Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre
Gibson City, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Theatre was packed the night I stopped by. Cars filled the lot, the snack bar was buzzing, and I couldn't help but notice people walking across the street carrying take-out pizza back to their vehicles. It was one of those evenings that reminded me why drive-ins have managed to survive while so many others have faded away.
Originally opened in 1954, the Harvest Moon has remained a summertime tradition for generations. Today it operates with two screens, giving moviegoers a choice of double features throughout the season. Rather than giving up as film projection disappeared, the theater successfully raised more than $250,000 through community support and loans in 2013 to convert to modern digital projection, ensuring it could continue showing first-run movies.
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Lot
Gibson City, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Harvest Moon has also expanded the experience beyond just movies. Along with its classic snack bar, you'll find the Burger Barn serving hot food on weekends and the seasonal Tiki Hut for ice cream and shaved ice. Those food sales help keep the theater going, and even the optional outside food permits benefit a good cause, with a portion of the proceeds donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
UPDATE: The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre remains open seasonally with two screens, its neon marquee, and a full schedule of double features from spring through late fall. 06-26
Elm Road Drive-in
Warren OH Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
The Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre marquee brings colorful lettering and starbursts to Warren’s roadside. After dark, the neon provides a convincing invitation to see what’s playing.
Opened on August 3, 1950, the Hreno family’s theater added a second screen in 1979 and a third in 2005. Digital projection and FM sound modernized the presentation, while the playground, patios and concession stand kept the familiar family atmosphere.
UPDATE: Elm Road remains family owned and operates seasonally with three screens. Its distinctive neon marquee still welcomes another generation of outdoor movie fans. 06-26
Belmont Auto Drive-in (Demolished)
Dayton OH Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
The Belmont Auto Theatre entertained Dayton-area audiences from August 1947 through 1997. Growing from 400 to 700 parking spaces, it embraced CinemaScope, stereophonic sound and 3-D projection.
A four-projector setup allowed uninterrupted 3-D features, while loaned in-car heaters extended moviegoing into winter. Quite a bit of equipment behind a night at the drive-in.
The theater rebuilt after a 1948 screen fire and a destructive 1962 windstorm, but eventually reached its final season.
UPDATE: Belmont was demolished around 2002. The property became part of Miami Valley Research Park, with nothing remaining of the drive-in. 06-26
Diana Drive-in Theatre (Closed)
Carlinville, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The weathered Diana Drive-in Theatre marquee marks a quiet, overgrown movie site near Carlinville’s old Route 66 alignment. Its blank reader board offers little hint of the summer crowds once gathered behind it.
Historically called the Diane Drive-In, it opened in 1952 with room for 300 cars. The operators also ran downtown Carlinville’s Marvel Theatre, giving local audiences a choice between indoor seats and an evening beneath the stars.
Diana Drive-in marquee
Carlinville, IL Photo courtesy Don Gardner
A 1978 fire damaged the original screen, which was replaced with a smaller structure. The comeback lasted only a few years before the drive-in closed in 1981.
UPDATE: Here's a newer photo of the Diana Drive-in marquee. Check out the graffiti that now dominates the sign. 04-06
UPDATE: The drive-in remains abandoned and overgrown. The deteriorating marquee still stands, but the theater has been closed since 1981 and shows no signs of returning. 06-26
Dixie Drive-in
Vandalia, OH Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
The Dixie Drive-In Theatre has attracted attention along North Dixie Drive since 1957. Its familiar roadside presence made it hard to miss on an evening through the Dayton area.
Originally a single-screen theater, it expanded to two screens with room for about 900 cars. Digital projection and FM sound kept the movies current, while the Sunday Paris Flea Market brought daytime visitors through the gates.
UPDATE: Dixie Twin remains open seasonally alongside its flea market. The original marquee has been replaced, but the property continues offering more than one reason to pull off the road. 06-26
Elm Road Drive-in
Belmont Auto Drive-in (Demolished)
Diana Drive-in marquee
Dixie Drive-in
