Did You Know 60 Years Ago Quincy Had a Drive-in Movie Theatre?

I used to love going to the drive-in movies when I was a kid. It was such a fun experience and wish there were more available for us nowadays to experience. But did you know Quincy had a drive-in movie theatre?

It was called the Gem City Drive-In and was located at 300 S. 36th Street. The drive-in opened in 1953 and could hold 500 cars at a time. There was only one screen at the Gem City Drive-In, but that didn't seem to stop many moviegoers from showing each weeknight.

The Drive-In was owned by the Kerasotes chain, and unfortunately in 1971 closed after 18 years of being in Quincy. The theater was demolished to make way for Quincy High School.

There was a second drive-in theater, which still has the screen and can be seen to this day. That location is in West Quincy, and the theater used to be called The Quincy Drive-In. I would love for someone to buy the property and turn it back into what it once was. I remember going to the drive-in and seeing Batman, Terminator, and The Goonies and thinking that drive-ins were just the coolest thing ever.

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The closest drive-in to the Tri-States is in Springfield, so at least we have an option to go and enjoy an outdoor movie, but man how cool would it be to have one right here in the Quincy/Hannibal area? I am sure it would be a big hit with a lot of people and a huge money maker for the owner.