Boxoffice, Oct. 14, 1950: “Featuring opening night ceremonies at the Suburban Drive-In was the presentation of a $50 prize to J. P. Heineckie who named the theatre in a public contest judged by mayors of three nearby cities. The Suburban is owned and operated by Johnny Mitchell, Blake Lancaster and David R. Brown of the Manatee Amusement Co. The new theatre accommodates 600 cars with space available for about 125 more. An interesting feature of the new theatre is a nursery and a first aid station built below the screen. A doctor will be present at all times. The theatre will maintain a constant drive for charity. Two cents of each admission will be put in a fund for a worthy charity and will be distributed on a rotation basis. Admission is 40 cents, plus 8 cents state and federal tax and the 2 cents for charity. The grounds have been beautifully landscaped.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 14, 1950: “Elsinore, Calif. - Beginning operations here was the new 830-seat Lake Theatre, built by Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Scott and Mrs. Nelle Jackson, operated by E. D. Patterson and managed by Mrs. Florence Lynch. Utilizing the latest RCA sound and projection systems, the Lake also features a smoking room, a cry room for children, air conditioning and heating, and paved parked areas adjacent to the theatre.”
This drive-in definitely opened as the Motor-In. The 1950 photo I just uploaded included an ad for it “next to Mooney Park,” which pretty much proves that we’re talking about the same place.
Oh, and the latest Google Maps address for the Tulare County Office of Education, current occupants of the former Motor-In site, is 6200 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277.
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “SALMON, IDA. - The Main Theatre here was gutted by an afternoon fire in which three men lost their lives. The showhouse was operated by Hugh Drennen of Rexburg, Ida., and Paul De Mourdant of Blackfoot, Ida. … Those who suffocated in the fire were investigating equipment in the basement and were not patrons of the theatre. No patrons were in the showhouse at the time of the blaze. Total amount of the damage was $50,000.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “KIRKLAND, WASH. - Outside the Sunset Drive-In is a concrete backyard bomb shelter, featured prominently in a recent issue of Life magazine. Manager Clark Thompson has installed a kiddy playground and an eye-level screen. The drive-in is located four miles east of the Mercer island end of the Floating bridge.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “TAFT, CALIF. - Replacing the old Hippodrome Theatre, destroyed by fire in February 1950, Fox West Coast will open its new $300,000 Fox Theatre here May 1. The showcase has 1,078 seats.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “LEWISTOWN, MONT. - The Broadway Theatre here, closed for several years, was reopened March 24 with Ward Penland as manager. The house has been redecorated and equipped with the latest in sound equipment.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: TUCSON - New drive-in here, the city’s fourth, is the Cactus, recently opened by Wes Becker and Hugh Downs. The open-airer has accommodations for 600 cars and features a “snackateria.”
Still no reference that I can find to Brawley’s drive-in ever being called the Valley View. Anyone else see anything?
According to the Los Angeles Times, the drive-in in Brawley was being called the Brawley Drive-In by 1966. The last mention I could find in the Times was in 1979, followed in 1982 by a for-sale ad “10-acre site, must sell!” in the classifieds.
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “The Paris Theatre, described as a "cinema for patrons tired of ordinary movies,” opened December 1 in San Mateo … The Paris in San Mateo was formerly the Palm."
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “Tigard, Ore. - N. W. Bush, a partner in the Joy and Aloha theatres here, has purchased the Beaver Theatre in Beaverton from Harold Fix. The purchase price includes plans for a new theatre to be built on Canyon road as soon as the federal ban is lifted. Bush expects to remodel the Beaver.”
This sounds like the fire that Irene805 mentioned above:
Boxoffice, Dec. 2, 1950: “Port Hueneme, Calif. - Fire caused an estimated $40,000 damage to the Melody Theatre, 392-seat quonset-type showcase here, during a regular evening performance, but an audience of 182 escaped without injury. The interior was completely gutted. Owner Mel C. Kennedy attributed the blaze to a hot light bulb which ignited the curtains … The Melody, only theatre in this community, was opened in May 1947. Kennedy said he and his partners, Percy E. Smith and Floyd H. Eddington, would "probably rebuild.” "
That illustration was part of the Great Lakes Steel Corporation’s ad in the Oct. 23, 1948 issue of Motion Picture Herald (and possibly elsewhere). That magazine is in the public domain.
Thanks, 50sSnipes! The dead giveaway for the site today are the signs that show “Drive-In Lane”: https://goo.gl/maps/iGGa6V4gwkxQZLja8
The drive-in was perfectly positioned against that little pond, which is the only other remnant that I could see today. The closest address I could wring out of Google Maps is 15719 MS-37, Taylorsville, MS 39168, for the Maranatha Mennonite Church about a quarter-mile farther south.
