By Mary E. Mortimer
Dale Elleman Sr. began plans in 1948 for a drive-in theatre on Spruce St. in Bellefontaine next to the Detroit Aluminum & Brass “DAB” manufacturing plant.
At that time, Elleman also operated the Dale Theatre in North Lewisburg.
According to an article in the Bellefontaine Examiner on August 5, 1948, “Modern and special outdoor equipment was installed on the eight-acre tract, and 7,500 feet of wire for the car speakers was installed underground.” Merrill Hollingsworth, Jimmy Murray, John Murray, James Ewing, and Dale Elleman Jr. erected a 48 x 56-foot screen for the new theatre.
The Bellefontaine Drive-in Theatre opened in August 1948.
Admission was fifty cents for adults and children over twelve years of age.
All children under twelve were admitted free.
The lot size was designed for 350 autos, and each vehicle had its own speaker with volume control.
Car heaters were also available for colder weather.
Elleman was not too concerned about forgetful drivers leaving with the speaker attached.
He said, “Just return the speaker over to any theatre employee, since not too much harm would be done.”
Elleman conceived the new idea of placing flood lights in the rear of the lot instead of on top of the screen.
The reason for this was to keep glare out of patrons’ eyes and make it easier for them to see when leaving the theatre.
The lights were specially equipped to give a moonlight effect during the movie.
The refreshment stand was in the center of the parking lot.
They served hot dogs, ice cream, hot coffee, and other food and drink items.
They also provided bottle warmers and encouraged mothers to bring their babies.
You could “Enjoy the show in the comfort of your own car. Relax, come dressed as you are. No need to dress up. Smoke all you like.”
The theatre also had “Modern restrooms for ladies and gents.”
They also advertised “We have capable ushers to help you park, or you may park at your favorite spot, whichever you choose. These ushers are on the field at all times to help you in case of any kind of trouble.”
For the March 25, 1949 opening season, the Bellefontaine Drive-in had Friday and Saturday night double feature movies, “Man From Texas” and “Bowery Buckaroos”. Sunday and Monday night, they showed “I’ve Always Loved You.”
In August 1950, Elleman announced plans to open “The New Drive-in Theatre” near Belle Center.
He opened the Marysville Drive-in theatre in June 1956.
The Bellefontaine Drive-in Theatre enjoyed much success for over thirty years and closed in the 1970s.
Information and photos courtesy of Peggy Elleman Phillips, Dale Elleman Sr’s granddaughter, and from the History Center Archives.
Visit the Logan County History Center at 521 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311, to learn more interesting aspects of Logan County History.
