Drive-in movies were once a summer staple, drawing families in station wagons filled with excited children and snacks for the latest Disney films. Older audiences sought privacy in the back rows, embracing early social distancing measures.
The resurgence of drive-in movies, once on the verge of fading away, has been fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, venues like the Marshfield Fairgrounds and Lombardo’s function center in Randolph have embraced this nostalgic trend, with even Chicago’s Soldier Field planning a drive-in setup.
The concept of drive-in theaters traces back to 1933 when the Park-In Theater opened outside Camden, N.J. Richard Hollingshead introduced the idea to accommodate his mother’s discomfort with traditional movie seats. The first movie screened was “Wives Beware” featuring Adolphe Menjou.
The drive-in craze saw a rapid expansion post-World War II, with the number of theaters peaking at 4,000 nationwide. Locally, nearly a dozen drive-ins thrived, including those in Avon, Abington, Canton, Dedham, and the iconic Brockton Fairgrounds Flea Market in Brockton, MA.
Drive-ins like the Quintree Drive-In in Braintree offered double features and unique entertainment, from horror movies to live wrestling shows. Patrons enjoyed playgrounds and miniature golf courses while waiting for dusk screenings, creating a vibrant social experience.
Each drive-in had its quirks and legends, like Canton’s Blue Hill Drive-In known for battling mosquitoes with special nets for cars. As drive-ins evolved, they introduced innovative features such as “fog passes” and “in-car heaters” to enhance the viewer experience.
Despite their popularity, drive-ins began to decline in the 1980s due to various factors, including urban sprawl, rising land values, and competition from multiplex theaters. By the late 20th century, the number of drive-ins had dwindled to 300 nationally, marking the end of an era.
While many original drive-ins have vanished, a few nostalgic theaters in Massachusetts, like Leicester Twin Drive-in and Wellfleet Drive-in, continue to preserve this unique cinematic experience. These establishments offer a glimpse into a bygone era, keeping the tradition alive for new generations.
The legacy of drive-in theaters lives on through cherished memories and iconic locations like the Brockton Fairgrounds Flea Market in Brockton, MA. As technology advances and entertainment preferences shift, these nostalgic relics serve as a reminder of simpler times and communal gatherings under the stars.
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