Lost Moses Lake drive-in (Cascade Valley: theater, high school, university)

[pw72]

This is completely unimportant, but it has been bugging me. In 1977, I took my first solo driving trip as a 17-year old to go visit Washington State University. I stopped in Moses Lake and visited an old-time drive-in that seemed to be up on the crest of the hill as you entered the main drag area of Moses Lake. Went through there a year ago and couldn't find it. I presume it was demolished, but am curious what the name of the place was, and when it might have closed. It is only important to me because it was my first trip as a young man on my own, oh yeah, kind of connected with one the female workers, but that is another story. Just a fond memory...anybody know?

[scirocco22]

If you're referring to the "old-time drive-in" outdoor theater, there used to be one in the Cascade Valley area of town. I think it was called Skyline. I had a girlfriend there myself in the early 70s and used to visit Moses Lake often. I can't remember a lot about the town, though, but the drive-in I remember.m



ETA: Thinking about the way you worded your post, I'm now thinking you may have meant a drive-in restaurant. If so, disregard this post. I do faintly remember a drive-in restaurant in town but can't recall the name at the moment.

[chinadol509]

I live in Moses Lake. It was called Skyline Drive-In. I have faint memories of going there frequently as a very young child. I'm going to guess it closed about 1984. The movie screen was still up (as well as the speaker boxes) until the late 80's or early 90's. There is a storage unit business there now. =(

[pw72]

Hey, guys thanks for your responses. My memory would not place this drive-in (yes, a restaurant) anywhere near a drive-in theater, but I could be wrong. I did a google earth search and it appears to be this was located on Pioneer Way. Again, not very important, but was the Skyline Drive-in on Pioneer?

Only important for two reasons. I think this was the first time I ever made a road trip w/o parents, and the first time I "connected" with another on my own. Sorry for the self-indulgence here, but I truely believe life is meant to experience and remember such episodes.

[oojohneoo]

It was called "Chet's Drive-in", and was located in the "5 corners" area of town where Pioneer Way starts. There is a Jack-in-the-Box there now. Had a friend that worked there in high school (78). It was demolished some time in the 80's, and remained a vacant lot until JITB moved in.

[oojohneoo]

Coincedentally, I worked at the Skyline Drive-in during the summers in the late 70's. Have lots of great memories of the place, both as an employee and a patron.