The Last Drive-In

**Bumper** · 04-10-2008

Sad news today. The last remaining drive-in theatre in Winnipeg won't be opening for this year's summer season. Apparently there just isn't the support to make it worthwhile anymore. While I'm sad to see it go, I also didn't help to keep it alive either. It's the only one left in town, and has been for 15 or 20 years, I'd say. We rarely go out to the movies anymore. I think it's been a couple of years since we last went to the theatre, and I'll bet it's been 20 years since we went to the drive-in.

I have fond memories of the drive-ins though. I was born in 1948, so was a youngster when drive-ins were in their glory years. Even a lot of small prairie towns had them. As you approached these towns, two things dominated the skyline. Grain elevators - the number of which dictated how significant a community this was, and somewhere on the outskirts, the drive-in movie screen. In the big city of Winnipeg, I think we had about 6 or 7 drive-in theatres. One of them, the Pembina Drive-In, was within about a couple of miles from where I grew up. I come from a time and environment when few kids had access to cars until their late teens at least, so bicycles were the order of the day. We would frequently ride our bikes in the exit of the local drive-in, sit on the first row of concrete blocks that held the speaker posts, and watch the show. The management rarely bothered us, since that row was seldom used. They'd get on us if it was a "restricted" movie, but largely left us alone since we dropped some money in the concession stand. Later, as some of my chums were able to get the family car, we went through the front gate. Who hasn't smuggled beer into a drive-in, if they could find somebody's older brother or sister to buy it for them, or pack extra folks into the trunk to avoid paying the $1.00 admission to an all-night horror movie marathon? Yeah....like the theatre didn't know exactly what was going on. And how many of us got their first "real" kiss, or even to "second base" in the back seat at the drive-in? We used to chuckle as we were on our way back from the concession with our tubs of popcorn, cherry Twizzlers, huge cups of pop, and dill pickles, and all the cars you passed had their windows so steamed up you couldn't see the movie even if you wanted to. Yep, these passion pits were a part of the lives of a whole generation. I suppose drive-ins will still continue to be viable in places where the weather allows for a lot longer viewing season, but they'll only be a bit of nostalgia here now. I guess that's progress. Anybody have fond memories of their drive-in theatre experiences?

playawannabe · 04-10-2008

That's sad to hear Bumper

I believe there is still a drive in operating in Medicine Hat, AB - but that's the only one I know of around these parts. Edmonton does not have one, nor does Calgary. We use to go in Calgary quite often until the oil plant next door exploded and the whole area became an environmental wasteland

I loved going to the drive in!! It was the 1990's (I'm a young pup yet) I would wear my pyjamas and we would bring food and drinks from home...brownies, popcorn in paper bags, candy, veggies and dip, bread and spinach dip, etc...it was great fun - I almost always fell asleep during the second picture but then i would have to wake up and drive home because by then hubby would have drank all the beer we brought!

roni · 04-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumper

Anybody have fond memories of their drive-in theatre experiences?

When I was way young, Mom and Dad would get us all dressed up in our jammies and off we would go. They would make popcorn at home and we would get a soda from the snack hut.

When Kathy and I were relative newlyweds, Ingrid would come over in her old pick-up truck. We'd throw an old mattress and a cooler of beer and snacks in the back of it and back into a space at the drive-in for one of the triple features. Man that was heaven - two hot women, a cooler, a mattress and a triple feature. I would typically fall asleep during the second feature and if I didn't snore too loudly they would wake me up before we drove home

queencityfan · 04-10-2008

We still have a Drive-In in our area and it's packed every weekend, they even have decent food. They show first run films, usually family friendly, except for the all night horror specials! We usually stop & get a picnic supper on the way and enjoy it before the movie. We still sneak beer in.

I can relate to the wearing your Pajamas to the drive in, my parents just put us all in the back of the stationwagon and we'd be off.I can also relate to the steamy windows!

**Susie Q Roo** · 04-10-2008

I remember having to be the "deterrent" on my sister's dates a time or two. Mom would force them to take me, in my jammies. Of course, once I fell asleep in the back seat, they could do whatever they wanted in the front and probably did. My sister was kinda... "easy"

.

