Pennsylvania is a haven for drive-in theater enthusiasts, boasting 29 operational venues across the state. Among them, the historic Shankweiler’s Drive-In, located in Lehigh County, holds the prestigious title of the oldest drive-in theater in America. With a rich history dating back to 1934, this iconic venue has witnessed nearly a century of cinematic evolution.

Beyond Shankweiler’s, Pennsylvania’s midstate region also preserves the nostalgic charm of drive-in cinemas. Dauphin County, York County, Juniata County, and Cumberland County each host their own beloved outdoor theaters, keeping this classic American pastime alive. Let’s take a deep dive into Pennsylvania’s drive-in history, particularly the fascinating journey of Shankweiler’s Drive-In.

Shankweiler’s Drive-In: The Oldest in America

Nestled in Orefield, a quaint town in Lehigh County, Shankweiler’s Drive-In opened its doors in April 1934. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, this historic theater emerged less than a year after the world’s first drive-in was launched in New Jersey in 1933.

At the time of its inception, drive-in theaters were an innovative concept, allowing families and couples to enjoy movies under the stars from the comfort of their cars. Over the decades, Shankweiler’s has adapted to technological advancements while preserving its old-school charm.

Video: Drive-In Movie Theaters – Life in America

The Evolution of Shankweiler’s Drive-In

As the years rolled by, Shankweiler’s underwent continuous development, upgrading its technology and infrastructure to enhance the movie-going experience.

• 1948: Speaker poles and car speakers were installed, transforming audio accessibility for moviegoers.
• 1950s: The theater introduced a new CinemaScope screen, allowing for a wider viewing experience.
• 1982: AM radio micro-vicinity broadcasting was introduced, paving the way for a more immersive sound system.
• 1986: FM radio micro-vicinity broadcasting replaced AM, improving audio quality for movie watchers.
• Modern Upgrades: Additional improvements included Red LED Spectral recorded analog soundtrack readers, a cinema sound processor, and a digital projector.

These upgrades solidified Shankweiler’s status as a pioneer in drive-in theater technology, being one of the first to adopt FM broadcast stereo for movie audio.

A New Era: Shankweiler’s Under New Ownership

In November 2022, Shankweiler’s Drive-In found new stewards in Lauren McChesney and Matthew McClanahan, who took over from longtime owners Paul and Susan Geissinger. The transition came at a crucial time, as the drive-in had been up for sale for years.

McChesney, in an interview, explained that the theater had started to look “more like a gas station than a movie venue”, emphasizing the urgent need for revitalization. As part of the revival, the new owners committed to keeping the drive-in operational year-round, allowing audiences to enjoy open-air films even during colder months.

The Moving Picture Cinema: Keeping Outdoor Movies Alive

McChesney and McClanahan are no strangers to the outdoor movie industry. The duo runs The Moving Picture Cinema, a pop-up movie company that gained popularity during the pandemic. Their initiative helped struggling indoor theaters by hosting outdoor screenings, ensuring that film lovers could still enjoy movies while following social distancing guidelines.

Bringing their expertise to Shankweiler’s, they aim to preserve the nostalgic drive-in experience while integrating modern enhancements to keep up with the evolving film industry.

Drive-Ins in Pennsylvania: A Nostalgic Revival

While Shankweiler’s Drive-In remains the most historically significant, Pennsylvania’s drive-in culture extends far beyond Lehigh County. Other regions, including Dauphin County, York County, Juniata County, and Cumberland County, still operate four more drive-in theaters, contributing to the state’s vibrant cinematic heritage.

Despite the digital age dominating entertainment consumption, these outdoor theaters continue to thrive, offering a unique, family-friendly alternative to traditional movie theaters.

Why Drive-In Theaters Still Matter

In an era of streaming services and IMAX theaters, one might wonder—why do drive-in theaters still hold a special place in American culture? The answer lies in their nostalgia, communal atmosphere, and affordability.

• A Timeless Experience: Watching a film under the night sky, surrounded by fresh air, provides a unique charm that indoor cinemas cannot replicate.
• Community Gathering Spot: Drive-ins foster a social experience, allowing families, couples, and friends to enjoy movies together from their cars.
• Affordable Entertainment: Many drive-ins offer double features at lower ticket prices than traditional theaters, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious moviegoers.

Conclusion: Preserving a Piece of Film History

Pennsylvania’s drive-in theaters, particularly Shankweiler’s Drive-In, serve as a living testament to America’s cinematic history. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its modern-day resurgence, Shankweiler’s has survived countless industry shifts, thanks to dedicated owners and a loyal audience.

With new management committed to its preservation, this legendary drive-in is poised to entertain generations to come. Whether you’re a lifelong drive-in fan or someone looking for a fresh movie-going experience, visiting Shankweiler’s or any of Pennsylvania’s 29 drive-in theaters is a must.

So, next time you’re in Pennsylvania, why not relive the golden age of cinema under the stars?