Marveling at an American treasure
Outdoor movie screens offer nighttime pleasure
Drive-ins share their unique personality
Double features, hometown hospitality
Big screen stars on America’s movie night
Under the night sky, Hollywood’s best shine bright
Notable scenes from drive-ins come to the screen
Danny and Sandy from “Grease” making the scene
Winning combination fuels drive-ins’ success
Love of movies plus cars, who would ever guess?
Practicing social distancing, cars spread out
Another summer night, film-inspired blowout
Family piles into the station wagon
Good thing we traded that tiny Volkswagen
Mom and Dad, reservations in the front seat
Wearing pajamas, kids view from the back seat
Transporting all of us to a place of fun
Kids become quiet . . . fall asleep, one by one
Comfy family night under twilight’s stars
Slice of Americana, with movie stars
Practicing social distance before anyone knew what it meant, America’s drive-ins have been a fixture since arriving in New Jersey in 1933. Following World War II, the American landscape exploded with new drive-ins. By 1952, outdoor movie attendance exceeded indoor theaters for the first time. During the 1950s, the number of drive-ins peaked at 5,000 or so.
I miss going to Drive Ins
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I agree Matt. There were a wonderful slice of American life. Fortunately, some still exist, and a few have made a comeback during these times of “social distancing.”
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Hey, who has the wherewithal and cash to bring them back. Naturally socially distanced. Very different than a movie theater. Shall they make a comeback?
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Jordan, you always bring a welcome fresh perspective. A few drive-ins still endure, and some have benefited from the need to socially distance.
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Thank you. I appreciate that.
There was a drive-thru right down the street from my house when I was a kid. I would climb out the window and watch the movies as silent pictures. Cool experience. Indelible memory. Glad to see them waking from their sleep as a Covid Blessing of social distancing.
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Your wonderful poem can be the Ode to Their Return. The eulogy turned baptism.
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Yes Jordan, a rebirth of drive-ins is underway. Let’s hope it lasts for many years.
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This brings back memories of my childhood. We wore our pajamas and were always asleep before the end. Thanks for this trip down memory lane!
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Susan, your words describe a beautiful night. I have similar memories.
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wonderful, Richard. This brings back such good memories. It seems they are making a bit of a comeback…
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Thanks Jim for adding to the memories many have with drive-ins. Yes, a few are making a comeback. Believe it or not, there is a drive-in still operating on the southside of Columbus.
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that is amazing that there was still one in Columbus… I hope it has seen an increase in business during the lockdown…
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Oh yes, I remember those days! Great fun!!! ❤
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Jan, thanks for adding to the memories others have been sharing. There is still a drive-in operating on the southside of Columbus.
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Memories of days gone by.
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Yes Crissy. There are still a few drive-ins operating. In fact, one is still alive and well on the southside of Columbus, Ohio.
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I never experienced this, but I recall drive-ins was a big thing back then.
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In a few American communities, drive-ins have been making a bit of a comeback during this pandemic. Social distancing has found a 21st century place to park.
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Wished they were around, never been to one before
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Jim, there are a few drive-ins still around. With social distancing becoming a necessary way of life for many, some have even begun to thrive again. There is one still operating on the southside of Columbus, Ohio.
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Wow I wish these exist in my area!
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