User:Vegantics/sandbox

One of a series of drive-ins opened by A.M. Ellis in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. [https://books.google.com/books?id=NfYDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT45&dq=%22mahoning%22+drive+in&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8nrjTlvyFAxV4hIkEHQ6UCDc4ChDoAXoECAYQAg#v=onepage&q=%22mahoning%22%20drive%20in&f=false] He purchased a 50% share from "Rappaport and Shrier."[https://books.google.com/books?id=N_YDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA49&dq=%22mahoning%22+drive+in&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjE16q_l_yFAxW_AHkGHVphC544FBDoAXoECAQQAg#v=onepage&q=%22mahoning%22%20drive%20in&f=false]

The Mahoning Drive-In Theater opened on April 29, 1949 with space for 75 cars, amidst a wave of drive-in theaters that became popular in the US after World War II.{{Cite news |date=1949-04-28 |title=Drive-In Theatre To Open Friday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/270381132 |access-date=2024-03-01 |work=Mauch Chunk Times-Nwes |pages=1}}{{cite web |last=Abrams |first=Simon |date=July 9, 2021 |title=The Schlock-Horror Drive-In That Rose From the Grave |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/09/nyregion/mahoning-drive-in-pennsylvania.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715221119/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/09/nyregion/mahoning-drive-in-pennsylvania.html |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=The New York Times}} A preview showing the night before drew 500 attendees.{{Cite news |date=1949-04-30 |title=Open Drive-In Theatre |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/279787141 |access-date=2024-03-01 |work=The Morning Call |pages=8}} According to Gene DeSantis, the theater's manager circa 1988, the first film screened at the Mahoning was 1948's April Showers.{{cite news |last=Connolly |first=Sean |date=September 15, 1988 |title=Theaters out of doors out of date? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82401069/the-morning-call/ |access-date=July 29, 2021 |work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, Pennsylvania |page=161}} The first season screened films every night of the week and admission was 50 cents.{{cite news |date=April 18, 1949 |title=Mahoning Valley Drive-in Theatre Ready to Open |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82400865/the-morning-call/ |access-date=July 29, 2021 |work=The Morning Call |location=Allentown, Pennsylvania}}

1952: sold at auction to Max Korr and associates.[https://books.google.com/books?id=Zh8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA66&dq=%22mahoning%22+drive+in&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjE16q_l_yFAxW_AHkGHVphC544FBDoAXoECA0QAg#v=onepage&q=mahoning&f=false]

In the 1950s, the drive-in was popular among teens, hosting dances and, in more than one instance, causing mischief.{{Cite web |date=1959-06-22 |title=Mahoning Drive-In Theatre |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/325148939/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Jim Thorpe Times News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=1954-08-10 |title=Mahoning Township Police Chief Has Busy Day of Investigations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/280331331/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=The Morning Call |language=en}} The Mahoning Fairways served as another attraction next door.{{Cite web |date=1957-07-19 |title=New Dudley Baseball Machine Installed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/321739927/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Jim Thorpe Times News |language=en}}

1952 lawsuit: [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/279996432/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

1966: attempted [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/322348742/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1 arson]

Though drive-in attendance declined across the country with the advent of multiplex theaters in the 1970s and 1980s, the Mahoning remained in operation.

1988: [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/282729376/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

1991: reopen theater? likely the just mean for the season [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/322348742/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

In 1997, owner Joe Farruggio courted controversy when he threatened to screen Deep Throat and Debbie Does Dallas following multiple rejected zoning applications to build two additional screens.{{cite news |last1=Ayers |first1=Chuck |title=Drive-in neighbors upset over planned X-rated films |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/277549395/ |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Morning Call |date=1997-08-21}} At the time, he owed nearly $7,000 in back taxes on the property and claimed adult films were the only way to earn revenue with only one screen.{{Cite news |last=Ayers |first=Chuck |date=1997-08-23 |title=Drive-in offers action |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/277553575/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |work=The Morning Call |pages=B3,B12}} As early as 1992, Mahoning Township required the theater to get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to build the additional screens because of their proximity to an airport, which they did not receive.[https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/283759758/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1] Police were present before the Friday night screening to confiscate the films, had they been visible from the road, but Farruggio instead elected to show Mimic and Cop Land.{{cite news |last1=Ayers |first1=Chuck |title=Drive-in offers action |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/277553575 |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Morning Call |date=1997-08-23}} The drive-in was only open for two weeks that year and two weekends in 1998.{{cite news |last1=Laylo |first1=Bob |date=1998-06-08 |title=Mahoning Drive-In theater may not see 50th birthday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/277581264 |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The Morning Call}}{{Cite news |date=1998-09-02 |title=Drive-In opens briefly to keep permits active |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/277719587 |access-date=2024-03-21 |work=The Morning Call |pages=B2}}

In 1999, Michael and Deb Danchak began leasing the drive-in from Farruggio.{{Cite news |date=2002-12-21 |title=Angela theater reopens in Coaldale |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/504056020 |access-date=2024-03-21 |work=Standard-Speaker |pages=9}} Jeff Mattox began working at the theater in 2001 and took over operations in 2002. The theater operated on weekends only and began showing vintage trailers alongside modern releases.{{Cite news |last=Mucha |first=Peter |date=2001-08-16 |title=The drive-in: Projecting nostalgia across Pennsylvania |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/179421918 |access-date=2024-03-21 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |pages=D1,D3}} On a good weekend, the theater was estimated to receive 100 cars.{{Cite news |last=Pytak |first=Stephen J. |date=2002-06-06 |title=Moviegoers enjoy opportunity to watch films under the stars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/468674457}}

In September 2013, the Danchaks attempted to raise funds to purchase a digital projector, as major studios announced they would stop distributing new releases in 35mm.{{Cite web |date=2013-09-03 |title=Poconos drive-in theater hoping for a savior |url=https://whyy.org/articles/poconos-drive-in-theater-hoping-for-a-savior/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=WHYY |language=en-US}} The effort was unsuccessful and in 2014 Mattox took over ownership of the business.{{Cite news |last=Duckett |first=Jodi |date=2014-10-23 |title=Halloween Horror Film Fest at Mahoning Drive-In |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/273195487 |access-date=2024-03-21 |work=The Morning Call |pages=O3}} Mattox also attempted to raise funds to buy a digital projector, and a later New York Times piece noted that 2014 attendance was low, sometimes with as few as 10 cars per show.

