I’m glad to have a point of agreement with Jamey_monroe45. The drive-in was at 2858 Willamette St. There’s a trailhead at 2858 South Willamette, but aerial photos indicate there was never a drive-in there.
Please remove the S. from the address for the drive-in.
Boxoffice, Dec. 24, 1949: “ARCATA, CALIF. - The Arden Theatre here reverted to its original name, the Minor, in celebration of its 35th anniversary, according to Pat Pratchen, manager … The old Minor, the first modern theatre in northern California, was opened Dec. 3, 1944 (sic!). It was built by Isaac Minor, pioneer settler of the county, who also built the first hall and theatre in Uniontown in 1884.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 3, 1949: “Louis Yager, druggist, and several other business men have opened the El Grande, a 400-seat theatre in Granby, Colo., giving that city its first regular theatre. They equipped it with Brenkert booth equipment and RCA sound, bought from Western Service & Supply”
Boxoffice, Dec. 3, 1949: “McMINNVILLE, ORE. - The 450-car drive-in theatre being erected here by Clifford Briggs is nearing completion, but it probably will not be operated until next spring. The screen tower and a building which will house the projection booth have been completed. When ready for opening, the theatre will have cost approximately $50,000.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 26, 1949: “WINNEMUCCA, NEV. - Members of the city council here have voted to order the Harvey Amusement Co., owner of the Sage Theatre here, either to improve the wiring in the Sage or have the license revoked and the theatre shut down. Henry Berk, building inspector, told the council that wiring in the building is in very poor shape and could cause a fire at any time. He said he has warned the theatre several times that the electrical system was faulty. In addition, councilmen said, the exits from the balcony are far from adequate and the stairway could be blocked by a fire in the projection room. The booth floor is wooden, which councilmen said is a violation of fire laws in almost any large city.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 29, 1952: “The Harvey Bros. firm has taken a new ten-year lease on the Sage Theatre at Winnemucca and plans to remodel the house”
Boxoffice, Nov. 12, 1949: “Vincent Traina of San Jose plans to build a $100,000 drive-in on Christmas (sic) road near Highway 50. A 600-car capacity, the drive-in also will have a car hop system of concession sales and a daytime children’s carnival. Traina’s partners are Alex Balanesi and Stuart Fletcher, also of San Jose.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 29, 1949: “OREGON CITY, ORE. - Construction of a 900-car drive-in to be built at a cost of $200,000 by Amphitheatres, Inc., has been started on a 12½-acre site at Naef road and McLaughlin boulevard here. In-car heaters will be among facilities, and the grounds will be landscaped. The new drive-in is expected to be ready for opening next February or March, according to Phil Polsky, president of the firm.”
Adding a couple of names. Boxoffice, Sept. 14, 1949: “A. L. Berg and F. S. Miller opened their new Sunset Drive-In near Tumwater September 1”
Boxoffice, Oct. 1, 1949: “The Sunset Drive-In on Highway 99 near the Olympia airport, was opened recently by A. L. Berg and Fred S. Miller, owners. RCA sound and projection equipment is used in the 428-car situation.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 17, 1949: “GLENDIVE, MONT. - The Johnson Construction Co. was to start construction immediately on a new 300-car drive-in here. The construction firm, owned by brothers, will own the ozoner. Equipment includes Royal Sound Master speakers and booth equipment furnished by Holmes Projector Co.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 14, 1949: “Bill Foreman is moving his Auto-Vue Drive-In from McChord in Tacoma to the Highland, near the Narrows bridge which is being constructed across Puget Sound”
Boxoffice, Aug. 27, 1949: “The Warren has been opened here by Warren Gavin, owner and operator. The theatre is in a new building constructed of pumice stone and seats 512 persons. A fountain service is included in the building and can be entered without purchasing a theatre ticket. It also has a cry room. The Warren is the sixth theatre to operate in Missoula.”
Same drive-in? Boxoffice, Aug. 20, 1949: “LOVELL, WYO. - Al W. Davis of Byron is building a 300-car drive-in here. Equipment including Royal Soundmaster in-car speakers, is being furnished by the Holmes Projector Co., with L. S. Brown acting as the factory representative.”
