Lake Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Celina OH
Photo courtesy Mark Hackett

If you're in the mood for an old-fashioned drive-in movie, the Lake Drive-In Theatre was once a great place to spend an evening just outside Celina. The marquee out by the road had plenty of mid-century charm, but what always caught my eye were the distinctive red helmet-shaped lamps lining the entrance driveway. Little details like that gave the place its own personality. 08-08

The theater was already entertaining moviegoers by the early 1950s, when operator Tom Bochert sold his theater interests. Although the exact opening year hasn't been definitively verified, the Lake remained a popular local destination for generations. Like many surviving drive-ins, it eventually planned a conversion to digital projection in an effort to keep up with changing technology.

Unfortunately, the Lake closed permanently in June 2011 and the property was later redeveloped. It's always disappointing to lose another drive-in, especially one with a marquee and entrance that had so much character. One thing to keep in mind is that another Ohio drive-in near Mt. Orab also operated as the Lake Drive-In, and the two are often confused in online sources.

UPDATE: The Lake Drive-in is closed up now and is up for sale. They are planning to sell it and it will not be opening anymore as a Drive-in Theatre. Many thanks to David Hughes for update. 06-11

UPDATE: The drive-in has been demolished and the site has been redeveloped for commercial use. The marquee and entrance lamps are gone, and there is no verified information indicating they were preserved. 06-26

Midway Drive-in Theatre
Ravenna, OH
Photo and info courtesy Steve Felder

Just east of Kent along State Route 59 sits the Midway Drive-In Theatre, one of Ohio's oldest surviving drive-ins. Named for its location midway between Kent and Ravenna, the theater has been welcoming moviegoers since 1955. The vintage entrance marquee still sets the mood, making it easy to imagine what pulling in here must have felt like decades ago.

The Midway was designed by noted drive-in architect Jack K. Vogel and originally featured one of his distinctive rounded blue screen towers. For years it was one of the last Vogel screens still standing before a severe winter storm destroyed it in 2000. Although the original tower is gone, the replacement screen allowed the theater to carry on. At some point a second screen was added, giving moviegoers two different films to choose from each night, though the exact year of the expansion hasn't been verified.

Like many successful drive-ins, the Midway has evolved with the times while keeping its nostalgic appeal. Digital projection and FM radio have replaced film reels and window speakers, but families still spread out lawn chairs, blankets, and pillows under the stars for an evening at the movies. The concession stand remains a big part of the experience, and summer weekends often include live music before the first feature begins.

Midway Drive-in Theatre Sign Close-up
Ravenna, OH
Photo and info courtesy Steve Felder

UPDATE: The Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre remains open seasonally with two screens and its original roadside marquee. Although the iconic Vogel screen tower was lost in 2000, the drive-in continues to be one of Ohio's longest-running outdoor theaters. 06-26

Bel-Air Drive-in (Demolished)
Cicero, IL
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The Bel-Air Drive-in was one of the Chicago area's larger outdoor theaters, and when I photographed it, it was still in remarkably good shape and showing first-run movies. From the street, it looked like it still had plenty of life left in it, making it hard to imagine the place would soon disappear. It was one of those drive-ins that seemed built to last.

Opened in 1956, the Bel-Air started with a single screen before quickly adding a second mounted back-to-back with the original. A third screen followed in 1979, allowing the theater to offer even more movie choices. At its peak, the Bel-Air could accommodate well over 1,000 cars, making it one of the largest drive-ins in the region. In its later years, it was even operated by Loews Cineplex, something rarely seen at a drive-in theater.

Unfortunately, legal disputes with the Town of Cicero and the changing movie business eventually caught up with the Bel-Air. The theater closed after its 2000 season, and the buildings and screen towers were demolished several years later. It's another reminder that even places that look healthy and busy can disappear surprisingly fast.

UPDATE: This drive-in closed down soon after these photos were taken. Yes, another ozoner has now become just a memory. 07-04

UPDATE: The Bel-Air Drive-In was demolished in 2007 and the property has since been redeveloped for commercial use. The marquee and theater structures no longer survive. 06-26

More photos below: