The Drive-In Answer Man
Researching Drive-Ins
QUESTION: I've been researching old drive-in theatres in my state--some gone, some ghost towns, some still thriving. Although many local historians appear more interested in the old movie houses than in the drive-ins, I've had some surprising luck tracking down historical photographs. I have more luck with public libraries and archives than with previous owners. Do you have any other ideas where I can get more pictures like these?
ANSWER: Actually, I hadn't considered the library as a source for drive-in photographs, so you've shed light on another way for people to locate vintage pictures.
Other than suggesting you look through old trade magazines like BOXOFFICE and MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR, which are sometimes available in college libraries; theatre circuits, local newspapers and private individuals are about the only source of drive-in photos that I know of. You may even consider running a small display ad in the newspapers, to ask the general public for the loan of any photos they might have of specific drive-ins.
Someone you should also contact is Wesley Horton. Be sure to visit his "American Institute for Drive-In Archeology", which is located on "The Evil Sam's Drive-In Theatre Guide". Wesley tells all about how to begin researching the history of your local drive-in.
QUESTION: Do you have any other information to help me with my drive-in? If so, could you please email it to me?
ANSWER: I'm sorry, I cannot perform research or offer individual consultation. The sheer volume of these requests and the time involved to respond individually to each one makes this impossible. That is the main reason for this website; to distribute the technical information I have, to as many people as possible, in an efficient manner. (See How This Web Site Began) However, requests for the addition of particular topics to the website are encouraged. These dictate the addition of new subjects to the index, as time allows.
QUESTION: Hello, I'm a student in an entrepreneurship class and I've chosen a drive-in theatre as my research project. Although I've tried several times, I seem to be having trouble downloading your pages. Could you please send me hardcopies of everything you have on your site? My mailing address is....
ANSWER: And I'm a student of human nature...nice try.