Boxoffice, July 2, 1949: “The Canyon Drive-In has opened on the Bertha-Beaverton highway just off Canyon road near Beaverton. J. H. Sheffield and William G. Sinclair, both of Portland, describe the new venture as a 500-car capacity drive-in. The 54x40-foot screen was precut by Timber Structures, Inc.”
Boxoffice, August 6, 1949: “Bill and Mabel Sinclair have sold the stock in Clairfield, Inc., owners of the Canyon Drive-In near Beaverton. Art Adamson purchased Sinclair’s interest and will manage the ozoner in conjunction with his many other theatres. Clarence Tillman, former manager of Adamson’s drive-in between Corvallis and Albany, will be manager at this theatre. Theatre Exchange Co. represented the Sinclairs in the transaction”
Boxoffice, July 30, 1949: “MISSOULA, MONT. - Novel feature of the State Drive-In recently opened south of the city off U.S. 93 is a miniature electric train on which children are given free rides. Owned by the Theatre State Amusement Corp., the 450-car theatre was built under the supervision of Bill Powers. Contractors included the Pew Construction Co., the Electrical Shop, Ray Pew, C. W. Schmid Plumbing & Heating and the Montana Ready Mix Co.”
Boxoffice, July 2, 1949: “Work on the $200,000 remodeling on both the interior and exterior of the Bellflower is under way and reopening is expected around September 1. Upon completion, the theatre will be renamed the Nubell.”
Boxoffice, June 18, 1949: “BREMERTON, WASH. - The longest and most colorful commercial parade ever staged here was one of the new features arranged for the recent opening of the new $50,000 Rodeo Drive-In Theatre by Dwight Spracher of Seattle, Rex Thompson of Port Orchard and George Blair of Vashon Island, operators of the project. Blair is manager. More than a mile in length, the parade was led by Mayor Hum L. Kean and other local officials. Units in the lineup included more than 150 riders, a band and an auto caravan depicting special features of the new drive-in. Directional signs reading "Straight Ahead to the Rodeo Drive-In Theatre” were attached to poles along the main street and highway leading to the drive-in. About 125 inches of newspaper publicity and art were given to the opening by the Bremerton Sun, and three pages of co-op advertising by contractors and subcontractors dominated the paper. A Goodyear blimp relayed news flashes over the city on the opening day. A huge barbecue was arranged by the three partners for more than 350 guests from Washington, Oregon and California as a climax to the opening day activities."
Boxoffice, June 4, 1949: “The 500-car Falls Motor Vu Drive-In, opened by Edwin B. Pegram, is a $90,000 project built by Cartwright & Wilson of Utah and seven local subcontractors. The new drive-in, which opened the middle of last month, is located east of the city on Second avenue.”
Boxoffice, June 4, 1949: “ALBANY, ORE. - The $100,000 Midway Drive-In has opened between here and Corvallis on Highway 20. Owned by A. W. Adamson and Charles Whiteside, the 500-car ozoner covers a ten-acre site. C. E. Tillman is managing the theatre. The theatre has been under construction since last summer, and was slowed up by a critical drainage problem which was solved with the laying of 3,600 feet of eight-inch drainage tile.”
Boxoffice, May 28, 1949: “OTHELLO, WASH. - Finkbeiner’s Outdoor Theatre has opened on the west edge of Othello near the rodeo grounds. A portable power plant is being used until the Washington Water Power Co. makes a hookup to the lines. The drive-in accommodates 58 cars.”
Boxoffice, May 28, 1949: “HAVRE, MONT. - A 400-car drive-in theatre being built here by Emil Don-Tigny and Clarence Golder, operators of the Havre Theatre, is expected to be ready for opening about June 15. Expected to cost approximately $70,000, the open air theatre will have a 30x40-foot screen. Motiograph projection and sound equipment will be installed.”
Boxoffice, May 28, 1949: “Two Emmett theatremen, Rex Voeller and J. B. Giezentanner, are the new owners of the K&K Drive-In. Purchase arrangements were made with L. A. Knowles, representing K&K Corp. Voeller owns the Gem Aircraft Co. at Emmett and Giezentanner is owner-manager of the Ideal Theatre at Emmett.”
