The American drive-in theater offered a special way to experience movies. People could watch the latest films on a giant outdoor screen, all from inside their own automobiles. This combined two popular American interests: cars and motion pictures.
The whole idea started with Richard Hollingshead Jr. from New Jersey. He thought about creating an open-air theater where people wouldn’t have to leave their cars. He secured a patent for his concept on May 16, 1933. Just a few weeks later, on June 6, 1933, Hollingshead and his partners opened the world’s first drive-in theater to the public in Camden, New Jersey.
A typical drive-in featured a massive screen at one end of a large parking area. The parking spots were often arranged in curved rows and sometimes situated on small ramps. This design helped people see the screen over the cars parked in front of them. To hear the movie’s sound, each parking spot came equipped with a portable speaker. Drivers would take the speaker and hang it on their car window.
Going to the drive-in became a popular outing, particularly for families. It offered a casual atmosphere; kids could even attend in their pajamas. While many drive-ins had concession stands selling popcorn, candy, and drinks, families could also bring their own food. Some locations even included playgrounds near the screen area, giving children a place to play before the show began. The privacy of your own car made it a unique viewing experience.
Drive-in theaters reached their peak popularity during the 1950s and 1960s. In those years, approximately 4,000 drive-ins dotted the American landscape, providing entertainment under the stars across the country.
