Save the Drive In!

Many of us ‘senior’ HAMBers grew up with Drive-In Theaters. It’s sad to say, but most of the current generation barely know about them, let alone have seen a movie in their car. The Drive-In is quintessential Americana, and this important part of our automotive cultural history is in danger of being lost forever. ‘Project Drive-In’ is an effort supported by Honda (come on Big Three, jump in here!) to bring awareness to the major issues these independent theaters are facing when the movie industry moves away from 35 mm film prints next year. As the production studios switch to digital film, the theaters are obviously required to upgrade to digital projectors to show new films. The cost is about $80,000 for the drive-ins to upgrade, which most of them cannot afford very easily. Project Drive-In is asking people to donate some money to the cause or even just go to a drive-in theater once in a while to support. Additionally, Honda will also be donating projectors to five of the remaining drive-ins based on votes received on its website. I just got back from the Route 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Mo., and it was a great feeling to see just how much that theater means to it’s entire community. There aren’t many left, and these remaining gems are worth supporting and saving…