Boxoffice, March 19, 1949: “Wyoming drive-ins to be completed for spring opening include the Motor Vu, Cheyenne; Skyline, Casper; Skyline, Rawlins and West, Cody.”
Boxoffice, May 7, 1949: “Robert Adams has opened the 500-car Skyline Drive-In, Rawlins, Wyo., with Motiograph booth and sound and Service Theatre Supply speakers, bought from Ted Knox.:
Boxoffice, May 7, 1949: “Huish-Gilhool Theatre Enterprises opened their 810-seat Huish Theatre with city officials and film executives on hand for the affair. The new showcase is in a building with three other rental units, which are expected to be occupied in the near future. Although a modernistic atmosphere predominates in the design of the structure, a rustic touch is lent through the use of sandstone and the redwood finish. One of the most striking features is an 18-foot long mural in the inner foyer. It is a painted blown-up picture of Payson City and the surrounding valley taken from Payson summit. The boxoffice is at the side of the double glass-like entrance doors. The foyer contains a snack bar finished in redwood. Advertising frames in the inner foyer contrast with the modern motif, presenting a beveled appearance of old-fashioned picture frames. Even temperatures throughout the building are assured by the ventilating and heating system, and the air wash device further aids in keeping drafts and cross-currents down. The main auditorium occupies one entire floor with the manager’s office and a cry room on the second floor. The Huish, built as a memorial to the late Charles M. Huish, has been under construction for two years. Fred L. Markham of Provo was the architect. He was assisted by Rove Smith. Vincent A. Gilhool is the general manager in charge of the circuit house. The Huish is managed by Gene Braithwaite.”
I’m glad to have a point of agreement with Jamey_monroe45. The drive-in was at 2858 Willamette St. There’s a trailhead at 2858 South Willamette, but aerial photos indicate there was never a drive-in there.
Please remove the S. from the address for the drive-in.
Boxoffice, Dec. 24, 1949: “ARCATA, CALIF. - The Arden Theatre here reverted to its original name, the Minor, in celebration of its 35th anniversary, according to Pat Pratchen, manager … The old Minor, the first modern theatre in northern California, was opened Dec. 3, 1944 (sic!). It was built by Isaac Minor, pioneer settler of the county, who also built the first hall and theatre in Uniontown in 1884.”
Boxoffice, Dec. 3, 1949: “Louis Yager, druggist, and several other business men have opened the El Grande, a 400-seat theatre in Granby, Colo., giving that city its first regular theatre. They equipped it with Brenkert booth equipment and RCA sound, bought from Western Service & Supply”
Boxoffice, Dec. 3, 1949: “McMINNVILLE, ORE. - The 450-car drive-in theatre being erected here by Clifford Briggs is nearing completion, but it probably will not be operated until next spring. The screen tower and a building which will house the projection booth have been completed. When ready for opening, the theatre will have cost approximately $50,000.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 26, 1949: “WINNEMUCCA, NEV. - Members of the city council here have voted to order the Harvey Amusement Co., owner of the Sage Theatre here, either to improve the wiring in the Sage or have the license revoked and the theatre shut down. Henry Berk, building inspector, told the council that wiring in the building is in very poor shape and could cause a fire at any time. He said he has warned the theatre several times that the electrical system was faulty. In addition, councilmen said, the exits from the balcony are far from adequate and the stairway could be blocked by a fire in the projection room. The booth floor is wooden, which councilmen said is a violation of fire laws in almost any large city.”
Boxoffice, Nov. 29, 1952: “The Harvey Bros. firm has taken a new ten-year lease on the Sage Theatre at Winnemucca and plans to remodel the house”
Boxoffice, Nov. 12, 1949: “Vincent Traina of San Jose plans to build a $100,000 drive-in on Christmas (sic) road near Highway 50. A 600-car capacity, the drive-in also will have a car hop system of concession sales and a daytime children’s carnival. Traina’s partners are Alex Balanesi and Stuart Fletcher, also of San Jose.”
