[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H5021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DRIVE-IN THEATER

  (Mr. DENT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DENT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of the drive-in theater.
  On June 6, 1933, Richard Hollingshead, Jr., opened the first drive-in 
theater in the United States in Camden, New Jersey. Hollingshead's 
vision of enabling Americans to view movies from the comfort of their 
spacious cars was mastered through trials on his own driveway where he 
nailed a bed sheet between two trees and placed a film projector on the 
hood of his car. From its simple origins, Hollingshead's concept would 
transform the movie industry and later become a lasting icon of 
Americana.
  Today, there are close to 400 drive-in theaters operating 650 screens 
in 47 States across the Nation. As summer approaches and evenings 
become warmer, thousands of families, couples, and groups of friends 
will gather at drive-ins to enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters on 
the largest movie screens in the theater industry.
  Throughout the U.S., moviegoers are rediscovering the pleasures of 
the all-American drive-in experience, which often includes dining on 
classic American foods and beverages. My district in eastern 
Pennsylvania is home to the famous Shankweiler's Drive-In Theater built 
in 1934. It is the oldest operating theater in the United States. Every 
summer, many of my constituents flock to local drive-ins like 
Shankweiler's for an evening.
  I ask my colleagues to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the drive-in 
theater and I encourage all Americans to rediscover their local 
theaters.

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