Happy Anniversary to Drive-In Theaters

It was this date in 1933 that the first drive-in theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, which puts them at 76!!!

I came across this in Answer.com. It immediately became popular with people not wanting to pay for baby-sitters and young folks in search of a make-out spot.

Richard Hollingshead is credited with its creation and said, " The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children area." The original one lasted three years before closing, although by then, the drive-ins were off and running. In its hey-days, during the 50s, there were over 4,000 across the US.

There is one near us, about five miles away, so we are fortunate. It is called the McHenry Outdoor Theatre (McHenry, Illinois) and shows two first-run features every night in the summer for $7. My only big problem is the late start. By the time the second feature comes on, it's bed-time for Bonzo.

I didn't go to it last year, however, so will have to make up for it this year. I like to make it into a Retro Night. We also have a Dog 'N Suds in Ingleside, Illinois, about five miles from home. I go there, order from a car hop, get a Coney Dog, fries, glass mug of ice cold root beer, then take a 32-oz root beer to go.

If I want crowds, I can go there on a Saturday night when they have a classic car show.

Then, it's off to the drive-in.

Love That Retro Thing. --RoadDog