Most drive-ins that I knew of became X-rated after they passed their prime. And yes, I will admit to being talked into going to one once. Nothing like parts 50 times their normal size!

I was totally grossed out.

jaybird · 04-10-2008

Lots of fond memories. I loved the little playgrounds up front when I was a kid. Then later REALLY enjoyed the dating privacy of a back seat at the drive-in.

In fact my first "experience" with a girl was at a drive-in.

Guess what replaced our last local drive-in about a year ago.

Three guesses?

Yep, now there sits a WalMart Super Center where the Apache Drive-in Theatre used to stand.

Sunco · 04-10-2008

My first encounter of the drive-in was in 1973 when I was kind of in my late teen, you guys must be thinking which planet did I come from. I was from Hong Kong, went to Toronto for school for the first few months (then I moved to Winnipeg, why??? Long story short, then boyfriend now hubby was in Winnipeg) My parents' friend's family that I have to go visit (check in with) every weekend said to his son one time, these girls (another girl from HK in the same boat as me) need to go see a movie in the drive-in. Image our face when we got to the drive-in; in HK use of such a vast place for movie is like throwing millions of dollars away. Since then, went to drive-in a couple of time with hubby, really prefer the warm theatre.

Nan · 04-10-2008

The Drive In - My parents would also take us to the drive in. We have 7 kids in the family. My dad would make the popcorn the old fashioned way shaking the pan on the stove. Yum. The only thing that we went into the snack hut for was to go to the bathroom. My first date with my first husband was at the drive-in. I was not allowed to single date and I was not allowed to go to the drive-in. Well, we did go with another couple so I was good on that one. I scoured the newspapers to see where else Cool Hand Luke was playing so I could tell my parents that I want to that movie theatre.

margaritamamma · 04-10-2008

Many years ago I thought I finally had it made - parents gave permisiion to double date to Drive -in - BIG DEAL

- well it was because we had to drive to Winnipeg (from home town Portage la Prairie - 60 miles?? back then)
I had a curfew - can you believe that

- so we pull out of the stall in plenty of time to make the curfew - guess what - flat tire

- really - on my honour, cross my heart.

That was a hard sell on the phone to my Dad -(collect call too) it was sooooo ludicrous that he believed me.!!
Ha ha - funny memories Bumper - thank you - so sad that the last drive in is gone.

B Kromm · 04-10-2008

By the time I started dating, Drive-ins had kinda lost their lustre here.

My favorite drive-in story happened at the "Sunset Drive-in"( I think or was that the one off of Edmonton trail?) . For those Calgarians who don't remember, it was teh one at the bottom of Shaganappi Tr at the Parkdale Bv intersection. There's a 20 story apartment building there now!

My Dad and I were on our way to the snack shack when a horn beeped and we heard a rather pathetic "help" come from an Olds 442. It was my cousin in her boyfriends car. Apparently, they were talking about rings and she managed to get her finger stuck in one of the holes in the steering wheel spokes

. They tried everything from ice to butter to get her un-stuck. Nothin' worked. They managed to drive up to the hospital and, fortunately, we had a tool box in the trunk. Was pretty funny to watch my cousin walk into Emerg with a sweater draped over the steering wheel and then slam it on the counter when the triage nurse asked "how can we help you?

Turned out there was a supevisor of Paramedics in Emerg. He loaded them into his car and off they went to fire headquarters with us close behind. When we got to the hall at 3:00 a.m. or whatever it was, the whole crew had been awakened. It was hysterical. They tried some kind of fancy bolt cutter to nip the wheel and it didn't work. The BF was havin fits about them cutting his wheel. I won't tell ya how they ultimately extracted her, but, after his comments on the cutting and the lack of concern for her well being he wasn't a BF long.

Rissask · 04-10-2008

Ouch! That is funny.

I used to go to the drive-in in high school almost every weekend in the summer! This was mid to late eighties- they were still really popular then- we went to the Indian Head and Fort Qu'Appelle (southeast of Regina) drive-ins.

It was so much fun. Sneaking in two-fours of beer and mickeys, people in the trunk, ahhhhh- good times, good times.

