A look back at the Sunrise

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I just wanted to add a quick note to make sure you get a chance to read Ron Marzlock’s little Queens Chronicle history of the Sunrise “open-air automobile movie theater” in Valley Stream NY, near Queens. There are a lot of fun details and a old-time photo of the first drive-in in New York State and the 15th in the United States.

The Sunrise opened in 1938 and closed in 1978, soon replaced by the Sunrise Multiplex Cinemas. The detail I hadn’t heard of before was that “some teens fell asleep with the engine running and fumes leaking into their cars, killing them.” Yow, I won’t be able to listen to Wake Up Little Susie the same way again! Anyway, I’m not even going to bother with a photo here, you should simply go read it!

Last North Dakota drive-in screen bites the dust

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Old Lake Shore Drive-In marquee

2011 photo by Robby Virus, used by permission

You might want to skip this post if you’re squeamish or easily saddened. The Williston (ND) Herald reported this week that redevelopment workers tore down the screen for the Lake Park Drive-In Theater, which closed there last year. Its superintendent said that the wreckage would be recycled, but I’m guessing that means chipping the wood instead of finding a new home for the screen.

If you want a happier memory, check the Bismarck Tribune’s 2010 tribute to the Lake Park. It spends an appropriate amount of space discussing rumors of the Lake Park’s closure and how the theater had changed since its owners bought the place in 1995. Former owner Jim Snyder told the Tribune that business at the Lake Park started slowing down in the 1990s. Hmm, most places saw big attendance drops before then.

Anyway, if you want a slender ray of good news, the Lake Park’s merry-go-round and swing set “are going to be restored and given to a local family.” For a few more details, plus a photo of the screen’s final hour on earth, go read it.

Northfield announces its plans tomorrow

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Northfield Drive-In TheaterThe Recorder of Greenfield MA ran an article and an editorial this week about the Northfield Drive-In, just barely across the border from Northfield MA in Hinsdale NH. This Saturday, on the Northfield’s 65th birthday, owner Mitchell Shakour plans to announce whether he’ll invest in digital projection equipment and all of the updates it wil require. For the drive-in, it could be a matter of life and death.

Shakour, who has run the theater with his wife since 1978, told The Recorder that he didn’t know what his decision would be. “Were looking at it seriously,” Shakour said. He has visited similar, eponymous drive-ins in Mendon MA and Milford NH, and he planned to visit the Hollywood Drive-in near Troy NY on Thursday. “The trip to Troy should be the final straw,” he said.

Meanwhile, kudos to The Recorder for stepping up with an editorial in favor of the Northfield’s survival. Shakour had said that we was uncomfortable accepting donations, but The Recorder suggested a Kickstarter campaign. It also suggested that patrons could visit the Northfield’s Facebook page to let the owners know how they feel about the drive-in. The editorial concluded, “Let them know that they want the Northfield Drive-In to be back for many summers to come, and would be willing to kick-start that effort.”

For much more on the history of the Northfield, and to learn which way Shakour said he’s leaning, go read it!