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The Last Drive-in Theater
You are familiar with the drive- in theaters that existed during the 1950’s. Probably the one in Whalom was the most popular. Two or three kids would hide
in the trunk while a couple more paid and drove to the furthest point. We would unlock the trunk, release the illegals, and park next to our friends who
had done the same thing.
Massachusetts was an early leader among drive-in theaters. It had the distinction of having hosted one of the first five drive-in theaters in America. Four
of the first 15 were in Mass. Within 10 years of the first opening in Mass, (Weymouth in 1936) until the peak in the late 1950’s, the state had 90 in operation.
Since that time, the number has declined rapidly with only 5 remaining.
The Whalom Drive-In closed several years ago, but the Tri-Town Drive-In on Summer Street still exists after opening in 1955. According to the owner, it used
to be a teen market and then changed to a family audience in the late 80’s. The teen market never returned in full force after the invention of the VCR.
Recently, however, the seasonal nature of the business is not enough to keep the Tri-Town going. Taxes for the land have tripled making the drive-in less
profitable. The town of Lunenburg approached the owner as early as 2002 about buying the land for a 40R housing development. The proposed development is the
maximum use of the land and helps the town with its affordable housing, which will be a boon to single-parent families and low/subsidized income persons. Bringing
a little taste of Fitchburg into the Lunenburg economy.
Now seven years later, an article entitled “The Show Must Go On” appeared recently in the Sentinel. Financing issues have delayed construction on the apartment
complex. The owner does not know if he will get a full season in but for the time being the theater is open as it has been all these years.
Drive-in theaters have changed since our day. Now you select a station on your radio for the audio, kids can enjoy a playground before the movie begins, the snack
bar offers a variety of food, and if you can stay awake watching a double feature that begins once it gets dark,the price is $13 for a carload.
Once the Tri Town is closed, in it’s place will be 41 one bedroom units, 142 two bedroom units and 21 three bedroom units. And with it comes more Fire and Police
coverage and school-aged children along with less taxable income. So next time you are on Summer Street just over the line in Lunenburg, take a look. Things may be different.
... please remember to replace the speaker on the post when you leave the theater
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Copyright 2009-2013
Fitchburg High School Alumni Class of 1954 |
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