Oh yeah, and double dating and pretending not to notice the couple in the backseat making out the entire movie (or BEING that couple and being totally oblivious

).

I still remember when they made the move from the big clunky silver speakers that were all crackly, to being able to just tune in to a radio station for the soundtrack- such progress! We'll be beaming up to spaceships before long, we thought!

And those cheesy ads they ran for the snack booth at the beginning of the movie? I remember those...dancing hamburgers and hot dogs and pop containers.

I also recall going to all-nighter drive-ins when the last movie ended about 4:30 AM....and I was like 14!

I think there is still one operating just outside Saskatoon, but we never go either, I bet it's been 15 years since I have been to one...maybe we should this year, for old times' sake.

**Bumper** · 04-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rissask

I think there is still one operating just outside Saskatoon, but we never go either, I bet it's been 15 years since I have been to one...maybe we should this year, for old times' sake.

Now there's a great idea. But you gotta' make it authentic. Sneak in a two-four, and make out in the back seat. Mind you, remember you're probably not as flexible as you were back then. The romance of the evening would certainly be tarnished if it results in a trip to the chiropractor or a round of visits to a physiotherapist.

DiveCrazy · 04-10-2008

There are a couple still opersting around here, don't think about them much anymore. Sure brings back some fond memories...

Rissask · 04-10-2008

Hey, the Avalanche has a huge back seat!

But leather seats....brrrr....better bring a blanket.

catnhat · 04-10-2008

This thread is bringing back some wonderful memories...

In the 60's we too like Rissask piled into the cars..
It was hilarious getting parked and sitting back and watching trunks opening up and kids climbing out of them...The poor guy that got chosen to lay on the back seat floor while others put their feet on him to hide him

...Gee we were cheap...

I remember watching (well maybe not)

some pretty crappy movies at the drive in but also seeing some wonderful movies there..
I think one of the best I saw was Doctor Zhivago
Drive in's were so much more than an outdoor theatre... They were a meeting place..a social event..

and susie You cracked me up

Most drive-ins that I knew of became X-rated after they passed their prime. And yes, I will admit to being talked into going to one once. Nothing like parts 50 times their normal size! I was totally grossed out.

04-10-2008	#1 (permalink)
Bumper Class Clown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 9,525	The Last Drive-In Sad news today. The last remaining drive-in theatre in Winnipeg won't be opening for this year's summer season. Apparently there just isn't the support to make it worthwhile anymore. While I'm sad to see it go, I also didn't help to keep it alive either. It's the only one left in town, and has been for 15 or 20 years, I'd say. We rarely go out to the movies anymore. I think it's been a couple of years since we last went to the theatre, and I'll bet it's been 20 years since we went to the drive-in. I have fond memories of the drive-ins though. I was born in 1948, so was a youngster when drive-ins were in their glory years. Even a lot of small prairie towns had them. As you approached these towns, two things dominated the skyline. Grain elevators - the number of which dictated how significant a community this was, and somewhere on the outskirts, the drive-in movie screen. In the big city of Winnipeg, I think we had about 6 or 7 drive-in theatres. One of them, the Pembina Drive-In, was within about a couple of miles from where I grew up. I come from a time and environment when few kids had access to cars until their late teens at least, so bicycles were the order of the day. We would frequently ride our bikes in the exit of the local drive-in, sit on the first row of concrete blocks that held the speaker posts, and watch the show. The management rarely bothered us, since that row was seldom used. They'd get on us if it was a "restricted" movie, but largely left us alone since we dropped some money in the concession stand. Later, as some of my chums were able to get the family car, we went through the front gate. Who hasn't smuggled beer into a drive-in, if they could find somebody's older brother or sister to buy it for them, or pack extra folks into the trunk to avoid paying the $1.00 admission to an all-night horror movie marathon? Yeah....like the theatre didn't know exactly what was going on. And how many of us got their first "real" kiss, or even to "second base" in the back seat at the drive-in? We used to chuckle as we were on our way back from the concession with our tubs of popcorn, cherry Twizzlers, huge cups of pop, and dill pickles, and all the cars you passed had their windows so steamed up you couldn't see the movie even if you wanted to. Yep, these passion pits were a part of the lives of a whole generation. I suppose drive-ins will still continue to be viable in places where the weather allows for a lot longer viewing season, but they'll only be a bit of nostalgia here now. I guess that's progress. Anybody have fond memories of their drive-in theatre experiences? __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a pristine, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally used up and worn out, shouting "Holy Shit...what a ride!!"

