The American Drive - In . . . Or Is It ?

[Facetious]

California's first drive-in movie theatre opened in
June of 1938 (there were less than 15 "auto theatres"
in all of America at that point). Within just ten years,
another 43 drive-ins had opened up and Calfornia was
on its way to becoming one of the top drive-in states.

Between 1948 - 1958, the number of drive-ins in the
state of California more than quadrupled and, while
the number of operating drive-ins in most states had
peaked in the late 1950's, the number of drive-ins in
the state of California kept climbing through the 60's,
with more than 220 in operation by end of the decade.

Since that time, the number of drive-ins operating within
the state has declined by 90%. Still, California is one of
the Top5 Drive-in states and more than 20 remain open.

http://www.driveinmovie.com/CA.htm

Were Drive In Movies uniquely an American concept ?

Since the bench seat went away and the "VCR / DVD" developed so did the drive in facilities. Neat memories though ! as there are but a handful in operation today.

 

[member006]

Its a shame that they have died. I remember wonderful family nights at the drive-in. Several families meeting and parking side by side. Lawn chairs and the playground.

Here's a good site to look up your area history.

http://www.drive-ins.com/

LL

 

[slowhand]

I love to go to them.


I can remember my dad taking us in his truck and he would back it in were we could sit in chairs in the back of his truck that was the good old days. but haven't been to one in years.

 

[hbcmF]

Thanks for the link. I've been looking for a working drive-in in my area.:nanner:

 

[ChefChiTown]

The only time I ever went to the drive-in was with my parents. We went to go see CONGO for fuck's sake. CONGO. I repeat...CONGO.

Hence, why I have never returned to a drive-in since.

 

[senob44]

I've been to a drive in a couple times. (There are none in NJ, just over the border is one in NY) I like them because it is alot more comfortable to sit in your car than in a movie theatre seat. I always had to eventually watch the movie again in another setting, since I found drive ins to be very conducive to ......SEX!:eek:

 

[Facetious]

Ah ha !

I remember those clunky pot metal speaker boxes . . . It was always a wonder to me how they were always in working order . . . well almost. They sounded like crap yet they were functional, somehow enduring the rainwater and people just chuckin' em to the ground.

Later on, "high :shocked: technology" came to play with those vehicle antenna clips. What if your particular vehicle did not carry a telescoping antenna or your antenna was of the windshield laminate type ? :1orglaugh

Great fun ! I'm certain most of us had hidden a friend or two deep in the corner pockets of Dads Fleetwood Caddy ?

We'd often shoulder tap in front of ( but yet inconspicuously off to the side :tongue of the liquor store prior to drive ins :glugglug:

There are two operational Drive In facilities here,
one about 35 miles south, the other, about 5 east.

~ Concur Senob ! ~ Film ? . . .What film ?

 

[AFA]

There was one on the news the other day in Pennsylvania I think that is family run, makes all their own unique snacks, pastries, etc. and is still very popular.

I'm guessing this is it;
http://www.shankweilers.com/

Although there are a lot apparently still open in PA

 

[D-rock]

One of the best parts is that when the movie is over your right in your car ready to leave. Also like Senob said I'm sure some people went because you were talking your own nice little room around to do things in. :1orglaugh