Boxoffice, Oct. 29, 1949: “OREGON CITY, ORE. - Construction of a 900-car drive-in to be built at a cost of $200,000 by Amphitheatres, Inc., has been started on a 12½-acre site at Naef road and McLaughlin boulevard here. In-car heaters will be among facilities, and the grounds will be landscaped. The new drive-in is expected to be ready for opening next February or March, according to Phil Polsky, president of the firm.”
Adding a couple of names. Boxoffice, Sept. 14, 1949: “A. L. Berg and F. S. Miller opened their new Sunset Drive-In near Tumwater September 1”
Boxoffice, Oct. 1, 1949: “The Sunset Drive-In on Highway 99 near the Olympia airport, was opened recently by A. L. Berg and Fred S. Miller, owners. RCA sound and projection equipment is used in the 428-car situation.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 17, 1949: “GLENDIVE, MONT. - The Johnson Construction Co. was to start construction immediately on a new 300-car drive-in here. The construction firm, owned by brothers, will own the ozoner. Equipment includes Royal Sound Master speakers and booth equipment furnished by Holmes Projector Co.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 14, 1949: “Bill Foreman is moving his Auto-Vue Drive-In from McChord in Tacoma to the Highland, near the Narrows bridge which is being constructed across Puget Sound”
Looks like the Starlite opened in the late summer of 1949.
Boxoffice, Aug. 6, 1949: “Another drive-in is scheduled to open soon in Rock Springs, Wyo.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 13, 1949: (Construction:) “Rock Springs, Wyo. - $50,000 drive-in to be built for Star Lite Theatre Co.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 3, 1949: (SLC notes) “The Star-Lite, a new drive-in, opened north of Rock Springs, Wyo., in the Salt Lake exchange area.”
Boxoffice, Sept. 10, 1949: (Openings:) “Rock Springs, Wyo. - Starlite Drive-In opened.”
Boxoffice, Aug. 27, 1949: “The Warren has been opened here by Warren Gavin, owner and operator. The theatre is in a new building constructed of pumice stone and seats 512 persons. A fountain service is included in the building and can be entered without purchasing a theatre ticket. It also has a cry room. The Warren is the sixth theatre to operate in Missoula.”
Same drive-in? Boxoffice, Aug. 20, 1949: “LOVELL, WYO. - Al W. Davis of Byron is building a 300-car drive-in here. Equipment including Royal Soundmaster in-car speakers, is being furnished by the Holmes Projector Co., with L. S. Brown acting as the factory representative.”
Boxoffice, July 2, 1949: “The Canyon Drive-In has opened on the Bertha-Beaverton highway just off Canyon road near Beaverton. J. H. Sheffield and William G. Sinclair, both of Portland, describe the new venture as a 500-car capacity drive-in. The 54x40-foot screen was precut by Timber Structures, Inc.”
Boxoffice, August 6, 1949: “Bill and Mabel Sinclair have sold the stock in Clairfield, Inc., owners of the Canyon Drive-In near Beaverton. Art Adamson purchased Sinclair’s interest and will manage the ozoner in conjunction with his many other theatres. Clarence Tillman, former manager of Adamson’s drive-in between Corvallis and Albany, will be manager at this theatre. Theatre Exchange Co. represented the Sinclairs in the transaction”
Boxoffice, July 30, 1949: “MISSOULA, MONT. - Novel feature of the State Drive-In recently opened south of the city off U.S. 93 is a miniature electric train on which children are given free rides. Owned by the Theatre State Amusement Corp., the 450-car theatre was built under the supervision of Bill Powers. Contractors included the Pew Construction Co., the Electrical Shop, Ray Pew, C. W. Schmid Plumbing & Heating and the Montana Ready Mix Co.”
Boxoffice, July 2, 1949: “Work on the $200,000 remodeling on both the interior and exterior of the Bellflower is under way and reopening is expected around September 1. Upon completion, the theatre will be renamed the Nubell.”
