Jerry Summers
As the number of drive-in theaters continues to diminish, it appears that there are currently few “passion pits” in Alabama, Georgia or Tennessee.
Actually the above term is an outdated and inapplicable term recognized by only the older generation when it only meant the opportunity to get a French kiss or to brush the outer garment of your female companion in the vicinity of her mammary glands, something that the younger generation would not understand.
Another obstacle to lascivious conduct was when moralist Henry Ford (and admirer of Adolph Hitler) heard that author John Steinbeck had written “that half of the new born American babies were conceived in the back seat of an automobile during the Roaring Twenties” (and after). Ford then ordered that the rear passenger area in his vehicle be reduced in size to chill temptation (Good luck).
Other temporary thrills were provided by either illegally trying to sneak into the theater through the exit gate or to load up the trunk with one or two small non-paying customers in order to save money to buy popcorn or Cokes.
Since 1963 the residents of the metropolitan community of Dunlap had enjoyed their small locally owned drive-in but it closed in 2007 and the location at 14857 Rankin Avenue is now occupied by a Walgreens Pharmacy. It provided space for 200 cars on its single big screen.
The closest drive-in is 15 miles from Chattanooga and is the Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater at Trenton, Georgia at 217 Old Hales Gap off of Interstate 59 at exit 17. There you can enjoy a movie in the comfort of your family automobile without being annoyed by the ringing of cell phones or inconsiderate other patrons. Some have done away with the outside speakers and you can listen to the sound of the movie on your car's FM radio. (Be careful not to run the battery down in your car).
Further up the road in Lewisburg, Tennessee, the Hi-Way 50 Drive-In was a family owned outdoor theater that opened for business in 1946 at 1584 Fayetteville Highway with a capacity of 350 cars.
The Montana Drive-In at Estill Springs in Franklin County is also operated by the same family that manages the historic and renovated Oldham Theater on the square in downtown Winchester.
Up Interstate 75 in Athens is the Swingin’ Midway Drive-In Theater that has an interesting name but there is a limit of six people per car which caters more to family-orientated groups.
Touchstar Cinemas at 5905 University Drive, N.W. in Huntsville, Alabama created a 40-foot outdoor screen on the parking lot of its other preexisting 12 indoor theaters, but its planned debut was in the middle of COVID.
During the 1950s -1960s the Chattanooga area had a proliferation of drive-ins, such as the Highway 41, Red Bank, Skyway, Broad Street, Highway 58, etc.
The new generation may have missed one of the few benefits of growing up in the Post War era!
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Jerry Summers
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