As I mentioned, I did my college senior design thesis about this property. I focused specifically on why it failed and how it could be brought back into success with a redesign. I too have explored this property and have recently learned it is being developed currently. The owner said he didn’t have plans to reopen but later said if it was worth the money he would consider it. In this article below, they go into how the property is cleared out and the snack bar has been weatherproofed. I have also gotten in touch with the writer to share my story and I have reached out to the new owner himself. I would love to hear more of everyone’s stories so I can know as much as I can about the history.
Here is the article:
https://news.yahoo.com/remember-montville-drive-tell-us-013200383.html
For my senior research project, I decided to focus on how drive-in theaters could be brought back into popularity. I focused on abandoned theaters because I knew the land wasn’t being used, like how open theaters or demolished drive-in land typically is. I came up with 3 different options for properties and events that could be held at each. This theater was one of those options and I am glad I took it. I originally did a site visit back in April of 2021 peering at it from the road. The current condition is the following:
Marquee is gone.
Ticket booth B for screen 1 still stands. Ticket booth A is gone.
Ticket booth A for screen 2 still stands.
Faint markings for drive directions (“one way” painted on pavement)
Screen 1 is gone.
Speaker poles remain, rusted and broken with wires sticking out.
Concessions/projection building still stands.
Moonbeam pole still stands.
Playground swing set frame and slide ladder still remain.
Screen 2 remains, standing tall.
I was happy to focus on this theater and the changes I made. Screen 2 was redesigned and I have created a 1/250th scale model of the property measuring at 6 feet by 3 feet.
If anyone is curious to know more about my research and focus on this theater, please feel free to respond.
That’s all folks! Drive home safely. Thank you, and goodnight!
Has not been demolished. Screen frame and Snack Bar still stand in woods by Shenipset trail and Freja park. Via google maps, the drive in is to the left of Bolton Notch pond. I visited in early February, and the property is part of the trail, so it is not technically trespassing. Trail is actually old entrance to the theater. For the snack bar, there are squatters living inside but do not bother them. Sand pit is to the back left, no speaker poles remain (there are old light poles and telephone poles with wires). Due to new bridge out in front of the park and ride, the original marquee and sign have been removed. However, the parking lot out front allows your car to be left. The area
is great to drive to and explore.
Property has unfortunately been 100% repurposed
CORRECT ADDRESS: 3 Summit Pl, Branford, CT 06405
As I mentioned, I did my college senior design thesis about this property. I focused specifically on why it failed and how it could be brought back into success with a redesign. I too have explored this property and have recently learned it is being developed currently. The owner said he didn’t have plans to reopen but later said if it was worth the money he would consider it. In this article below, they go into how the property is cleared out and the snack bar has been weatherproofed. I have also gotten in touch with the writer to share my story and I have reached out to the new owner himself. I would love to hear more of everyone’s stories so I can know as much as I can about the history.
Here is the article: https://news.yahoo.com/remember-montville-drive-tell-us-013200383.html
For my senior research project, I decided to focus on how drive-in theaters could be brought back into popularity. I focused on abandoned theaters because I knew the land wasn’t being used, like how open theaters or demolished drive-in land typically is. I came up with 3 different options for properties and events that could be held at each. This theater was one of those options and I am glad I took it. I originally did a site visit back in April of 2021 peering at it from the road. The current condition is the following:
Marquee is gone. Ticket booth B for screen 1 still stands. Ticket booth A is gone. Ticket booth A for screen 2 still stands. Faint markings for drive directions (“one way” painted on pavement) Screen 1 is gone. Speaker poles remain, rusted and broken with wires sticking out. Concessions/projection building still stands. Moonbeam pole still stands. Playground swing set frame and slide ladder still remain. Screen 2 remains, standing tall.
I was happy to focus on this theater and the changes I made. Screen 2 was redesigned and I have created a 1/250th scale model of the property measuring at 6 feet by 3 feet.
If anyone is curious to know more about my research and focus on this theater, please feel free to respond.
That’s all folks! Drive home safely. Thank you, and goodnight!
CORRECT ADDRESS: 426 Gospel Ln, Portland, CT 06480
(across the street going North, not much left)
Address is actually: 190 State Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Or : 236 State Rd, Westport, MA 02790
https://www.courant.com/community/manchester/hc-news-manchester-drive-in-site-20201208-rf5n2vntmvfzje5txnd6cmbbbi-story.html
Uh oh
There is now a 10 foot ditch for many acres of what used to be here. Too sad, I was going to explore it.
Has not been demolished. Screen frame and Snack Bar still stand in woods by Shenipset trail and Freja park. Via google maps, the drive in is to the left of Bolton Notch pond. I visited in early February, and the property is part of the trail, so it is not technically trespassing. Trail is actually old entrance to the theater. For the snack bar, there are squatters living inside but do not bother them. Sand pit is to the back left, no speaker poles remain (there are old light poles and telephone poles with wires). Due to new bridge out in front of the park and ride, the original marquee and sign have been removed. However, the parking lot out front allows your car to be left. The area is great to drive to and explore.
Just across the street from 15629 W Beaver St
Jacksonville, Florida.