Four days before the Salem Drive-In Theatre opened for business in 1948, an article was published in Salem’s Capital Journal announcing its opening night plans but also detailing the theatre in full.
After discussing ownership and management information, the article goes into detail on the features of the theatre. Space had been laid out within the drive-in for five hundred cars, with room so that one could leave the theatre whenever they pleased. Aisles on the outsides of the parking rows are the main way to do this so as not to block the view of others parked within. It’s stated as well that the parking spaces are pitched so that no matter where you are in the area you will have an eye-level view of the screen. The middle of the parking area has a small building that houses the projection booth, snack bar, and restrooms.
The sound systems of the theatre were stressed as the main selling point for its quality, noting that in addition to the two raised speakers by the projection screen each car has its own speaker that can be mounted inside the vehicle. These speakers are said to have individual volume control for the best viewership experience, and are handed out by the ushers as vehicles enter the theatre’s parking area.
Within this article, as well as subsequent advertising for the opening and future advertising for showings, it’s noted that the theatre is open rain or shine, because of the comfort that exists within the viewer’s own automobile.
