DriveInHistory

This original photo was taken on the first night of operation of the Weirs Drive-In. At that time, we had pole mounted speakers for each auto. This early system has since been replaced with transmitted F.M. stereo radio sound. At that time we had but one viewing screen. Today the Drive-In provides first run movies on four different screens.

OPENING NIGHT AT THE WEIRS DRIVE-IN

1949

History of Drive-In Theaters

The first Drive-In theater was invented by Richard Hollingshead of New Jersey in 1930. He applied for a Patent in 1932 and was granted Patent Rights in 1933. With a bed sheet hung in place in his backyard and a projector mounted on the hood of his automobile, he worked out all the neccessary details that later would be incorporated by Drive-In theaters around the world. Mr. Hollingshead was not first to project motion pictures outside, but he was first to envision the concept of viewing motion pictures from the comfort of the automobile.

Between 1933 and1939, 18 Drive-In theaters were opened in the United States. In the 1940s, Drive-In theaters grew in number to over 800. By the 1950's Drive-In locations grew to an astounding 5000!! Not only did they grow in number, but in size also. One theater in New York had parking for more than 2500 automobiles along with an indoor theater with a capacity of 1200 movie watchers, a playground, a cafeteria, a restaurant with a full menu, and a shuttle train to transport patrons from their automobiles to various areas of the 28 acre complex ! A few theaters of the time could accommadate upward to 3000 automobiles!

As the number of theaters grew, competing theaters offered many special attractions such as, Mini-Train Rides, Pony Rides, Boat Rides, Animal Shows, and Mini Golf courses. Playgrounds with seesaws and small rides along with concession stands and a great variety of foods.... Fried chicken, sandwiches, hamburgers, pizza, soft drinks, candy to name only a few... were common features of the Drive-In Theater.

Drive-In theaters would open as many as 3 hours before showtime and customers would bring their children early to play and enjoy the late afternoons. During the late 1950's with the advent of television and later video recorders, the Drive-In industry suffered from declining patrons and by the early 1980's the Drive-In theaters in operation had dwindled to less than 3500. The 80s started out fair for the industry but by the end of the decade the numbers were down to less than 900 and dropping fast!

Then, in the 1990's, something happened. The Drive-In Theater was rediscovered, The American Drive-In theater re-established itself and movie goers were once again discovering the magic of enjoying a night under the stars at the "big picture show".

We do hope you enjoy your visit with us and this great American icon- "The Drive-In Theater"