Boxoffice, June 18, 1949: “BREMERTON, WASH. - The longest and most colorful commercial parade ever staged here was one of the new features arranged for the recent opening of the new $50,000 Rodeo Drive-In Theatre by Dwight Spracher of Seattle, Rex Thompson of Port Orchard and George Blair of Vashon Island, operators of the project. Blair is manager. More than a mile in length, the parade was led by Mayor Hum L. Kean and other local officials. Units in the lineup included more than 150 riders, a band and an auto caravan depicting special features of the new drive-in. Directional signs reading "Straight Ahead to the Rodeo Drive-In Theatre” were attached to poles along the main street and highway leading to the drive-in. About 125 inches of newspaper publicity and art were given to the opening by the Bremerton Sun, and three pages of co-op advertising by contractors and subcontractors dominated the paper. A Goodyear blimp relayed news flashes over the city on the opening day. A huge barbecue was arranged by the three partners for more than 350 guests from Washington, Oregon and California as a climax to the opening day activities."
Boxoffice, June 4, 1949: “The 500-car Falls Motor Vu Drive-In, opened by Edwin B. Pegram, is a $90,000 project built by Cartwright & Wilson of Utah and seven local subcontractors. The new drive-in, which opened the middle of last month, is located east of the city on Second avenue.”
Boxoffice, June 4, 1949: “ALBANY, ORE. - The $100,000 Midway Drive-In has opened between here and Corvallis on Highway 20. Owned by A. W. Adamson and Charles Whiteside, the 500-car ozoner covers a ten-acre site. C. E. Tillman is managing the theatre. The theatre has been under construction since last summer, and was slowed up by a critical drainage problem which was solved with the laying of 3,600 feet of eight-inch drainage tile.”
Boxoffice, May 28, 1949: “OTHELLO, WASH. - Finkbeiner’s Outdoor Theatre has opened on the west edge of Othello near the rodeo grounds. A portable power plant is being used until the Washington Water Power Co. makes a hookup to the lines. The drive-in accommodates 58 cars.”
Boxoffice, May 28, 1949: “HAVRE, MONT. - A 400-car drive-in theatre being built here by Emil Don-Tigny and Clarence Golder, operators of the Havre Theatre, is expected to be ready for opening about June 15. Expected to cost approximately $70,000, the open air theatre will have a 30x40-foot screen. Motiograph projection and sound equipment will be installed.”
Boxoffice, May 28, 1949: “Two Emmett theatremen, Rex Voeller and J. B. Giezentanner, are the new owners of the K&K Drive-In. Purchase arrangements were made with L. A. Knowles, representing K&K Corp. Voeller owns the Gem Aircraft Co. at Emmett and Giezentanner is owner-manager of the Ideal Theatre at Emmett.”
Boxoffice, May 21, 1949: “CODY, WYO. - Richard Haberman and Robert Otwell have opened their new $50,000, 300-car West Drive-In near here.”
Boxoffice, March 19, 1949: “Wyoming drive-ins to be completed for spring opening include the Motor Vu, Cheyenne; Skyline, Casper; Skyline, Rawlins and West, Cody.”
Boxoffice, May 7, 1949: “Robert Adams has opened the 500-car Skyline Drive-In, Rawlins, Wyo., with Motiograph booth and sound and Service Theatre Supply speakers, bought from Ted Knox.:
Boxoffice, May 7, 1949: “Huish-Gilhool Theatre Enterprises opened their 810-seat Huish Theatre with city officials and film executives on hand for the affair. The new showcase is in a building with three other rental units, which are expected to be occupied in the near future. Although a modernistic atmosphere predominates in the design of the structure, a rustic touch is lent through the use of sandstone and the redwood finish. One of the most striking features is an 18-foot long mural in the inner foyer. It is a painted blown-up picture of Payson City and the surrounding valley taken from Payson summit. The boxoffice is at the side of the double glass-like entrance doors. The foyer contains a snack bar finished in redwood. Advertising frames in the inner foyer contrast with the modern motif, presenting a beveled appearance of old-fashioned picture frames. Even temperatures throughout the building are assured by the ventilating and heating system, and the air wash device further aids in keeping drafts and cross-currents down. The main auditorium occupies one entire floor with the manager’s office and a cry room on the second floor. The Huish, built as a memorial to the late Charles M. Huish, has been under construction for two years. Fred L. Markham of Provo was the architect. He was assisted by Rove Smith. Vincent A. Gilhool is the general manager in charge of the circuit house. The Huish is managed by Gene Braithwaite.”