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “ADRIAN, MICH. - Speakers at drive-in situations are stolen at times but at the Sky Drive-In here, an enterprising thief stole the entire insides of a speaker and left the shell hanging on the post. R. B. Tuttle, manager, said that a recent fog which rolled in so heavily near the end of the second feature of a dual bill caused him to give out 400 rain checks. Nearly a third of the patrons decided they had their money’s worth and refused rain checks, he said.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “ANNA, ILL. - The government’s ban on the construction of new amusement and recreational facilities has delayed the plans of Rodgers Theatres of Cairo to build a drive-in near the eastern city limits here. The Rodgers circuit purchased the property early in October.”
Boxoffice, July 11, 1953: “ANNA, ILL. – The Rodgers Drive-In near the eastern city limits had its grand opening Wednesday (1). It is owned and operated by the Rodgers Theatres, Cairo, Ill.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “HERCULANEUM, MO. - The 400-seat Vanita (sic) Theatre, dark since July 15, has been reopened under new management. The building is owned by A. L. Burke of Lewistown.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “SPEARMAN, TEX. - J. D. Wilbanks, farmer three miles east of here is planning to build a drive-in theatre on his farm. He had all materials and equipment on hand before curbs were put on construction of amusement projects. He plans a 200-car drive-in to be in operation by February.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “SULPHER SPRINGS, TEX. - Fire destroyed the Mission Theatre here November 6, damaged an apparel shop, a record shop, and the local PMA office. The buildings were of brick and wood construction. Loss was estimated at $100,000. The theatre was destroyed.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 14, 1950: “Featuring opening night ceremonies at the Suburban Drive-In was the presentation of a $50 prize to J. P. Heineckie who named the theatre in a public contest judged by mayors of three nearby cities. The Suburban is owned and operated by Johnny Mitchell, Blake Lancaster and David R. Brown of the Manatee Amusement Co. The new theatre accommodates 600 cars with space available for about 125 more. An interesting feature of the new theatre is a nursery and a first aid station built below the screen. A doctor will be present at all times. The theatre will maintain a constant drive for charity. Two cents of each admission will be put in a fund for a worthy charity and will be distributed on a rotation basis. Admission is 40 cents, plus 8 cents state and federal tax and the 2 cents for charity. The grounds have been beautifully landscaped.”
Here are a few names from the opening.
Boxoffice, Oct. 14, 1950: “Elsinore, Calif. - Beginning operations here was the new 830-seat Lake Theatre, built by Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Scott and Mrs. Nelle Jackson, operated by E. D. Patterson and managed by Mrs. Florence Lynch. Utilizing the latest RCA sound and projection systems, the Lake also features a smoking room, a cry room for children, air conditioning and heating, and paved parked areas adjacent to the theatre.”
This drive-in definitely opened as the Motor-In. The 1950 photo I just uploaded included an ad for it “next to Mooney Park,” which pretty much proves that we’re talking about the same place.
Oh, and the latest Google Maps address for the Tulare County Office of Education, current occupants of the former Motor-In site, is 6200 S Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93277.
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “SALMON, IDA. - The Main Theatre here was gutted by an afternoon fire in which three men lost their lives. The showhouse was operated by Hugh Drennen of Rexburg, Ida., and Paul De Mourdant of Blackfoot, Ida. … Those who suffocated in the fire were investigating equipment in the basement and were not patrons of the theatre. No patrons were in the showhouse at the time of the blaze. Total amount of the damage was $50,000.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “Floyd Bernard’s Midway Drive-In Theatres organization has taken over operation of the Biltmore Motor-Vue in Tucson”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “R. D. Ervin has again opened the Dillon Theatre in the Dillon Town hall. He is showing two complete shows, 7 and 9 p.m.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “KIRKLAND, WASH. - Outside the Sunset Drive-In is a concrete backyard bomb shelter, featured prominently in a recent issue of Life magazine. Manager Clark Thompson has installed a kiddy playground and an eye-level screen. The drive-in is located four miles east of the Mercer island end of the Floating bridge.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “TAFT, CALIF. - Replacing the old Hippodrome Theatre, destroyed by fire in February 1950, Fox West Coast will open its new $300,000 Fox Theatre here May 1. The showcase has 1,078 seats.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: “LEWISTOWN, MONT. - The Broadway Theatre here, closed for several years, was reopened March 24 with Ward Penland as manager. The house has been redecorated and equipped with the latest in sound equipment.”
