Egyptian Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Herrin, IL Photos courtesy Emily Priddy
Welcome to the Egyptian Drive-In Theatre, one of the most famous drive-ins ever built. Its claim to fame was a gigantic movie screen that, when erected in 1955, was recognized as the largest drive-in screen in the United States. Whether it was truly the world's largest is harder to verify, but there was no denying it was an impressive sight. By the summer of 2003, however, the theater was in the process of being demolished, marking the end of another classic ozoner.
The Egyptian opened in 1948 and steadily expanded over the years, growing from about 400 to more than 650 parking spaces. Families came for more than just the movies. The drive-in featured a kiddie park with pony rides and a miniature train, making it a destination long before the sun went down. After operating under the Kerasotes theater chain for several years, ownership eventually returned to the Smith family before the theater's final chapter.
Following the death of longtime owner Alene Smith in 2001, the family operated the drive-in for one last season before selling the property to accommodate the expansion of the nearby airport. Watching the giant screen come down in 2003 was a sad reminder that even some of America's most famous drive-ins couldn't escape development.
UPDATE: The Egyptian Drive-In Theatre closed after the 2002 season and was demolished in 2003. The property is now part of the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois expansion, and nothing of the drive-in remains. 06-26
Screen
tower back Photo courtesy Emily Priddy
Screen
tower view Photo courtesy Emily Priddy
Route
34 Drive-in Theatre
Earlville, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Route 34 Drive-In Theatre sits just off U.S. Route 34, making it an easy stop for anyone traveling through north-central Illinois. When I visited, the neatly manicured grounds made it obvious this wasn't a drive-in simply hanging on. It looked healthy, well cared for, and ready for another busy night under the stars.
Originally opened in 1954 as the Dyas 34 Drive-In, the theater remained under the ownership of founder Charlie Dyas for nearly 40 years before passing to Ron Magnoni Jr. in 1993. After his passing in 2023, longtime patrons Paul and Shelley Bottomley stepped in and purchased the drive-in, ensuring that this Illinois favorite would continue welcoming moviegoers.
One of the things that makes Route 34 special is that it still offers both the old and the new. Modern digital projection and FM radio sound keep the movies looking and sounding great, but the first six rows still have the original post-mounted speakers for anyone wanting the full drive-in experience. The classic concession stand is another highlight, serving favorites like Green River soda and hand-dipped corn dogs.
UPDATE: The Route 34 Drive-In Theatre remains open seasonally as a single-screen drive-in. Its original marquee, classic concession stand, and vintage speaker posts continue to make it one of Illinois' best-preserved outdoor theaters. 06-26
Airway Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
St Ann, MO Photo courtesy Dennis Dixson
The Airway Drive-In Theatre may be gone, but its eye-catching marquee is still doing exactly what it was designed to do—grab your attention. If the sign looks familiar, that's because it once welcomed moviegoers to one of St. Louis County's most popular drive-ins. Today it stands at the entrance to the Airway Centre shopping plaza, making it one of the few drive-in signs to receive a second life instead of ending up in the scrapyard.
The Airway opened in 1948 with Walt Disney's Song of the South and quickly became a favorite destination for outdoor movies. Originally built for 500 cars, it later expanded into the Airway Twin and eventually accommodated as many as 1,000 vehicles. Over the years the theater was operated by both General Cinema and Wehrenberg Theatres before closing sometime during the mid-to-late 1980s.
The real star, however, has always been the sign. Featuring a neon baton-twirling majorette whose baton appeared to spin when illuminated, it became one of the St. Louis area's most recognizable roadside landmarks. Fortunately, local officials recognized its importance and worked with developers to preserve and restore it when the shopping center replaced the drive-in.
UPDATE: The drive-in has long been demolished and the property is now occupied by the Airway Centre shopping plaza. Thankfully, the restored neon marquee still stands as a designated St. Louis County landmark. 06-26
Sundance Kid Drive-in Theatre
Oregon, Ohio Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
Set in a scenic location just outside Toledo, the Sundance Kid Drive-In Theatre has always been a great place to spend a summer evening. The entrance sits across from Pearson Metropark, giving the drive-in a surprisingly picturesque setting that's a little different from many others. It's easy to see why this has remained a favorite with moviegoers for generations.
The theater originally opened in 1949 as the Parkside Drive-In with room for more than 600 cars. A second screen was added in 1978, and after new ownership took over in 1989, it was renamed the Sundance Kid Drive-In. Like many surviving drive-ins, it has gone through several name changes and ownership transitions over the years, but the movies have continued to play.
Its future looked uncertain when lease issues threatened to close the theater in 2022. Fortunately, community support kept it alive long enough for new ownership to step in during 2024. The new operators have embraced the drive-in's nostalgic appeal, renovating the concession building with a 1950s diner theme, adding a sweet shop and arcade, and giving the entire property a fresh start while preserving its classic atmosphere.
UPDATE: Now operating as the Sundance Drive-In, the theater remains open seasonally with two screens. The roadside sign still welcomes moviegoers, and recent renovations have helped secure its future. 06-26
Egyptian Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Following the death of longtime owner Alene Smith in 2001, the family operated the drive-in for one last season before selling the property to accommodate the expansion of the nearby airport. Watching the giant screen come down in 2003 was a sad reminder that even some of America's most famous drive-ins couldn't escape development.
Route
34 Drive-in Theatre
One of the things that makes Route 34 special is that it still offers both the old and the new. Modern digital projection and FM radio sound keep the movies looking and sounding great, but the first six rows still have the original post-mounted speakers for anyone wanting the full drive-in experience. The classic concession stand is another highlight, serving favorites like Green River soda and hand-dipped corn dogs.
Sundance Kid Drive-in Theatre