At the suggestion of volunteer employees Virgil Cardamone and Matt McClanahan, Mattox decided that the Mahoning would screen primarily older cult films and B movies in 35mm, as opposed to newer releases. The last first-run feature shown at the Mahoning was Guardians of the Galaxy, while the first retro double feature was Jaws and Jurassic Park.{{Cite web |last=Tatu |first=Christina |date=2019-06-22 |title=Reeling in the film fans: Mahoning Drive-In is last in the U.S. showing 35 mm films every weekend |url=https://www.mcall.com/2019/06/22/reeling-in-the-film-fans-mahoning-drive-in-is-last-in-the-us-showing-35-mm-films-every-weekend/ |access-date=2024-03-27 |website=The Morning Call |language=en-US}} The decision proved successful and attendance at the Mahoning soon rose in accordance, with the addition of Exhumed Films' themed programs like the recurring "Zombie Fest"—a marathon of films featuring zombies—and "Camp Blood"—a marathon of horror films set at summer camps. Attendees have noted the sense of festivity and community that have been a draw for visitors from hours away.{{Cite web |last=Reber |first=Chris |date=2021-08-07 |title=More than movies; Mahoning Drive-In supporters say events more like a convention |url=https://www.tnonline.com/20210807/more-than-movies-mahoning-drive-in-supporters-say-events-more-like-a-conven/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Times News |language=en-US}} Films are commonly shown as double or triple features at the Mahoning, and are often accompanied by screenings of older movie trailers, other vintage advertisements, and themed sets and costumes created by volunteer James T. Mills. The Mahoning has gone on to host events for Shudder, Joe Bob Briggs,{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Tamera |date=2022-07-12 |title=Horror Critic Joe Bob Briggs Wraps Second Annual Drive-In Jamboree |url=https://collider.com/last-drive-in-with-joe-bob-briggs-season-5-renewed-shudder/ |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Collider |language=en}} John Waters{{Cite web |last=Leszak |first=Kimberly |date=2023-08-25 |title=Exclusive: John Waters On Getting Filthy At The Drive-In |url=https://www.fangoria.com/original/john-waters-filthy-festival-interview/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Fangoria |language=en-US}} and Troma Entertainment.{{Cite web |last=Blacktooth |date=2022-07-01 |title=Troma Entertainment Returns to The World Famous, Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton, PA July 15th – July 17th for TromaDance 2022 |url=https://www.horrorsociety.com/2022/07/01/troma-entertainment-returns-to-the-world-famous-mahoning-drive-in-in-lehighton-pa-july-15th-july-17th-for-tromadance-2022/ |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Horror Society |language=en-US}}

1963: airport opened [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/275282492/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1] (was previously a driving range in 1960?[https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/390077976/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1])

Each parking spot had individual speakers with the ability to page waitstaff to bring food. The property also had plans for a playground (verify?)

The Mahoning Drive-in was the subject of Alexander Monelli's 2017 documentary, At the Drive-In, which won "Best Local Feature" at the Philadelphia Film Festival.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=NEPA Scene |date=2018-07-30 |title=Mahoning Drive-In documentary 'At the Drive-In' gets TV premiere on WVIA Aug. 2-11 |url=https://nepascene.com/2018/07/mahoning-drive-in-documentary-at-drive-in-gets-tv-premiere-wvia-aug-2-11/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=NEPA Scene |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Sorokach |first=Josh |date=2019-08-27 |title=At The Drive-In is a Feel-Good Documentary That Celebrates The Joy of Cinema |url=https://decider.com/2019/08/27/at-the-drive-in-review-amazon-prime-video/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Decider |language=en-US}} In 2022, the theater partnered with local brewing company Neshaminy Creek to release a lager, Showtime at Sundown. The beer was initially only available at the drive-in.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2022-05-05 |title=Neshaminy Creek Partners With Mahoning Drive-In For New Signature Brew |url=https://breweriesinpa.com/neshaminy-creek-partners-with-mahoning-drive-in-for-new-signature-brew/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Breweries In PA |language=en-US}}

1949: lawsuit over sign painting [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/279651433/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1], civil trial in June [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/279522733/?terms=M.%20E.%20Mccullough&match=1 1950]

1951: Johnie Light manager [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/269413551/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

1958: William Shirar, manager{{cite news |date=1958-04-04 |title=Mahoning Drive-In Theatre To Open Tomorrow |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/325148342 |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=Jim Thorpe Times News}}

1966: owned Pencor Television Cabel Co. George Karas director, Andrew Hammel projectionist [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/322348742/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

1981-1992: Amos Theaters Inc. [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/283759758/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1 owned]

1988-1998: Farruggio owned [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/282729376/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

1988-1998: Gene Desantis manager [https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/277719587/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in%20&match=1][https://www-newspapers-com.wikipedialibrary.idm.oclc.org/image/282729376/?terms=mahoning%20drive-in&match=1]

2012-present? Jess Peel senior-most employee and lead manager as of 2024

Note to self: reviewed first 35 pages of newspapers restults for mahoning drive-in (no quotation marks) 1949-1996, Pennsylvania

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