Couple Saves Oldest Drive-In Theater

In 2018, Lauren McChesney met Matt McClanahan when she handed him her ticket at the entrance of a drive-in theater he was managing. Their shared love of classic movies quickly turned into a romance, and before long the couple set out on a cross-country road trip to visit historic drive-ins around the United States. Along the way, they learned that Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania—the world’s oldest continuously operating drive-in—was at risk of being redeveloped. The idea struck them: instead of dreaming about opening a new drive-in, they could save this iconic one close to home. They pooled their savings, secured a $1 million loan, and bought Shankweiler’s. This year, they’ve breathed new life into the theater with summer blockbusters, themed events, and community gatherings, preserving a beloved piece of Americana while building a future together rooted in both love and film.

Image via AP 

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