Oxford Drive-In Theatre

Take a trip through time with Archivist Liz Dommasch as she delves into the history of the Oxford Drive-In Theatre.

By Liz Dommasch, Archivist

One of my favourite activities growing up was heading to the drive-in. There’s something about watching a movie under the stars, enjoying some popcorn, and trying to stay up for the double and even sometimes triple feature that made it the perfect activity for a Saturday night in the summer.

Although the first drive-in was patented in the 1930s, it wasn’t until the 1950s that drive-ins really took off in popularity. In the county, the Oxford Drive-in first opened on May 3, 1950, on land purchased by Clifford Summerhayes on the 8^th line (Governors Road) of West Zorra Township. The theatre included parking spaces with a ramp that enabled cars to be properly positioned facing the screen so that everyone in the car would have a clear view. Each spot also had its own speaker that could be adjusted. These speakers were originally hung from the patron’s car window. However, by the early 1990s, the Oxford Drive-in converted directly to FM radio sound which meant patrons just needed to turn on their car radio and set it to the designated station.

For those that didn’t have a car, and wished to enjoy a movie “amid Oxford’s pleasant fields”, there were comfortable seats from which they could enjoy the latest pictures in the fresh air. Movies were shown using two large projectors and a fifty feet square screen which the Woodstock Sentinel-Review claimed ensured patrons perfect vision (W-SR – May 3, 1950). The original screen was eventually blown down during a severe windstorm in the winter of 1975-1976 and was replaced by then-owner Leonard Bernstein.

The drive-in also included a modern refreshment stand where people could grab a snack before and during the movie. Movie snacks included traditional popcorn as well as ice cream, french fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs. It also played popular records of the time over the in-a-car speakers before the program began, which is a tradition that carries on to this day. In 1977 the playground equipment was installed and included a swing set and the Loch Ness Monster.

Sadly, as home video rentals became more readily available in the 1980s, the decline of the drive-in began across North America and the Oxford Drive-in would eventually close its doors in 2015. However, it has recently reopened and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. Although it was temporarily closed this year due to COVID, it is open now for those looking to capture some summertime memories under the stars!

Fun Fact: The first movie show at the Oxford Drive-in was “Life with Father” starring William Powell, Irene Dunne, and a young Elizabeth Taylor. Released in 1947, it was nominated for several Academy Awards including Best Actor in a Leading Role for William Powell. Strangely, due to a clerical error, Life with Father was not renewed for copyright and fell into the public domain in 1975.

Image Credits:

Oxford Drive-in Movie Ticket: COA33 Ingersoll Miscellaneous fonds

Life with Father Movie Poster: https://www.caftanwoman.com/2015/06/caftan-womans-choice-one-for-july-on-tcm.html