A History of Innovation

An American tradition spanning nearly a century

  • 1933: Richard Hollingshead opens New Jersey's 1st Drive-in (remembered as the 1st Drive-in to open in America) in Camden, New Jersey

  • 1934: Wilson Shankweiler, a prominent hotel owner and movie-fan opens Pennsylvania's 1st Drive-in on April 15, 1934 in Orefield. Originally called “Shankweiler’s Park-In Theatre,” Shankweiler’s Drive-In was the 2nd Drive-in to open in America.

In the 1950’s there were over 4000 operating drive-in Theaters. today, there are about 300

  • 1948: Speaker poles and Car Speakers are installed at Shankweiler's Drive-in.

  • 1955: Hurricane Diane levels the projection booth and square Shadow Box Screen. New CinemaScope Screen and Snack Bar / Projection Room / Restroom building is constructed.

  • 1959: Bob Malkemis purchases the drive-in from Wilson Shankweiler.

  • 1982: AM radio micro-vicinity broadcasting is introduced at Shankweiler's to deliver the movies' soundtrack (although the traditional car speakers still remain).

  • 1984: Electrical contractor Paul Geissinger and his wife, Susan, purchase Shankweiler’s.

  • 1986: FM radio micro-vicinity broadcasting is introduced at Shankweiler's, which becomes the 1st Drive-in to feature audio in FM broadcast Stereo.

  • 2002: The latest in cinema sound reproduction was achieved with the installation of Red LED Spectral recorded analog soundtrack readers and cinema sound processor, and a new and more powerful FM stereo transmitter.

  • 2013: State-of-the-Art digital Barco Alchemy Cinema projector was installed.

  • 2022: Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre is purchased by The Moving Picture Cinema, ensuring the continuation and preservation of the historic theater.

  • 2022: The theater expands to year-round operation.