Craigsville Drive-In Theatre

Craigsville WV

Information for this tour was contributed by Darren Snow.

Opened 9/14/47 by Arden A. and Minnie J. Richards. The screen tower was initially made of power poles with 2x4 crosspieces and a canvas screen; the canvas was later replaced by sheet metal (which proved too glare-prone) and then corrugated metal.

The concession stand shared a building with the ticket booth rather than the projectors, and a partially-underground cinderblock structure contained seats for walk-in patrons--making the Craigsville one of the first indoor/outdoor theatres.

Another innovation was the rain- and snow-blocking shelters that were built over some of the parking spaces. Frequent wind damage at this location inspired Richards to find a new location for his drive-in, but his next venture, the Bolair Drive-In in Webster County (c. 1950), was plagued by persistent fog.

In 1956, the Craigsville Drive-In moved to a new location.

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