There are locations where employees or community members have saved their local drive-in
“ If it ’ s about land values , why do so many drive-ins sit abanadoned , the land unused ?” says Wright . And clearly , though the VCR was supposed to kill the movie theatre , anyone in line at the local multiplex to see the latest blockbuster can tell you the movies are doing just fine .
“ There was a shift in how we do things as a community ,” says Wright . “ The drive-in was a gathering spot – people showed off their cars , their new babies . The drive-ins that remain are often serving the same purpose – communities are keeping them open .” Wright points to several locations where employees or residents have played a role in maintaining their local field of dreams .
“ One of the saddest , and yet most inspiring things I ’ ve seen is the Admiral Twin in Oklahoma ,” says Wright . The Twin , located along the legendary Route 66 , was a nine-storey tall , all wooden , two-sided screen . “ In 2010 , it caught fire and burned to the ground in 30 minutes . Since then , largely through community fundraisers , the owner has been able to rebuild . The people didn ’ t want to lose their drive-in .”
The latest challenge facing existing drive-ins is the same one facing many independent theatre operators : the advent of digital .
“ The larger theatre companies have been preparing for years ,” says Wright . “ The drive-ins are trying to catch up .” More than just the digital projection , making the switch involves additional cost . “ They need dust-free rooms , which might involve building new space . That can be a lot for a mom-and-pop operation .” In some areas , drive-ins are using everything from crowdfunding to benefit concerts to try and raise the cash .
Is it worth it ? By losing the drive-in – or not having one , as is the case in Essex County - are we losing something less tangible but more important ?
“ They are missing so much ,” says Nickerson of her great grandchildren . “ It was like one big family party .”
Carrie White Innes agrees . “ A family could enjoy an evening out together , with no babysitting costs ,” she says . “ There was privacy and peace while watching the movie , but you still felt a part of something .”