User:Vegantics/sandbox
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History
One of a series of drive-ins opened by A.M. Ellis in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He purchased a 50% share from "Rappaport and Shrier."
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.[1][2] A preview showing the night before drew 500 attendees.[3] According to Gene DeSantis, the theater's manager circa 1988, the first film screened at the Mahoning was 1948's April Showers.[4] The first season screened films every night of the week and admission was 50 cents.[5][4]
1952: sold at auction to Max Korr and associates.
In the 1950s, the drive-in was popular among teens, hosting dances and, in more than one instance, causing mischief.[6][7] The Mahoning Fairways served as another attraction next door.[8]
1966: attempted 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.[2]
1991: reopen theater? likely the just mean for the season
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.[9] 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.[10] 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. 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.[11] The drive-in was only open for two weeks that year and two weekends in 1998.[12][13]
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.[2] 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.[14] 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"[2]—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.[15] 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.[2] The Mahoning has gone on to host events for Shudder, Joe Bob Briggs,[16] John Waters[17] and Troma Entertainment.[18]
Location and Facilities
1963: airport opened (was previously a driving range in 1960?)
Each parking spot had individual speakers with the ability to page waitstaff to bring food. The property also had plans for a playground (verify?)[5]
Impact and legacy
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.[19][20] 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.[21]
Staff and other notes (not to include in final article)
1949: lawsuit over sign painting , civil trial in June 1950
1958: William Shirar, manager[22]
1966: owned Pencor Television Cabel Co. George Karas director, Andrew Hammel projectionist
1981-1992: Amos Theaters Inc. owned
1988-1998: Gene Desantis manager
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