Harvest Moon Theatre
Gibson City, IL Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre was packing them in on this breezy summer night. Cars filled the lot, the snack bar was busy, and a steady stream of people could even be seen walking across the street with take-out pizza before the show. It looked like the perfect summer evening at the drive-in. 11-20
Opened in 1954, the Harvest Moon is one of Illinois' longest-running drive-ins. While most outdoor theaters have faded away, this one has continued to draw crowds by staying true to the classic drive-in experience.
The vintage marquee along Route 47 is one of the theater's best features. With its glowing neon and classic reader board, it's the kind of sign that still gets your attention from down the road.
UPDATE: The Harvest Moon Drive-In is still going strong today. Both screens are in operation, the classic marquee still greets moviegoers, and it's easy to see why this old drive-in remains a favorite summer destination. 07-26
Georgetown Drive-in Theatre
Georgetown, IN Photo courtesy Rosalind Causey
The Georgetown Drive-in Theatre has been entertaining moviegoers since 1951 and remains one of Indiana's great summer traditions. The twin-screen theater is best known for its classic neon marquee, complete with a bright red arrow that still points the way to another night under the stars. It's the kind of sign that's hard to drive past without wondering what's playing. 08-06
Originally built with a single screen, the Georgetown later expanded to two screens while holding onto the charm that has kept families coming back for generations. Unlike many surviving drive-ins, it still has its original playground sitting beneath the screen, where kids can burn off a little energy before the movies begin.
The Georgetown has done a nice job blending old and new. Digital projection and FM radio provide a modern movie experience, while vintage window speakers are still available for anyone wanting to enjoy a film the old-fashioned way.
One thing that hasn't changed is the atmosphere. As the sun goes down, lawn chairs come out, the concession stand gets busy, and the glow of the marquee lets everyone know another evening at the drive-in is about to begin. It's easy to see why this theater has remained a favorite for so many years.
UPDATE: The Georgetown Drive-In Theatre is still going strong more than 70 years after opening. Both screens continue to operate, the classic neon marquee still greets moviegoers, and it's one of the few places where a summer night at the drive-in still feels much like it did decades ago. 07-26
Skyway Drive-in Theatre
Fish Creek, WI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Here's a couple of nighttime shots of the Skyway Drive-in Theatre, one of Wisconsin's true roadside treasures. The colorful neon marquee looks even better after dark, welcoming moviegoers the same way it has for generations. If there was ever a sign made for a summer evening, this is it. 07-07
The Skyway opened in 1950 and is the longest continuously operating drive-in theater in Wisconsin. Tucked between Fish Creek and Ephraim in beautiful Door County, it has become a summertime tradition for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a movie beneath the stars.
While the theater has embraced digital projection over the years, it hasn't forgotten its roots. The snack bar still has much of its original 1950s feel, and a few rows continue to offer vintage window speakers for anyone wanting to hear the movie the old-fashioned way.
Skyway Drive-in Theatre
Fish Creek, WI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Of course, it's the marquee that steals the show. With its cartoon-style lettering, glowing neon border, and classic reader board, it's the kind of sign that makes you smile before you've even bought a ticket. It probably convinced more than a few passing motorists to pull in over the years.
UPDATE: The Skyway Drive-In Theatre is still going strong after more than 75 years. The classic neon marquee continues to light up Highway 42, and the theater remains one of Wisconsin's best places to catch a first-run movie on a warm summer night. 07-26
13-24 Drive-in Theatre
Wabash, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Check out the sweeping arrow on the 13-24 Drive-in Theatre in Wabash. It's the kind of roadside sign that grabs your attention from down the highway and leaves little doubt where to turn for a night at the movies. Best of all, it's still doing its job today. 11-07
The drive-in opened in 1951 and takes its unusual name from its location near the junction of State Road 13 and U.S. 24. For generations, families have pulled through the gate to enjoy movies beneath one of Indiana's largest outdoor screens.
The marquee is the real star of the property. That long neon arrow points directly toward the box office, making it one of Indiana's most recognizable drive-in signs. It probably sold plenty of movie tickets over the years.
Fortunately, the theater was preserved in 2011 and continues to thrive today with modern projection while keeping the classic drive-in experience alive.
UPDATE: The 13-24 Drive-In Theatre is still operating seasonally, and the famous neon arrow continues welcoming moviegoers for another night under the stars. 07-26
ABC Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Noblesville, IN Photo and info courtesy Alan Culley
Check out the neon lettering on the marquee of the ABC Drive-In Theatre in Noblesville. The simple sign may not have been flashy, but it had all the character a drive-in needed to let passing motorists know a movie was playing. 01-08
The ABC opened in 1951 and entertained moviegoers for more than forty years before showing its final films in 1994. Like many drive-ins, it slowly faded after closing, with weeds taking over the lot and old window speakers still hanging from their posts as if they were waiting for one more show.
Unfortunately, the theater didn't survive. The screen tower, marquee, and remaining buildings were eventually demolished, and the property was redeveloped for commercial use. It's a familiar story, but no less disappointing every time it happens.
UPDATE: The ABC Drive-In Theatre is gone, and the property is now occupied by a heavy equipment supply business. Nothing remains of the old drive-in today, making photographs like this a nice reminder of another lost piece of Indiana's roadside history. 07-26
ABC Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
