Our family loves going to the drive-in instead of the indoor theater whenever possible. Besides the lower cost, the atmosphere is so relaxing. We arrive early to get settled. This entailsgrabbing a good spot, unfolding our chairs, laying out our blankets,grabbing concessions and visiting before the movie begins. The kidslike to play football or Frisbee with other kids who gather in thegrassy “play” area.
If we go with friends, we park together and make the evening asocial event. Friends with trucks park backwards and sit in the truckbed for a higher vantage point. Then, we tune our car radio on theappropriate station, attach our window-mounted speakers provided andrelax. Young children who can’t make it through the entire feature canfall asleep in the car making a peaceful movie experience for all.
History
According to historical information found on DriveInTheater.com, the first drive-in theatre opened in Camden, New Jersey on June 6, 1933. Over 500 motorists attended and paid 25¢ per person or one dollar per car load. By the 1940s, drive-ins were popping up all over the country. The heightof drive-in popularity occurred post World War II as new families werelooking for inexpensive, fun family entertainment.
From 1948-1958, drive-ins grew from about 1,000 to almost 5,000nationwide. During this time, drive-in owners added playgrounds andother attractions for the full entertainment of baby-boomer families.Unfortunately, times changed. Industry experts cite the development ofcable and satellite television, VCRs, DVDs and home pay-per-view moviesfor the decline in drive-in popularity. By the 1970s, a majority ofdrive-in owners pulled their playground equipment as they began to seefewer families at the theatres. By the 1980s, many drive-in theatersclosed. However, not all drive-ins met this fate. While some neverclosed, others have been restored and reopened after sitting vacant forperiods of time. Many Americans are rediscovering this great familyattraction.
Local Drive-Ins
Oklahoma once boasted nearly 100 drive-in theatres during the heyday of the 1950s. Today, the state has six operational drive-ins; fortunately, two of these theatres are located in the Oklahoma City Metro area.
The Winchester
6930 S Western, OKC
The Winchester has been in the Shanbour family since Farris Shanbour built the theatre in 1968. While four brothers originally ran the theatre (the family also once owned anumber of Metro-area indoor movie cinemas), brothers Kamal and Lindyrun the theater today. “We’re gonna be here as long as we can,” Lindyassures his patrons via his website.
The cost to enter the drive-in is only $5 for adults and $3 forchildren 3-10, under 3 free. Most concessions cost less than $3. Manynights, the Winchester shows a double or even triple feature so you getthe savings of seeing several movies for the price of one.
The Winchester is open April-October (weekends only during springand fall, but nightly during the summer months). For information onmovies and show times, call 405-631-8851, or visit WinchesterDrive-In.com.
The Beacon Drive In
2404 S Division, Guthrie
The Beacon’s ownership and history go back tothe early 1920s. Marsh Powell, the current owner, has run the theaterwith his wife Nancy since the mid-80s. The Marsh family history withmovie
theaters runs deep. Marsh’s grandfather, Al Powell, opened thecurrently named Pollard Theatre in downtown Guthrie as a silent movieand vaudeville house in the early 1920s. In 1950, the elder Powellopened and ran the Beacon until 1953 when he handed the reins to hisson, Bob Powell. Bob ran the drive-in until the mid 1980s when hepassed the business over to his son, Marsh. The Powell’s young adultchildren now help run the Beacon which means it could stay in thefamily for generations to come.
Marsh says that business has been steady over the years and wants to make sure people remember the drive-in when considering movie entertainment. Attending the drive-in is just “good, clean, family fun” Marsh acknowledges.
The Beacon is open weekends in the spring and fall, and nightly from June-August. Cost is $5 adults, $2 children 3-11, under three free. A concession stand is available for low-pricedmovie fare. During the season, find movie and show time information at405-282-4512 or BeaconDrive-In.com.
Other Oklahoma Drive-In Theaters
Admiral Twin Drive-In
Location: 7355 E Eastern St, Tulsa
Opened: 1951
Opens for Season: March 27
For show times: 918-838-3114 or SelectCinemas.com
Tower Drive-In
Location: Hwy. 271, North Poteau (eastern Oklahoma)
Opened: 1950
Opens for Season: April
For show times: 918-647-3606 or TowerDriveIn.com
Chief Drive-In
Location: 4400 S 4th St, Chickasha
Opened: 1949
Opens for Season: Year-round (weekends only in winter, spring and fall)
For show times: 405-224-1515 or ChiefDriveInTheatre.com
Corral Drive-In
Location: 926 SW Highway 54, Guymon (panhandle)
Opened: Restored and re-opening March 2009
Opens for Season: March 13 (soft opening), March 27 (grand opening)
For show times: 580-338-3748 or website: CorralDriveIn.com
Karen Mitchell, a life-long resident of the Oklahoma City metroarea, has been married to Mark since 1983 and is the mother of twoteenagers. With a degree in Journalism and a career in sales, Karen isenjoying her return to writing.