Boxoffice, April 21, 1951: TUCSON - New drive-in here, the city’s fourth, is the Cactus, recently opened by Wes Becker and Hugh Downs. The open-airer has accommodations for 600 cars and features a “snackateria.”
Still no reference that I can find to Brawley’s drive-in ever being called the Valley View. Anyone else see anything?
According to the Los Angeles Times, the drive-in in Brawley was being called the Brawley Drive-In by 1966. The last mention I could find in the Times was in 1979, followed in 1982 by a for-sale ad “10-acre site, must sell!” in the classifieds.
For at least a while, the Palm became the Paris.
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “The Paris Theatre, described as a "cinema for patrons tired of ordinary movies,” opened December 1 in San Mateo … The Paris in San Mateo was formerly the Palm."
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “H. D. McLoughan has bought the Bayard, Bayard, N. M., from O. K. Leonard.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 9, 1950: “Tigard, Ore. - N. W. Bush, a partner in the Joy and Aloha theatres here, has purchased the Beaver Theatre in Beaverton from Harold Fix. The purchase price includes plans for a new theatre to be built on Canyon road as soon as the federal ban is lifted. Bush expects to remodel the Beaver.”
This sounds like the fire that Irene805 mentioned above:
Boxoffice, Dec. 2, 1950: “Port Hueneme, Calif. - Fire caused an estimated $40,000 damage to the Melody Theatre, 392-seat quonset-type showcase here, during a regular evening performance, but an audience of 182 escaped without injury. The interior was completely gutted. Owner Mel C. Kennedy attributed the blaze to a hot light bulb which ignited the curtains … The Melody, only theatre in this community, was opened in May 1947. Kennedy said he and his partners, Percy E. Smith and Floyd H. Eddington, would "probably rebuild.” "
That illustration was part of the Great Lakes Steel Corporation’s ad in the Oct. 23, 1948 issue of Motion Picture Herald (and possibly elsewhere). That magazine is in the public domain.
Boxoffice, Dec. 2, 1950: “Richey, Mont. - The Richet Theatre here has been reopened under the management of Harold Goulding.”
Thanks, 50sSnipes! The dead giveaway for the site today are the signs that show “Drive-In Lane”: https://goo.gl/maps/iGGa6V4gwkxQZLja8
The drive-in was perfectly positioned against that little pond, which is the only other remnant that I could see today. The closest address I could wring out of Google Maps is 15719 MS-37, Taylorsville, MS 39168, for the Maranatha Mennonite Church about a quarter-mile farther south.
In early March 2023, winds knocked down most of a Sky Vue screen and heavily damaged its sign, according to a story from WLEX TV.
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “ADRIAN, MICH. - Speakers at drive-in situations are stolen at times but at the Sky Drive-In here, an enterprising thief stole the entire insides of a speaker and left the shell hanging on the post. R. B. Tuttle, manager, said that a recent fog which rolled in so heavily near the end of the second feature of a dual bill caused him to give out 400 rain checks. Nearly a third of the patrons decided they had their money’s worth and refused rain checks, he said.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “PORTLAND, IND. - Construction has been started on the 450-car Mallers Drive-In here.”
The Aug. 8, 1951 issue of The Exhibitor reported that “Mallers brothers opened their new Sky Vue Drive-in, near Portland, Ind.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “ANNA, ILL. - The government’s ban on the construction of new amusement and recreational facilities has delayed the plans of Rodgers Theatres of Cairo to build a drive-in near the eastern city limits here. The Rodgers circuit purchased the property early in October.”
Boxoffice, July 11, 1953: “ANNA, ILL. – The Rodgers Drive-In near the eastern city limits had its grand opening Wednesday (1). It is owned and operated by the Rodgers Theatres, Cairo, Ill.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “HERCULANEUM, MO. - The 400-seat Vanita (sic) Theatre, dark since July 15, has been reopened under new management. The building is owned by A. L. Burke of Lewistown.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “SPEARMAN, TEX. - J. D. Wilbanks, farmer three miles east of here is planning to build a drive-in theatre on his farm. He had all materials and equipment on hand before curbs were put on construction of amusement projects. He plans a 200-car drive-in to be in operation by February.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 18, 1950: “SULPHER SPRINGS, TEX. - Fire destroyed the Mission Theatre here November 6, damaged an apparel shop, a record shop, and the local PMA office. The buildings were of brick and wood construction. Loss was estimated at $100,000. The theatre was destroyed.”