Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre – America’s Oldest Operating Drive-In
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre originally opened in 1934. It is the oldest operating drive-in theater in America. The theater was on the path to becoming a gas station. Knowing about the history of Shankweiler’s, the new owners decided it was the perfect time to buy the business. The drive-in was built by Wilson Shankweiler. It has been in continuous operation since 1934. People can get synced-up sound using their vehicle radios with FM transmitters. The technology allows the newest blockbuster movies to be screened.
Historical Drive-Ins
In 1897, the Washington Iowa State Theatre opened. As of 2022, it has operated continuously for 124 years. The world’s oldest open-air cinema in operation is in Broome, Australia. Since 1916, Sun Pictures Garden Cinema has screened films outdoors, a record. The drive-in in the movie is in Tulsa. It began as the Modernaire. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Pennsylvania is America’s oldest continuously operating drive-in dating to 1934. It offers double features. The Bourbon Drive-In in Paris, Kentucky has operated since 1955. The 61 Drive-In Theatre in Iowa has run continuously since 1950. It was the Midwest’s first drive-in with digital projection.
Inspiration and Legacy
Shankweiler was inspired by a drive-in he visited in New Jersey. He set up an outdoor screen at his hotel. Initially, it screened local baseball games. Within years it advertised "talkie" screenings. Today, advanced technology allows the latest movies to be shown. Hundreds of drive-ins once operated nationwide. Now only a handful remain. Shankweiler’s continues the legacy as America’s oldest.
Oldest Continuously Operating Theatres
America’s Oldest Operating Drive-In
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre opened in 1934. It is America’s oldest operating drive-in theater. Wilson Shankweiler built the drive-in. The theater was going to become a gas station. New owners decided the history made it perfect to buy. It has run continuously since 1934. Patrons use vehicle radios with FM transmitters for synced sound. This allows screening of new blockbuster movies.
World’s Oldest Cinema
The Kino Pionier Cinema in Szczecin, Poland holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest cinema. It opened in 1909 as the Helios Cinema. You can still view movies there today in the historical theater complete with armchairs. It plays classic, artful films.
Oldest Continuously Operating Movie Theater
The State Theatre in Washington, Iowa has screened films since May 1897. Guinness World Records recognized it in 2016 as the world’s oldest continuously operating movie theater. The first screenings packed the 783-seat auditorium. Many early films were French imports. A local husband and wife duo operated the theater, first opened as the Graham Opera House before converting to movies.