Summer is a perfect time to visit the Drive-In Movie Theater and if your lucky enough, there maybe one nearby for your enjoyment (I know I have a couple in the Toronto area).

Drive In Movie Theatre

For today’s Vintage Photo Tuesday we are going to enter the heyday of Drive-In Movie Theaters from the 1930s-1950s. So grab your popcorn (or snack of choice) and let the movie begin.

1940s vintage image of a vintage car and Drive-In Theatre.
Source: ABC News

Drive-In Movie Theaters Vintage Photos

1930s – 1950s

The drive-in theatre was invented by Richard Hollingshead, who opened the first one in Camden, New Jersey on June 6, 1933.

Vintage Image of cars at the Drive-In Movie Theatre with the speakers.

Comet Drive-In, Alabama 1949.

1940s vintage photo: Comet Drive In Theatre 1949
Source: Drive-Ins.Com

An usher on a motorbike escorts a car to their spot at a theater in San Francisco, 1948.

1940s vintage photo of a a drive in theatre in 1948 San Francisco usher on a motorcycle
Source: Vintage Everyday

Hamilton Drive-In, Alabama featuring Silver River (1948) on the Big Screen.

1940s vintage photo of the Hamilton Drive in Theatre 1940s Alabama
Source: Drive-Ins.com

Silve River Movie 1948 featuring Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan.

Silve River Movie 1948 featuring Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan.

May 1938, Cinemotor Theater in Los Angeles.

1930s vintage image of Cinemotor Drive-In Movie Theater in Los Angeles 1938
Source: ABC News

1940s vintage ad for In-Car Speakers being featuring at the Drive-In on Blue Mound Rd.

1940s vintage ad for In-Car Speakers being featuring at the Drive-In on Blue Mound Rd.

Sky.way Drive-In, Windsor Ontario Canada (2 hours from my hometown of Sarnia).

sky way drive in theatre windsor ontario vintage image
Source: windsor then windsor now

1950s Drive In Theatre.

1950s vintage photo of a 1950s Drive-In Movie Theatre Sign.

Duke City Drive-In, Albuquerque.

duke City Drive In Albuquerque vintage image of the Drive-In Movie Theatre Sign.

Olympic Drive-In Theater, West Los Angeles, CA. Such a great sign!

Olympic Drive-In Theater, West Los Angeles, CA vintage sign.
Source: Pinterest

1940s vintage photo of the Drive-In movie theatre snack bar. Snack time! Snack bar at Orange Drive-In.

1940s vintage photo of the Drive-In movie theatre snack bar. Snack time! Snack bar at Orange Drive-In.
Source: Pinterest

Historic picture of the Marquee Mural on the Mission Drive-In.

Historic picture of the Marquee Mural on the Mission Drive-In
Source: Rivard Report

Cars were not the only thing you could sit in to watch a movie, swings were also a popular choice. Seen here in the mini-playground at the Rancho Drive-In Theater, San Francisco, 1948.

1940s vintage photo of a vintage drive in theatre image people on swings 1948
Source: Vintage Everyday

Snuggle up close to the one you love. 1949, LA.

1940s vintage image of a drive in movie theatre 1949  in LA.
Source: Tumblr

Question time! Do you have a drive-in theater near you? If so is it a vintage one, or more modern? Any good memories to share of your time at the Drive-In? Share in the comments below.

FURTHER READING: Vintage Photos 1920s -1960s (archived blog posts)

Liz