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The Skyview Drive-In opened for business on
July 8, 1949.
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In 1953, with the advent
of Cinemascope, wings were added to the screen to handle the wider
picture. But in the spring of 1955, a tornado destroyed the wings and
caused extensive damage to the playground. |
The screen and playground were rebuilt
better than ever, as seen in this picture from the late
1950's.
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To see any of these pictures (or the two
above) larger, just 'click' on them.
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One characteristic that this theatre was truly known
for was its bright pink paint job. In fact, this distinct color of paint was so
original, it was actually named "Bloomer Pink" by the company that supplied it.
This is how the drive-in looked all through the 60's and 70's until June of
1981. |
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This is another
shot of the screen as it appeared until 1981.
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The projection booth/concession stand as it
still stands - sans pink today, of course.
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Neon at
night!! |
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The drive-in fell victim to another storm, a
windstorm in 1981, which took down more than half of the screen. The tower
was starting to get old, and the wood had started to rot. Again, there was
extensive damage done to the playground. |
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The screen was rebuilt as well as the playground,
but this time, a second screen was added to the back portion of the theatre in
the summer of 1982. For the first time, this made it possible to have two main
features. Now, each screen shows a double-feature per evening. The sound has
been converted to a broadcast system which the listener may now tune in on his
or her own car stereo. Many people have also found it quite convenient to bring
a portable stereo and sit out in their lawn chairs in front of their
cars. |
 
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The drive-in today.
Pictures taken September, 1997.
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