Romantic venture on a road trip culminates in securing ownership of the oldest operational drive-in theater globally
In the heart of Pennsylvania, a piece of history continues to thrive. Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, the world's oldest operating drive-in movie theatre, has been entertaining audiences since its opening on April 15, 1934.
The theatre was the brainchild of Wilson Shankweiler, a renowned hotel owner and movie enthusiast. Shankweiler's Park-In Theatre, as it was initially called, marked a significant milestone as Pennsylvania's first drive-in and only the nation's second.
Over the years, the ownership of Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre changed hands several times before it was purchased by the current owners, Matt McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, in 2022. The couple, both from Pennsylvania, have a deep-rooted connection with the drive-in theatre industry.
McClanahan had previously managed another drive-in theatre and even started a mobile movie business during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, McChesney, who had never been to a drive-in before 2018, left her stable job in the health care industry to take on this new venture.
Their relationship blossomed at a drive-in theatre he managed, and they started dating in 2019. The success of Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre played a role in the timing of their engagement.
Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre is a favourite among regular visitors like Ken Querio, who has been visiting since his teenage years. Querio expressed his appreciation for the old-school, old-venue of Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre still being in operation.
The drive-in movie theatre industry peaked in the late 1950s with over 4,000 drive-ins. However, the numbers dropped rapidly in the 1970s and 80s. By 2024, there were only 283 drive-in movie theatres left, according to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association.
Despite the industry's decline, Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre continues to operate seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and Thursdays through Sundays the rest of the year. Tickets for adults are $13, and $9 for children.
As the world's oldest operating drive-in movie theatre, Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring charm of a bygone era. Querio thanked the owners before a recent viewing of "Jaws", a sentiment shared by many who appreciate the unique experience that Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre offers.
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