White River Drive-In
2581 E. Main Street,
Batesville,
AR
72501
2581 E. Main Street,
Batesville,
AR
72501
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Edited from my October 19, 2022 (2:54 PM) post:
The White River Drive-In closed after the 1985 season because of poor business and massive money loss. Commonwealth decided to keep the theater closed in March 1986 despite being sold to James Street in April of that same year, but had no plans on operating.
Delayed? Or for the season? Motion Picture Herald, Jan. 13, 1951: “The Commonwealth Theatre Corporation opened a new drive-in theatre at Batesville, Ark.”
Boxoffice, Feb. 29, 1960: “BATESVILLE, ARK. - Twisting winds which struck this community February 9 flattened the screen tower of the winter-closed White River Drive-In, Commonwealth circuit outdoor theatre. Byers Jordan, manager of the theatres here, said the White River will be fully restored and added that the target date is April 8, which has been set as opening day for the drive-in season.”
A note in the July 22, 1950 issue of BoxOffice said that the White River would open on Thursday, July 27, 1950. It was run by Commonwealth.
It appears that the original projection booth/concession stand still sits on the property and in fairly good shape. You can see the holes for the projectors on the SW side of the building. http://tinyurl.com/hqrpsdr
Approx. address for this drive-in was 2581 East Main Street.
I saw Star Wars there in 1977. It was a nice drive in, but summer nights could be pretty brutal with the heat.
Thanks Chuck1231.