Remember When

photos by William “Becky” Beck

The first "Route 45 Drive-In” was located where the Bryfogle Memorial Park is presently located in Berlinsville (Walnutport) on Route 248. (Once Route 45) from 1939 to 1946. As advertised on the back of the screen, facing Route 45/248 highway, the movie showing was "Drums of Africa" starring Buster Crabbe in 1941. The screen was made from telephone poles by Becky’s father, Earl Spadt. The screen had two large horn speakers to listen to the double features. RCA in-car speakers weren’t invented when this photo was taken. There were mainly Western’s shown at the Route 45, according to Harold Kromer who was approx. 10 years old and lived next the drive-in. On special nights, admission was by the carload. Harold’s mother, Mildred, had given him 15 cents, which bought him a hot dog and a soda. Harold said before the projection booth was built, Becky showed the movies from his car, when it rained, to protect the film and projector. And yes, people did sneak in their trunks back then, too! (Notice the slate quarry in the background of photo of the sign) Thank you, to Harold Kromer for the history of these photos.