose that book you will be in trouble.

Mike Rogers on June 27, 2010 at 6:35 pm

yes,It parked a lot of cars 700 and was owned by River Lane Amusement Co. In 1956.

TLSLOEWS on June 27, 2010 at 4:15 pm

Now that is truth in advertising,nice looking screen tower.

seymourcox on July 26, 2009 at 2:28 pm

Are these LIFE photos of the Outdoor Theatre the same as this one?
View link

JimG on February 21, 2007 at 7:53 am

THE PROPERTY IS NOW AN INDUSTRIAL PARK

River Lane Outdoor Theatre

1000 River Lane, Loves Park, IL 61111

1000 River Lane,
Loves Park, IL 61111