Welcome to the 401 Drive In Theatre for a step back in time. Some of us will remember good times here before the city crossed over the 401. Many others will have no idea that this area used to be a special place for many to head for good times, regardless of age. Geocache is hidden on the former grounds of the 401 Drive In Theatre.
This hide dedicated to RayQix, friend and fellow geocacher for inspiring this hide.
Originally the Star Top Drive In this facility changed names and became known as the 401 Drive In Theatre on August 27th, 1960. The 401 Drive In Theatre was operated by Twentieth Century Theatres. As the 401 Drive In Theatre the faciity had two screens and for the most part the structure(s) were painted orange. This theatre had a capacity of 911 cars. The theatre was closed in 1987 and was torn down.
A large commercial retail operator is now located on the site of the former theatre.
Most Drive-In Movie Theaters consist of a large outdoor screen (either a wall painted-white, or a complex steel-truss structure with a complex finish), a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. Within this enclosed area, customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars. ' The idea originated in the early 1930's in Camden, NJ. and was Patented by Richard M. Hollingshead. His idea began as an experiment in his driveway with a Kodak Projector, mounted on the hood of his car, aimed at a screen that was attached to some trees. He tried different techniques and finally worked-out the parking-arrangement and spacing to allow everyone that attended, an unobstructed view of the screen. Once he had this idea in- place, he was granted a Patent in 1933 and He opened his first Drive-In Theater soon thereafter. This facility only lasted a few years before closing, but the idea caught-on elsewhere to become part of the American Pop-Culture and Landscape to-this-day and also moved into Canada. Sound was originally produced from Speakers in the main screen tower, but the quality wasn't that good and many attempts were made to improve it. In 1941, the RCA corporation found a solution and along-came the in-car speakers with built-in volume controls that most drive-in patrons would come to know. These were better than the original Sound, but still had a very "tinny" sound to them. Later-on, as the technology improved, this system was replaced with Radio Broadcast equipment to allow the sound to be transmitted directly to the vehicles. This was an improved process for sound and also kept damage to the wired Speakers and/or patrons cars that would happen when folks would leave, after a good show of their favorite film, and some people would "forget to remove the speaker" and damage both the speaker and/or their cars in the process (i.e. Windows, or scratches/dents, etc.). The popularity of the Drive-In's soared after World War II and peaked in the 1950's and 1960's. The theaters would provide cheap, family entertainment including many having a Playground (or other things) for their youngest patrons. For colder-weather, in-car heaters were also offered at many Theaters, much like the Speakers had been. The Concession Stand (or Snack Bar) would have food that could be served very quickly. Hot Dogs, Pizza, Cheeseburgers, Popcorn, Soft Drinks, and a host of other "food" could be found there to enjoy along with the show. This is usually where the Theater makes most of it's profits. This was vital to the success of drive-ins, as food revenue increased steadily during the late 1940s and 50s. While some operators experimented with talk-back speakers to take orders and deliver food to the car, others had mobile carts patrolling the lots selling snacks. Over time, owners discovered that concessions could be sold at a high mark-up and that revenues did not have to be shared with film distributors. Over time, with the advent of other sources of entertainment, as well as the rising cost of Real Estate and other economic factors, Cinematic Landmarks such as these have been slowly disappearing over the years. Many of those which were closed were later demolished and the real-estate used for other things such as Office or Retail Space. Some properties have just been left vacant with nothing remaining there but an empty field. However, a very-select few that were closed have even re- opened to be given a new-life with new patrons looking for a very unique movie-going experience.Land values and prices began to go up and the suburbs gradually expanded around it. As the area built up, property taxes also increased until the cost of the taxes on the 20+ acres that most drive-in's occupied were more than the net income the theatre generated. After little more than half a century, the era of the Drive-In Theatre ended. Most people that visited Drive In's consider themselves lucky. Most don’t remember what movies they saw but many of them do remember how exciting it was to be outside late at night, loading up at the snack bar and then trying not to fall asleep while watching the flickering movie screen from the comfy backseat of the car. My thanks to my very good friend and fellow geocacher Ray Qix for providing me much of the general history of the drive in theatre industry. Anyone with more local history on this particular theatre location is encouraged to contact me.