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.  

Originally published September, 2020.