Out of the blue, I thought of the classic Drive-In theater today.
Of course, in High School we put a sign on the car “if it’s rock’n don’t come a knocking”. Super funny to us.
But my mind wondered to the time I went to the Drive-In. My Aunt Nancy took us to see “The Rescues” – A cartoon movie.
It was so great, she made popcorn that we took. We wore our P. J’s and cuddled under our sleeping bags with the cool summer breeze blowing.
But how did that magical evening in the 70’s all come to be.
It was in New Jersey on June 6th, 1933, that the first drive in theater opened featuring the film ‘Wives Beware’.
It was promoted that you could bring young children along in their pajamas and let them sleep in the back seat. That way parents wouldn’t need to hire a babysitter.
One early drive-in operator staged a “Babysitter Protest” with picketing teenage girls marching around with signs that read “Down with Drive-Ins, More Work for Babysitters.”
In the 1950’s drive-ins would have the reputation of being “passion pits.” Which continued for years, and slowly the Drive-In’s fell out of favor. That was until COVID
-19 hit.
The COVID-19 pandemic with the accompanying lockdowns obviously took a toll on the exhibition business.
The upside for drive-ins is allowing patrons the perfect way to view a movie while practicing social distancing. This has created renewed interest and increased attendance for drive-ins across the nation. There have been many instances of old drive-ins reopening or new “makeshift” drive-ins within parking lots, shopping.
I hope to find one so I can relive those great kid memories! And maybe make some more, who knows…
Remember; If It Is a Rock’n Don’t Come a Knocking!
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