The Drive-in Movie Theater Experience Has a Surprising Start

Who doesn't love taking in a movie at the Drive-in?  You'd be surprised how far back this concept goes.  The idea started back in 1928 in Camden, New Jersey when Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. tested the idea of outdoor theater in his driveway.  He nailed a screen to some trees in his backyard and set up his 1928 Kodak projector on the hood of his car and put a radio behind the screen for sound.  He performed all sorts of experiments listening to different sound levels with his car windows up and then down and also put blocks under vehicles in his  driveway help him figure out the size and spacing of ramps so all automobiles could have a clear view of the screen. Once he determined everything he needed, he applied for a patent of his drive-in movie theater invention and received it on May 16, 1933.  America has been enjoying drive-in movies ever since.

I remember going when I was a teenager, then as an adult with friends and later on with my kids.  It never gets old.  There's something magical about watching a movie outdoors, bringing your comforts of home with you, and snuggling in with your sweetie.  Plus, you can get a whole array of concession items at the drive-in that regular movie theaters just can't offer: burgers, fries, onion rings, hot dogs, ice cream, etc.

It's funny because even the down sides to watching movies at the drive-in are almost endearing and add to the experience.  I'm talking bugs, fog surrounding the movie screen, a couple getting a bit too hot n' heavy in the car next to you, rain, windshield fogging up, hot muggy weather.  Who cares?  It's all part of the experience.