Look Back: Drive-ins steal the show | News, Sports, Jobs
Between 1949 and 1953, the Parkersburg, West Virginia, region experienced a rapid expansion of drive-in theaters, beginning with the Belpre Open-Air Theater and the Mur Outdoor Theater. According to Bob Enoch, president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, this trend saw the rise and eventual decline of multiple outdoor venues as commercial development and changing land use shifted the local entertainment landscape.
The Rise of Parkersburg Drive-Ins
The drive-in era in Parkersburg began in May 1949, when the Belpre Open-Air Theater opened with the film Four Faces West. Later that same month, the Mur Outdoor Theater launched on U.S. Route 21 North. These venues were initially marketed as convenient, affordable alternatives to traditional indoor cinemas like the Smoot or the Palace. According to historical records, the Mur and the Belpre were under common ownership.
The trend continued into the early 1950s. In November 1950, C.W. Johnston and Howard Templeton leased property at Gihon Road and Route 21 to establish the Star Light Auto Drive-In Theater Company. By 1952 and 1953, the Jungle Drive-In and the Midway Drive-In were constructed north of Parkersburg, bringing the total number of local outdoor theaters to several.
Did You Know? The Jungle Drive-In, built by Carl Westbrook, featured a massive 40 x 72-foot screen that remains standing today, long after many of its contemporaries have been demolished.
Commercial Shifts and Closures
The decline of these theaters was largely driven by commercial growth. Following the construction of the Grand Central Mall, the Mur and the Belpre were sold to accommodate new development. The land once occupied by the Mur is now the site of retail parking lots, including those for Chick-Fil-A and Home Depot.
Other theaters faced similar fates. The Midway Drive-In operated for only two or three years before closing, and the Star Light eventually shuttered its operations on Gihon Road. The Sundowner Drive-In was later built on the west end of Gihon Road in an attempt to replace lost capacity, but it has also ceased operations. Today, the Sundowner is primarily associated with the discovery of a murder victim on the site, though its large screen remains visible along the road.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The rapid rise and fall of the Parkersburg drive-in circuit illustrates the volatility of mid-century leisure businesses. According to historical context, these theaters relied on vast tracts of inexpensive land; as commercial real estate values climbed due to suburban expansion and mall construction, the economic incentive to repurpose these sites for retail eventually outweighed their value as entertainment venues.
Future of Local Landmarks
While most of the theaters have closed, the remnants of the drive-in era continue to define parts of the local landscape. The standing screens at the Jungle and the Sundowner serve as physical markers of this period. It is likely that as further commercial or residential development occurs in Wood County, these remaining structures may face demolition, as the land they occupy becomes increasingly valuable for modern infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drive-in theater was the longest running in the area?
The Jungle Drive-In, which held its grand opening in the spring of 1953, was the area’s longest-running drive-in theater.
Who owned the Mur and the Belpre Drive-Ins?
Both the Mur and the Belpre Drive-Ins were owned by the same individual.
What is the current status of the Sundowner Drive-In?
The Sundowner is closed and is currently known for being the location where a murder victim was found, though its giant screen remains standing along Gihon Road.
Do you remember visiting any of these historic outdoor theaters during their peak years?