04-10-2008	#11 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 18,421	Ouch! That is funny. I used to go to the drive-in in high school almost every weekend in the summer! This was mid to late eighties- they were still really popular then- we went to the Indian Head and Fort Qu'Appelle (southeast of Regina) drive-ins. It was so much fun. Sneaking in two-fours of beer and mickeys, people in the trunk, ahhhhh- good times, good times. Oh yeah, and double dating and pretending not to notice the couple in the backseat making out the entire movie (or BEING that couple and being totally oblivious ). I still remember when they made the move from the big clunky silver speakers that were all crackly, to being able to just tune in to a radio station for the soundtrack- such progress! We'll be beaming up to spaceships before long, we thought! And those cheesy ads they ran for the snack booth at the beginning of the movie? I remember those...dancing hamburgers and hot dogs and pop containers. I also recall going to all-nighter drive-ins when the last movie ended about 4:30 AM....and I was like 14! I think there is still one operating just outside Saskatoon, but we never go either, I bet it's been 15 years since I have been to one...maybe we should this year, for old times' sake. Last edited by Rissask : 04-10-2008 at 05:33 PM.

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04-10-2008	#2 (permalink)
playawannabe reposado Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Edmonton AB Posts: 1,412	That's sad to hear Bumper I believe there is still a drive in operating in Medicine Hat, AB - but that's the only one I know of around these parts. Edmonton does not have one, nor does Calgary. We use to go in Calgary quite often until the oil plant next door exploded and the whole area became an environmental wasteland I loved going to the drive in!! It was the 1990's (I'm a young pup yet) I would wear my pyjamas and we would bring food and drinks from home...brownies, popcorn in paper bags, candy, veggies and dip, bread and spinach dip, etc...it was great fun - I almost always fell asleep during the second picture but then i would have to wake up and drive home because by then hubby would have drank all the beer we brought!

04-10-2008	#4 (permalink)
queencityfan añejo Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,696	We still have a Drive-In in our area and it's packed every weekend, they even have decent food. They show first run films, usually family friendly, except for the all night horror specials! We usually stop & get a picnic supper on the way and enjoy it before the movie. We still sneak beer in. I can relate to the wearing your Pajamas to the drive in, my parents just put us all in the back of the stationwagon and we'd be off.I can also relate to the steamy windows!

04-10-2008	#5 (permalink)
Susie Q Roo paradisiac Join Date: May 2003 Location: Q Roo Posts: 10,531	I remember having to be the "deterrent" on my sister's dates a time or two. Mom would force them to take me, in my jammies. Of course, once I fell asleep in the back seat, they could do whatever they wanted in the front and probably did. My sister was kinda... "easy" . Most drive-ins that I knew of became X-rated after they passed their prime. And yes, I will admit to being talked into going to one once. Nothing like parts 50 times their normal size! I was totally grossed out.

04-10-2008	#6 (permalink)
jaybird beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Farmington, NM Posts: 420	Lots of fond memories. I loved the little playgrounds up front when I was a kid. Then later REALLY enjoyed the dating privacy of a back seat at the drive-in. In fact my first "experience" with a girl was at a drive-in. Guess what replaced our last local drive-in about a year ago. Three guesses? Yep, now there sits a WalMart Super Center where the Apache Drive-in Theatre used to stand.

04-10-2008	#7 (permalink)
Sunco way into it Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Winnipeg,Canada Posts: 145	My first encounter of the drive-in was in 1973 when I was kind of in my late teen, you guys must be thinking which planet did I come from. I was from Hong Kong, went to Toronto for school for the first few months (then I moved to Winnipeg, why??? Long story short, then boyfriend now hubby was in Winnipeg) My parents' friend's family that I have to go visit (check in with) every weekend said to his son one time, these girls (another girl from HK in the same boat as me) need to go see a movie in the drive-in. Image our face when we got to the drive-in; in HK use of such a vast place for movie is like throwing millions of dollars away. Since then, went to drive-in a couple of time with hubby, really prefer the warm theatre.

