Fork Union Drive-In TheaterThe Fork Union Drive Inn Theater is a unique and enjoyable blast from the past for those who remember early evening rides in the station wagon to watch a movie from the comfort of the car. Drive-in is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday; the concession stand opens at 7:30 pm. First movie starts at dusk (ca. 8:00 pm), second is shown after it.
The First Drive-In Theater was invented by Richard M. Hollingshead. Hollingshead mounted a projector on the hood of his car, and used it to project onto a screen he nailed to trees in the backyard. He put a radio behind the screen for sound, experimenting along the way. On May 16, 1933 he got a patent (#1,909,537) the first Drive-In Theater patent ever. By 1958 there were almost 5,000 drive-ins in the United States, including the All-Weather Drive-In in Copiague, New York, which had parking for 2,500 cars. Other popular amenities at Drive-ins included playgrounds, cafeteria and even a shuttle train. The 60�s and 70�s saw a slow decline in attendance at drive-in theaters across the country, and the 80�s almost killed the drive-in. With the advent of Cable TV and VCR�s, more customers opted to stay at home.
Today, however, a small but steady increase in the number of customers choosing to remember the �good old days� with their children in tow may spell success for the return of the drive-in theater. Be sure to enjoy the ride, roll down the window and enjoy the show at the Fork Union Drive In Theater.
