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.
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.
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in Lot
Gibson City, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
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
Travelers passing through Warren can't help but notice the Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre. Its colorful marquee, complete with googie-style starbursts, has been turning heads since 1950 and looks even better after dark when the neon comes to life. It's exactly the kind of sign that makes you want to pull in and see what's playing.
The drive-in opened on August 3, 1950, and has remained in the hands of the Hreno family ever since. To keep pace with changing times, the theater expanded from one screen to two in 1979, then added a third in 2005, making it Ohio's only triple-screen drive-in. It later upgraded all three screens to digital projection while continuing to broadcast movie audio over FM radio.
Beyond the movies, Elm Road has kept much of the classic drive-in experience alive. Families can still enjoy the playground before the show, relax on the outdoor patios, and grab dinner or snacks from the large concession stand. It's easy to see why this theater has remained a summertime tradition for generations.
UPDATE: The Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre remains family owned and continues operating seasonally with three screens. Its iconic neon marquee still welcomes moviegoers to one of Ohio's most distinctive drive-ins. 06-26
Belmont Auto Drive-in (Demolished)
Dayton OH Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
Another fallen hero of the drive-in era, the Belmont Auto Theatre entertained Dayton-area moviegoers for 50 years before closing in 1997. It wasn't just another neighborhood ozoner, either. The Belmont earned a reputation for embracing new technology, becoming the first drive-in in the region to offer true stereophonic sound. It was easy to see why the theater had such a loyal following.
The Belmont officially opened in August 1947 and eventually expanded from 400 to 700 parking spaces. Over the years it introduced CinemaScope, 3-D movies, and even installed an unusual four-projector system so 3-D features could be shown without interruption. The theater also operated two concession stands and, during the winter months, even loaned in-car heaters so moviegoers could enjoy films year-round.
The Belmont survived more than its share of challenges. Its original screen tower was destroyed by fire in 1948 and a replacement was later blown down during a violent windstorm in 1962. Both times the theater rebuilt and carried on, but changing times eventually proved to be a tougher obstacle. The property was sold in the 1980s, with the theater leasing the land until its final season in 1997.
UPDATE: The Belmont Auto Theatre was demolished around 2002, and the property has since been redeveloped as part of the Miami Valley Research Park. Nothing of the drive-in remains today. 06-26
Diana Drive-in Theatre (Closed)
Carlinville, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Diana Drive-in Theatre sits quietly along one of the old alignments of Route 66, looking much the way it has for decades. The weathered marquee still stands with its blank reader board, while the overgrown lot behind it offers only hints of what was once a busy summer gathering place. It's the kind of forgotten roadside landmark that's hard to drive past without stopping for a closer look.
Historically, the theater was known as the Diane Drive-In. It opened in 1952 with room for 300 cars and was operated by the same family that owned Carlinville's Marvel Theatre downtown. In 1978, a fire heavily damaged the original screen tower, forcing the owners to replace it with a much smaller structure. The drive-in continued operating for only a few more years before closing permanently in 1981.
Today, the marquee has become the most recognizable survivor of the property. Although faded and long since dark, it still marks the entrance to a place where families once gathered to watch movies under the stars. For anyone exploring the back roads and old Route 66 alignments through central Illinois, it's a fascinating reminder of how quickly these places can fade away.
Diana Drive-in marquee
Carlinville, IL Photo courtesy Don Gardner
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 been catching the attention of travelers along North Dixie Drive since 1957. While I can't confirm the old story about a roadside warrior's buddy nearly impaling himself after spotting the sign, I can say the marquee has always been one of those landmarks that's hard to miss. Whether the tale is fact or fiction, the theater itself is the real attraction.
Originally opened as a single-screen drive-in, the Dixie later expanded into a twin-screen operation with room for about 900 cars. Like many successful drive-ins, it has adapted with the times by converting to digital projection and FM radio sound while continuing to offer the classic experience of watching a movie under the stars.
The theater has also found another way to keep people coming through the gates. On Sunday mornings, the grounds host the popular Paris Flea Market, giving the property a second life when movies aren't playing. Although the original roadside marquee was eventually replaced after decades of service, the entrance still retains its retro character and remains one of the best-known drive-in landmarks in the Dayton area.
UPDATE: The Dixie Twin Drive-In Theatre remains open seasonally with two screens and continues operating alongside its popular Sunday flea market. Although the original marquee has been replaced, the theater remains a thriving roadside landmark. 06-26
Elm Road Drive-in
Belmont Auto Drive-in (Demolished)
Diana Drive-in marquee
Dixie Drive-in