04-10-2008	#8 (permalink)
Nan beachaholic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dousman, WI Posts: 362	The Drive In - My parents would also take us to the drive in. We have 7 kids in the family. My dad would make the popcorn the old fashioned way shaking the pan on the stove. Yum. The only thing that we went into the snack hut for was to go to the bathroom. My first date with my first husband was at the drive-in. I was not allowed to single date and I was not allowed to go to the drive-in. Well, we did go with another couple so I was good on that one. I scoured the newspapers to see where else Cool Hand Luke was playing so I could tell my parents that I want to that movie theatre.

04-10-2008	#9 (permalink)
margaritamamma ruined Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 94	Many years ago I thought I finally had it made - parents gave permisiion to double date to Drive -in - BIG DEAL - well it was because we had to drive to Winnipeg (from home town Portage la Prairie - 60 miles?? back then) I had a curfew - can you believe that - so we pull out of the stall in plenty of time to make the curfew - guess what - flat tire - really - on my honour, cross my heart. That was a hard sell on the phone to my Dad -(collect call too) it was sooooo ludicrous that he believed me.!! Ha ha - funny memories Bumper - thank you - so sad that the last drive in is gone.

04-10-2008	#10 (permalink)
B Kromm beachaholic Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Calgary, no we're not a County in Montana, Alberta Posts: 373	By the time I started dating, Drive-ins had kinda lost their lustre here. My favorite drive-in story happened at the "Sunset Drive-in"( I think or was that the one off of Edmonton trail?) . For those Calgarians who don't remember, it was teh one at the bottom of Shaganappi Tr at the Parkdale Bv intersection. There's a 20 story apartment building there now! My Dad and I were on our way to the snack shack when a horn beeped and we heard a rather pathetic "help" come from an Olds 442. It was my cousin in her boyfriends car. Apparently, they were talking about rings and she managed to get her finger stuck in one of the holes in the steering wheel spokes . They tried everything from ice to butter to get her un-stuck. Nothin' worked. They managed to drive up to the hospital and, fortunately, we had a tool box in the trunk. Was pretty funny to watch my cousin walk into Emerg with a sweater draped over the steering wheel and then slam it on the counter when the triage nurse asked "how can we help you? Turned out there was a supevisor of Paramedics in Emerg. He loaded them into his car and off they went to fire headquarters with us close behind. When we got to the hall at 3:00 a.m. or whatever it was, the whole crew had been awakened. It was hysterical. They tried some kind of fancy bolt cutter to nip the wheel and it didn't work. The BF was havin fits about them cutting his wheel. I won't tell ya how they ultimately extracted her, but, after his comments on the cutting and the lack of concern for her well being he wasn't a BF long.

04-10-2008	#13 (permalink)
DiveCrazy beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 324	There are a couple still opersting around here, don't think about them much anymore. Sure brings back some fond memories...

04-10-2008	#14 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 18,421	Hey, the Avalanche has a huge back seat! But leather seats....brrrr....better bring a blanket.

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04-10-2008	#15 (permalink)
catnhat life=playa Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 591	This thread is bringing back some wonderful memories... In the 60's we too like Rissask piled into the cars.. It was hilarious getting parked and sitting back and watching trunks opening up and kids climbing out of them...The poor guy that got chosen to lay on the back seat floor while others put their feet on him to hide him ...Gee we were cheap... I remember watching (well maybe not) some pretty crappy movies at the drive in but also seeing some wonderful movies there.. I think one of the best I saw was Doctor Zhivago Drive in's were so much more than an outdoor theatre... They were a meeting place..a social event.. and susie You cracked me up Most drive-ins that I knew of became X-rated after they passed their prime. And yes, I will admit to being talked into going to one once. Nothing like parts 50 times their normal size! I was totally grossed out.