Town and Country Drive-in

About

When the Town & County opened (with Guys and Dolls) onJune 21st, 1956, it was reported that $250,000 had been spent on its construction, and it was billed as: The Biggest Drive-in Theatre in Texas. The Lone Star state at that point in time was Numero Uno among all Drive-in states, with nearly 400 in operation; Abilene, with the addition of the T&C could claim seven itself. To stake its claim, it provided parking for nearly 1500 cars (with 4 incoming traffic lanes to get them all in), a rooftop garden above the concession building that sat a couple hundred people, a vast playground which showcased an electric Ferris wheel, and two screens, spread-out across 23 acres. The show went on here for 25 years, before its two screens went dark on the 10th of September, 1981 (in the fading light, they screened a matched pairing of:  Popeye  /  Tidal Wave;  Blowout and Dressed to Kill). Ultimately, all seven of Abilene's outdoor picture shows would shut-down; with the Park Drive-in being the last to go out, 5 years later. The T&C remained dark for 19 years, but was fortunately acquired by a couple  with the means and enthusiasm to resurrect it after two decades of neglect. They re-opened for Season 2K on July 7th, lighting a 100' wide screen with  Dinosaur and Shanghai Noon. They intend to operate year-round, screening double features up on 'the biggest screen in Abilene' while also making a point of featuring revivals such as Dances with Wolves.