Weirs’ projectionist keeps it running

Weirs Drive-In TheaterIt’s a little unusual for a newspaper’s article about a drive-in to feature just one person. But that’s what happened this week when the Concord (NH) Monitor gave us a look at what it’s like to be a projectionist for a night. The place was Weirs Drive-In in nearby Laconia, and the projectionist is Paul Rouillard.

The article starts with Rouillard watching a particular light on a pole behind one of the Weirs’ four screens. “When that light gets wicked bright, I can reflect the picture,” he said, adding that he has to disregard patrons’ pleadings to start early. “I gotta wait, and as soon as that light goes on, I start the first movie.”

And then we’re off, following Rouillard as he managed the four projectors and huge platters of film. That’s not all he does; the article says that “He readies the concession stand area, performs maintenance on anything that breaks and assists with directing cars to the screen of their choice.” And besides all that, he’ll also jump-start your car after the show, according to the Weirs’ FAQ page.

For the rest of the story, we’re treated to a relaxing slice of life at the historic Weirs, one of the first drive-ins to open after World War II. Nobody said anything about digital projection, so let’s hope that it’s planned for the coming off-season. Till then, to see a few photos and experience what it’s like at the Weirs’ “dungeon,” go read it!

Five South Dakota drive-ins may close soon

decrepit drive-in screen in South Dakota

The Starlite Drive-In near Aberdeen SD as it looked in 1987. photo by Earl Leatherberry, used by permission

The Daily Republic of Mitchell SD published a long, thoughtful, well-researched article about the state of drive-in theaters there, and the news is rather gloomy.

According to the article, “Of South Dakota’s seven drive-in theaters, only two confirmed they will be open next summer. Miller’s Midway Drive-In and Hermosa’s Roy’s Black Hills Drive-In are already using digital equipment”. The other five are the Starlite (which we discussed a few weeks ago) in Mitchell, the Hilltop in Gregory, the Pheasant in Mobridge, the Pheasant City in Redfield, and the Winner in Winner, all of which “either say their future is uncertain, or have already said they will close.”

I can’t do justice to the lengthy Daily Republic article, which is full of quotes from the people who own and operate these drive-ins. I’ll give you just one of them, from 70-year-old Tom Gallup, who bought the Pheasant City in 1972. “It’s more of a community service,” he said. “When you get to the end of the year, you hope you’ve paid the bills and you can supply your utilities over the winter. You hang in there and try to provide a community service because once it’s gone, it’s gone.” For the rest of it, including a photo of the old, dead Pix Drive-In in Winner, plus the perspectives of the owner of the drive-in that just opened last year, you really should go read it!

I’ll trade a Western for your drive-in photo

Western DVDsSpeaking of Westerns and speaking of DVDs made me think of a program to encourage you to get more involved with the Carload Flickr pool. In the months that the pool has been active, I’ve been the only one to submit photos for it, which leads me to believe that you have not yet considered how wonderful it would be to support your favorite drive-in news blog by chipping in. Therefore, I will try a small incentive.

The next four three people to submit a real, usable drive-in photo to the Carload Flickr pool will receive a free DVD containing at least one drive-in western. (Please do not watch your DVD during drive-in season; save it for when you local drive-in theater is closed.) Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Find an old drive-in related photo that you took or otherwise have full rights to reproduce. Or take a new picture of your local drive-in.
  2. Upload it to the Carload Flickr pool. It’s all pretty simple once you get a Flickr account. By submitting your photo, you agree that Carload may use your photo; please read the group rules for a few more details.
  3. Send me (NeonMichael) a FlickrMail by clicking the three dots on the right side of my Flickr home page and choosing Send FlickrMail. Include your email address and postal address so I can get in touch with you and mail you a DVD.
  4. As soon as I verify that your submitted photo is legit, I’ll stick your DVD in the mail. I’ll pay the postage (US only). Just like that.

I probably need to add some legaleze here, but I’m not sure what to say. This offer is open to US residents only, because it’s a pain to mail stuff to other countries. Limit one free DVD per household, but you’re welcome to contribute as many photos as you’d like. I might end this promotion at any time, especially when I run out of DVDs. If you have any questions, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your support of Carload.com.