Preserving the Past: A Pennsylvania Couple’s Journey to Owning the World’s Oldest Drive-In Theater
In a story that resembles a Hollywood romance, a Pennsylvania couple has taken on the challenge of preserving the world’s oldest operating drive-in movie theater. Lauren McChesney and Matt McClanahan’s journey began in 2018 when they met at a drive-in theater managed by McClanahan. A year later, they started dating, and their relationship blossomed into a partnership that would lead them to purchase Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, a historic drive-in that first opened its doors in 1934.
A Dream Born on a Road Trip
The idea of owning a drive-in theater was sparked during a cross-country road trip the couple took, visiting both operational and abandoned drive-ins along the way. Initially, they had planned to build a new drive-in, but when they discovered that Shankweiler’s was up for sale, they knew they had to act. “Why are we spending so much time trying to build one when there’s one literally down the road from our house that’s for sale and is like the most important drive-in?” McClanahan recalled.
The drive-in movie theater industry has a rich history, dating back to 1933 when the first drive-in was opened in Camden, New Jersey. According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, the industry peaked in the late 1950s with over 4,000 drive-ins, but declined rapidly in the 1970s and 80s due to increasing land values and other entertainment options. Despite this decline, Shankweiler’s has managed to stay afloat, and with the help of McClanahan and McChesney, it continues to thrive.
A Risk Worth Taking
McClanahan, 35, and McChesney, 41, took a significant risk by purchasing Shankweiler’s in 2022, pooling their savings and securing a $1 million loan. McClanahan, who grew up going to Shankweiler’s, had previous experience managing another drive-in and starting a mobile movie business during the pandemic. McChesney, on the other hand, left a stable corporate job in the healthcare industry to join McClanahan in this new venture. Despite the challenges, they have built a successful business, attracting strong summer attendance and hosting special events like Valentine’s Day screenings.
Regulars like Ken Querio, 52, of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, have been going to Shankweiler’s since they were teenagers. Querio made a point to seek out the owners before a recent viewing of “Jaws” to express his gratitude. “It’s wonderful to have an old-school, an old venue like this still going,” he said. Wilson Shankweiler, the original owner, opened the theater on April 15, 1934, and McClanahan and McChesney are its fourth owners.
McChesney credits the success of the business with the timing of their engagement. “We knew we’d eventually get married, but we kept doing other things instead, like starting businesses and buying movie theaters,” she said. The couple’s romance and dedication to preserving the past have made Shankweiler’s a beloved institution in the community.
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