The Wilkes Barre Drive-In Theatre (Wilkes-Barre: how much, theater, club)

[Cloud1]

I've heard there used to be a drive-in theatre in Wilkes-Barre township where Kohl's/Sam's Club now stands, however, I can't seem to find any information on the internet anywhere. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures or a link to them? Also, do you know what year they tore it down? Thanks!

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by Cloud1

I've heard there used to be a drive-in theatre in Wilkes-Barre township where Kohl's/Sam's Club now stands, however, I can't seem to find any information on the internet anywhere. I was wondering if anyone had any pictures or a link to them? Also, do you know what year they tore it down? Thanks!

I'd say it was there until at least 1973. I saw Jeremiah Johnson there and drive-ins didn't show new films. The US release date was December 1972, and I probably saw it in the autumn of 1973. I really don't remember how much longer it was open; a year or two perhaps. It wasn't razed until the Walmart, now Sam's, was going to be built.

Drive-ins.com - Wilkes Barre Drive-In

[Theinternet]

I was there in '77 so it was still open then. But not long after I believe.

[Gettingouttahere]

There are still two thriving drive-ins nearby, both in the Lehigh Valley -- Becky's and Shankweilers. We go to Becky's a half dozen times over the summer. Wonderful place. Highly recommended, I love that my kids are growing up thinking it's perfectly normal to hang out at the drive in,

[jetgraphics]

I remember that old drive in. Had a nice playground in front of the snack bar / projector building.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by Theinternet

I was there in '77 so it was still open then. But not long after I believe.

That long? I should have gone again. I haven't been to a drive-in in years.

My brother and I took my son to the Garden Drive-in when he was about 12 years old. I'm glad that we did. There aren't any in my area.

[Gettingouttahere]

Originally Posted by jetgraphics

I remember that old drive in. Had a nice playground in front of the snack bar / projector building.

You talking about Becky's or the W-B one? Becky's has a playground by one of the screens -- and they have funnel cake (nom nom) and pony rides and fireworks on the Fourth of July -- and also a Dusk to Dawn marathon around Labor Day, I think it is. It's a frequent sellout when hot movies are showing (all admission is for a two-movie double feature; two screens, so four options)

[Cloud1]

Thanks for your help!

[lilbobby]

The Wilkes-Barre Drive-in, located mostly where Kohl's is today I believe (not sure if that's what there or not. I moved out of the area and only go back if I have to), was open until the mid-80s. I saw Gremlins and Short Circuit there as a kid, so at least '86. Shortly after it closed and then they built the Walmart there.

Then we started going to the Garden.

There was also a drive-in on the West Side that I'm pretty sure was open until the 80s as well. I have a slight memory of going to it, but maybe it's a false memory.

[poconoproud]

yeah, the w-b drive in was there till I was about 14 or 15...that would have been the late 80's. I loved it there..