Anna Drive-In
2523 E. Vienna Street,
Anna,
IL
62906
2523 E. Vienna Street,
Anna,
IL
62906
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The Anna Drive-In opened in July 1953, located at the intersection of Routes 146 and 51. It was originally operated by Rodgers Theatres and could accomodate 428 cars. It was later part of the Kerasotes chain.
The Anna Drive-In closed in 1979 and was razed in 1997 to make way for retail and residential development.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
In 1956 still owned by above Theatre chain.
1963 aerial photo uploaded here.
Approx. address for this drive-in was 2523 East Vienna Street.
A 1954 book, 100 Years of Progress: The Centennial History of Anna, Illinois, says that the Anna Drive-In opened on July 1, 1953. Its pre-CinemaScope screen was 44 feet high and 58 feet wide.
A July 20, 1980 article in the Southern Illinoisan of Carbondale agreed with the opening year and provided an approximate closing as the end of the 1979 season. “Business was good and owner I. W. Rodgers would open the Anna Drive-In in 1953. … The drive-in didn’t re-open this spring though and its patched screen looks down on a field of headless poles where speakers once hung.”
Was actually demolished by 1993 when only the concession building appeared to remain. Now a Walmart.
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.”