Pioneer Drive-In
5425 TX-36,
Rising Star,
TX
76471
5425 TX-36,
Rising Star,
TX
76471
1 person
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Last advertised show was November 30, 1975 with “Race with the Devil.”
A closer address is 5425 TX-36, Rising Star, TX.
Google Maps has updated their addresses and this puts it right in the center of the property.
Today, the outline and ramps are fading, but still somewhat visible. The projection booth/concession stand is still there, I think, although heavily refurbished and with a separate roof.
There is a structure standing where the ticket booth once stood and it may very well be the ticket booth. But I can’t say for sure.
https://tinyurl.com/yn2enhts
Opened September 9, 1954 with “Son of Paleface.”
Another date hint. Variety, Nov. 3, 1954: “Pioneer Drive-In opened between Cross Plains and Rising Star by Bob Vaught and Hugh Millingion. The ozoner is C’Scope-equipped.”
Motion Picture Exhibitor, Dec. 20, 1961: “Buford Kanz, Pioneer Drive-In, Cross Plains, Tex., has accepted a position in Mount Carmel, Ill., and his parents will operate the drive-in during his absence.”
Billboard, Aug. 21, 1954: “R. L. Vaught and High Millington are building a 300-car capacity drive-in at a site between Rising Star and Cross Plains, Tex. It is expected to be completed by September.”
Billboard, Nov. 20, 1954: “Bob Vaught and Hugh Millington have opened the new Pioneer Drive-In between Rising Star and Cross Hains, Tex. It is equipped with CinemaScope.”
The address is TX-36 & Co Rd 251, Cross Plains, TX.
Today, it is private property with a small store on the front of the lot, but you can still see the ramps.
https://tinyurl.com/y72ml7f9
I’ve driven through Cross Plains many times. Last trip, the lady curator at the Robert E. Howard House said the Pioneer was “East on Route 36,” but I never could find anything resembling a former drive-in on any of the map apps. Finally I saw a note somewhere that it was “…about seven miles East, halfway to Rising Star,” implying that it served both communities. There’s a small lot on the south side of 36 about 1 km East of the “Pioneer Cemetery” with curved ridges looking like a drive-in parking area. This also fits with another description I saw, “containing a trailer house and a few unidentified structures.” I think this is the most likely location.
From 1986 in Cross Plains a photo of the Pioneer Drive-In Theater.
Thanks Mike.
The old PIONEER DRIVE-in parked in 1956, 200 cars and was owned by R. Vaughtand & H. Millington.